Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

Great chapter again Tony. What a story you tell in the old letter, so many promises and then the way it ended, very sad tale, but fills in a lot in this story. Enjoyed it,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Valda. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. All the best, Tony

Comment from rspoet

Exceptional

Hello Tony,
Nicely done. The letter sounds exactly right for the circumstances.
It could very well provide proof of ownership.
You have a knack with mirroring past situations with present ones.
Alain's grandmother's circumstances are very similar to Kayla's,
both taken advantage of by unscrupulous manipulators.
If Helen and Charles are to go to Pakistan, Alain will be much needed to care for Kayla.
The big mystery remains in Pakistan and even Helen's Diary.
After all, it seems Jeanne was intent upon retrieving it.
Well done
Robert

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Robert, and for the six stars. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. I'm delighted that you noticed the mirroring, for this provides the connection between the two stories. All the best, Tony

Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

-A good chapter, Tony, that takes us
back to the beginning with the letter.
-Alain continues to be supportive of Kayla,
and she seems to calm down.
-You develop the character of Alain very well,
as he has many strong emotions, and rightly so.
-After the reading of the letter, we learn the truth
of his grandmother and the painting.
-Charles gives a good explanation
about why it belongs to him.
-Of course, Alain doesn't seem to want any part
of what Charles says, and has his reasons for
not trusting people, but when Helen provides
a solution, he melts like butter!
-I was surprised Helen had
the money for "an act of good faith."
-Poor Charles is a little put off by Helen's
offer of a kiss to seal the deal.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Pam. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. Yes, Helen does seem to have that effect on people - especially Alain. It's proved useful to Charles on more than one occasion. I had really intended that Charles came up with the money as an offset against the sale price of the picture, and will need to add to a previous chapter to make that clear. As you suggest, it is unlikely that Helen would have the wherewithal. All the best, Tony

reply by Pam (respa) on 20-Jul-2019

Boy, we are really catching up, Tony! I didn't realize there were this many chapters I had reviewed! Your idea about the money sounds like a good one. I don't even know what Helen's job is. Did you ever mention it?
Sorry if I forget!

Comment from giraffmang

Excellent

Hi Tony,

Great write once again. those two gentlemen really don't like each other at all now, do they?

Well it looks like the authenticity and proof of ownership are there in the letter for a good start.

nice
G

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this one, G. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. All the best, Tony

Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Exceptional

Hi Tony, what marvellous writing this is. Even though I have not been following the story I couldn't help taking a peek and have been richly rewarded, just enjoying the quality of the phrasing and story line. Love it. Giddy :-)

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 13-Jul-2019

How very nice to hear from you, Giddy. Thanks so much for your encouragement and six stars. Much appreciated. I?ve been soldiering away at this for over a year now. Delighted that you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Tony.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Exceptional

Crikey! That was some story that came from that letter. What callous people those so-called 'officers and gentlemen' were! No wonder Alain doesn't trust them. I wouldn't either! But, the discovery of the truth about the ownership of the portrait couldn't have come at a better time, now Helen was able to give Alain some money so that he could look after Kayla. That was a well thought out part, Tony, and up to your usual high standard. Well done! :)) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Sandra, and for the sixth star. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. The armed forces seem to be full of absolute bounders if you and I are to be believed! All the best, Tony

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written chapter and revealing of the letter and its secrets hold for many years at last what they need to prove ownership of the painting.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Sandra. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. All the best, Tony

Comment from sunnilicious

Excellent

Great verbiage. I especially enjoyed the word curmudgeonly. Let's hope I remember to use it. I use crusty a lot. Good narration. Good dialogue. Good idea for the addition of the handwritten note. Good novel installment. Nice work.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Alicia. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. I appreciate your kind words about the narration and dialogue. All the best, Tony

Comment from Gail Denham

Excellent

Good job blending in the dialog, the action, the backstory - it all flows very smoothly. You've been writing for a long while, I can tell. Enjoyed reading this - sounds as if there are more layers to uncover.
Good job.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Gail. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. I appreciate your positive comments. All the best, Tony

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Now, we know what is in the letter and how they are going to make sure Alain has the money to take care of Kayla. Good. I am worried about Kayla though. You have written another very good post. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2019

Thanks very much for your time in reviewing this, Barbara. I'm beginning to tie a few loose ends up before the final chapters. I appreciate your positive comments. All the best, Tony