I'm happy to reread this story knowing what following chapters bring to it.  This story makes you feel.  You feel what Brian, who has come a long way through his own force of personality, knows he will be losing but cannot find another way around it.  Who in spite of being thought an asshole is loved by a little girl who is not his and his son. You feel for Justin, who was so happy with his showing only to fall hard from the review.  Justin who is so full of pain that he does his best to hurt the one person who will back him in everything.  Cynthia who will have Brian's back.  Everett who will figure prominently and be a foil for Cynthia.   Emmett who feels badly for Justin, but knows nothing he does will help.  He's also become to admire Brian and understand him more.  Ted who somehow comes out the bearer of bad news and in trying to be helpful only manages to make things worse.  Ben who did an admirable job when faced with an unreasonable task.  My favorite line was his was "Any one that has actually read the book would realize that I did not as you say, glamorize self-infection."  Telling the bitch off.  You make us hate Ms Lyons with a passion.  Then there is Lindsay at her manipulative best, demanding to speak with Brian.  It's obvious she has knowledge about Brian that we are not yet privy to.  She seems to think that Justin leaving Brian will spell the end.  Selfish of her since we know that Justin is Brian's addiction.  Each and every chapter will give us so much.

We learn Cynthia's and Brian's story and it is not pretty.  It does explain Cynthia's devotion to Brian.  This is where we learn of Missy for the first time.  This was obviously before he met Mikey.  Brian should have remembered Justin's PSA.  Never take drugs that aren't prescribed from a doctor.  lol.  We learn a little of his special gift, the one that helped him become the wealthy person he is so fast.  We learn that Brian can relate to Emmett which is the basis of their unique friendship.  I see Justin as a selfish twat at times, perhaps distance will give him clarity? We have Harry, Brian's attorney and Everett, then there is a fax.  Was Brian anticipating what the fax foretold? Next we have Carl and Debbie. Carl is retiring and plans a cruise with Debbie.  Those two items seem important, but why?  Next we have the man on the bench shame he didn't ping with Marc.  Then you leave us with Stockwell, so know we know who will be causing problems.

Action, Adventure, and Attempted Murder.  On a floating ship no less.  Frankly there is no way that Brian could not have been there.  Think of the rumors that would have started.    Sex on the couch with Debbie and Carl in the house!  That is just so wrong.  I didn't know that Lindsay had panic attacks!  Did she really expect Brian to stop whatever he's doing at his party to answer her call?  Do I detect a rift in the Ted and Emmett friendship?  Surprise, surprise, Ms. Lyons showed up and she wasn't invited.  Sadly Everett isn't doing his job.  Especially with Ms. Lyons or the hitman that's on board.  I would have loved to see Everett and Cynthia dancing.  Sigh.  Wish it were Emmett.  How cool would that have been.  Marc unfortunately is looking in the wrong place, the danger is on board and not at sea.  Everett was close at hand but not close enough, to stop the imposter from tossing Brian into the drink.   Clusterfuck is putting it mildly.

Great opening.  Brian's in the water, the rescue boats on the other side of the ship.  Cynthia followed close behind, thank goodness she's a swimmer.  Emmett is the only one that knows what the bad guy looks like and can identify him.  Ted is dense about the whole thing.  Ms. Lyons is going to be trouble. 

They do say your life flashes across your mind at a time like this.  Evidently it's true.  But you don't kill the hero, which I classify Brian as, so I'm not worried... much.

Jennifer is being directed to the hospital.  With her and Cynthia on his side, Brian is sure to pull through.

We have Cynthia, Jennifer and Marc at the hospital.  I assume Lara is somewhere around.  Ms. Lyon's is sticking her nose in everywhere she can.  Thanks to Emmett they know who they're looking for, just have to find him.  And find him they do.  We learn he is a professional, Russian?  Maybe.  My question is who is answering, the prisoner or Noah?  Are the three scars the prisoner's. 

Brian in a shower with two men.  What does he have to complain about.  My question is - is Emmett clothed or not? Just the thought. lol.   Brian admitting he has a mental problem is huge.

This Jennifer is a little different.  She's not the Jennifer who promised not to tell Craig and then went and did it anyways.  Perhaps she's learned from that.  But she's doing better by Brian.

Justin's back and he'll learn more about his partner, but not enough.  Justin could be a calming influence on Brian ... if he keeps his temper in check.  He's surprised to find his mom there and probably a little miffed that she's the one Brian turned to instead of him.  I would be.  I also don't blame him for being angry for being left in the dark while this was going on.  I would imagine that the second thing Brian is afraid of is Justin no longer loving him.  As if that would ever happen.

Brian in a rage!  To think Michael named his character that and has no idea to the extent that it's true.  Or is it Beauty and the Beast, with Justin as Beauty.  He sure does know how to calm Brian down. 

Mikey and Lindsay, what can one say.  Things are going down and they're concerned about themselves.  All they want to do is demand his time and attention which will be blocked to a certain extent.

Emmett, you gotta love him.  He's going to stick by Brian and with his planning abilities has the perfect place for Brian to recuperate.

There you go making us feel again.  We feel the frustration coming off of Dr. Anders.  How hard he tried to make the pain go away and never being able to.  To know that Brian survived is a miracle in a way.  And you know he's not going to stop trying to help.

Melanie, who has no idea what Brian's been going through, thought it would be a good idea to call and see if he knew what Lindsay was up to? 

Poor Ben, Mikey has a one track mind when it comes to Brian.  Because he has never been a full-time parent, let alone a single parent.  That right there tells you that he doesn't really know Brian anymore.  Sheese.  

As for Brian and Justin, it's amazing what they can say to each other without actually talking.  That has to be the most sensual non talk anyone's ever written.

So now we know.  Emmett's going back to Hazelhurst.  I'm happy to know that it won't be a bad experience for him at least not so far.

Talk about pissed.  At least it wasn't Ted who leaked the news.  My money's on the two young nurses in the elevator.  Hope they lose their jobs over this.  Whatever happened to patient confidentiality.  Now the cops are going to return.

Poor Carl.  How is he going to deal with a hysterical Deb and her little boy too.

Brian Kinney traveling by train.  Two days no less.  Can't imagine the only train I've ridden was the Bullet Train in Japan.  At least they got a hotel before going further.  Two days make a difference in Brian's weight evidently.  He never seemed to take well to mothering.  Maybe because he didn't get any when he was growing up?  Gotta admit that I don't think anyone will think of looking for Brian in Hazelhurst.  lol.  What is it that Justin's planning?  Daphne may have a clue but I don't.  Love how Molly is smart enough to figure out something's wrong.  So Melanie finally gets what Brian means to Lindsay.  I'm not sure I do.  Some part of me still wants to think Lindsay is thinking happy hetro thoughts.  Everett appears to have a photographic memory. Good to have in his line of work.  The trick with the photos means something.  Same thing with Harry and seeing one of Everett's men following someone.  That too means something and I'll have to wait to find out what.  Emmett seemed worried about money.  With $60,000 and an unlimited, untraceable credit card he doesn't need to.  I laugh when I think of everyone high on weed and shopping.  In case I didn't mention it your cop characters are totally interesting, who did you base them on.  I'm thinking they'll play an important part later on?

Justin and fake Brian fake a fight.  Now what are Justin's plans?  Why does Brian pick this time to give Justin his long-overdue wedding present?  Looks like Molly isn't the only curious one in the family.  Gus is trying to learn more about his dad too.

Mikey and Deb.  Deb is worried about Brian, while Mikey's mind is on why Hunter doesn't want to come home for Thanksgiving.  At least Deb has Jennifer to talk to.  Jenn wants to know what Deb knows about Brian's upbringing.  What will she do with the knowledge.

Lady Jane.  Will she have her hands full, or will Brian?  She's a great character worthy of going up against the Great Brian Kinney. 

You write some great chapters.  It would be hard to remember all the good parts for commenting if I didn't make notes while reading since you switch from one character to another in different paragraphs.  That's why I'm so glad to have a chance to reread this from the beginning.  : )

Melanie's smart enough to catch on to Lindsay.  A clean house, a groomed Lindsay and the kids on a sleepover.  Please!  Love Aunt Lulah, she's ready for anything with her handy handgun.  Good thing it wasn't needed.  Have to admit I was wondering what the lady was up to, especially when the dog sniffed both Brian and Jane's butts.  Both of them squeaking.  LOL, puppies a sure cure for what ails ya.  Love how Lulah gave Brian the responsibility for the dogs.  My mother says the dog across the street looks like a bear so I'm assuming that it's a Newfoundland.  I couldn't for the life of me figure out the breed.  Thank you.

Jen's talk with Deb is proving very informative.  I'm glad Deb feels guilty about telling St. Joan about Brian's cancer.  So she should.  If only Lindsay felt the same for her part in Justin going off to New York.  But then that would be another story.

That Gus should be introduced to Everett.  He's in the same league.  Lindsay's pulling the same shit she did with Brian.  I kinda wish Mel would say no just on general principle.  Being manipulated like that is not good.

Justin's plans to save the world have to be saved until he gets to the bank.  I'm assuming his account has enough in it so he can do whatever he wants.

Back to the cops.  Who's the dead body and why do I feel that it related to Brian's case?  Don't tell me it's the Russian.  I thought he was locked up.

Hetro sex.  Did you put a warning on this chapter?  Before I forget what was it that got Everett's attention before Cynthia did?

Wow, I love the way Jan condensed Lindsay's hold on Brian.  She's got great insight.  Love her background story.  That was some story.

I had to read through this twice.  The first time for the sheer enjoyment of it.  The second time to document all the amazing stuff in it.  A Super Hero in the making.  Everyone is involved and Jane loves it.  Brian's ideas are amazing.

Love that Jane felt the need to help the homeless man.  Fortunately it worked out perfectly that he was with a K9 unit.  Hopefully he'll be of help when the trouble starts, cause I'm sure there will be some.

Brian's helping the family with kids doesn't surprise me.  He's got the money and he's developed a healthy respect for the people who help protect our country.  That whole section was fantastic.

I'm worried about Justin.  There is so much going on around him that he doesn't know. He's worried about Brian because Brian isn't acting like the Brian he thinks he knows. Thank goodness Geri is following him and Molly.  Especially if Nick is following as well.  Brian's changed, he's freer, he uses emoticons, he's put on weight, he's got a beard!  That's got to be unsettling.  The sex scene was spectacular.  Justin has to know how much Brian cares after that.  I'm just hoping that Emmett is looking out for Molly.

Lara called Jane out on what she thought was an act.  Jane might have done it for Brian, to help Brian, but there could have been serious ramifications as Lara pointed out.

I'm amazed that Marc trusts Granvil enough to come clean with him.  Jane seems to know everything and mindreads as well.  That poker game has made me suspicious though.  Looks like Tate has everyone's attention.  I'm wondering how Jane managed to leave him at home.  That early morning battle of Jane and Tate is scary.  It would appear that according to Tate, Brian is as good for Jane as Jane is for Brian.  Go figure.  Love how Brian and Emmett are relating to each other.  Brian's not taking him for granted.  I''m afraid to read the song lyrics.

I'm so happy to get to reread this.  I remember wondering what was happening with Molly.  Love your take on Lindsay and Mikey and need more!!!

Love, love, love this.  From the Emmett, Ted and Gus parts.  To the Justin vs Craig parts.  To the phonecall between Justin and Lindsay.  Can't wait for more.