Paladin

I've already joined @chris191070's posse.

Keep speculating @Summerabbacat. The assumption is that the drug dealer was the guy renting the shop next to the quilt supply shop. Remember he packed everything into a van and drove off once the police left. Since Ollie's dad was killed she has made some very poor choices.

Yes @drsawzall Ollie's mother is not being very motherly now and probably wasn't before Ollie ran away. There are very good reasons why Ollie doesn't want to go to live with her.

Thanks @chris191070. Yes Andre is surrounded by solid friends who totally love and support him. But, even then he was concerned about what their reaction would be.

You are so right @Cane23 a lot of the chapter is about the ethics of telling. When is it OK to tell someone something that may or will hurt them and when is it OK to not tell them. At the moment there is a "not guilty" plea and Andre may have to go to court and give evidence but that could change and he won't have to give evidence. Should he tell now or wait and see? Would he like his parents to know and if so why? The sex between Beau and Chris has not been disclosed @Summerabbacat. It was raised in the comments and the consensus at the time seemed to be that Andre should be told. As @Cane23 points out that all happened before Chris even met Andre and it hasn't happened since. Is it even relevant now? Cheating certainly wasn't involved. All good questions and what they decide will be revealed. Thank you for your very thoughtful comments.

Stephanie is a case study in child abuse and coercive control along with a sadistic streak. It's a reminder that child abuse isn't just physical or sexual. That sort of psychological abuse (humiliation over bed wetting) is by definition, child abuse. Not sure how Argyle copes but I won't feel sorry for her no matter what happens to her.

I also agree with @John Henry and @drpaladin.

Thanks @Arch Hunter for listing the six you are referring to. I misunderstood the comment and thought it referred to there being another six (or five plus Mike) to come and join Mike Liam et al. Thanks for clarifying. I agree that between 3k-6k is the sweet spot for chapters. Love the story.

Chris and Andre Where we left off before: As we all stood, I smiled and said, “Yes, you do that. We have to go shopping and get ready for tonight.” Andre asked, “We haven’t discussed that. What are you planning for tonight?” “Burgers.” Andre spun around to look directly at me. “There are times when I hate you in the most lovable way.” He pulled me into a hug and kissed me. No one in the café took any notice. I grabbed a trolley and Andre and I headed in

I have some similar feelings to @weinerdog. however, I interpreted the comments about introducing new characters to refer to Maggie and Mike visiting Mike's mother.

I interpreted this as Liam had built himself up to hate Mike being the room mate forced onto him but when he meets Mike he just wants to sleep with him. This is what "pissed him off". All he expected was blown away.

They're all gathered at the hospital and the injured are being treated. The families now have a chance of reconciliation. Next is justice. One offender caught and now for the next one.

First I have a question. What is this about? I wonder why Maggie didn’t think to bring the rest of the family. Well, it’s not like they know her, and with six people on board, this would get expensive. But if… if my mom feels better in a few weeks, then I’ll have to make it happen. Who are the rest of the family and, six?!?! The boys are getting along famously and progressing slowly, even though it was quick tonight

All in one day two family members are attacked; one deliberately and the other accidentally while preventing a robbery. Certainly enough drama for one day, but I expect there will be more. At least the issue between Levie and Linda looks like being resolved. I hope someone thought to drive Lev's jeep back to the hospital.

Smooth writing that moves the story, the mystery and the drama on. Thanks.

You can hide but maybe there's a cockatoo that will give you away rather than warn you. We'll find you

I like the twist that this disappearance is being investigated from both ends without the others knowing but turning up similar information. I hope the boys aren't putting themselves in danger of being kidnapped for the sex trade. Please contact Ken. Fingers crossed.

Certainly a complicated chapter with a range of ethical and legal (in Dracul terms) issues being considered. We need to await the resolution of that consideration. I agree that it looks like the household getting bigger. The relationship between Josh and Craig is interesting and has a number of outcomes. Josh's reaction to Greg feeding Charlie suggests that, for now at least, it is a parental bond. I want to see Josh feeding Craig. Now, what about Chipper? Who will be feeding him?

A chapter with a person to hate, sad deaths in a fire and justice prevailing in court. Quite a mixed bag and good reading.

So we move to a threat to the family by someone disguised, devious and deadly. The family are capable of defending each other but will they recognize the danger in time? The boys are so much fun together.

So we have a clue as to where to search but we still have mystery. What is the black disc and why is it so important and why has Ethan been kidnapped? I think a bit of tickling is necessary.

I love this chapter. Of course Liam wants to have Mike all to himself. The parents are out and the twins were absorbed in playing a game so Liam had a chance to play some one on one games with Mike. However, Liam's response to Mike spending time with the twins shows that his feelings for Mike are more than just sexual. The scene in the storeroom and closet was wonderful. It certainly made hide and seek a more entertaining game.

Thanks for commenting @chris191070 and @drsawzall. There could be some hiccups along with lots of love, so fingers crossed.

I have to agree with everyone else. This is a magnificently wonderful chapter to an equally wonderful story. The relationship between Colin and Phil is strengthening and deepening as that "generation gap" shrinks. I am enjoying the budding relationship between Colin and Jason.

Again a beautifully told chapter full of love and back story. We now know more about the characters and are ready for what happens next.