Book Review: Ten Count, Vol 4 by Rihito Takarai

Ten Count, Vol 4    

Author: Rihito Takarai

Publisher: SuBLime Manga

American release date: May 9, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/glbt/178 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Shirotani has gone to Kurose’s apartment, ostensibly to watch a movie, but did he seriously think Kurose wouldn’t try to take advantage of the situation to touch him in some way? On some level, he must have known that would happen. So when Kurose introduces him to an anal plus, Shirotani’s protests are weak at best. Once the plug is in place, Shirotani is both disgusted and turned on. When Kurose removes the plug and suggests he replace it with himself, Shirotani fights against the idea, claiming Kurose is manipulating him. To his surprise, Kurose claims that Shirotani is the one who is actually in control. Shirotani worries that if he becomes cured of his germophobia, Kurose will lose interest in him.

Shirotani leaves, but doesn’t get very far in his turgid condition and, against his better instincts, enters a public lavatory, torn between not being contaminated by his surroundings and relieving his need. As he fantasizes that Kurose is touching him, he replays memories in his mind, of his childhood, and the incidents which were the start of his germophobia.

Avoiding Kurose, Shirotani throws himself even harder into his work. The weather has turned ugly and there is talk of an impending typhoon. Shirotani’s boss apologetically asks him to deliver some urgent documents to a client, which of course he does.  Leaving the office of the client, heading down in the elevator, he sees Kurose come on but keeps his back to him, assuming Kurose won’t know him. Unfortunately, a power outage halts the elevator, and Shirotani is forced to face his fears, as well as Kurose. Can they reach a new understanding of their relationship together?

Another great volume of this series. More and more we are beginning to understand what drives Shirotani to be the way he is. It’s hard not to feel sorry for him, and also to hope he can be cured of his fixation. I believe he is fixable, and that Kurose is the key. I suspect there is more to Kurose than meets the eye. He’s already admitted to being attracted to Shirotani in large part because he is a germophobe, but there must be more to the story than that.

Some people might argue that there is some dubious consent here, but after careful consideration, I don’t believe that to be the case. While it might appear that Kurose is going against what Shirotani says, I believe he is receiving his cues from Shirotani, as he claims, and Shirotani is actually setting the pace and controlling the action. There is also the matter of Item number ten on the list, which has yet to be named. I’m not sure it ever will, but I hope so.

Looking forward to the next volume!

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #50 (12.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Salvation is playing at a small bar in New Orleans, last gig before they go on the road. Ryan is looking forward to having a good night with Ben, but will something disrupt those dreams? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #50 (12.4)

The first two sets went very well. The audience was small but appreciative. Some had even dressed as the various members of the band, including a couple of priests and nuns and even one pope. When Ryan had attended concerts with Cassie, he’d often worn that band’s T-shirt as a symbol of unity, but he’d never gone so far as to imitate their dress.  Then again, most bands didn’t dress quite as distinctively as Salvation. At least not in his experience. Maybe New Orleans was more open to that sort of thing than St. Louis.

Earlier in the day, while Ben and the others were rehearsing, Ryan had found a few minutes to call Cassie and say hello. They didn’t get to talk long, but he promised her a longer call as soon as he could. It was good to hear her voice, see how she was doing… and tell her about Ben and him. She practically squealed over the phone, she was so pleased at the news that they were together at last. She said she was doing well and keeping busy but she missed him. She told him they would definitely have to find time to come visit her, which idea Ryan seconded. He couldn’t wait to show Ben off, and for Ben and Cassie to get to know each other. Hopefully Ben wouldn’t mind.

Between sets, the band signed autographs and posed for pictures. Ryan stood proudly by, watching. Ben was certainly in his element, smiling and charming and gracious to everyone. They didn’t get a chance to dance, but Ryan still had hopes that might happen after the last set. The bar had a juke box that was kept busy when the band wasn’t playing. He was pretty sure he could find something on it that was slow and romantic if he looked hard enough. If not, they could always improvise.

He took a few photos for the book  , but Ben had told him not to worry about taking too many —they’d be playing New Orleans again at least once or twice before the tour was done—so he kept the number down. Afterward he claimed a spot against the wall where he could stand and watch the band to his heart’s content. Ben had warned him that this gig would run later than usual since bars stayed open all night here. It might be past two before they got out, but Ryan didn’t mind. They could always sleep in a little tomorrow.

“Hey, tiger, how’s it going?” a voice broke into his thoughts.

Ryan glanced over to find Brandon standing beside him, drink in hand, cheesy grin firmly affixed. Ryan wasn’t entirely surprised. After all, Abby had warned them he might be there. He’d hoped that wouldn’t happen, but now all he could do was make the best of a potentially bad situation.

“Good,” he replied politely. “You?”

“Never better. How about we go outside? Get a little fresh air? Kinda stuffy in here, don’t you think?”

Ryan pushed down his annoyance at the other man’s presumption. “Thanks, I’m good right here,” he said, keeping his eyes fixed on Ben. Maybe Brandon would catch a clue…

“Ah, afraid lover boy will be jealous? I get it. He does tend to be possessive when he’s in love, doesn’t he?”

Ryan turned startled eyes in Brandon’s direction.  Brandon was openly smirking. Was he deliberately provoking Ryan? To do what? And why?

“So tell me something, is incest like legal now? I mean it seems to be all the fashion. You see it on TV, in books… and in real life.”

Ryan’s cheeks heated. He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to punch Abby’s boyfriend in the mouth. What did she even see in this guy? Whatever it was, he couldn’t see it.

He also wasn’t going to let Brandon get the better of him, either. He took deep breaths until he felt calm enough to respond without anger. “Ben and I were stepbrothers ten years ago. We have no blood ties. If you’ll excuse me…” He pushed off from the wall and walked away from Brandon, still seething internally. The bar was right in front of him, as he maneuvered across the room. Why not?

He stood at the bar for a few minutes before the bartender was able to get him, wiping his hands on a cloth around his waist. “What can I get you?”

“Shot of whiskey,” Ryan responded. When the bartender set it in front of him, he bolted it, feeling the liquor burn along his throat as it went down.

“Another one,” he said, pushing the empty glass forward. The bartended obliged. This time, Ryan sipped at it, determined to keep his wits about him. “What do I owe you?”

“Nothing,” came the immediate response. “I know you’re with the band. It’s all good.” He gave Ryan a gap-toothed smile. Ryan tried to smile back, but it felt stiff.

“Thanks,” he said. Just then, he felt an arm about his waist and he started to stiffen until he realized the band was no longer on the stage. When had they stopped playing?

“Hey, what’s going on?” He heard Ben’s familiar voice in his ear and realized Brandon hadn’t followed him to the bar, as he’d first thought. He directed his gaze to Ben’s beautiful blue eyes which were  perturbed.

“Can we go outside?” Ryan asked.

“Sure. We just went on break before the last set.”

Ryan knocked back the remnants of his drink just before Ben drew him close and kissed him, long and hard. By the time the kiss ended, Ryan felt better. “I needed that.” He took Ben’s hand in his and led him out the front door, never looking around to see where Brandon might be. He didn’t really give a shit.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #49 (12.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Salvation is playing a concert in New Orleans before hitting the road the next day. If Ryan had any pre-conceived ideas of what the club was liked, they're shattered by the reality when they get to Petit Chou. But everything will be fine, as long as they're together. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #49 (12.3)

As they pulled up to their destination, Ryan couldn’t help but think Petit Chou was a surprisingly small venue, especially for New Orleans, and located nowhere near the heart of the city. He’d assumed it would be in the French Quarter, or wherever most of the music was, but that wasn’t the case, as the bar was located in a more residential area.  Petit Chou sat at the end of a long skinny strip mall beyond which lay a group of apartment buildings and townhouses. There was little room for parking in front of the businesses. Most patrons either used the lot on the side of the structure or they parked in the wide street, but there was only so much space available there. Ryan suspected that most people ended up utilizing the much larger lot just across the street. Deacon parked the van in front of the building while Aiden found a space for Cameron’s sedan before they joined Deacon and Keanu at the van.

Deacon turned questioning eyes to Ben. “Think it’s cool to unload here?”

“On it,” Ben said. “C’mon, Ryan, let’s find out where they want us to set up.”  Ryan followed him inside while the rest of the band lounged against the van to wait.

Ryan’s first impression of Petit Chou’s lack of size was only reinforced when they entered the building.  It was maybe a third the size of The Dive, and a lot more dimly lit. The bar, which sat to their right, ran most of the length of the wall. Two casually dressed young men stood behind it, washing glasses and checking inventory.  A young woman in blue jeans and a T-shirt stood at the end of the bar, cutting fruit. Just inside the front door, to the left, was a small stage. The dance floor wasn’t very large either, to Ryan’s disappointment. He’d planned to dance with Ben on one of his breaks. He tried to remain optimistic. No reason they couldn’t dance, if they could find room. And depending on how much the fans wanted to monopolize Ben’s time too. He had to get used to the idea that he couldn’t have Ben all to himself, at least not when he was working.

“Welcome, welcome!’ A small man bustled up to them from the shadows. His dark hair lay in a deliberately messy disarray, and he wore a warm smile. “I’ve been waiting for you. So good to meet you.” He held out a manicured hand, first to Ben, then Ryan. “I’m Clete  Thibodeaux. Owner of Petit Chou.” Pride was evident in his voice as he waved his hand in an all-encompassing gesture. “I am a huge fan of Salvation. I was beyond excited to find out you were coming.”

“Our pleasure,” Ben said smoothly. If he was disappointed in the size of the bar, he hid it well. Ryan decided he’d follow Ben’s lead and try not to be so judgmental. “Is it all right to bring the equipment in through the front?”

“Oh absolutely, absolutely.” The bar owner practically bounced on the soles of his feet in excitement. “I expect a good crowd tonight. It’s gonna be awesome.”

Ryan scanned the room, which consisted of small tables set fairly close together. A few were already occupied.  Through an opening in the back wall, he could see another room on the other side.

“Is that a pool table I see?” he asked, turning to Clete.

“Sure is. Two tables. Quarter a game. Feel free to play as much as you like. We have pinball machines too. We used to have poker machines, but I had them taken out. Caused too much trouble.”

“I can appreciate that,” Ben said. “People sometimes get crazy about that stuff and just don’t know when to quit.”

“You know that’s right.” Clete gave Ryan a searching look, as if wondering where he fit into the scheme of things, but made no comment. “Tell you what.  I’ll set up a tab for the band,” he said. “So whenever you want something, just let the bartender know and he’ll get it for you.” Ryan noticed the bar owner kept glancing behind them, as if looking for something. Ryan turned, but saw nothing to produce such intense interest on the man’s part.

“I was wondering,” Clete began, a little hesitantly. “Do you think… I mean, would it be possible to get Deacon autograph? I just love the way he plays. And he’s so sexy. No offense to the rest of you,” he hastily added.

“None taken,” Ben assured him. “He is a wonderful keyboardist, I agree,  and he’s pretty easy on the eyes. I’ll see what I can do about an autograph. Shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Thanks, man.” He held out a hand, first to Ben, then to Ryan. “I gotta take care of some stuff, but feel free to come to any of the staff if you need anything. And I’ll be around all night.” With a final nod, he moved off, maybe to an office or something.

“Nice guy,” Ben commented. He turned to Ryan. “Ready to get started?”

“Absolutely.”

Ben pulled him close for a kiss before they headed outside to get the others.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

  

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 19 by Kazue Kato

Blue Exorcist, Vol 19

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 5, 2018

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/194 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 True Cross has a new student – Ambrosius Faust. But he’s actually Amaimon, passing himself off as Johann Faust’s nephew. What’s up with that? To Rin’s dismay, he claims Shiemi is his bride, but she quickly sets him straight on that count. Meanwhile, Lightning and Suguro have been investigating in the monastery where Rin and Yukio were raised. Afterward, Lightning storms into Mephisto’s bath to confront him an unofficial contract of Morinath, which is completely against order rules. Mephisto tells him the location of the treasure he seeks, and advises he go at night, and to “place the key in the hand.” Off Lightning and Suguro go!

Shiemi has been wrestling with whether or not to take the exorcist exam, conflicted between her desire to please and her wishes for the future. Having made her decision, she approaches her mother, who asks that Shiemi hear her out before she makes a final decision.

Lightning and Suguro find themselves beneath the monastery, in the place that was the predecessor of the cram school. This place was dismantled sixteen years before, because it was ground zero on the Blue Night! They talk to one another about their backgrounds, and then they run into an unexpected blast from the past. When Lightning accuses the newcomer of signing a contract or Morinath, he tells them where to find the Section 13 they seek. Lightning and Suguro find the ruins of what was once the cram school, as well as Section 13. It seems as though someone was experimenting with finding elixirs for immortality! Worse than that, they were delving into cloning! Mephisto, you have some ‘splaining to do!

Christmas break has arrived, but the Exwires decide to stay at the school in order to study for the exorcist exam. When a discussion of birthdays arises, they decide to hold a Christmas party/birthday party for the group! The students split into groups to take care of preparations, even as they speculate on what Shiemi has just told them, trying to figure out why she made the decision that she did.

I love following the ongoing investigation of Lightning and Suguro. What they are uncovering is totally fascinating, even if I’m not sure how it fits into the scheme of things. Cloning, immortality and elixirs? We learn more about the Blue Night, as well as Lucifer, while Mephisto continues to protest that he is not the enemy, and he’s certainly not helping the Illuminati. The plot is definitely thickening, and as usual, the Okumura brothers in in the midst of it, whether they know the truth or not.

I also love Suguro’s character development. At the beginning of the series, I thought of him as a muscle-bound lunkhead, but there is a lot more to him than that. I’m dying to find out about why Shiemi decided what she did – what did her mother say to her? And is Yukio ever going to confide his fears to his brother? After all, two heads are better than one!

The beat goes on in this volume of Blue Exorcist. Unfortunately, now I have to wait for the next one to arrive! I’ve reached the end of what is already published. I’m greatly looking forward to the next volume, whenever it comes out!

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 21 by Kazue Kato

Blue Exorcist, Vol 21    

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 1, 2019

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/202 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

The public is starting to “see” monsters! What the heck? At an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, Lightning reminds them that Mephisto’s barrier is set to expire in February. When Sir Pheles arrives, he tells them they have to quit avoiding reality, then schedules a press conference for that afternoon. He has Shura assigned to him as security, and refers to her as the “beautiful boobalicious exorcist.”

At the press conference, the Prime Minister refers to “an anti-social organism,” as being the cause of the problem. Waiting in the wings, an amused Mephisto faces an angry Yukio Okumura, who wants him to admit he knew all along about Yukio’s flame, like his brother’s. But Mephisto refuses to rise to the bait and strides to the podium to inform the public of the existence of demons, only to be shot…

Rin watches the shocking scenario on the television and rushes to his brother’s side. Meanwhile, Shura is pointing out to the authorities who have scooped Yukio up that he can’t possibly be the shooter and they are allowing the actual shooter to escape! Thanks to Mephisto’s injuries, however, the Gehenna barrier collapses! Rin is struggling to make sense of what has happened, and why Yukio is so determined to know the truth of their birth. Is it possible he has inherited the Satan gene as well?

Rin goes to Yukio’s rescue and attempts an escape! But things do not go as planned, and everyone’s favorite double agent is on hand to add to the confusion. When the Koma sword breaks, will Rin survive?

All I can say is wow, just wow. So much going on here. It’s literally mind-blowing. I can usually tell how things will work out, but right now I can honestly say I have no clue. Yukio is undergoing his own personal trials, but so is Rin. Is Shima taking advantage of the confusion to press his own agenda? What is his agenda? I keep wondering if this is all an elaborate set-up, whereby Yukio infiltrates the other side. He’s got the brains and determination to do something like that. Rin, not so much. But I can’t tell. And what a cliffhanger too, just as Mephisto is about to spill the beans to Rin about his and Yukio’s birth.

What agony, especially not knowing how far away the next volume is. A riveting volume, a real page-turner, and one calculated to keep you on the edge of your seats! Please, next one soon!

Book Review: Ten Count, Vol 3 by Rihito Takarai

Ten Count, Vol 3     

Author: Rihito Takarai

Publisher: SuBLime Manga

American release date: February 14, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/glbt/178 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

When Kurose takes Shirotani shopping for a new suit, he offers to take him by his apartment first so he can change out of Kurose’s clothes, which he is borrowing. Shirotani surprisingly refuses, citing the time that would be lost with the rituals he’d feel compelled to perform. This is a definite step forward for him. He does very well with the tailor, allowing him to take most of his measurements, which of course involves touching. An interesting situation arises when they take a break, and Shirotani finds himself unable to walk properly. Kurose takes him back to his apartment and helps him find relief. In the process, we learn that Shirotani is fearful that giving oral sex can lead to a bacterial infection. Where did he get this idea?

Shirotani has had as much as he can take and hurries home, unwittingly leaving a spare key with Kurose. The next day, he sleeps late and doesn’t have time to style his hair, leaving it more natural, which garners a compliment from Mikami. Feeling a little unwell, Shirotani leaves work early, in order not to exacerbate his condition. He goes to bed, feeling unable to do anything else, much less make dinner. A concerned Kurose, who hasn’t heard from him in a few days, calls. But when Shirotani suddenly stops speaking in the middle of their conversation, Kurose becomes very worried and bicycles to Shirotani’s apartment, even knowing the other man would be uncomfortable with someone else in his home. Using the spare key, he gain entry to the apartment.

Shirotani and Kurose go to an aquarium together, then arrange to watch a movie at Kurose’s apartment. Of course, one thing leads to another, and Kurose can’t help but touch Shirotani. And then he gives him an unexpected gift which holds a great deal of promise…

With each volume of Ten Count, I think we learn a little more about Shirotani. This time we witness a flashback to his childhood, and we see what he saw that was rather traumatizing and probably the beginning of his germophobia. On the other hand, we haven’t really seen what makes Kurose tick. I suspect there is more to him than meets the eye.

I think these two are really good together, and that they would make a great couple. Shirotani is already making great strides under Kurose’s tutelage. I think he has strong feelings for Kurose that he isn’t ready to express. He wants his touch and he enjoys his touch, but he has a hard time dealing with this knowledge because it also feels dirty to him. I think this all stems back to his boyhood trauma. I’m glad that Kurose established their relationship the way he did, as friends rather than therapist and patient. If it were the latter, he’d have been crossing a line, now they are equals.

Looking forward to the next volume!

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #48 (12.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Life is good for Ryan and Ben, together at last. They spend a relaxing day before Salvation's gig at a small club in New Orleans. No one's seen Cameron for a few days, but they're not worried. He probably had business to take care of. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #48 (12.2)

The day had been perfect, and so far the night was gearing up to be more of the same. While Salvation rehearsed during the late morning and early afternoon, Ryan took advantage of the time to organize his thoughts for the book, setting up a tentative outline on his computer. Subject to change, of course, should inspiration steer him in a different direction.

When he’d first been contacted about the job with the band, he’d wondered why him, of all the authors in the world. He wasn’t exactly famous, and his area of expertise, such as it was, lay in the realm of fiction, not biographies or whatever this actually would become. Of course he realized now that was all because of Ben, that he was Ben’s first and only choice and his selection was far from accidental, for which he was grateful. Still, he was determined to do the best job he could in this unfamiliar genre. He wanted Ben to be proud of him. He wanted the entire group’s approval, since his book would reflect on them as well.

After rehearsal, the band went out for lunch and stuffed themselves with Cajun hamburgers and fries which were greasy and spicy and very delicious. It occurred to Ryan that they hadn’t seen Cameron in a few days, since maybe Wednesday morning—when he’d upset Ben so greatly by openly hitting on Ryan—but no one seemed to really mind. He was probably just away on business or something. Not like they needed a chaperone. Ryan hadn’t thought he lived there full time anyway, so maybe this wasn’t unusual for him.  On the plus side, Abby seemed more relaxed than she’d been before. Luckily, Brandon didn’t make an appearance, which Ryan was half afraid he might, although Abby did mention in passing that he hoped to be able to join them for that night’s concert. Ryan found himself hoping Brandon wasn’t able to make it.

The weather was beautiful, although the threat of rain lingered so thickly in the air you could almost feel it.

“Good thing we’re not playing outside tonight,” Ben commented. They were relaxing in Cameron’s back yard, lazing in plastic-slatted lounge chairs—barefoot and shirtless—sipping sweet tea as they breathed in the jasmine-scented air. Ben’s reasoning had been they should spend what time they could outside as the air in Petit Chou, the club they were playing that evening, was not likely to be as fragrant, and they’d be shut up inside all night except for occasional breaks. Assuming it didn’t rain.

“And tomorrow we get a day of rest,” Aiden commented. He and Abby had comes out of the house and sat close to them in matching lawn chairs. Abby wore cut-off jean shorts that showed off her slender legs and a pink crop top that bared her midriff. Keanu and Deacon were doing their own thing somewhere else.

“No rest for the wicked,” Ben said with a grin. Ryan gave him a startled look.

“Actually we hit the road tomorrow,” Ben explained. “Say good-bye to luxury, guys. It’s motels and fast food for us. At least for the next few weeks.”

Hitting the road. That sounded glamorous to Ryan.  The idea of being able to travel with Ben was intoxicating. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a proper vacation. Maybe not since he was a kid. And the situation was filled with potential for more alone time and more privacy with Ben. Unless….

“We’re not all going to be crammed into one room are we?” he asked apprehensively. His words produced a giggle from Abby and a snort from Aiden.

“Don’t worry, we’ll have our own room.” Ben winked at Ryan, whose cheeks felt suddenly warm. Was he that transparent?

“Marge faxed me our itinerary this morning. We get to sleep in tomorrow, but I want to be on the road by noon so we can check out the town a little bit while it’s still light.”

“Where we going first?” Ryan asked. He almost lost his train of thought when Ben slid one bare foot along his leg in a slow sinuous crawl.

“Lake Charles,” Ben said. “Marge said she’d meet us there. She has some paperwork or something.”

“I hope they have good crawfish there,” Abby said. She shifted on the chair, stretching out her legs. 

“I’ve had a craving for some lately. Extra spicy.”

“It’s Lousiana. Of course there’s crawfish,” Aiden stated. “Maybe some fried okra to go with?”

“Mmm, boiled peanuts,” Ben said.

“What are those?” Ryan asked.

“Just to die for,” Ben replied. “And sooo addictive. Can’t stop eating them once you start.”

“And fried pickles,” Aiden added. “Gotta have fried pickles.”

“Do they fry everything here?” Ryan asked with a laugh.

“Everything worth eating,” Ben said. He continued to caress Ryan’s leg. If only they were alone… Ryan tried to focus on something else.

“Well, we’ll certainly be doing a lot of eating on this trip, won’t we?” The words were innocent but the look Ben shot Ryan was positively fraught with innuendo. He felt his cock begin to swell. Damn.  Oh well, tonight would have to do.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp