Parable of the Talents      

Author: Octavia E. Butler

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

American release date: August 20, 2019

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Dystopian Fiction/448 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Five years have passed since the establishment of the Earthseed community known as Acorn. Although off the beaten path, the residents are still unhappily aware of what is happening in the rest of the world, including the Dovetree massacre which took place too close to home for comfort. A disturbing new player on the political scene is the senator from Texas, Andrew Jarret, who is a throwback to an earlier time and does not like current times or religious tolerance Olamina knows this man will be a nightmare if he ever steps into the national political arena.

Despite everything, Acorn is thriving, and the community is becoming stronger, acquiring new vital equipment, such as a truck, as well as new members, their numbers swelling. Olamina’s husband, Bankole, who is 57 to her 18, is a physician, a skill much in demand. He wants to move to a larger, more established town where they will be safer, especially once Olamina learns she is with child. But she refuses to leave Acorn, and he won’t go without her.

Olamina is shocked to learn one of her brothers is alive and begins to search for him. She is able to find him, and he is not doing well. She buys him from the slaver who has him and takes him back to Acorn. Eventually she learns the story of what happened the day their lives fell apart. But he has changed—he doesn’t care for Earthseed… and he has his own Destiny.

Things go from bad to worse when Jarrett is elected President. What was once a bad dream becomes a true nightmare in every sense of the word. Jarrett’s Crusaders are fanatics who are determined to stamp out the unholy – aka those who don’t agree with Jarrett’s vision. Olamina knows of the collars, and how people are controlled through their use. But she learns firsthand how they work when Acorn is raided by those who stand for Christian America, and the people of Acorn are sent to a re-education camp. But it’s really a prison, and they are all cruelly collared, a distinct form of torture. The children are separated from the adults and sent to places unknown, including Olamina’s baby Larkin. Some people die. And life just got incredibly difficult.

Parable of the Talents is the sequel to Parable of the Sower, in which Olamina’s tale continues. In this book, for the first time we get to hear other voices, including those of Larkin, Bankole, and Marcos. It is an eerily timed vision of some of the things that are happening in America today. I’ll be honest and say I almost gave up reading halfway through the book. I felt triggered for reasons I won’t go into. I think it’s safe to say this is not an easy read. And honestly, the more I read, the more I came to dislike Olamina and Earthseed. There are no heroes here, I think everyone sucks.

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #15 (3.5)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! It's time for some flash fiction courtesy of the Wednesday Briefers. Every week we give you our best stories, between 500 and 1000 words, inspired by one of the prompts we get.

This week, in Don't Look Back, Marshall and Lee are having a little private time in the back of Partners. Come on in and see what they're up to, then visit the rest of the Briefers for more flash fiction fun. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #15 (3.5)

Lee rolled Marshall so they were face to face. Marshall’s breath quickened at the sight of Lee’s hard body poised above him. Although Lee presented a tough façade to the world, Marshall could read him like a book. His own personal, private edition.

He could read the emotions that flashed through Lee’s eyes, mirrors to his soul, and he loved them all. But most of all, he loved how Lee loved him.

A slow, lazy smile spread across Lee’s face. Marshall’s heart lurched at the sight. Lee reached between them, his fingers circling Marshall’s length, pressing his palm against Marshall’s flesh. 

“Don’t come until I tell you,” he warned.

“Understood.” Marshall shivered at Lee’s touch. He’d promise anything if it meant he got to have Lee inside him, reconnecting at their most basic level. There was a fire inside of him that perpetually burned for Lee, a flame that could never be quenched.

“Think maybe we should go up to San Antone soon. There’s a few things I’d like to get.”

Marshall knew Lee had more than computer parts on his mind. They’d been looking at various toys online. Lee wanted to try the wireless remote butt plug on Marshall. According to the website they read, it vibrated.

 “Sounds like a good idea,” Marshall agreed. He tried not to let his excitement show, but he knew Lee felt it anyway.

“I can plug you while you work, keep your hot ass on simmer all day, and watch you squirm until you beg me to take you.” His hand pumped Marshall’s cock. Marshall thrust into his tight grip eagerly.

Just thinking about that plug threatened to send Marshall over. He had to get a grip on himself or he’d come.   “I like that idea,” he moaned.

Lee reached behind Marshall. “Raise up,” he directed. Marshall lifted his hips, and Lee slid a pillow beneath them. The pillow wasn’t the softest, but it wasn’t exactly hard either, and the added elevation allowed Lee better access to Marshall’s hole. It also meant he could bury himself deeper inside of Marshall.

Marshall was certainly all for that.

“Then you better work extra hard, next couple of weeks. And watch that smart mouth.”

Marshall knew better. He knew Lee encouraged his sass. He also knew Lee was proud of him, and the work he did for their company. He just liked to give Marshall a hard time. And Marshall loved that he did.

“Maybe I should use that smart mouth on you,” Marshall retorted.

Lee grinned. “Not tonight you won’t.” He leaned down, slanting his mouth over Marshall’s, effectively ending that particular discussion. For now.

Their tongues tangled in silent communion, in a mutual give and take, exploration of familiar territory. Marshall’s need for Lee was only growing greater and hotter. He had to focus hard to keep from exploding into Lee’s hand.

Lee drew back and slid two fingers inside Marshall’s mouth. He sucked at them eagerly. At last, things were moving forward, and he was closer to getting what he wanted.

When Lee felt the digits were wet enough, he removed them, releasing his hold on Marshall’s weeping cock to grab his legs, raising them to his shoulders. A familiar giddiness coiled inside Marshall’s stomach, the kind you get when you’re sitting on a roller coaster, about to take the big plunge.

Lee eased his wet fingers inside of Marshall, stretching his tight muscles. He would never enter Marshall without prepping him first, and he’d never do it dry, either. He reached inside of Marshall and pressed on his prostate. Marshall released an involuntary yip, arching his back.

“Like that, boy?”

“Sir, yes, Sir,” Marshall moaned. He started to reach for his cock, without thinking, but his hand was swatted away.

“Did I say you could?”

“No, Sir, you did not.”

“Then remember that.” Lee pulled his fingers out of Marshall’s ass with a wet pop. Marshall knew his actions wouldn’t cost him what he wanted most—Lee wanted it as badly as he did.

He felt the head of Lee’s cock nudge his opening, and he resisted the urge to reach for it and guide it inside of him. Then Lee plunged into him in one strong move, filling Marshall completely. He gasped at the feeling of fullness that suffused him, the completeness of their union.

Neither moved, simply enjoying the moment. Then Lee lowered Marshall’s legs to the level of his waist, and Marshall locked his ankles behind Lee’s back, pressing against the dip just above Lee’s ass. He leaned up a little and Lee leaned down, and their mouths met in the middle in a passionate kiss.

Lips joined, Lee began to move, quickly establishing a steady rhythm. The bedsprings creaked beneath them, in sync with Lee’s movements, echoed by similar creaks from nearby rooms—the symphony of Partners, the music from the bar an audible backdrop to the private activities.

Marshall moved his hips to meet Lee’s thrusts, urging Lee to fuck him harder, his moans becoming lost inside Lee’s mouth. Just when he thought he’d have to risk taking himself in hand, Lee took hold of Marshall’s cock and pumped.  Lee released Marshall’s lips long enough to whisper hoarsely, “Come now, boy.”  And Marshall did, his orgasm the crescendo to their love song.

Lee continued to thrust as Marshall’s cock released in hard spurts between them, covering Lee’s hand, and spattering both their chests. Marshall squeezed his muscles harder, and felt Lee’s response. A few more pushes and Lee released, filling Marshall with wet warmth.

They lay together afterward, after wiping off as best they could. Just for a moment before heading back to their friends.

Marshall stared up into Lee’s gorgeous eyes, unable to speak, filled with love for this beautiful man he could not live without.

As if sensing his mood, Lee murmured softly, “No matter where you are, I’ll be there. I love you, Marshall.”

“Love you too, Lee.”

Life was perfect.

to be continued

Don't forget to visit the rest of the Briefers and see what they're up to!

Saturday is Horror Day #225 - Sssssss

 Sssssss

Famed herpetologist Dr. Carl Stoner (Strother Martin) approaches a former student now professor, Dr. Ken Daniels (Richard Shull) to find an assistant, as his last one left suddenly one day and he needs help in his experiments. Daniels recommends David Blake (Dirk Benedict), and when approached, David agrees to take the job (it also gets him out of being bullied by a larger student). When David meets Stoner's daughter Kristina (Heather Menzies), there is a mutual attraction and they begin a romance. Stoner is not too keen on this however and reprimands his daughter when he realizes she is sleeping with David.

From the outset of their working relationship, Stoner begins to give David a series of injections, in order 

to protect him from snake bites occurred during the course of their work. But David is starting to notice strange side effects - such as inexplicably peeling skin! Stoner assures him that is normal, and a one-time thing, as he helps to peel David's shedding back.

David and Kristina go on a date to a local carnival and discover that one of the attractions is a snake man. Naturally, they are curious, being both interested in snakes, so they check out the exhibit. The man appears to be a snake man indeed. But there is something about him that seems off. He seems distressed, as if he is trying to tell them something. By the time Kristina figures out what is familiar about him, she realizes what is happening to David and rushes home to save him and confront her father.

This is a bit of an odd film. I've been aware of it for years but never attempted to watch it until a coworker suggested it. Strother Martin shines as the mad herpetologist. You might remember him from Cool Hand Luke, and his famous line - "What we got here is a failure to communicate"! Heather Menzies, who plays the daughter, was a popular young actress in the 70s, and was married to actor Robert Urich who is probably best kniwb fir Vega$, Dirk Benedict, who plays David, was in the 70s sci fi show Battlestar Galactica.

The plot is, even for the 70s, ridiculous. I found the scenes with the snakes unrealistic. And as for the idea of turning a human being into a snake - first of all, why? Stoner's motivation is never clear, at least not in my book. That being said, Menzies as the loyal daughter does a good job, and Dirk Benedict, clearly not the bright bulb in the box, is clueless as to what is happening to him. The scenes with Strother Martin and real snakes are clearly not him, and the special effects leave something to be desired. Even so, it's worth watching to see Martin. So I'll give this film 3 Stars.

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 24: People's Dreams by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 24: People’s Dreams    

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Now that Sir Crocodile has been defeated, and Alubarna can begin to heal, and the Marines under Captain Smoker and Tashigi head on their way, the Straw Hat gang face a new challenge, in the form of a stowaway.  None other than Nico Robin! Most surprisingly, she wants to join the crew! There is some resistance to the idea from the members of Luffy’s crew – until mention is made of Nico having some of Crocodile’s gems and opinion is swayed to her side.

As they continue their journey, the crew sees something rather extraordinary – a ship that is falling out of the sky. Literally out of the sky. How is that even possible? To Nami’s dismay, the log pose is pointing upward and not moving! Nico tells her it’s been captured by a sky island!

Luffy runs across a map – of the sky island, Skypiea! They decide to search the ship that fell from the sky for records of the floating island. Of course, that ship sank to the bottom of the ocean. Luffy, Sanji, and Zolo become deep sea divers in order to explore the wreck. But they hadn’t figured on encountering Masira, the Salvage King, who has his eye on the wreck as well. And oh, he’s a monkey.

Luffy and the others are conflicted regarding their next destination. If they go anywhere else other than the island in the sky, the log post will reset and they will be unable to get to Skypiea. Luckily Nico Robin has a solution to that problem, so it’s on to Jaya Island! When they arrive on the island, they find themselves in a place that seems prone to violence, especially between two rival pirate gangs!

Nico Robin’s presence was a surprise, not sure how I feel about that, not sure if she will stay with them any length of time or not. Naturally, Sanji is on board with her joining the crew.  lol The idea of a sky island is intriguing, if true, but how does that even work? Guess we’ll find out. The monkey was also a surprise. I’m sure we’ll see him again.

Another great volume of One Piece, looking forward to the next!

Saturday is Horror Day #224 - Nosferatu (2024)

 Nosferatu (2024)

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) dreams of a man, a man who wishes to possess her. A man she wishes to be possessed by. Is he real? She doesn't know, but she is all too aware that she is a newly married wife with a husband she loves, Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) Thomas is a rising star with his law firm, and eager to please. When he learns that he is to deal with a new client, he is pleased, until he finds that the man is infirm and cannot travel, so he must travel to the man - to his home in the distant Carpathian Mountains.

Of course he does not refuse, although Ellen pleads with him not to go. On his arrival, the local folk are less than welcoming, especially one he has revealed his destination - Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard)'s castle. The trip to the castle is an eerie one, and his reception by Count Orlok just as odd. Especially his obsession with Ellen, whom he spotted in a locket - and promptly took, refusing to return. Things go from bad to worse when he finds himself a prisoner in Orlok's castle, and he discovers the true nature of the client he has come so far to serve.

Meanwhile, at home, an anxious Ellen confides her fears to her best friend, Anna (Emma Corrin), who is married, with children, to Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and pregnant with another child. Ellen, who has always been supernaturally sensitive, continues to have "visions" of her dream lover, suffering from mysterious fits which alarm her friend. They send for an eminent professor, Albin Eberhart von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who arrives, as well as Dr Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson). They are at a loss to explain her fits, and the suggestion is made to send her to an asylum for the insane to safeguard the others. And Ellen is concerned that Thomas has not returned from his business trip - and he is long overdue.

Nosferatu is a reboot of the original 1922 film, which was itself a ripoff of Dracula, for which the makers were sued. It is very similar to that, and to the 1979 version, which I previously reviewed. Cinematically, this film is breathtaking, each shot carefully planned and framed. The performances are extra-ordinary, particularly that of Lily-Rose Depp who is, of course, the daughter of Johnny Depp. The story does indeed resonate with what came before, but in its own way. It was very well done, but at the same time I found myself somewhat dissatisfied in ways I can't completely explain. The dynamic between Ellen and Orlok drew me in at the beginning, but I feel as if it could have used some more depth, especially considering the ending (which I won't reveal, of course)

I did like it much better than the 1979 Klaus Kinski version, but I felt the storytelling was perhaps uneven. I'm sure a lot of people will disagree. I'm not denying it's a very good film. But perhaps not as satisfying as I would have wanted. I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #14(3.4)

 Happy Hump Day to one and all and welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Briefs, flash fiction brought to you by the friendly authors known as the Briefers! Get your flash fiction fix here! Hope everyone's having a great week! Hard to believe it's Hump Day already! Hold on to your seats, and get ready for some flash fiction!

As you'll recall from last week, Marshall and Lee are having a night out in nearby Tucker Falls, with their friend, Sheriff Roy. Last week, they ran into a few other friends. This week, Marshall and Lee are having a little private time in one of the back rooms. Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #14 (3.4)

They exited the dance floor and made the short trip to the back area in record time. There was a code of sorts that was used to determine the availability of the rooms. It was a simple system. Colored plastic cards were hung on the door knob—red, green, and purple. The one on top determined the occupancy of the room. Green meant no one was inside. Red meant ‘stop, the room’s in use’, while purple meant ‘yeah, someone’s in there, but company’s welcome’. That was for the more adventurous souls who enjoyed sex with more than one person at a time. Everyone was on their honor to use the cards, and there’d never been a problem with it so far.

They passed the first couple of doors which displayed red cards. Lee stopped in front of one that sported a purple tag and reached for the knob. Marshall let out an indignant whoop without thinking. Lee turned to face him with a shit-eating grin.

“Could someone possibly be jealous?”

Marshall noted with chagrin the amusement in Lee’s eyes. He scuffed at the floor with his boot, debating a suitable response, before he blurted out, “Yeah, I guess that’d be me. “

Lee made no immediate reply. He took Marshall’s hand, leading him farther down the hall until they found a door with a green card on top. He switched the card to red before they entered the room and closed the door.

Then he pushed Marshall up against the door and claimed his lips, sucking Marshall’s lower lip into his mouth. Releasing him, he murmured, “You don’t need to be jealous. You’re the only one I look at. You’re the only one I see.”

Marshall warmed at his words. He knew Lee wouldn’t lie to him.

“I’ll never leave you,” Lee promised. “I told you that when we found you. I meant it then, and I mean it now. You and me, boy. Always.”

He reclaimed Marshall’s mouth, and their tongues met in a glorious union of flesh. Marshall knew what happened hadn’t been Lee’s choice or his fault. But every once in a while, he just needed a little bit of reassurance.

The décor of the room was simple. A single bed, nothing fancy, but the sheets were changed on a fairly regular basis, more than you got in some motels. A small wooden side table, if you needed to lay out a few things. Two or three chairs, in case of voyeurs. Each room was BYOL—Bring Your Own Lube, as well Bring Your Own Rubber. There were machines in the men’s room that dispensed those, so there was no excuse for coming up short.

Marshall and Lee had never used condoms. They were exclusive with one another, always had been and always would be.

Lee already had his hands at Marshall’s waist. He undid his fly and pulled down the zipper, freeing Marshall’s leaking erection. Marshall toed off his new boots and shimmied his hips as Lee pulled the cords down his legs, before kicking them out of the way. His fingers were already working the buttons of the black shirt then it joined the rest of his clothes on the floor.

Lee undressed quickly. When they were both naked, he gestured toward the bed.

“Hands and knees,” he directed, and Marshall obeyed.

Marshall knew just how far apart to spread his knees, how to wriggle his ass in an enticing fashion. Lee’s hand crashed against first one buttock, then the other, leaving heat in its wake.  The bed dipped under Lee’s weight, the springs creaking their protest. No telling how many bodies had done this exact same thing many times before. Partners was a popular place, both with men who needed a quick place to hook up, as well as couples who liked to be adventurous without having to go home to do it.

“Head down, boy,” Lee admonished.

Marshall had been daydreaming; his fault entirely. He dropped his head into the proper position and accepted another swat to each cheek as penance for his inattention. He loved the structure of Lee’s love, although the rules weren’t always rigidly enforced. Just most of the time. And it was all done with love.

Air hit Marshall’s pucker as Lee parted his cheeks. He shivered at the coolness of Lee’s breath as he blew across Marshall’s entrance. Apparently, he’d been eating something minty, and the sensation was both startling and intense. Marshall shivered as Lee’s tongue lapped at the sensitive skin of his perineum, licking at the underside of his balls as they hung down between his legs.

His cock ached from inattention, but he didn’t dare reach for it. That was so against the rules. 

Although he might, if he got horny enough, just to see what Lee would do about it. Might be fun.

Lee’s tongue was doing the most amazing things to Marshall’s hole, dipping and sucking, but there was more to come. Marshall knew it, and he needed it. Needed Lee inside of him. Soon.

He tried to curb his impatience, but the moan he inadvertently released was heartfelt.

Lee ceased his ministrations, leaning along Marshall’s back until his breath was warm in Marshall’s ear, his cock nestled securely between Marshall’s cheeks.

“Tell me what you want, baby,” Lee whispered seductively, his voice sending delicious shivers ranging through Marshall from his fingers to his toes.

It didn’t matter where they fucked, or how often they fucked, Lee continued to take Marshall’s breath away on a constant basis.

“Want you, Lee,” Marshall moaned. “Need you inside of me.”

Lee grasped Marshall’s cock and pumped it. “You want me to fuck you hard?” he teased. “Want my cock inside your hot ass, do you?”

“With all my heart.” Marshall bucked into Lee’s hand. He tried not to whimper, but he was quickly losing control.

to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #13 (3.3)

 Happy Hump Day, everyone, and welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Briefs! We are the Wednesday Briefers, a group of flash fiction writers, who take on the challenge every week to write a piece of flash fiction between 500 and 1000 words, based on one of a group of suggested prompts.

This week, Don't Look Back continues with more of Marshall and Lee's adventures at Partners. Who did they run into? Read this week's chapter and find out! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers, whose links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #13 (3.3)

Lee broke into a broad grin at the sight of the newcomers. The man who’d greeted him was tall, dark, and angular, about Lee’s age. His bronze skin wore the weathered look of someone who spent a great deal of time outdoors, while his bright blue eyes were bursting with good humor.

 “Hey Slim.” Lee gained his feet as they approached the table, holding out his hand. The man named Slim took it, before pulling Lee into a quick hug. He did the same with Marshall.  “It has been a little while, hasn’t it? Hey there Rye, Denver.”

Rye was a little older than Lee, with a one-time athletic build that was turning to flab. He compensated by dressing in flattering clothes that hid his growing paunch. Denver was about a year or so older than Marshall. His wavy blond hair was heavily gelled, and he was as well turned out sartorially as Rye, but in bolder colors.

The four top next to them had just become free. They joined the two tables together and rearranged their chairs.  Lee and Marshall sat on one side, Denver and Rye across from them, Slim at one end.

Marshall and Lee had been coming together to Partners for less than a year. Technically, Marshall was underage, but a small glitch in the law allowed him to drink in the presence of a parent. Being with Lee, though, no one seemed to question his right to be there. Also, having Roy with them on occasion, as a lawman, helped.

They’d met Slim, Rye, and Denver on one of their visits, and had become good friends. The three men all lived and worked in or near Tucker Falls—Slim on a working ranch just outside the city limits, Rye as a salesman for a local liquor distributor, and Denver in a retail computer store.

“I noticed Roy up at the bar, smooth-talking some pretty little thing.” Slim grinned. “I thought he was seeing someone?”

Lee shrugged. “You know how that goes. One day they’re all sweet and lovey-dovey, the next they think you’re public enemy number one. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

A chorus of amens resounded through the group. Not that Marshall had any experience with women. Not dating them, anyway. But he had a good idea what Lee meant.

At that moment, Roy himself turned up. He slid into the empty chair opposite Slim, setting his beer on the table in front of him.

“Didn’t work out?” Slim asked.

Roy shrugged. “I kinda got a clue it wouldn’t when she offered to introduce me to her mother.”

“Ouch,” Rye commiserated.

“Don’t worry,” Marshall tried to cheer up the dejected sheriff. “You’ll find someone else, for sure.”

“You know it.” Roy winked at him. “There’s some good looking guys right at this table, too.” He gave Lee a significant look. Marshall scowled and moved his chair closer to Lee’s, which earned him a snicker.

“Oh no, don’t you start too,” Marshall warned the older man.

“Too?” Slim raised an eyebrow. “Is there a story there, Lee?”

Lee shook his head. “Naw, nothing really.” He raised his hand to gain the server’s attention, and a moment later, Blondie stood beside them, ready to take their order. Each man named his poison. Marshall noticed Blondie had moved his sights to Rye, who fairly ate up the attention.

“Why don’t I help you carry those?” he offered, following the server toward the bar. Marshall noticed a little more spring in Blondie’s step.

Denver leaned across the table toward Marshall. “I bet he gets him in one of the back rooms,” he confided. “Like in the next five minutes.”

Partners was notorious among its patrons for the small back rooms that were the scene, more often than not, of intimate encounters, primarily between men. Most of the women preferred their lovemaking taken to different venues, but the men weren’t as picky, and usually twice as horny. It wasn’t unusual to see the beginning of such encounters on the dance floor, or at the tables, and people tended to look the other way if a couple showed a bit of flesh while caught in the throes of lust.

“I bet you’re right,” Lee agreed with a laugh.

“And I think I might be right behind him. Check out that sexy drink of cowboy at your nine o’clock.”

Marshall and Lee both turned and look in the direction indicated. A Sam Elliot look-alike was sitting alone, drawing on a draft. He seemed to be eyeing Denver up as well.

“Go for it,” Marshall encouraged him. “You know you want to.”

“Hell to the yeah. See that ten gallon he’s got on? I’ll be wearing it by the time we come back out,” Denver said confidently as he got to his feet and moseyed in the direction of his dream cowboy.

Just thinking about the back room made Marshall horny. He and Lee had been back there a few times themselves. Sometimes the drive home was too long, especially when Marshall had a hard-on for Lee that wouldn’t quit.

Like now.

Rye returned with the server, long enough to leave the drinks, their attention somewhere else. Sure enough, moments later, they were hand-in-hand, heading toward the rear of the bar.

Marshall squirmed in his chair a little. He lightly feathered his fingers along Lee’s thigh. “How about another dance?” he suggested.

“Go ahead, have some fun,” Roy encouraged them. “Slim and I can catch up, can’t we?”

“You betcha,” Slim agreed. “Go for it, you two.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

On the dance floor once more, they fell into an intimate two-step. Marshall snaked his hand between them, boldly cupping Lee through the fabric.

“I bet I can read your mind,” Lee murmured huskily into Marshall’s ear.

“Bet you can.”

Lee pressed against Marshall’s hand. “Let’s go in back,” he suggested.

“Fuck yeah.” Marshall fairly whimpered with need. “Right now, please, Sir.”

to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday is Horror Day #223 - Rawhead Rex

 Rawhead Rex

Howard Hallenbeck (David Dukes) and his wife Elaine (Kelly Piper) take their two children on a vacation to Ireland to learn about their Irish heritage and roots. Little do they know that a construction worker has unexpectedly awakened an ancient evil. And no one in this small Irish village is safe!

Despite being on vacation, Howard is working on a new book and has been given permission to do 

research at the local church. But he finds that Father Declan O'Brien (Ronan Wilmot) is not very friendly Luckily Reverend Coot (Niall Toibin) is friendlier

Strange things are happening in the village, and  people are dying at the hands of a strange creature. If something isn't done about this thing, the death toll is only going to rise!

I'll be honest - this is an odd film. Evil priest and clueless villagers and of course the American tourists who end up in the thick of things! The father is played by David Dukes, and I recognized him immediately from an old episode of All in the Family. A rather disturbing episode I'll admit. One of the priests will be familiar to anyone who watches Ballykissangel, he plays Father Mac.

The creature in question who is causing all the havoc (I had to look this up as I wasn't sure and I just watched it) is a demon (or maybe the devil himself, not sure) who was accidentally freed from his burial site. The unpleasant comes under his control via something at the church. The creature is odd, to say the least, having what seemed to me an almost robotic face with glowing eyes that people were upset by (like the rest of him wasn't a reason to run away in fright). 

The wife of David Dukes' character made me want to call CPS on her. There was a scene when the family was in the car, and they had like a half day's drive ahead of them. The little girl said she had to use the bathroom. It was too far to go back and they were too far from their destination, so Dad pulled over, near some kind of gates area, although the gate had seen better days. The mother turned around and told the girl to go on and do her business, but never offered to go with her. When the father suggested that, the mother said the girl would be fine. The girl was like 5 ot 6 years old maybe! So finally, Dad agreed to go with her. In another scene, when the siblings were arguing, she walked right past them as if she couldn't see or hear them, and then started whining to her husband about being bored.

That aside, this is a weird film, and I never understood how that creature was a demon (or the devil? still not sure). And why was he wearing pants? There is a certain amount of gore, so I wouldn't recommend this for kids. The mad priest is a bit too mad. David Dukes was fine and so was Niall Tobin. But on the whole, I don't recommend it very highly. I'll give this film 2 Stars.

Saturday is Horror Day #222 - We Have Always Lived in the Castle

 We Have Always Lived in the Castle

Sisters Merricat (Taissa Farmiga) and Constance (Alexandra Daddario) Blackwood, along with their disabled Uncle Julian (Crispin Glover) live in isolation at the family home, Blackwood House. Six years have passed since a family tragedy occurred, one involving arsenic. But the villagers at nearby Shirleyville have long memories. When Merricat reluctantly makes her weekly excursion to get supplies, they torment her terribly. As for Constance, she finds herself of leaving the grounds at all.

Merritcat safeguards the house and its inhabitants as well as she can through her witchy spells and the 

objects that she buries. But when she is forced to go into the village unexpectedly one day, she doesn't have the chance to set any spells, and the worst happens in the form of their cousin Charles (Sebastian Stan) who shows up without warning and proceeds to turn their lives upside down. Merricat hates him, but Constance, who is too trusting and innocent for her own good, falls under his spell. Neither realize that he is there to get the money that is kept in the huge safe in the house. When he takes over the household and becomes very strict with Merricat, she realizes something must be done.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle is based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, who also gave us The Lottery and The Haunting of Hill House. This story is similar to the others in that it focus on the psychological rather than physical horror. Referring to Blackwood House as a castle draws an image of splendid isolation, of withdrawl from reality as reflected in the main characters' withdrawal from even the society of the nearby village. Merricat's weekly treks into Shirleyville are torturous for her, but she bears them for her sister's sake, who is even more crippled than she is. It's not until the arrival of their cousin Charles that the torture continues for Merricat at home as well. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Taissa Farmiga does a splendid job as Merricat. You may know her older sister Vera, from such films as The Conjuring and The Boy in the Striped Pyjama. I almost didn't recotnize Crispin Glover as the uncle. Paula Malcolmson also appears - you might remember her from Deadwood and Ray Donovan. And of course my favorite - Sebastian Stan - who was the Hatter in Once Upon a Time, and is probably best known for playing Bucky Barnes in the Marvel film series. That being said, despite the stellar cast, this is definitely a slow burn, and I might have to watch it again to appreciate it better. It's not your typical horror film - no jump scares, no dismembered corpses, nothing of the kind. Pure psychological horror. Reviews seem to be mixed. It was well done, it just didn't always keep my attention. However, it is a short film, and I don't consider it a waste of time. Decide for yourself. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #12(3.2)

 As you'll recall from last week, Marshall and Lee and Roy are having a night out at Partners, and some blond himbo is coming on to Lee pretty strong. See what happens in this week's chapter. And don't forget to visit the other Briefers!

Don't Look Back #12 (3.2)

By the time Lee released him, Marshall’s breath was coming in heavy gasps and his head was spinning—and the wannabe dance partner had disappeared. Guess he could catch a clue. Marshall didn’t mind. There were plenty more where he came from. Including the sexy man who’d just kissed him stupid.

“Wanna dance, cowboy?” Lee asked in a sultry voice.

 Marshall broke into a wide grin. “Hot damn, you know it!”

“Then don’t you think you should get up? I don’t see that dance floor moving up here anytime soon.”

Warmth spread through Marshall’s cheeks, and he heard Roy snicker. But he didn’t mind. There wasn’t anything but love behind those words. Love and a bit of fun.

He waited for Lee to rise before leaping to his feet. Putting his hands on Marshall’s hips, Lee said, “C’mon, let’s show ‘em how it’s done.” To Roy, he added, “If that pretty boy gets back with the drinks, can you pick up the first round? I’ll catch the next.”

“You got it, Lee.”

“Then let’s go.” He swatted Marshall’s ass for good measure, and they sashayed their way down onto the dance floor. They found themselves a bit of space on the edge of the floor and began to dance, bumping hips in a slow sensual grind to the rhythm that pulsed around them.  They fit r like a hand in a glove, sliding together naturally, like they’d just come off an episode of ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ Lee guided Marshall with expertise, and he knew how to lift and spin Marshall, making it appear effortless.

Little by little the space around them grew as people stopped to watch and admire.  The two men paid them no heed, focused on one another, until the music stopped, when Lee bent Marshall over nearly backward and kissed him. They came upright to thunderous applause. Marshall couldn’t help but notice a few people had their phones out. Taking pictures, no doubt.

“You did good, boy,” Lee praised him, and Marshall warmed to his words.

Just then the music changed, and the dancers re-arranged themselves into lines. The boys engaged insomegood ole scooting and booting before finally leaving the dance floor for the table. The drinks had arrived while they were gone. They slid back into their places, dropped the shots into the beers and drank.

“That server sure seemed disappointed you weren’t here,” Roy teased. “Kept asking about you. Wanted to know if you were taken.”

“What did you tell him?” Marshall asked.

Roy shrugged. “Said if he wanted to know so bad, he should ask Lee.”

Marshall kicked him underneath the table, and Roy laughed.

Lee leaned over and pinched Marshall’s cheek between thumb and finger. “Aw, what’s the matter, sweetums, feelin’ a mite jealous?”

“No, of course not. I just thought he was trashy, that’s all.”

That produced more guffaws from Lee and Roy.

“I’m not jealous!” Marshall protested.

 Lee clapped him on the back and grinned. “Oh no, not much you aren’t!”

Blondie chose that moment to walk up to the table, producing more hoots of laughter from Lee and Roy, and little enthusiasm from Marshall.The server tossed his long hair back, away from his face, and batted his eyes straight at Lee, ignoring Marshall’s presence entirely. So much so, he stepped on Marshall’s foot in his eagerness to get to Lee.

“Goddammit, those are new boots!” Marshall spluttered.  The server paid him no heed and leaned around him, his attention all on Lee.

“Can I get you something else, sugah?” There was no mistaking what the blond was offering. And it wasn’t liquid refreshment. At least, nothing that came from the bar.

It took all of Marshall’s self-control not to lean his chair back onto two legs and block the server’s way, but he didn’t do it.

“Yes, you can.” Lee’s voice was deceptively calm. Marshall recognized the don’t-fuck-with-me undertones. He returned his chair to its original position and kept quiet.

“What can I get you, handsome?”

“Some respect for my partner,” Lee replied. “And an apology for stepping on his foot.” Lee slid an arm about Marshall’s shoulders, his message clear.

Marshall felt his heart expand a hundredfold, and he reveled in the security and love that was Lee.  He looked up at Blondie, who’d thrust out his lower lip into a pout, undoubtedly hoping to gain sympathy from Lee. Marshall could have told him he was barking up the wrong tree there.

Lee cleared his throat with purpose. Blondie backed up a pace.

“I... I’m sorry,” he muttered in a voice that barely carried over the music. Marshall glanced at Lee, who nodded.

“Apology accepted. And can we have another round of the same, please?” Marshall said.

“Yes, sir. Right away.” Marshall thought if Blondie were wearing a skirt, he would’ve curtsied. Instead he simply turned and shuffled toward the bar, a whole lot less sass in his step, and a whole lot more contrite.

“You see? Anyone can be trained, if you know how to do it right.” Lee reached for his beer with his free hand, a twinkle in his eye as he observed Marshall over the rim of the glass.

“Is that so? I’m guessing you mean me?” Marshall couldn’t help but stare into Lee’s dark blue eyes. He tried not to smile, but he wasn’t that good at dissembling, tending to wear his heart on his sleeve. When it came to Lee, anyway.

“Well, he sure doesn’t mean me.” Roy snorted.

They all laughed at that, and any lingering tension dissipated. The chastened server returned with their drinks, and a sunnier disposition.

“You know what, I think I see a pretty little filly that needs some attention. I’ll catch up with you.” Roy rose, took his beer and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Lee and Marshall alone.

“Hey, Lee, long time no see!”

Another country heard from. Lee turned toward the newcomer.

to be continued

Now be sure and visit the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday is Horror Day #221 - Venom (1981)

 Venom (1981)

Philip Hopkins (Lance Holcomb) is the ten-year-old son of a well-to-do family. His asthma keeps him mostly indoors among the pets he loves and collects. When his mother Ruth (Cornelia Sharpe), goes to join his father in Rome, Philips is left in the care of his grandfather Howard Anderson (Sterling Hayden), a world famous hunter, and the family maid Louise (Susan George) and the chauffeur Dave (Oliver Reed). Philip and his grandfather concoct a little scheme to enable Philip to sneak out of the house long enough to pick up his newest purchase from the dealer - a gray snake. Unknown to them, Dave and Louise have their own plan that is going to go down while the mother is away, one that involves a third man, Jacmel (Klaus Kinski) - they plan to kidnap the boy and hold him for ransom.

Meanwhile, at the Institute of Toxicology, Dr. Marion Stowe (Sarah Miles) discovers that a snake that was 

recently purchased by them is not the one they ordered, it's a common domestic snake. To her horror, she realizes that the purchaser of this domestic snake actually has the black mamba they expected to get - the most dangerous animal in the world. A policeman is sent to the boy's house to inquire about it, but the nervous kidnappers assume they have been discovered, chaos ensues, and now they are all trapped in the house with a black mamba that is loose and the police are just outside the door - between a rock and a hard place!

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect with this 1981 film (not to be confused with the Tom Hardy film of the same name). I was very pleasantly surprised. This is definitely no cheap horror film, and the snake is not CGI or cartoonish - and something to be legitimately scared of. There are some well-known actors in this film - Oliver Reed, Sterling Hayden, Susan George, Klaus Kinski, Sarah Miles, and Nicol Williamson as the police commander who is determined to rescue the boy and his grandfather. The acting is wonderful, as is the writing and direction. I had no idea what was going to happen, it is far from predictable. I loved Nicol Williamson's performance as Commander Bulloch - he commands any scene he is in. You may remember him from the film Excalibur where he played Merlin. Oliver Reed as the chauffeur is prone to act first and think after, which doesn't work well. You may remember him from such films as Gladiator and Tommy. 

Klaus Kinski as the cold rather psychotic German is perfect. You may recall I recently reviewed Nosferatu, where he starred as the titular character. I much preferred Venom and his performance there.  All in all, a very entertaining film, well worth watching. I'll give this film 4.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #11 (3.1)

 Happy Hump Day, everyone! The work week is half done, and the weekend is almost here! So take a break with the Wednesday Briefers, read some flash fiction and have some fun. 

Last week, we saw Lee come up with an idea for a night out with Marshall, and Roy's coming along too. See what they're up to at Partners. And don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #11 (3.1)

Despite Lee’s warnings—or perhaps because of them—Marshall spent the entire day breaking in his new boots in preparation for the trip to Partners. As added protection, he placed a band-aid on each heel. Better safe than sorry. They surely were beautiful boots. He admired them in his and Lee’s full-length bedroom mirror, twisting and turning to catch the whole effect. Hand-tooled black leather, they fit perfectly and looked great. So did the black cords he wore, the ones that molded themselves to his ass.  In one ear, a silver hoop glittered.

Roy had met them at the house. They were all going in Lee’s sedan, as having the most comfortable ride. Roy had teased Marshall about his new black Western-style shirt. “Aren’t you fancy?” He ran his fingers along the silver piping that contrasted with the darkness of the shirt. “Are those real pearl?” He indicated the snaps.

“Yep. Got this last time we were in San Antone. Like it?”

“Sure do. You’re lookin’ real fine.” Roy flashed him a grin. “Betcha the guys line up to be your dance partner.”

 “Betcha you’re right,” Marshall agreed.

Lee rolled his eyes. “Don’t encourage the boy, you’ll give him a swell head.” Lee swatted Marshall's ass when he bent to climb in the car, and Marshall warmed to his touch.  After Roy hopped in the back and Lee slid behind the wheel, Marshall added, “You don’t look half bad yourself.” But the open admiration in his eyes was a closer indicator of just how hot he thought Lee really looked.

Partners was pretty well hopping, but then again it was Western night. Wall-to-wall men of all sizes, shapes, and colors made for an interesting landscape. A large number of them were stuffed into the game room, and their triumphant cries and moans of defeat punctuated their activities.

The dance floor was awhirl with bodies in motion, gyrating energetically to the throbbing rhythms that thump-thumped through the mega speakers situated strategically throughout the club. Marshall’s feet were begging to be taken in that direction, but he curbed his enthusiasm and followed behind Lee as he threaded his way through the club in his quest for a table, telling himself it wouldn’t be long now, Roy bringing up the rear.

On Western night, servers wore wrangler jeans, boots, cowboy hats, and leather vests that revealed bare skin beneath, with scintillating glimpses of nipples calculated to make a horny man’s mouth fairly water with desire. These guys gave new meaning to the phrase “ride’em cowboy”.

Marshall almost ran into Lee when he stopped without warning, grabbing his hips, as he felt Roy bump into him from behind. One of the cowboy servers stood before them, a tall slender blond with hair that fell Rapunzel-like down his chest. His cowboy hat was studded with rhinestones and purple feathers.

“Hey sexy, looking for a table?” the server purred. “I think I might be able to squeeze you in.”

Marshall noticed the server’s eyes weren’t exactly looking Lee in the face, and it didn’t take a mind-reader to guess just what he was scoping out in that southerly direction his glance had just taken.

“You do that,” Lee drawled. “I’d be much obliged.”

“Walk this way, sugah.” The blond batted his fake eyelashes, before turning and sashaying away with mincing steps, Lee close behind. Marshall threw one hand backward, into the air, and swung his hips in an exaggerated copy of the server’s gait. Roy guffawed, even as he poked Marshall in the back and told him to behave himself or he’d tell Lee.

True to his word, the server managed to find them a four-top that had a decent view of the dance floor, and wasn’t situated too close to the speakers. There were two seats on either side. Lee chose one side, Roy sat on the other, but when Marshall tried to claim his spot beside Lee, the server blocked his way, leaning in toward Lee in a confidential manner, under the pretense of making himself heard. “What would you like this evening?” he asked, his voice filled with a whole lot of innuendo.

Lee ordered three drafts and three shots. If he was aware of the blatant invitation behind the blond’s words, he gave no indication of it. Once the server had gone to fill their order, a disgruntled Marshall took his seat, scooting his chair a tad closer to Lee’s. Lee arched a brow but said nothing.

Roy was scoping out the dance floor, but he didn’t seem to find what he was looking for. “The evening’s young,” he commented. “Maybe later, when the line dancing begins. That seems to bring the ladies to their feet, especially the unattached ones.” He drummed his fingers on the tabletop, in sync with the music, his big body swaying back and forth.

A shadow fell across the table. Marshall glanced up, prepared to defend his territory against the predatory waiter. But this was a brunet, early thirties, neatly trimmed goatee, tight black T-shirt, and form-fitting leather pants.

“Want to dance?” There was no mistaking this man’s intentions; his focus was clearly on Marshall. Not uncommon when they came to Partners. Marshall drew his fair share of attention, even though he did nothing—at least in his eyes—to warrant it.

He and Lee had an agreement—Marshall was free to dance with anyone, provided he received permission. And with the strict understanding nothing else would occur, there or anywhere else. Not that Marshall wanted anything or anyone else, but those were the rules, and he followed them. It wasn’t that Lee couldn’t keep up with Marshall. It was more a matter of giving Marshall his own space, Lee called it. A question of trust.

Marshall automatically glanced at Lee.

“With your father’s permission, of course,” the man added.

Marshall snickered, just before Lee pulled him close and laid a liplock on him that took his breath away.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb