should read not so many stories in a row - off limits ? have i read it or not - should remember some titles - sure i read them all again after finished - now the same a great story !

Really cute! I think Hardcase is making progress but like with most people set in their ways, progress is sometimes very slow!

It just gives me so much pleasure watching your portrayal of these two characters-the way you develop a situation over a series of stories, never losing the thread even when the project includes pieces written over a span of years. "Goin' Nowhere Slow", "Once Bitten" and now this one all add nuances to the idea of J.J. Beal casting a long shadow of mistrust that neither Mark nor Hardcastle is consciously aware of at first. It's a delight the way you give them insight-a slow and uneven progression with occasional backsteps.

I'm a sucker for the early stuff, and you do it SO well! I especially love the end, amused at the "horror" on the Judge's face, "he pulled slowly from the parking lot." Mark knew it wasn't the time to leave the Judge eating dust! He was content with this show of trust.

Very, very nice.

I do have a question, though. Didn't Teddy get to drive the vette to his job interview? Or, am I wrong? I'll have to watch the episode again...not like I need an excuse.

What a lovely follow-up and so very well written. It left me smiling, thinking to myself "Yep. That's how it happened." As always, a pleasure. Thanks so much for sharing!

CB

Just what I needed - the perfect story to remind me why I love these guys so much in the first place! The 'Queen of Early' has done it again, spinning us a tale that's just right. I've always enjoyed the thought of possible 'hidden meanings' to the 'Vette - HC states clearly in RT that "nobody drives this car but me," and yet we treated to seeing McC driving it a time or two. This story bridges that gap so nicely. And I loved HC's explanation after the J.J. Beale incident - it makes so much more sense.

Thanks for sharing this gift with us, and thanks to Suzanne for patiently encouraging a follow-up.

Yet another wonderful story from the "early years". It's got everything - great dialogue, excellent writing, but the best part for me is the explanation (finally) of the relationship as portrayed in GNF. A lot of us have had a problem with the judge being so stubbornly recalcitrant and here's a nicely spelled out and believable reason. I'm also very glad you decided to do this "sequel", and that's one killer last line to a top-notch story!

Cheride,

I sure am happy you did do a sequel to that story.

I just love all your stories as much as I ever have.

I love the ending there and how Hardcastle decided to give McCormick a chance to drive his prized posession.

Mark knows how much Hardcastle loves that car,andenough though at the end Mark told Hardcastle to try and keep up with him in the vette and Hardcastle in the was just teasing about driving fast and he really wouldnt do it though not to the judge.

Mark would never even consider hurting Hardcastle like that or in any other way.

JeanneZ84