Paladin

Thanks @drsawzall. Nobody seems to like Ollie's mother. I'm not sure she's the wicked witch but she's certainly not loving mother material. Was Tyron wrong to tease Bradley?

Thanks for your comments @Summerabbacat but I'm afraid that the running gag about Tim Tams will continue. However, I admit I very rarely eat them. In this chapter I wanted to show that Lachlan is adjusting and recognizing diversity and a changing world. As you highlighted, the chapter was also to demonstrate that the construction industry employs gays. Now we just have to wait for the trial, and of course Andre and Chris still have to be approved as foster parents.

Thursday had been nominated as the day Ollie, Bradley and Tyron would get together to plan their next video. They had been in regular contact with each other, including Jackson, and had researched the new and upgraded features of the editing software that they wanted to demonstrate and discuss. What they wanted to do now was play with those features and plan the video. I had to admit that they were dedicated to preparing the video. I was more than impressed. I was prepared and had all the d

I think you just set a record for how much tickling you can fit into one chapter. Again loving interaction between the characters. But what is going on? Why the need for the trip? I'm looking forward to their adventure.

I love "no tell motel". It's so much neater than "what happens in the motel stays in the motel". I thought sexual exploits in college were aka 'study interuptus'

Wow these girls are safe, and the net is tightening on Ahmed. Ken now knows where Ahmed is heading in New York. I have so many questions but have learnt that I have to wait for the next chapter. I just hope the boys will be safe in the motel. I wouldn't want the henchman to bust in causing coitus interuptus.

Another great chapter moving the action further. Unfortunately still no clues as to where the girls are or how many thugs Ahmed has working for him. I assume Joe will have his consultants follow Ahmed to find out where he lives. Also how much does his mother know?

"The quality of mercy is not strained" I agree with @chris191070 that this is an awesome chapter. It was fascinating watching Greg and Chris spar to arrive at a just punishment. I loved the humour and the inclusion of of small details such as cleaning the boys feet and butts. Now for what happens to Chipper and Craig. All good I expect.

I love this story and this amazing chapter. The boys are pulling Phil into the present by taking him out of the centre and in the process making him feel younger. I liked him paying for his haircut. It allowed Phil show a level of independence that he was largely denied in his daily life in the centre. The chapter also raised the reality of gay teenage suicide and hinted that even in retirement you can be in a toxic relationship. I hope more comes of Phil's meeting with Gary. I don't live in USA but I remember where I was when I heard about Kennedy's assassination. His death was a shock and he was mourned here in Australia as well as USA.

Thank you @Cane23 for your thoughtful comments about Andre telling in his parents and Andre (and Skye) being told about Chris and Beau. Let's see what happens.

@Summerabbacat, are you expecting me to give some spoilers? Well, spoiler alert: no spoilers!

So we are facing a dangerous situation. They have to let Joy meet up with Ahmed and follow them to where the other girls are (were?) and then apprehend Ahmed before he can hurt Joy. Even with reinforcements this will be difficult and dangerous. It will be even more dangerous if Ahmed has found out that someone is asking about him.

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