empath

Agree. This book is one that made me think that perhaps I could actually be a writer. I respect anyone that writes something to share with the world, but as a reader and viewer I found this one very Hallmark-y. I did think the book was better than the even fluffier movie. Both left me wanting a better, more realistic story, which really is when I started contemplating writing my own. I have vowed to stay away from both politician's sons and British princes in my stories (both reading and writing) for now. The "rich boy" trope has never been as interesting to me as the “destitute nobody saves the world through great struggle and personal sacrifice” theme.

I'm glad I started this after it was completely published, or I would have been constantly on edge waiting for the next chapter. This is an engaging story, more of a "Who's doing it" rather than a "Who done it." I'd recommend trying to skip over the trigger warnings if you are feeling comfortable with the content you've already read as they do foreshadow events (as they are intended to do). This is an often suspenseful murder mystery with adult content and themes. I found the mature content very tastefully done, no more difficult to read than it needed to be, but graphic enough to hold me in the edge. I very much look forward to reading more about Killian and the crew as he both comes of age and presumably explores the 'gifts' he's been given. Thank you @Josh Aterovis, for sharing this engaging tale. You've gained a fan!

I've been focused on writing but needed a short break. I didn't comment along the way as I was too busy binging to purge my thoughts. Thank you for sharing this story, and I look forward to reading more with all of your other fans! I'll go put some thought into a review. I enjoyed the mystery immensely.

Thanks all for reading! @pvtguy just left my 500th comment on GA and the 400th on this story! That's pretty crazy! There have been lots of reactions and a couple story recommendations as well. I appreciate all of the excitement and conversation! Cheers!

This may be the start of the new story synopsis. It's why I needed to write. Brokenness is human, and love heals all wounds. Or some such thing. Did you find the stupid Kleenex? 🤧 ♥️

Good thing I bought some shares before Mike Schultz called Roger Cicero! Still reading comments but this made me laugh. Sometimes it feels like I've been working on this story forever, and then I'm reminded it's only been two months. I sort of know how the characters must feel dealing with the hectic pacing! They cry a lot, but no one ever has a Kleenex. Hmmm... 😉 Adds Kleenex to the rewrite list...

lol… I just published chapter 24, which is a re-write after an abandoned first draft. It is long and only covers half the planned time. I am afraid you might be right.

Roger Cicero sat in stunned disbelief as Dominic De Luca and his great-grandsons, Elio and Emilio, followed the large bodyguard from the gym. He was given no time to process the confounding conversation. “Okay, what just happened?” Thomas asked the question, but three expectant faces waited for the answer. “You just met the man that may or may not run the Italian mafia,” Roger said flatly before trying to break the tension with a little humor. “I could tell you, but then I’d have to

This.

Of course. 😉 Cosa Nostra is Italian for "our thing," which is often used to describe the Italian-American Mafia. The title felt relevant on several fronts. The "La" was added later by people more familiar with Spanish than Italian. Here's something I found on Quora. More than you ever cared to know, perhaps. ♥️

Travis White followed his wife Jennifer and youngest son Jasper onto the jetway. They had made it to Denver in time to catch the last direct flight to Chicago of the day. The tickets hadn’t been cheap, but the family had been waiting and praying for thirteen months for any information about Oliver’s whereabouts. Travis was afraid he would wake up and realize the phone call from Illinois had been a dream. Expensive plane tickets and overpriced parking were a small price to pay for the chance

At some point this book will wrap (we are getting close aren't we?), but it has always been a prequel to other stories in my mind. Plus, I already sort of wrote a 32 years later epilogue... Or was that also a prequel? 😉 There are many stories to tell, but the ones I've already started to outline all connect to this one, even if they start before 1992. The Land of Lincoln will never be the same!

this made me laugh, my friend!

Thanks for reading and for saying hi! It's hope the story continues to engage!

Saturday June 27th, 1992 “I’ve been hoping for the chance to speak with you,” Robert said as he claimed a sliver of space at the kitchen island. Roger looked up from the pile of sliced bagels in front of him to find the Bureau-employed psychologist looking at him intently. Robert Fenton made Roger nervous, but he knew it was his own biases towards the man’s profession rather than the man himself. The last week had opened Roger Cicero up to a world of people and ideas that he pr

We're not done yet, but I'm pretty sure the story is over half told.

Reading wills and working with the bereaved was a common but infrequent part of Walter’s job. It was typically done in his office, scheduled in advance and formal, an uncomfortable and sometimes contentious appointment following a family member’s passing. This was different. Roger Cicero was not family, nor was he expecting a visit from Edward Vitale’s attorney. Walter suspected the man before him hadn’t even known his client had been sick. “May I come in, Mr. Cicero?” Roger slid sidew

There is a lot of talk about coming out, but I’ve been thinking more about the costumes people wear to hide their true selves. Billy has been an exploration of that idea. For his it was surplus fatigues and a characterized personality. He played the part that allowed him to fit into the world he lived, farmer, militiaman, patriot, etc. He has been hiding and repressing who he really is and what he truly thinks, both about himself and the world. His role in rescuing Oliver has stripped away the act. My guess is that most people wear a costume we can see, but we make the mistake of assuming the way they present themselves is all there is to them. Billy challenges me to dig a little deeper to see the real person behind the facade. Ahhhhh! I feel it! 😅 The more I learn about trauma, PTSD, and the human mind, the more I see how our unique experiences often lead to similar reactions and results. As I noted above, it causes me to be more gracious and curious with others. What has happened in someone’s life to create the character I see? Who are they really, underneath the mask? Every person's experience is unique, but the human experience in general seems to have a limited number of themes. Thank you! And back at you @mikedup! This season can be overly complicated, but I love your reminder and wish. Peace and Goodwill! Here, here!

Thank you for reading and saying hello! This has been a journey for me as well! It has been a crazy seven days for Roger Cicero. No rest for the weary!

Sorry my friend!

The Jack of Spades came to a stop on the crest of the hill, frowning as his Italian-made wingtips sunk into the black, oily mud. He knew enough about farming to know he was standing in more than dirt. The man he referred to as Two or Deuce stepped up beside him and held out a pair of binoculars. Two was also carrying the rifle he had used the night before. The Jack of Spades took the glasses. A smirk split his face as he considered asking the man to lie down on the well fertilized earth

Poker deck, jokers included. Of the fifty-four cards taped to the board, that card remained the only one matched to a real-world identity.

hehe. I didn’t get up early enough to get into it. School drop off and work await. Hopefully I will have some energy this evening to get some more words out of my head!

To write something, I have to first imagine it. I realized early on that telling this story was going to be difficult. I focus on the fear and the trauma, which is awful enough. There are things best left unimagined and undescribed. 😢

@pvtguy beat me to it! With 53 unidentified cards, many with their own supporting networks you are most likely correct. It was subtle, but that was hinted at last chapter: His knowledge of sex was now extensive. He knew how to please men, women, and other boys in almost unending ways, many of which he found painful, disgusting, or both. He missed... A certain gender is not a prerequisite for perverse villainy.