Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

Sounds like a lot of research went into this one to get the electronics right. Good job. A small EMP-type device. Cool.

You've taught me a lot about truck driving and things I never knew about, like jake-braking. I've heard loud sounds coming from trucks before, and that's probably what it was.

There is a definite sense of foreboding in this story now, which it seems like Clyde feels too.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2024

Thank you. Of course the ray gun is nonsense.
There several chapters left, but I hope not to be redundant or too predictable. (smiley face here)

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

I enjoyed this chapter, mainly because you explained in your notes what some of the terminology meant. In this story, Clyde is the bad guy, but you've developed him so well I'm rooting for him. I want him to feel satisfied that he has gotten revenge and stop his madness before he gets caught.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2024

Thank you. You have validated the work exactly.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

Clyde is certainly learning a lot about electricity and how he can use it. I hope this description doesn't actually work. It is about time he visited his children and grandchildren. He has ignored them too long in his zeal to ruin life for truckers.

 Comment Written 04-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2024

Thank you for your very nice review.
Please be assured that the ray gun science is nonsense. (smiley face here) Also, keep in mind that his targets are only delayed a couple hours and no one has been physically harmed.

Comment from Kahlani

Excellent

Wayne, are you a trucker? You seem to have a lot of knowledge about this topic. Before reading the index at the bottom of your story, I looked up Havanna Syndrome because I had never heard of it. Another word I have learned today. Thank you.

 Comment Written 04-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024

Thank you for your great review.
No, I'm not a trucker. My wife and I drive 40-50,000 miles per year all over the country. On trucking, I did some research.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

I think the specifics of the weapon is beyond me and even the directions driving is a bit over this hate-to-drive reader but I sense a turning point in our hero. Maybe he will have a new revelation when he visits his kids and grandkids.

"You ever hear of the Havanna Syndrome?" (Havana)

 Comment Written 04-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024

Thank you for your great review and for the catch.
Some of my science is Ohmie-talk. (smiley face here)

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

I am sure he will be caught soon, and I don't feel sorry for him. He's obsessive and cruel. We all have to cope with the fact that bad things happen to good people, and it is not right for us to take revenge, in my mind at least. However, your story is well researched and well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

Thank you for your passion.
Half, or at least a part, of Clyde's quest is to make the roads safer for auto drivers. But, that said, he is a criminal.
Thanks again for your fine review.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

Jake brakes/engine brakes vs regular brakes ... could you tell us the difference and what each is?

You're frying my beer now? That's not good, Clyde.

Yes, it may be Clyde's last visit because he will definitely end up in prison ... or dead. And I can't feel sorry for him.

I usually like your characters, Wayne. But Clyde seems to have gone over the edge since his beloved passed away.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

Thank you.
I'm not an expert, but big rigs have trailer brakes that engage first. They are usually air brakes. You can hear the release of air pressure when idling beside them. In the old days it took skill to stop a loaded rig quickly without jack-knifing. Some RVs and pick-up trucks still have a trailer brake lever. Big rigs have a switch allowing drivers to choose between full, two thirds, and one third engine braking. It amount to the same thing as downshifting in a car with a standard transmission, using the engine and transmission to slow you down. We used to do this to save our brakes. It was stupid because changing brake shoes was cheaper than changing the clutch. The practice came under severe scrutiny because while downshifting slowed the vehicle, the brake lights did not come on. trailing vehicles often were not aware of their gaining until it was too late to avoid rear-ending the wise guy.
Clyde is us (men) without steadying influences. Thanks for hanging with the story. Your response describes the reason I chose such an awkward, uncomely name for him.

Comment from Michael Ludwinder

Excellent

I really enjoyed how you brought Clyde's growing paranoia to life here! I loved how you showed us real world limitations. Like experimenting with distance. It kept me hooked and curious to see what happens next!

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

Thank you very much. I hope Clyde doesn't disappoint.

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

As someone who spends time on the interstate most every day, and mostly on I-75, which is always a mad house full of trucks day and night, just reading your story makes me want to scream . . .
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

Thanks! I figured it was a story that would get a lot of identifiers, at least here in the states.

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Excellent

It is official you are warped. Does your wife know about this very dark side? Does she make you start the car now? This isobsessive to the max. I can't write this heavy. It is not a girl/ guy thing either. I have stories where I fillet a guy. But the sheer nervoous energy is palpable. Great work. I want a cigarette. I gave them up 3 years ago. Karen

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

Hah! You, with the heinous/hideous pen, gets all petunia when danger becomes a bit too close to real? (smiley face here) Come on. If your gonna stick somebody with a penknife, you ahead and gut 'em!
(another smiley face here)
Thank you for your great review. I give it six stars.

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 03-Oct-2024

You are so intense. This story style is not what I had come to expect. First we have Ben the redeemed who brings God to far flung places, and then you say how's it going Ben? And he says just fine, can you hold my uzzi a minute? It's a rough switch. the writing style is super frantic and intense. You do it well, the writing is superb honeybunch. It's just different. Karen :-)))))

reply by the author on 03-Oct-2024

I truly debated whether it was right to follow Ohmie and Ben with Clyde for the very reasons you mention.
(nervous face here)

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 03-Oct-2024

Oh poo, we both write in many voices. in many styles. Everyone wanted me to write nothing but bloody stuff, now they love the humor. Love to you and yours. Karen