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    sojourn
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Change of Heart - 21. Chapter twenty-one

It's Christmas! It's Christmas!... Well kinda sorta...

please take your time out to "like" or maybe even leave a "comment".

Jim

Sheriff Daniel Lovan had a busy Christmas Eve. Raymond had told him of their plan to ensnare Fire Chief Bumpkis using video surveillance. His wasn't convinced that the videos could be used as evidence, even if the bigoted bastard was a thief. Still, a man who would steal money donated to charity, especially a Christmas charity, was worthy of special consideration. If he was careful, a legal confession would negate the use of the video evidence. Bumpkis would be facing up to ten years in prison for theft and two years for each count of forgery. He called his folks to explain he might be late for supper.

By six o’clock he had video showing donations made by individual members of the Adams family. The serial numbers of one hundred dollar bills, totaling $15,000.00, were clearly displayed. The next segment showed Bumpkis and Bill Jordan dividing up the cash into pre-addressed envelopes. Each envelope had over three hundred dollars. Each flap of the sealed envelopes bore the initials of both men.

Having watched the video several times, Sheriff Lovan understood each step Bumpkis took. The man moved with surprising efficiency. First, he divided the envelopes into two stacks according to a list showing who would deliver each envelope. His stack was noticeably thicker. No envelope was left untouched. Those that he had set aside for Bill to deliver, contained enough smaller denominations to simulate the original thickness. He didn't hesitate to scrawl his and Bill's initials on the newly sealed flap. The envelopes he was to deliver contained either a solitary twenty dollar bill or else he simply took the cash and discarded the empty envelope. Daniel was able to calculate that Bumpkis netted almost $27,000.00.

No wonder the man was constantly soliciting funds. Daniel had contributed many times to the canisters that went up at cash registers around town, just before Thanksgiving. Everyone in the Sheriff's office had been encouraged to stick cash into their dedicated canister. Daniel had slipped in a check for $100.00, that he knew had already been cashed. Some businesses posted pictures in their windows showing fake checks depicting thousands of dollars donated. It was a major local charity.

The Sheriff made a mental note to ask Raymond about the quality and quantity of the cameras used. They seemed to be everywhere in Bumpkis’ life, with big screen clarity and many, with real-time, remote, zoom. Each video had continuously updating date/time stamps with sound so good that it picked up the, more than occasional, fart. Fire Chief Bumpkis was his own reality show... with a lot of gas. Daniel wanted to know how they were installed in the man's workplace, home, and even his cars without him knowing or suspecting. Any video surveillance he initiated would require a court order. On top of that, his equipment, compared to this, was medieval.

The Sheriff watched as Bumpkis stashed the stolen cash, along with the original envelopes in two, obviously pre-staged, gift-wrapped boxes.

When all was ready, Bumpkis called Bill back into his office. He asked who would be accompanying Bill. He made a show of then calling in Fireman Johnson and Larry, his cousin by marriage, who would go with him. The Sheriff got the impression that Bumpkis was saying that cousin Larry was a better Fireman than Johnson because Larry was volunteering his own time.

Bill would bring Johnson back to the Firehouse, before going home and Bumpkis would drop Larry off at home after they had completed “Santa’s rounds”. Bumpkis wished the men a merry Christmas then advised them to “get a move on, poor people are in need.”

Even in the video, Bill appeared a little on edge. Daniel thought the man wanted badly to ask questions or maybe just punch the fat man in the nose. Bumpkis must have also noticed. “You got a problem Jordan? I made notes of how you already ignored and disrespected me today.

“It was disgusting. The way you sucked up to them faggots. Like you was on their side. If I didn't know you had a wife and kids, I might think you was one of them preverts. No decent, God-fearing, Christian family man can abide their kind of disgusting behavior. You better do some serious thinking over the holidays about your future with this department. Either you need to get in line or git out. You understand me Jordan?”

Larry snickered, Johnson looked very uncomfortable and Bill simply nodded. It was clear to the Sheriff that Bumpkis did not allow anyone to challenge his authority. Bumpkis apparently accepted the nod and turned to gather his envelopes and packages. Daniel noticed something he had missed in earlier viewings. Bill Jordan got an almost evil grin on his face as he stared at, what Daniel now saw was, Bumpkis’ visibly red left cheek. He jotted down a note to ask Bill about it.

The video then picked up in the Fire Chief’s car. There was enough footage to show that the fat Fire Chief never got out of the car. Larry would simply run up to the door and hand over the envelope to whoever answered. It didn't take long since most of the intended recipients were never visited. Once the deliveries were completed, Bumpkis handed Larry two one hundred dollar bills. “You don't go gittin shitfaced jes cause you got some foldin money. This new Sheriff ain't like the old one. You get caught drivin drunk now, and you could wind up losing your job and going to jail. If’n you go out drinkin you get a taxi. You hear me boy?”

“Yes sir, Chief. I’m gonna get me a couple of six packs and be set for the holiday”. Sheriff Lovan had no doubts, just by hearing Larry’s voice, the man would soon be tying one on. Most likely he wouldn't be doing it at home, alone on Christmas Eve. Not very likely. Larry would try to find some slut to share his good fortune and some holiday cheer.

The video showed the Fire Chief then drove directly to the Chevrolet dealership. Less than an hour later Bumpkis left the dealership and drove to his preacher’s house. Daniel didn't recognize the residence, it was identified by subtitles on the video.

The video then showed a nicely furnished office. The Reverend Jonas T. Fishback was closing the door to his office. “Well Brother Burl, I take it you have completed your annual mission of mercy. The families I listed for your charitable beneficence have been appropriately blessed.”

“Preacher, I took it upon myself to share a little extra with you this year and a little less with my brother-in-law, the Mayor. Seems like His Honor likely won’t be reviewing our Fireman’s Fund like he done in the past. They’s a move afoot to call for him to resign. I reckon this investigation into the late Sheriff is shining him in a bad light. This temporary Sheriff ain't likely to turn a blind eye to any complaints about how we distribute our charitable proceeds.”

Daniel knew preacher Fishback only by reputation. He was known for his hellfire and brimstone sermons, denouncing everything from premarital sex to sexual equality and gay rights to the lax treatment of immigrants to the Democratic Party as a whole. He insisted, giving women the right to vote had brought about the beginning of the “end times”.

The preacher was unimpressed. “Burl I always appreciate any increase in gifts to god. But, I think you are underestimating Brother John Claven. You have known him longer than I have, but I’ve seen him walk through deep shit like he was wearing teflon waders. Hell, the man was more than once facing jail time, guilty as sin, and come out smelling like a rose. I’ll take the money but if you're thinking of cutting him out, I’d think again. This was his idea in the first place. He’s already got a Deputy in his pocket he's gonna run for Sheriff. You should just keep on doing as he tells you.”

The rest of the video shows the preacher counting money from the envelope Bumpkis had given him. As he counted out more than a few one hundred dollar bills, the preacher’s smarmy smile grew bigger. “Brother Burl, you have done well and the lord will surely bless you for your efforts.” They shared a chuckle and Bumpkis headed out.

His next stop was at the Mayor’s house, again indicated by subtitles, but no one answered the door. Bumpkis waddled back to his car and made a call on his cell phone. His voice changed. Daniel figured they had tapped one or more of the cell phones involved. “Burl, I been waiting for your call. You got to bring the cash to Mabel’s house in Fort Worth. My son in law is deployed and she was alone. So we decided to uh, have Christmas with her this year, uh, sort of short notice.”

Bumpkis harrumphed, “You just plain hiding out. You’se afraid the Sheriff left evidence linking you to the kickback y’all been gittin’ from them coyotes. And what about that teacher, you two kinda roughed him up pretty bad after you found out some of them wetbacks been talking about your pet coyotes. I got it on good authority, he was butt fucked pretty rough before being beat and left for dead. Good thing he never come out of that coma. You better hope they don't look to you or the Sheriff for a DNA sample.

“I figure you’ll be staying with your daughter until subpoenaed or actually charged. Tell you what, use your daughter's car, you come back here and meet me at the diner and I’ll hand over your share. Just call me when you get close and I’ll let you have it in the parking lot. You don't even have to get out of the car. So nobody's gonna even see you.”

Sheriff Lovan called Joe Adams, “Mr. Adams I got the videos. I wanted to ask how well you know the folks at the Chevy dealership? If we could find out what he was doing there, it could help tie up some loose ends.”

“Danny, how many times I got to tell you. I am still your Uncle Joe. Especially now that you and Raymond are thicker than fleas on a dog’s backside. I already talked to Ray Spencer down at the Chevy place and he’s willing to help you in any way he can. Up to and including turning over some suspiciously familiar hundred dollar bills. Seems our esteemed Fire Chief just bought his wife a brand new four-wheeled Christmas present.

“I watched them put those cell phone video recordings together… er, I mean, uh, I received a copy of those same videos through my email. Of course, you realize they are from an anonymous source. I mean, uh, I have no idea who sent them, most likely some concerned citizen.”

“Good grief”! Daniel’s deep voice chuckled, “Uncle Joe, I always knew you were an honest man, but hell far, sir, you can't lie to save your life. I’ve seen three-year-olds caught with their hand in the cookie jar lie better than that. I’m sure the State Attorney General has my phone tapped. So, I'll go on record as having said, I personally think what y'all did was a service to the community.”

After the chuckle subsided Sheriff Lovan continued, “I better let the Texas Rangers know what we got going on. They’ll want to talk to the Mayor once I arrest him for receiving stolen goods and collusion. I think I’ll let them investigate the teacher and human trafficking. They got better resources and deeper pockets.

“I don't know who the anonymous person or persons that set up all those high tech cameras and tapped those cell phones was, but I hope he knows I am very grateful. Hell, Uncle Joe, I could use a man like that on my staff.”

It was late by the time the Mayor and Bumpkis were locked up. The Mayor insisted on talking to his lawyer before answering any questions. Bumpkis, on the other hand, tried to argue his innocence. He told the Sheriff if there was any mishandling of funds it was all on Bill Jordan. He was elaborating on Jordan’s nefarious nature when Daniel had him take a seat in the waiting area next to one of his Deputies. Bumpkis argued that he was an upstanding, God-fearing citizen who had done nothing that could possibly deserve being handcuffed like a common criminal.

That Deputy dutifully ignored Bumpkis as he watched a video on his iPad. A video showing Bumpkis taking the money and paying off Larry, giving the preacher his share and talking to the Mayor regarding theft, assault, rape, human trafficking, and murder. Bumpkis saw it all in living color as his own color faded to a whiter shade of pale.

The subsequent questioning was like watching dominoes fall. Neither ever mentioned the videos. Bumpkis confessed and sang like the proverbial canary. He told how the Mayor helped him falsify his qualifications to get the job of Fire Chief. How the Mayor and Rev. Jonas Fishback had devised the plan for taking the money shortly after his getting the job. Together they had been bilking the Fireman’s Fund for the last three years.

He told how the old Sheriff and the Mayor forced him to cover up four different cases of arson for insurance fraud. He cited the rough dates of the fires as well as all those involved and even complained he was only paid the paltry sum of $500.00 for each of his official findings. He was convinced the Mayor and the old Sheriff had gypped him.

By the time Bumpkis was through and Sheriff Lovan had informed the DA and the Judge. It was decided that the Mayor, the Fire Chief and the preacher were to be held without bail. It was deemed that flight to avoid prosecution was a real risk since they each had access to untold sums of cash.

Daniel’s parents were still up when he called the second time, even though it was almost eleven. When pressed he only offered that the Mayor, the Fire Chief and Reverend Jonas Fishback were under arrest and being held without bail. A complete list of charges would be forthcoming. He considered calling Raymond but figured he was already asleep.

Thinking of crawling into bed with a naked Raymond got his cock to swelling so he started thinking about how close it was to 6:00 am. He was sure that Raymond was well aware of how busy and long his day had been. Right now Daniel would rather lose his left nut than miss out on alone time with Raymond. As he turned into his parents' drive, he focused on what it must be like to actually have a nut cut out while you watched. His hardon was soon a distant memory.

When he entered the house his Dad gave him a hug. His Mother waved from the kitchen where she was heating up some leftovers while chatting on her cell phone. His Dad led him into the living room where a chilled pitcher of eggnog awaited. “You know she worries about you, now, almost as much as when you were deployed. The only good thing about your job is when she gets some juicy gossip to share. I think it earns her points with her bridge club and her quilting society and the mailman. Which reminds me, make a real fuss over her Christmas present for you. It's a king-sized quilt. She worked real hard on it. She’ll mope around all next year if you don't gush about how great it is. Put some drama into it. I used to think that automatically came with liking to suck cock. Now, I know better.”

Daniel nearly choked on his eggnog. Was his father trying to tell him something? “Dad, you know I really like mom’s homemade quilts. They kept me warm all the time I was growing up. I’ve had one on my bed ever since I was born, except for boot camp. I’m not worried about liking the quilt. I’m more concerned that she might try to embellish what I tell her about official business. I don't tell her anything I wouldn't tell the general public. It's just that I sometimes tell her first.

“And Dad, uh wha…, what’s this about “liking to suck cock”?

Glancing toward the kitchen, his Dad offered, “Now Son, you know your Mother and I never tolerated lying. And in that vein…” He chugged his eggnog and then refilled his glass. “Like I was saying, shortly after you came out to us… well, I got to talking to Fred about you and what him and me used to do before we discovered girls and well a little Jack Daniels later we learned that, uh, er, it could still be fun after all these years. We’re not planning on leaving our wives. It just that…” At this, his father actually giggled. “It's just that, uh, we turn each other on. I felt I had to be honest with you. I don't know that I’m gay, but…” He giggled again and whispered in an almost drunken slur. “But, I am a cocksucker. Not as good as Fred, but he’d argue that point.”

Daniel stared blankly at the man who had taught him how to fish, ride a bike, play baseball and drive a car. A man he had always respected, who had been his role model and hero. Daniel had to admit his Dad and Fred had been in some of his early jerk-off fantasies. He’d never imagined them together and now that he thought about it… it was kind of hot, in a creepy kind of way. Both were ruggedly handsome, tall and in good shape. The more he considered the situation, the more he thought it was just another expression of their lifelong friendship. He was lucky in that Fred had always been like a second father. Fred was the next person he came out to, after his folks. Fred’s response was simply, “Son, if anybody gives you any grief about it, just you let me know.” Then he hugged him.

Daniel was surprised at how hungry he was. He ate almost everything his Mother put before him. His Dad sat at his usual ‘head of the table’ and munched on a cookie and sipped his eggnog.

Daniel finally groaned and pushed his chair back from the table. “Thanks, Mom, that was so good, but if I eat any more I’ll bust. As it is, I feel like I need to be wheeled outta here. I’m sorry I got here so late. Right now, I’m so tired I feel like I’m about to keel over. If y’all don't mind, I’m gonna hit the hay. I’ll be out early in the morning. I got some business to take care of, so I got to be up and gone by 5:30.”

His Mother, standing beside his chair with a serving spoon in hand, studied him sharply. “Does this “business” have a name? Are we gonna meet him anytime soon?”

"Caro Mae! Leave the boy alone. If he wanted to share that with us, he would've already done it.” Turning to his son, he said, “Danny boy, we can tell someone has got you a little happier than usual. We could, both of us, hear it in your voice over the phone, these last few days. Tonight, the way you move, the way you talk, you got more energy than you’ve had since you were a kid. Ever once in awhile you get a dreamy kind of look come over you. Just know that if you’ve met someone, we just want you to be happy. He’s welcome here anytime.”

The night was taking on a surreal quality. It was shock enough, learning that his Dad sucks cocks, on the DL. Now, they're telling him, they think he's in love. Not since he was a kid…

Daniel shook his head in a double take. “Mom, Dad, I just met someone who I knew and liked a lot when I was a kid in school. We drifted apart and now he's back and wants to get to know me again. He treated me bad back then and I’m just not sure I can trust him again. It's gonna take some time. I don't want to get his hopes up, nor yours nor mine, for that matter. I think bringing him around before I’m sure would send the wrong message.”

Standing, Daniel hugged his Mother. His Father stood and pulled him into his arms. “Just know that we are here for you. You're a man, a decorated veteran, and now the County Sheriff, but you're still our son and we love you.”

Daniel swallowed the lump in his throat and fought back the tears. “Thanks, Dad, I love y’all too.”

Soon he was stripped down and in his old bed, where he used to jerk off fantasizing about the man he would see in the morning. He knew it wouldn't take much to rejuvenate those fantasies and rub one out. Instead, he rolled over and let sleep take him.


                                      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////


Jeff and Paul met Rosarita as she was exiting the family room. Paul glared at her knowing smile. He thought to himself, ‘that damn Mona Lisa was a bitch’. He consoled himself imagining the feeling of his ever-tightening grip on Rosarita’s throat as he throttled her. Maybe he should do it now before she could utter one of her humiliating barbs.

A truly warming smile lit up her face as she moved to him and hugged him tightly. “Relax, it's Christmas Eve and you’re among family and friends”. Just as he was about to return her embrace, she spoke softly. “Besides, Maria was asleep and never heard what must have been two water buffaloes mating in the master bedroom.”

As she was about to pull away, Paul crushed her to his body and whispered back, “Well, I just hope she slept through what sounded, to me, like cages of hyenas and monkeys being tossed around by an angry bull elephant. Except monkeys don't usually scream…” His voice shifted into an unbearable falsetto, ‘ooh, ooh, more Fred, harder, faster, deeper’. In hindsight, it definitely sounded more like a female hyena. In heat!”

Jeff, fearing all-out war, intervened. “Alright you two, pull back the claws. Maria is gonna be watching “It's a Wonderful Life”. Don't interrupt that concept with a harsh dose of bitchiness. You guys should try to be a little more synergistic and a lot less antagonistic. No one’s keeping score, but if they were, my side would win”. He pulled Paul into his arms while looking sternly into Rosarita's eyes and asked, “So, what's for dinner?”

Paul wasn't sure that choking Rosarita wasn't more appealing than dinner. Fantasies about choking two different women in one day. He wondered, ‘is this how serial killers get started’?

Feeling more than a little defeated, Rosarita responded, “Dinner tonight is standing rib roast, mashed potatoes with garlic and thyme, creamed spinach, and by special request sautéed asparagus spears. For dessert, we have baked Alaska, cherry pie, apple pie and of course pecan pie. There should be plenty of leftovers. Please encourage everyone to try the baked Alaska tonight, cause I’m not sure how it will stand up as a leftover.”

She excused herself to the kitchen. Jeff watched her go, sighed and focused on Paul. “She gave me some valuable council while I was trying to woo you and did a great job decorating the house for Maria. But, the more she aggravates you, the less I like having her around. If she’s too much, I can pay her full wages and send her home. We can manage. Maybe one of Ilya's men won't mind cooking or cleaning.”

Paul considered the option. “She's great with Maria. She does a great job cooking and cleaning. I think she's like an older sister, not really vicious, like you said, just aggravating. Honestly, I’ll miss her when she goes. Besides, I think I scored big time with the ‘female hyena in heat’.” I’m actually looking forward to a rematch. But, thanks for standing up for your family, again.” With that, he pulled Jeff in for a rewarding kiss that made them both chub up.

They moved into the family room to join Sam and Dave who seemed to be just as focused as Maria on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Of course! It was the original cartoon version. Is there any other?) Sam and Dave looked up and nodded 'hello'.

Sam encouraged, “There’s hot apple cider in the crockpot and eggnog in the fridge. A little-spiced rum, there on the counter, will make either one perfect.

“We're all three off duty. Fred just took sandwiches, coffee, and cookies out to the guys on watch.” Without waiting for an acknowledgment, he returned his focus to the tv. Jeff and Paul both opted for some cider with the spiced rum. They became just as engrossed as the rest in watching Christmas classics. Fred soon joined the crowd with a platter of hors-d'oeuvres and passed on a warning from Rosarita not to fill up on them. A warning that one and all studiously ignored. Paul did limit Maria, insisting she should carefully choose two, so she could enjoy her asparagus and the very special dessert.

A discussion of what to watch next followed “A Charlie Brown Christmas Special”. It was a toss-up between “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Rosarita announced dinner. That only momentarily interrupted the vigorous chatter. Each man was lauding the supremacy of his choice over the other. Paul could care less, as long as either tonight or tomorrow he got to watch the original, black and white, “Christmas in Connecticut”.

Rosarita shared with Maria, it was just ‘testosterone talk’. A holiday version of which professional football team was the best. That immediately ignited an entirely new debate focused on the masters of the gridiron. Rosarita assured Maria, she would understand once she got a little older.

Everyone praised the chef for a truly glorious feast. It only took a little encouragement from Jeff to make the baked Alaska disappear. The pies were left untouched.

While Rosarita took Maria to get a bath and ready for bed, Jeff told Paul about the Christmas present he had arranged for Rosarita. Paul understood, only too well, the impact it would have on her life. He decided they would quietly retire as soon as they read to Maria, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Then he would show his lover exactly what he thought of his largesse as well as his large cock.

By the time they both reclined for the last time, on the horsehair mattress, it was well after midnight. They wished each other a Merry Christmas and kissed goodnight.

As he drifted off, Paul decided he would loudly complain at breakfast about the herd of cattle that had broken free and bawled and carried on most of the night just outside his window. Then he would pointedly ask Rosarita if she thought they sounded like female hyenas. He smiled as visions of a defeated Rosarita danced in his head.

After midnight makes it technically Christmas.
Please take a moment to "like" or leave a "comment" to let me know what you think.
Jim
Copyright © 2017 sojourn; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments



  On 5/10/2017 at 4:39 PM, Wesley8890 said:

Sneaky with the after midnight. Ha that idiot singing like a canary was great. Paul and Rosita trying to out-bitch each other was hilarious.

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I initially intended to complete Christmas in this chapter. It just got too long. I thought it was pretty clever the way Sheriff Lovan never even mentioned the illegal wiretapping and video surveillance.

Paul is developing a tougher hide. In his circumstances, who wouldn't?

As always, thanks for posting your comments.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 2
  On 5/10/2017 at 4:43 PM, centexhairysub said:

Well, the Fire Chief got his and really cooked the Mayor, the Preacher, and the ex-Sheriff.  Loved all the banter as well, it is just so well written and feels just right.  Loved how Daniel's parents are turning out...

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It is nice to hear you think my story 'feels right'. I hope you understand that your input is respected and makes for a better story for the next reader.

Thanks again,

Jim

  • Like 3
  On 5/10/2017 at 6:29 PM, mikedup said:

Wow more and more closet cases or not quite closet cases more a case of surprises for a select few but WOW it still keeps getting better can't wait for more. Thank you again

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No. Thank you for posting your comments. I think it's true when someone really knows a gay person, they tend to be better at accepting and understanding gay people are just folks who are emotionally and physically attracted to their same sex. Kinda like being left handed... maybe more than kinda, some cultures used to sever the left hand if it was dominant. Other cultures burned left handed people as witches. My older sister was spanked, in the second grade, for writing with her left hand. My Dad soon put a stop to that by threatening to beat the hell out of the teacher's husband should she do that again.

old age is hell... I just ramble on.

Thanks, again, for posting your comments.

Jim

  • Like 2
  • Haha 2

Almost the longest Christmas in literature , not that I'm complaining , the longer it takes the more I get to read. The deputy , the video and the subsequent confession was a fantastic touch. Becoming Sherriff seems to have created a space for Daniel to grow into his potential and his approach with regard to his interaction / relationship with Raymond has definitely matured. Gotta love Paul's ladies even if he wants to choke them . 

  • Like 4
  On 5/10/2017 at 7:13 PM, deville said:

Almost the longest Christmas in literature , not that I'm complaining , the longer it takes the more I get to read. The deputy , the video and the subsequent confession was a fantastic touch. Becoming Sherriff seems to have created a space for Daniel to grow into his potential and his approach with regard to his interaction / relationship with Raymond has definitely matured. Gotta love Paul's ladies even if he wants to choke them . 

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I know this started out featuring Jeff's Change of Heart, but Paul is the one faced with so many changes right now.

'The longest Christmas in literature' I am flattered you consider my story 'literature'. Somehow that word always implied, to me, a certain level of sophistication. But, I thank you.

I think we all grow from experience. Paul and Daniel are experiencing significant 'growth'. But then almost no one is as we first met them.

When it comes to the ladies, Paul sure has his hands full. He seemed a bit overwhelmed at first. Again, he is getting better at dealing with each of them.

Thanks so much for posting your comments on all my stories.

Jim

  • Like 4
  On 5/10/2017 at 8:34 PM, Hlasota said:

few last chapters - humongous Christmas cliffhanger or something ...
so close so close, yet so far...
chapter with Christmas dinner will be posted in June probably :D

 

but all the rest of this chapter fantastic as usual.

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I can only write what I write. I was determined to have Christmas dinner and Christmas night in bed for all, in this chapter. Then Bumpkis had to spill his guts. Daniel's Father had to also confess. Then Rosarita had to share her snide remarks. Then they all had fuss about which Christmas show to watch. I'm lucky I got all that done in less than 5000 words. There was no way Christmas Day could fit.

(insert evil grin here.) Maybe Santa will bring me better emojis for Christmas.

 

As for June, hopefully the New Year in Chicago will be posted by then. We are Technically on Christmas Day so dinner in the next chapter... Absolutely!  Who cares if I let some of the sex scenes slide by with one liners. Nobody ever mentions them anyway. Well, one reader did via email, but maybe he'll forgive me.

As always, Thanks for posting your comments.

Jim

  • Like 4
  On 5/10/2017 at 9:49 PM, Hlasota said:

We will see :D 

There is still few hours till dinner, few locations, million ideas, flashbacks as options, 170 thousands words to choose from and 10 fingers ... Sky's the limit ... 

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I will accept the challenge! Only thing is... I don't use ten fingers, just one. This story has been written, edited and posted using my right index finger on my iPad keyboard. Does that mean the "limit" is less than sky high?

Thanks again,

Jim

  • Like 3
  • Haha 1
  On 5/10/2017 at 10:07 PM, Hlasota said:

Hahaha

OK, let's be serious. 'One finger writing' of course change everything... not. 

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LOL! I bought it! I got sucker punched by the "Not". Doesn't count cause your "not" was not capitalized and had no exclamation point. ?

I don't make the rules... uh oh... wait a minute... it's my story, so I guess I do, I do make the rules. Getting sucker punched by your uncapitalized, unexclamated "not" does NOT!!! count. 

The Great and Powerful Oz, er, uh, Jim, has Spoken! (Clearly it's official, as indicated by the exclamation point. No appealing that ruling.)

 

Bwahaha!

Jim

  • Like 3
  On 5/11/2017 at 11:15 AM, ott said:

Oh SO glad they got Country Bumpkin and his cronies!!!  A little TMI about Daniels dad--at least from Daniels POV, I liked it!  Look forward to next chapter for REAL Christmas for Maria and Raymond!!!  Thank YOU!

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I think Daniel's Dad had a little too much Christmas cheer. I wonder how evolved man will have to become in order to view sex as something other than procreational, "sinful" (Don't even get me started.) and just plain nasty. I think Daniel was right in thinking sex was simply an extension of their friendship. Sex didn't challenge their marital status, the way they saw themselves, nor did it impact their fishing skills. It was fun, it gave release, and it was between them.

 

I have NEVER before been this involved in planning Christmas this early in the year.

Thanks Ott for posting your comments, etc.

Jim

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1

Hmm, a lot going on this chapter. . Glad to see that the Fire Cheif, Mayor, and especially that nasty bigot preacher are going to reap what they have sown. I'm saddened that the families the donations were intended for won't benefit them in time for Christmas. Evidence and other legal red tape. Maybe some of these people would qualify for job training, I hear there's a big company moving into town. I'm disappointed in Paul and Rosarita's behavior. I thought they were just teasing, but when someone's job is threatened with early termination, it's more serious than I thought. I hope the two of them can realize how lucky they both are and celebrate that they've found special people to love them. Encourage each other to " make a joyful noise " unto the Lord, family, friends, and any passing pedestrians if need be. Tink and team deserve pats on the back and raises. I could kiss him for "fruitful haul" of evidence. Thank you again for giving me a strong, supportive family that makes me feel like I'm apart something beautiful from the start to the finish of each chapter . 

  • Like 4
  On 5/11/2017 at 9:45 PM, Tazzle001 said:

Hmm, a lot going on this chapter. . Glad to see that the Fire Cheif, Mayor, and especially that nasty bigot preacher are going to reap what they have sown. I'm saddened that the families the donations were intended for won't benefit them in time for Christmas. Evidence and other legal red tape. Maybe some of these people would qualify for job training, I hear there's a big company moving into town. I'm disappointed in Paul and Rosarita's behavior. I thought they were just teasing, but when someone's job is threatened with early termination, it's more serious than I thought. I hope the two of them can realize how lucky they both are and celebrate that they've found special people to love them. Encourage each other to " make a joyful noise " unto the Lord, family, friends, and any passing pedestrians if need be. Tink and team deserve pats on the back and raises. I could kiss him for "fruitful haul" of evidence. Thank you again for giving me a strong, supportive family that makes me feel like I'm apart something beautiful from the start to the finish of each chapter . 

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WOW! There was a lot going on in this chapter and a lot going on in your comment.

As usual, thank you for posting your comments, they always cheer me.

 

When I read, I like to settle into the story like I belong there. Not every story allows me to do that. If mine does that for you, then I am a much better storyteller than I had ever hoped to be. I thank you for even hinting that may be the case. (If that isn't the case, please don't tell me. Let me have my little dream.)

 

I think Rosarita will be difficult to replace once she goes back to school. She reminds me of some of the sharp tongued bitchy women of sitcoms. She has all the qualities you want in a best friend, but her quick wit and cutting observations have to be taken with a grain of salt. Make note of the fact that she has not attacked or demeaned Paul personally. She just loves to get a rise out of him. He is beginning to challenge her instead of melting from embarrassment. The shoe is on the other foot. Let's see what happens.

 

Thanks again,

Jim

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Like @Tazzle001 I'm a bit concerned about the fireworks (of the temperamental kind) between Rosarita and Paul ... hey you two, dial down the bitching !  But at least both were getting some ... :gikkle:

 

I hoped the teacher that "Bumpkis the shit" had mentioned would eventually recover ...  the evil Mayor and the dead ex-Sheriff had a lot to answer for.  What are the "coyotes" mentioned and their connection to human trafficking ? 

 

About Daniel's father and Fred (I've to go back a couple of chapters and find out who he was) ... well I agree with you @sojourn his father had just a wee bit too much to drink ... 

 

Well, bring on Christmas sir and let's find out what shenanigans would take place !

 

  • Like 2
  On 5/18/2017 at 1:53 PM, hohochan657 said:

Like @Tazzle001 I'm a bit concerned about the fireworks (of the temperamental kind) between Rosarita and Paul ... hey you two, dial down the bitching !  But at least both were getting some ... :gikkle:

 

I hoped the teacher that "Bumpkis the shit" had mentioned would eventually recover ...  the evil Mayor and the dead ex-Sheriff had a lot to answer for.  What are the "coyotes" mentioned and their connection to human trafficking ? 

 

About Daniel's father and Fred (I've to go back a couple of chapters and find out who he was) ... well I agree with you @sojourn his father had just a wee bit too much to drink ... 

 

Well, bring on Christmas sir and let's find out what shenanigans would take place !

 

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"Coyotes" is a slang term used describe someone who leads a group of illegal immigrants across the border from Mexico. They charge the immigrants a fee for their guidance. The idea, in this story, is that the preacher aided the coyotes while the Sheriff ignored these illegal activities and was paid a bribe to do so.

I keep trying to write "friendly" dialogue between those two... I guess I better try harder.

Thanks for posting your comments.

Jim

  • Like 2
  On 5/20/2017 at 8:59 AM, Timothy M. said:

LOL, poor Daniel, he keeps getting blindsided. But I guess his parents' love and approval was a great Christmas present. And having the three bad guys neatly booked and wrapped made my day too. 

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Just found your post by rescanning every chapter.... Ain't the updated version of this site wonnerfull?

A belated thanks for posting.

Jim

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