Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I think you could condense the introduction to Fraleigh, a bit Jim but that is only incidental in an interesting chapter. You show both sides of the businessman in this chapter, the fair-minded and the win at all costs brother-in-law. A great read,
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024

Thanks, Valda. I wish there were more businessmen like Fraleigh with integrity and fewer like the brother-in-law who give capitalism a bad name. He's going to get what he deserves, though.

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

This seem to have worked out well. I sure the brother who bought the invention without consulting a lawyer, isn't going to be in a very comfortable place in the company for a while.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2024

I think it's probably the last straw for Fraleigh's wife's brother. He seems to have made a few other unscrupulous deals that haven't worked out well either. Maybe the 100 grand was a small price to pay to get rid of the guy who was ruining his business.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

This is the best thing that could happen. I wonder how Mr. Carmody is going to get his money back. I doubt that he will as Warren has probably gambled it all away. His brother-in-law is probably out of a job and Warren will get to go to prison, with luck. Very good section of the story here with good people doing good work.

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2024

Thanks, Carol. Reasonable people can come to reasonable solutions that may end up being a benefit to everyone (except maybe the villains). We're not quite at the climax, though, so brace yourself.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

That is a great response and how cool that Alan already has an interested company to manufacture his invention. I think the dialogue progressed well to reveal how Warren got to the company and why there wasn't any background check during Mr. Fraleigh's sick leave. The only thing I would suggest is to drop some of the "Mr." addresses as it feels stilted that they are saying Mr to each other every single time.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 25-Apr-2024

Thanks, Helen. Great suggestion on all the Mr's. You're right--far too many. I removed all of them that weren't in dialogue.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

An excellent outcome to this very well written episode, and one of the things I admire the most about your writing is it ends well, I like happy endings being a woos! Alan is on his way, perhaps Warren is going on a river trip, well done Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 25-Apr-2024

Thanks, Roy. From one woos to another, I like happy endings too. However, as the great Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over 'til it's over." Anything can still happen in the final 6 chapters.

reply by royowen on 25-Apr-2024

Of course

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

This whole thing seemed to go absolutely perfectly, but...it seems way to easy. I can't help but expect the other foot to drop. Thank you for sharing this with us. I enjoyed reading.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024

Absolutely right. We can't make things too easy for him. Foot drop coming soon!

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

and yet... this sounds to good to be true. I hope it turns out as expected but "I would advise you now to complete your final modifications to the application for the provisional patent and overnight it to me" seems to be a red flag." Good luck.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024

Yeah, he couldn't have asked for a better result from Fraleigh, but, as you've suspected, there will be more before the end, though perhaps in a different direction.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

A positive outcome for Alan - so far. Unfortunately Warren has the money and it is unlikely to be able to be reclaimed. but he will have no job, and nor will the brother-in-law, but at least Wilson Fraleigh has integrity and honesty. I hope nothing goes wrong with these plans now. Well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024

Thanks, Wendy. Alan was fortunate that Fraleigh was a man of integrity, otherwise a costly legal battle may have ensued. He's not quite in the clear yet, though. A couple more twists before the end.

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Wow... Warren hit the mother load with $100K... haven't becc bc able to spend it in prison.

While I was reading the dialogue and Fraleigh's dissatisfaction with the brother-in-law, in the back of my mind I was waiting for a possible job offer to Alan because of his invention and his diligence and work ethic...

Looking to see what happens next.
John

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024

That would have been a good gesture on Fraleigh's part, but I'm not so sure Alan would have gone for it. His true love is still with teaching, and he hopes to get back to it one day.

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Well, well, well. What a positive outcome. Hope Carmody didn't charge Alan too much for Alan doing all the work! I expect Fraleigh, in your fictional story, would double the offer to buy. And in your fictional account, Alan would accept with a provision for a percentage of sales.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024

I enjoy your comments about the practical side of things, Wayne. Others have suggested that maybe Fraleigh will offer Alan a job. We'll see what kind of incentive he' offered.

reply by Wayne Fowler on 24-Apr-2024

Yeah, they would. Then they would own his future work products.