centexhairysub

Manna from heaven. This was just the perfect way to finish off a week. It was worth the wait and we will all be on pins and needles until the next one arrives... I love how even in the middle of everything he is going through, Granger thinks about how to show confidence in Clifton and make sure that those around him know that he has confidence in the young man. That says more than you can imagine about someone. I am glad that Elgin finally decided to take Granger into his confidence, even though it took way to long for it to happen. Elgin for all the arguments to the contrary today because of his acquiring of the Elgin marbles and others works was very effective in his post in Constantinople and would have to have been a better politician then he has been portrayed so far in the story. If Lady Elgin's father was friends with Henry Dundas then it would have been hard to go after her as long as she had his support. Dundas was probably at his strongest point about this time and was even appointed as one of the Lords of the Admiralty, although this proved to be his downfall. A few years later he was tried but acquitted of theft or misappropriation of public funds, I don't remember which; but I know he was acquitted but it finished him politically. The trial happened about the same time as the death of his greatest supporter, William Pitt the Younger so it could be argued that the acquittal might not have hurt so much had Pitt lived. Maybe the biggest knock today against Dundas was that the slave trade would probably have been abolished ten years earlier had it not been for Dundas' opposition to abolition. Once again, a great chapter Mark, and I do love how you work real life historical figures into the stories so deftly and make them so relevant....

This was just such a sweet chapter, I am starting to think that Mark may have gone soft on us... I really enjoyed how ADD Will was about taking all the notes of what the doctor was saying while Zach was really just blowing off what he was saying. I loved how Frank was there to talk to Zach about how great he played but also to remind Zach that one game wasn't worth sidelining his whole year for. The necklace was really special and you could just tell how much it meant to Will. There conversation was really telling and while I am not fully sold on Zach, being able to see his side of things has helped... Great chapter and how all is going well with you Mark, the big softy....

Another great chapter, I honestly don't know how you do it. The scene with Brad and Cody was so well written and the timing was just perfect. Cody is right, even today when being HIV positive isn't a death sentence; a lot of people can go completely off kilter with that diagnosis. Everyone handles something like that differently. I do hope that Brad gives Kevin a break but I know it will be harder because there just is not the history with him that there is with Cody. I was glad to see Brad and Cody end up in bed together, I think it will be go for both of them and maybe give Cody the strength to dump Alex D... It is so funny to see Zach's point of view. Those that never have been around someone with that level of talent are always amazed at how everything is somehow about getting what they need. Zach seems to handle it as well as anyone, plus, he does have a secret that makes his situation even more fraught with danger. I sort of think it might help Zach in the long run if he could not play next week and had to support the team in other ways... Sorry for the delay in posting and I hope the spelling and grammar are okay, having to respond via my phone from a boat in the middle of a lake, the only place I can get a connection.....

I so enjoyed this chapter, it was full of such positive vibes; I have to wonder if the next one will be??? Will really is the most together 16 year old that may have existed since the middle ages. I loved the scene with him and John Carullo, who has always been one of my favorite auxiliary characters. I thought the conversation with Chris Mendoza was also telling for other reasons as well. You can just tell the bond between him and Darius and JJ is tight and no matter how much they may piss each other off, they will have each other's back. I loved how Will handled getting his birthday presents. I have to wonder how much fun he will have with them and how responsible he will be with them... I have to wonder if Will isn't going to get an unpleasant surprise by not giving Zach a heads up but we will see... The scene with JP and Wade was priceless. You could feel the genuine love and affection that they have for each other. They are kindred spirits in so many ways. I can see them always being close no matter what... So glad that Will was willing to stand by Cody, I loved how he came to his defense with his dad and Stef. The fact that he ended up with JP as back up just made it all the sweeter. I just don't know about Alex, I keep wavering. He really hasn't done anything but I just can't seem to warm up to him. I have a feeling he saw Will as the whore part of his complex and that bothers me some. I do believe that he may not have realized the extent of JJ's feeling for him and I am glad that Will stopped and explained his reasoning to him. I could actually see JJ as the Madonna part of the complex and seeing him really enjoying that... LOL... Keep up the great work....

Don't quite get Tess's hostility for Mia, she may be upsized by her father as a gift but she really hasn't done anything to explain why Tess seems to have it out for her.

Interesting interaction between the four but I sort of wonder what they are thinking when they are by themselves. Always a little unsure about a religious angle, but this seems to be well thought out...

Okay, I am coming in well after you started the story; but I am going to put my two cents in. Never start a story that you are not willing to finish to completion. What I mean is don't post the start to the story and then never finish it, I hate it and so do a lot of other people. I have stopped looking at any story that certain authors write simply because they have done this too often. Okay, to this chapter; I was a little more enthused with this chapter. I still can see the original premise but can't decide how difficult it is going to be to stay focused on it. The writing is good and the characters are interesting. I could see several ways to have this story dovetail and not stay just in the sci-fi genre.

Okay, this chapter seemed a little more disjointed. Not sure how the addition of Spencer is going work, especially since he will be an appendage, or at least it looks that way. Trent seems a little to comfortable with the idea of using his power or the others for his benefit, not sure if the ark is going to let him get away with that much...

An interesting start with an intriguing idea, I will have to keep with it to see where this is going. The premise isn't something I have seen lately and hope that it stands up to the first chapter.

This was perfect. I enjoyed everything about it from start to finish. Almost feel as if JJ is doing an elaborate striptease; we keep getting these glimpses of who he is and maybe who he will become. Bringing Rosa to Boston was just perfect; it is only right that she stay with the family and Malibu no longer seems to be a focus for any of them. I can't wait to see what is revealed next about JJ and where he is going. I just knew that Princess would stick and I think it is just hilarious. It really does fit Wade in a weird kind of way. I am glad that he and Matt are secure enough to be there to help Brad with everything that happened in the past. The scene with Matt sending Wade off to school with the note was so sweet and the moment was special... Loved how everyone went out of their way to keep Brad busy and help him ease back into the world of dating; it worked and he did not realize until it was over what they had done and how they had kept him from obsessing over Robbie on this day. Robbie would have been proud of Brad and nothing but happy that he is finally moving on... There was such a sweetness to this chapter. Nothing can be compared to knowing you are loved; Brad may fight with his children, family, and friends, but he can never not know how much love there is behind him pushing him forward.... This chapter showed what it really means to be family in all it's different forms....

Really enjoyed this chapter, I had to go back and read the last couple to re-connect with the story. This chapter was well written and the pacing was great. I am starting to really enjoy the part with Mark and Tom. I can't wait to see how that develops. Tom is damaged and doesn't have the support he needs, especially with how his father acts. After everything that Mark has been through, I have to wonder if he can really handle what Tom has in his past. I do think that that if Tom doesn't fill him in, then Max will at some point. I am sure that this run in with Tim is going to set Max back some and I hope he is open about it with Josh but not sure if he will be or not. I don't know if you ever truly get over something like that. You can learn to accept what happened and deal with the aftermath but it is always something that you will live with. Thanks for the new chapter, and hope the next one is already being worked on...

JJ was great. Brad was intense. Cam was confusing. Darius was brilliant...

Another truly wonderful chapter, I do believe the Bridgemont series is the best online fiction series there is period, although CAP is a close second... LOL... The scene with Cardona in Spain was perfect and I was glad to hear that his brother was doing well and helping his family. This visit was a balm to Granger's troubled emotions. I would hope that Granger saving Lady Elgin would make her easier to deal with but I have a feeling in her mind it will all be Granger's fault in the first place. The last section was just painful to read. George feels that he is truly alone and maybe he is but part of that is self-inflicted. I am also going to take issue with his calling Caroline a whore, even though it was just in his mind. George is well into double digits on men that he has slept with a couple of women but Caroline having a three way makes her a whore? I am sorry, George needs to get over himself. Never in this series have I ever thought George was truly wrong but in this instance I do. I know that in that time Caroline's actions would have been horribly damaging if they came out and were to be believed and yes, she should have come clean and told George immediately; but she did not so get over it... Even if George can't get back to feeling about Caroline how he did, they have to come to terms with each other so they can ensure their family continues to grow in power, wealth, and position in society. Just being neutral with each other isn't going to be enough; George has made too many enemies and needs to be able to have his wife as much as his father at home protecting his interest and pushing him forward. Even if they can't find a way to heal all the wounds; they have to repair enough of the breech to move forward together... Great chapter, wonderful story, and magnificent series; please keep it coming...

Princess, seriously, I am surprised that Wade didn't just bitch slap Matt right then and there... You just know that nickname is going to stick... I am glad that Matt and Wade both enjoyed being back on the ice. I think having something like hockey to do together that is physical would be really good for both of them. I could see Matt getting really competitive again but I don't see him going off to Australia without Wade and I can't see Wade blowing that much time off during his first semester... It was great to see them being so good with each other, although I did love Wade referring to Matt as the housewife... LOL... Brad seems to be really into Cam and vice versa. I hope it works out for both of them. I can understand Cam wanting to keep working and not feel like Brad is keeping him but if he can't get time off from his current job, he could give notice and if he is any good as a waiter find another one with little problem. Nice to see that JJ was actually nice to Cam and Brad, I think he is growing up some as well, just not as fast as Will. JJ was clearly disappointed about Alex not making his short program, I have to wonder if Alex was really busy or just playing a game? Great chapter, thanks and hope the turmoil near you isn't causing you any problems, Mark.

WOW, just loved this chapter on so many levels... I am really buying into the idea of Brad and Cam making a go of it. I was a little hesitant at first more because of the power dynamic that will exist in their relationship not the age but I think they could work through that... Cam is already on a better footing this semester since Matt paid for it and that should give Cam some breathing room to spend some time with Brad and not feel like he was being kept by him. Brad has always appreciated brains and I think Cam is probably a very smart guy, very few dummies get accounting degrees... Matt has matured greatly over the last couple of stories but I do have a little bit of concern over his initial reaction to Brad and Cam. I can see him going like what the f&%k is up with my stepdad sleeping with guys I have been with, but I can see him being okay with it in the end. Matt really cares about people and I think he will want both Brad and Cam to be happy in the end... Still not really sold on Zach, but I am getting more of an appreciation for his position being able to see his point of view. It is one think to know you are good and maybe even the best on the team but sometimes Zach seems to have a little more ego than is healthy, even for someone that will make it to the pros one day. Isidore and Frank would do damn near anything for Zach, and already have in uprooting themselves to give him a home where he could attend De La Salle. They both know his secret and I think Isidore especially could help him out more than he realizes if he would let her. I do think it would be lonely to feel that you only had one other person in the world that really knew and understood the real you. Great work, Mark, keep them coming....

Really enjoyed everything about this chapter, I always do when Granger is around... I just don't understand why Elgin doesn't explain the situation to his wife? Even if she doesn't understand Granger's position, Lord Elgin should... Is Elgin so browbeaten at the moment because of the money that his wife brought into the marriage that he cannot control her at all? The scene in Gibraltar was just so well done. The way Granger handled getting to the Governor and Harleton first was perfect, although except for saving O'Hara from having to put up with the Elgin's as his houseguests. The dinner was perfect and you would have thought it would have been a lesson to both Lord and Lady Elgin but I have to doubt it took. I was happy to see the letter that Granger sent to Caroline at the beginning of the chapter. I am not sure they will ever be able to get to were they were to start with but I hope they can repair some of the damage and be actually happy with each other....

I am going to like this story... It was perfect how well Matt really understands Wade and not only what he needs to how to help him get there. I knew the minute that there was a mention of the room in the closet what it was going to turn out to be; I think Wade will enjoy it as much or more than Matt. I do hope the hockey works out; it would be great to have an activity to share plus it will give them both an outlet to work out any frustrations... The small scene with Tiffany was really well done. The fact that in just a few words she helped Wade to understand how his happiness was so important to how everyone else felt. I loved that JJ had an issue with the shower handle, LOL; the shelves I can understand because he is fairly short compared to most of his family. I think it was really smart for Will to give Zach some space to get use to the new school and try and find his footing with the team before crashing in on him. Zach is going to have a lot to deal with coming into a program like De La Salle. I know that both Zach and Will probably wonder what each other is up to at the opening of the bar and the party with Zach but as long as Zach had to be in the closet, they have to have a somewhat separate life. I still want to know if Devon is aware of Will's real age or if he still assumes he is like 18ish? Damn, a building for a 16th birthday present; I am going to have to talk to my family about how much they owe me for past birthdays... LOL. Actually can really see Brad and Cam having a connection; I wonder who will get to use the sling room first in Chicago, Brad or Will? The age difference between Brad and Cam is not really that extreme at all but there would definitely be a power imbalance. I really am not sure how Matt would react about Brad and Cam but I can't see him really having a big blow up about it.... Great chapter and I can't wait to see how this story develops, really like the multiple narrators; great job, Mark...

Well, this certainly started out with a bang. I have to admit that I had already considered the fact that JJ might be attracted to Alex. JJ is I believe 16 at the time this story is taking place, and just a couple of months shy of being 17. I think because Will has turned into this physically imposing stud muffin, we forget that JJ is actually almost a year older than Will. We have never been able to see if JJ has really dealt with the issues surrounding his physical abuse; we know the family got him help but did he really deal with it or just offer enough to get the therapist off his back? The fact that he seems to be coming into this own sexuality may give us a hint that he has dealt with the issues at least to a point. I am not sure yet how I would feel about him actually becoming involved with Alex; which I actually do believe is going to happen. I think Alex is attracted to JJ at least on a subliminal level already. JJ would fit into Alex's Madonna/whore complex as the Madonna side perfectly; even better than Wade. I have a feeling that the fourth floor in Boston is going to be very interesting during this story. I am really glad to Matt and Wade get back onto an even keel in their relationship. I think that Matt's reasoning for taking them back to Paris is really valid and well thought out. I don't see Matt just lounging around very long, just not the right personality. It is easy to see why he would like to play hockey and get Wade involved back with it again. I actually think it would be a good outlet for both of them, hopefully Wade can find the time with what he will be doing, it won't be easy. I could actually see Matt working with a group coaching or teaching hockey and helping underprivileged kids get into the sport, and Boston would be a perfect place for that. I hope we do get to Goodwell some and get Nana back in the story. I would really like to see all of Wade's family some, yes, even Elizabeth... I think God for the fertile and dirty mind of Mark Arbour on a daily basis....

So sorry to hear about this, I had a little interaction with him on this site and found him to be just a delight. He will be missed. Praying for all those whose lives he touched and hope they can remember the good times.

Well, this is an interesting start to what I am sure will be another great addition to the CAP saga. While Zach has never and probably will never be one of my favorites; I think it will be interesting to see through his eyes. The addition of JJ as one of the narrators sort of surprises me but he is someone that I have like much more than others and I can't wait to see some of the CAP world through his eyes. I am glad that Zach has Brent to confide in. It is really important to have that support in your life especially during your teen years and it sounds like Brent is the kind of guy that will give his support unconditionally. Hope to see more of Brent, and less of the parents but doubt that is going to happen... LOL... Great start, thanks for the quick turnaround on the new story Mark...

Another great chapter in this story, I so enjoy each and every one of them. They are to be savored and it is with great pleasure that I read each of them a couple of times.... I really thought the description and pictures of the palace in Lisbon was first rate. The meeting with Prince John was interesting as well. I have always felt that he was maligned by many historians. While I don't believe he was nearly as inept as he is often portrayed; I do think he was influenced by the church to the detriment of many of his subjects. The scene with the Walpole was just perfect. The man came aboard Granger's own ship and tried to bully him. The fact that he allowed himself to be led by Lady Elgin says all that there needs to be said about his competence at the time. I believe he was recalled in later months of 1800 back to London. He had been in Lisbon for more almost 30 years at that point... Granger just continues to justify all the responsibilities that are placed on him by those in power. He does what needs to be done and handles himself in a way that few would be capable of at his age. I can't wait to see how the Elgin's handle the rest of the trip.

I really do believe that Matt and Wade are their generations version of JP and Stef with a few twist thrown into the mix. I was always pretty sure that you would have them end up together after a little drama but was never sure because of how twisted your mind is sometimes... LOL... I actually thought the conversation that Matt had with Will, Brad, Stef, and JP on the plane was as important as the one that he had with Wade at the end. Matt seems to have truly grown up not to say that there won't be a few slips in the future but he seems to have come into his manhood after a long difficult journey. The death of a parent is often something that can push this ahead in some people and in other men they can't really be a grown up no matter their age until their father is gone. I think that Matt was right and that Robbie would be perfectly happy to have him take some time off and work on his family life. I can't see Matt turning into a househusband so I give him six months before he is either working at something or being back in school. Boston would afford him several opportunities to further his education or even find him moving on with a career. I actually hope we see Alex or at least find out a little more about his in the future. I could actually see him and Wade staying friends without the sex in their lives to screw it up. Can't wait for the next story in this remarkable saga to begin but at least we have HMS Valiant to carry us over until you get it up and running.... Bravo.....

Well, damn, I have to say this was exceptionally well done but not sure how it is going to end up with Matt and Wade. I do think that Matt has matured greatly over the time since Robbie's death but I actually feel that Wade has backtracked some in that time as well. Really pissed me off that Wade made the comment about Matt playing hockey and being like he was back in college; it was really totally uncalled for and hockey really had very little to do with why Matt was acting like he did while attending Stanford. I honestly like Matt's revelation to himself about how he should have treated Riley's arrival and how he made a mistake by acting the way he did. I know that Matt and Wade have been separated to some extent for a while but they really haven't spent much time alone and I really thought that might benefit both of them. Matt can afford to move anywhere he wants and can put himself in Tiffany and the kids life, plus JJ will love having him in Boston, but there is nothing to say that Wade is going to be willing to welcome him with open arms... I sort of feel sorry for Cam but more from the prospect of not having Matt around on a friendship level plus he vouched for Matt with the hockey club and then Matt makes the team but bails? I don't think that Cam say Matt as his HEA person so don't see him being heartbroken or anything but I do think he will miss having a close friend around. Plus, Matt paid for his school for the semester and this will give Cam a break to help him get his life back on an even keel. Great chapter, I just hope the story ending is as hopeful as Matt is at this moment....

A wonderful chapter that shows Granger's ability to navigate not only the ebbs and flows of the sea but of society at that time. Granger was perfect in explaining the situation both on the ship and in London to the Elgin's. History has judged Lady Elgin very harshly, and I am starting to agree with it... LOL... I thought Granger handled the situation just perfectly when Lady Elgin brought up the rumors. Granger was smart to have been out and about with Cavendish before he left; because for Lady Elgin to have known about it, there must have already been whispers in London. I can't wait to see what issues come up with Granger in Lisbon and how he will handle them. You know he already has at least one ally but I suspect he will have a few more than anyone realizes. Can't wait for the next chapter... Great work, Mark...

Zach actually sounds like this may be a well thought out plan, but I can see a few problems with it down the road. I was really impressed with how Will handled himself during this situation. Loved the scenes with Matt and Alex and Matt and Wade but no so much when they are all together, I am glad that Matt understands his limits and has decided to remove himself before his patience is gone. I do worry that with where Matt left the letter that Wade will not be the one that gets it... Can't wait for the next one.