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Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 10 Dave & Olivia use skills meant for a last resort.Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Let's review the list of characters: David Belsus – 46, physics & astronomy professor at Eastfield college, a community college in the Dallas area. Prepper, survivalist, has a greenhouse in his backyard and lives in an outer ring suburb. Six foot, fit, short cropped hair. Lupie Ramos – 32, former financial advisor, Dave's neighbor, got caught out of state when the lockdowns started. She spent two frantic weeks trying to get back to her daughter. Lupie has been in love with Dave for over a year. Long, dark brown hair, medium build, and a lovely smile. Esme – 9, daughter of Lupie, prone to the occasional snarky comment. Adores Dave. Becca; 18, Lupie's babysitter, was watching Esme when lockdowns occurred. Her refusal to abandon Esme, as her mother insisted, likely saved Becca's life, since her extended family ignored precautions and died of Duo. Esme, Lupie, and Dave are all Becca has left in the world. Short, medium build, small tits, with short blond hair and a smile that is shy with strangers and beams with family and friends. Janice Wheeler; 33, Dave's first partner to arrive, a librarian at Cedar Valley, another community college member of DCCCD. Slender build and medium height, Janice is 3/4 Korean, her paternal grandfather is Anglo. Medium length black hair often pulled back in a bun for work or ponytail at home. Shawna Cooper; 36, senior meteorologist at WFAA, Master's degree in meteorology from O U, worked at NSSL and spent time as a storm chaser. Whole hog sci-fi nut, beginning with Start Trek TNG. 5' 10", large tits, medium brown skin, dark brown eyes, shoulder length black hair styled like a frizzy weeping willow. Olivia Tyler (Liv); 21, senior studying horticulture at Tarleton State University, near Dallas. Daughter of Carter and Janelle, Dave's best friends since college. Had a well-known crush on Dave throughout her teen years. Since her dad was former SF and a survivalist, Liv is skilled with several firearms as well as bladed weapons. Never failed to take a deer any season she's hunted. 5'10" long, dark brown hair, large tits, lightly tanned, brown eyes, and a wide smile. Melanie Ustanich; 22, graduate student in IT at Tarleton, Liv's roommate, recently found a passion for cooking. Spent most of her life in foster homes, Liv's parents accepted her like family the first time she went with Liv on Thanksgiving Break. 5'8" medium length auburn hair, green eyes, small mouth with a ready, mischievous smile. The ladies came through, leaving one mug beside the detective and swiftly exiting with the pot, several mugs, a milk jug, and a small container that may have just been repurposed as a sugar dish. Verratti pushed her mask up to her nose to take a sip, holding the mug like a sacred talisman, her eyes closed and a look of bliss dawning on her face. It was a short day. She opened her eyes and the distance they contained sent the brief appearance of joy below the horizon once again. Laying her mug back on the table, she pulled her mask back into place. "The man that was with you that day at the range?" "Yes, my friend Carter. He was the one that arranged the time on the range." "And how did he manage that? Didn't you say a few times he was a security guy?" "He runs physical and digital security checks for sites his company guards. He and his guys also get hired out by insurance companies to check out their client's security plans as well." For a moment, Dave allowed himself to forget the pain and use the present tense. "I think you mentioned a few times before class that he was in special forces?" "Yep. He likes to say his civilian job is kinda similar to his work in the army, just with paintball or laser tag gear." "Good." She motioned him to sit close, so she could speak lower. "You've stumbled into something no one seems to be working hard to solve." Dave's eyebrows stitched together. Her tone was more ominous than her words. "Nine weeks ago, a truck carrying seven vaccinated women was attacked. It was on its way to some rich neighborhood to deliver partners to the McMansion set. The attackers covered their tracks reasonably well, so we never caught them. Two weeks ago, a shipment of vaccine got hit between Grand Prairie and the Vax Center. They didn't even try to take the whole shipment, just grabbed a bunch and ran like hell. The chopper that was following them didn't have infrared on it, so they lost track of them in the trees in the dark." Dave stayed silent as she paused to gather her thoughts. "Look, I shouldn't have said any of this, but nobody's doing anything. Your friend has the skills to deal with the problem. And the way you've always presented yourself, if he's your friend, then he'll want to apply his skills to right a great big fucking wrong that's being ignored. There's an Air Force liaison office in the station right now. They're supposed to coordinate a military response to big attacks, but they've been blasé about both attacks." "Wait? Military to take out crooks? I mean, even big deal shit like this? Shouldn't that be done by SWAT or ATF?" She stared at him. If he had to guess, her lips were tightly pressed together under her mask. Her words were tightly spoken as she continued. "The fact your attackers cut their fallen buddies' nuts off suggests they had bonded female partners. That means either the hijacked transport, or the vaccine attack. Maybe both. And that means they may have been coming here to abduct your partners and bind them to themselves." "But that would kill them!" Dave started out as a loud interjection, but at her look, and as his own self-control kicked in, he dropped to a strenuous whisper. "There; is a way. But only if the man is dead. There was an ER nurse on the first transport. She would have known about the procedure, at least in broad terms." She pulled a map from her valise. Unfolding it, she pointed to two locations. The attacks happened here, and here." "Yeah, that stretch of I-20 is a bit empty, even being in the middle of urban sprawl." "Because of that attack, they moved the flights to Love Field." "No rural hideouts along the way." "Exactly. Now look, here's where the chopper last was sure they had an eye on them." Her finger indicated a spot southeast of Athens. "What I'm asking you is to get a hold of your friend. See if he and some of his team are willing to investigate; and maybe rescue some of these women. No one else is doing anything about this. And they are escalating." "Do you think they'll try again here?" "I don't know. Not anytime soon, you gave them plenty of reasons to give this place a wide berth. I can't swear to that, but I'd say they'll at least leave you alone for a while." Which means they may be coming for my family again. Whenever they feel like trying again. No point in telling her about Carter. I'll have to do this myself, but I'm not telling her that. A trained, former special forces operative that still does security testing is a reasonable person to ask to do this. A community college professor that's been trained by his prepper buddy doesn't sound nearly as reassuring. Fuck Carter, why the hell did you have to die? "How sure are you on that last sighting?" She flipped her notebook back several pages. After consulting her notes, she carefully laid her finger again on the map. "Right there." Dave stared at the indicated location, noting nearby major road intersections and the distances from each to the tip of her finger. Mainly, he looked at the roads that formed a boundary around the area. The raiders may not be inside that space, but it was a place to begin. "Be very careful. There's suspicion that some army deserters are with these guys." She took a deep breath. "It's like pulling teeth getting anything out of the Air Force woman about this. Please professor, talk to your friend. I'll contact you in a day or so to see if he's responded." "Why don't I just call you?" "I'd rather have that discussion when I'm not at the station or around other officers." "Okay. You need anything else from me detective?" "No. No, I should be going. I'll call in a few days." "I'll be ready." Hope I've found them by then . Dave walked her to the door and locked up behind her. He slipped over to the parlor to check the window patch for any air leaks. Dave ran his hand around the edges, slowly, but felt no movement, not cold streams. Some of the family had come downstairs, now that the weather was once again outside. Dave sat in a chair, staring off into space while the others red or talked. This may take more than a day, just to find these guys. And once I do, I'll need time to observe, and then time to plan. Food, water, ammunition. I'll need something long-range. My best bet will probably be picking them off one at a time at first. I've got silencers for the MP5's, but no subsonic ammo. It's still going to be obvious when I shoot. Carter has all the subsonic ammo. Imagine the look on the face of whoever finds his armory. Fuck, what if they just bulldoze the place? Yeah, Liv and I need to try and get his weapons and equipment. Wait, I have subsonic.22LR. I could use that for the first few. Fuck, I'm really doing this. That means I'll be gone for a few days. It's already been two days for Rebecca, and she's on such a short fuse. We really ought to ask the vaccine experts why that is. Gee, what a call to make. "Hey, vaccine guys? Yeah, look, I've got this eighteen year old cutie that just insists on having sex every four days. Like, she's climbing the walls by day five. What's up with that?" I'm sure they'll have all kinds of sympathy. Well, I have my first thing I've got to do before I go. Dave found Becca in the room she and Reena shared. The one they'd previously used as a 'hotel room' the night the ladies put together for prom. Reena was not around. "Hey, sexy nerd girl, what're you up to?" Becca rolled on to her back from her book reading. Her face was glowing, though she was also blushing from her scalp to, well, lower than her shirt collar. She very cutely bit her lower lip. Dave chuckled. "You are so damn cute, ya know that?" Her face twisted a little. "Demotion huh? I've gone from sexy to cute in less than a minute." "One does not preclude the other. There is an intersection of the two. In my opinion, you exist within that intersection." "God, you know how weirdly sexy it is that you can talk math about sex?" "You know how great it is that you're one of two partners I can talk to that way? Most of the others either won't get it, or will be turned off by it." The radiant look Becca got from the compliment was exactly what Dave was going for. She wasn't just a teen hottie, or gamer girl, or some other check box. She was his younger nerd partner that he got to introduce to so many things he loved that were new to her. Or, things she'd heard about, but not yet experienced. And she was fun in bed. Becca's hand slipped to the hem of her t-shirt. Dave stepped swiftly up to her bed and grabbed her hands. He pulled her around so her ass hung off the edge of the bed and her head was braced against the wall. She and Dave were still experimenting with different ways to have sex. She'd recently mentioned that quickies sounded kinda hot. Dave figured now would be a good time to try. He grabbed her shorts and panties at the hips and pulled both down to her calves, bringing her legs straight up in the same motion. Dave leaned against her, her ankles on one of his shoulders, as he unbuttoned his pants and shoved pants and boxers to mid-thigh. The aroma of Becca's arousal reached Dave's nostrils, matching the signal that her panting breath and lust-filled eyes were sending. Truth to be told, he was fairly revved as well. The little gasp she gave as he hand-fed his mostly hard cock into her saturated pussy was delicious. Dave leaned in closer, folding her legs back onto her body, her ankles on either side of his head, her shorts against his collarbone. He drilled her fast and hard. This wasn't love making, wasn't a tantric exercise, and was not 'the full Dave'. A quickie was just that; hard, fast, and get 'er done. Becca's cute little huffs and grunts urged him to keep going, her moist, rippling channel gripping his shaft and egging him on. In due time, Dave felt that familiar tingle in his balls rising up through his cock and he began firing his hot seed into her eager passage. Becca shuddered and convulsed the same as if Dave had taken most of an hour lifting her to ecstatic heights. Dave leaned a bit further in to kiss Becca tenderly on the lips. Becca giggled. "That was fun." "Good, we can add that to the repertoire," Dave said, buckling his pants. He leaned in for another kiss, this one with just a moment of lingering, before walking away. Becca's eyes shone brightly as they followed him. Now I wait. Dave spent the rest of the evening sitting with his ladies, sometimes talking, mostly listening. Lupie called everyone to the dinner table. A nice warm casserole that soothed the insides after most of the day with the inside matching the weather outside. Downstairs anyway. Mostly what Dave remembered from the evening was looking around the table at his family as they chatted and moved on from the events of the morning. Mostly. Every once in a while, someone's attention wavered, or they flinched from a sound. That's why I have to do this. Dinner was late enough that some began their night time routine once it was over. It had been a draining day, even for those that had huddled upstairs. The emotional impact, the fear and anxiety they'd gone through took a physical toll. "Hey, Shawna, let's meet in my office in a few minutes, okay? I'll find Liv and Mel and have them join us." "Sure. Night security?" "Yeah. The detective was reasonably sure there wouldn't be a repeat tonight, but let's be safe." "Okay." Shawna hugged him tightly. Dave went off to find the other two, then made his way to his office. Even though they'd just finished dinner, he felt a bit munchie. He pulled a half-eaten pint of blueberries out of his fridge and snacked slowly. Each woman smirked as they entered. Shawna started imitating the guitar intro of a certain song by Black Sabbath. Dave just shook his head with a rueful smile. Then he popped a few more berries in his mouth. "We need to maintain a watch tonight," he informed them once he'd cleared his mouth. "The threat is perceived to be low, but I'd rather not take a chance. I'll take first watch, then wake Shawna to relieve me. She can wake Liv, and when Liv's shift is over, she can wake Mel." The way Olivia stared at Dave made him wonder if she suspected his real plan, but she said nothing. "We'll post guard here in Shawna's morning room with the door open. It's right at the top of the stairs, so anyone would have to come past the guard to get to any of us. I'll drag the chair from that room to the door, far back enough that anyone looking in will see darkness, but near enough the guard can see the head of the stairs and part of the hallway in each direction." "That's it. Get some sleep. When it's time to switch over, get up and get moving. We'll have one pistol out and transfer that over. Don't go to bed until your relief is in place." Shawna came in for a kiss before she left. A long, slow kiss with no tongue. She looked meaningfully into his eyes before she walked out, saying nothing. Dave waited over an hour for all the activity in his house to settle and everyone to fall asleep. He slowly and quietly rose from his seat. He slipped in to the master bedroom to find Shawna on the outer edge of the bed. Of course she'd thought ahead so she wouldn't disturb the others. Dave lightly tapped her foot, and she stirred awake. Dave went back to his post while she dressed. Once she got there, he handed over the pistol. "You're going after them aren't you?" she whispered low and urgent. "Yes. It's the only way to ensure everyone's safety. These guys are a danger to us, and others. The detective was so frustrated with the inaction, she told me other events that have happened, but no response from the police." "Other houses have been attacked?" "No, the other attacks haven't been on houses, but they look related." "How far away are they?" "I don't know for sure. She gave me some information on the last place they were seen." "Then how long will you be gone?!" She kept her voice low to not disturb anyone, but there was a 'shouting' tone to her whisper. "I don't know. I'm taking food and water in addition to the rest of the gear." "David, please be careful. All our lives depend on you." He wrapped his arms around her for a tight hug. "I know. I'm doing this for your safety. No more middle of the night break ins." He paused for a moment. "Carter took me through a few scenarios that apply. We had to use paintball guns for those trainings, but I've spent plenty of time on the range with all of these weapons. I won't be as good as Carter, but I'm good enough to pull this off. I'm coming back to you babe." He pulled back so they could look each other in the eyes. "You are plenty of reason to come back." "Me and eight others," she said with a teasing grin. "Anyone of you alone is enough to go fight this fight and get my ass back here in one piece. I finally understand Carter now. Somethings you have to fight for." He slipped away from her and went to the master bedroom closet. In a box tucked away in a corner, he pulled out a set of lightly used 90's era BDU that Carter'd urged him to get from an Army-Navy store. It was not the only set, but he wasn't going to be gone that long. Hell, his partners would all be screaming for doses by then. After dressing, and donning his combat boots, he walked silently out of the bedroom. That he had to pause and prep his mind for. Carter had shown him how to walk quietly in these boots, it just took practice and care. It had been a long time, so he ran through the lessons and practices in his head for a minute after he had them on. He trod gently down the stairs to the gun closet. He typed in the code and swung open the door. That's when the darkness at the end of the unlit hall moved. "Go to bed Olivia." His voice was flat. "You are not going after these guys alone." Dave flipped on the light in the small space. The illumination spilling into the hallway revealed Olivia in a matching pair of BDU. "How the hell?" "I mailed myself a box to this address before I reported to the vaccine center. Mostly other stuff, but one set of woodlands and my best broken-in boots." "Livy, you need to stay here and watch the others." "I need to watch over your ass and bring you home so you can keep fucking all these women that are addicted to your cum." Dave felt a wave of shame at the comment. That he was risking himself, some, but their safety required he take out this threat. That he was; unfaithful to any of these women, because none of them were the only one. Yes, he could personally enumerate all the reasons why, but that didn't change the visceral reaction of a man that never wanted a lot of women, just one that he could be devoted to, and vice versa. "Liv ;” "I'm not trying to talk you out of this. I'm certainly not condemning you for having multiple partners, David. On behalf of myself, and all your partners, I insist I go with you and provide overwatch. You know I'm a better sniper than you. You're better at CQB. We do this together." A cold hand gripped Dave's chest. "Olivia, I already dragged you into one gunfight. I won't do it again." "You didn't drag me into anything. The world sucks and some people are assholes. The same guy that taught you raised me not to just stand idly by. I'm going with you." She came in close, molding her hand to his jawline. "You didn't cause the attack this morning. You stood in the gap, and I stood with you. What you're about to do is needed. And I'm standing with you again." Without another word, she slipped around him and started gathering her gear. Dave joined her. Within half an hour, they loaded tactical gear, ammo, weapons, water jugs, canteens, and field rations in Liv's pickup and got on the road. They were completely in sync, though neither spoke a word. Chapter 12; A Walk on the Chaotic Good Side. October 29, 2020 12:30am The hum of the heater fan on its lowest setting combined with the warm air coming off the windshield were not helping Dave maintain alertness. Livy drove while he checked their route against what he'd seen on the detective's map. So far, it was just a matter of 'drive towards Athens'. Dave snuck the window down a little, inviting some cool air to help him stay fresh. Not too far, though. Occasionally, they'd run into an isolated cloud still giving up a pittance of drizzle, remnants of what passed over their house yesterday morning. Mostly it was just cold. "I miss the little triangle windows that pivoted open on Dad's old beater pickup." Dave chuckled. "Yeah, those were useful. Guess somebody decided to save money and make them fixed instead of movable." Olivia humphed in response. When she said nothing for a few minutes, he reached into the bag on the seat between them and pulled out an apple. She didn't notice until he took his first crackling bite. "Damn. Again?" she laughed. "Fill up too much and you'll bust out that stab shirt. Sorry, it's just;” "I'm eating way more often than the rest of you, and not gaining any weight. Yeah, I know. They said this serum shit has weird side effects. Seems for me it's kicked my metabolism into the stratosphere." "Oh, big words like 'stratosphere' huh? Hmm, ya know, the higher metabolism would explain why you're outrunning me." Dave turned his head towards her, a mock annoyed expression on his face. "I've been faster than you for years. For a bit there in your teens you gave me a good challenge." Liv giggled. "I got faster so you'd have to look at my ass." "I worked harder to stay ahead of you so I wasn't looking at a sixteen-year-old's ass." Out of the corner of his eye, Dave noted Livy giving him a rueful look. With a quiet voice; and one eye on the road; she asked, "Is this the only way we could have been together?" His heart skipped a beat. His voice was deepened with loss when he replied, "I don't know, Olivia. I just don't know. The two of us together would have been a very unusual pairing in other circumstances. No law would have stopped us being together but a lot of custom and tradition would interfere." He reached his hand out and she took it. "So it was either this, or an asteroid hitting the Earth for me to get you?" Dave laughed. "Maybe not quite that dramatic." Their joined hands lay on the seat between them for a time, enjoying the union of their lives as the cold, damp miles passed. Half an hour later, signs proclaimed a junction ahead as they neared their first waypoint. "Want me to stay on 175 and go east around Athens?" "No, west on 7. When we get to the southside of town, we'll take 19 south." Dave waited before asking, "You need to switch out. We've both had long days." "I'm good. Just hand me another Dr. Pepper." Dave knee-stood in the seat, reaching back to the cooler with water, soda and reusable freezer packs. Ice would have been too loud loading at the house, and going to an automated ice station was more deviation than he was willing to take. The drinks weren't ice-cold this way, but they were at least cool. Between the caffeinated soda, and the No-Doz bottle in the glove box, they could fight off the drowsiness the road hum threatened to induce. Weirdly, the squeeze from the compression shirt for the stab plates helped keep him awake, though it did make it tougher to twist around for things. Maybe if he wore it more often, he'd know how to move better in it. With the late hour, and pandemic rules in effect, they hadn't seen another vehicle since pulling out of their own driveway. They crossed three overpasses for major roads out of town before exiting to southbound 19 / Palestine St. The creepy feeling intensified as they took their exit. The north side of the road held a hospital with what was undoubtedly the only ER for thirty miles around. In some directions, even further than that. And there was no activity at all. The lights were on. But no signs of human movement. A few miles down the road they passed the middle school, completely abandoned since March. Liv's hand slipped back to the middle of the bench seat. Dave added his to hers, holding her gently but firmly. Ten minutes later, with their headlights boring holes into the pitch black, Dave's phone buzzed. He pulled it out, noting the time was now approaching 2am. -There's been another attack, this time on a very rich man's estate. Bodyguards dead, left laying there. -Rich man dead, carried off, along with most of his partners. -Last seen southbound on 45, suspect they are taking that to 287 until Palestine. No intelligence beyond that. Please ask your friend to decide quickly. Dave quietly fumed. Another attack meant more suffering that he hadn't prevented. That was the whole point of this crazy scheme wasn't it? Immediately, he recalled a story Carter had told only once, after they'd been roommates for more than a year. It was a 'Boy's Night In' with two pizzas and a tsunami of beer, and some typical action flicks playing. Dave's friend related a time when they'd been too late to protect a local villager that had cooperated with the Special Forces team. The local government goons had not been kind to the collaborator. Or his family. "We found out too late, got there too late, not a fucking thing we could do. Not one fucking thing. Except," he raised his head so his bloodshot eyes were revealed, "we tracked the fuckers and took them out before they got back to their base. It was beyond our mandate. We were supposed to train only, not engage directly. We did it, and never talked about it." Track the fuckers down and take them out. Little wonder why that particular memory surfaced now. "Something wrong?" "Text from the detective. They hit another house. Successfully this time." "Oh shit. What are we going to do?" "What an old friend once told me was the only real option. Track the fuckers down and kill them." "Dad was such an eloquent man." Dave barked a laugh as he texted back. -We're already enroute. -We'll locate them on the run and track them to their base. -Thank God. -And thank your friend for me. Dave still saw no reason to inform her of his omission. Well, he felt a little guilty, but she'd get over it. Lupie on the other hand, might just tie him to the bed and spoon feed him between each woman's 'dosing' turn. Shawna might or might not help Lupie, but she was not going to help Dave avoid Lupie. Hell, by the time he got back, Lupie might be so worked up she'd chew him out exclusively in Spanish for over an hour. In between kisses and hugs because his dumb ass came home in one piece. Getting his mind back on the present, Dave pulled up a map on his phone. "This may make it easier to find their base. They're coming down 287. Previous attempts tracked them as far as Palestine. We'll intersect with 287 just outside Palestine, so we'll pick a good spot when we get there and wait. I suspect they will be an hour or half hour behind us." "K." Dave zoomed and scrolled on his map for several minutes. "There's a community college north of the intersection. It has a parking lot that will give us a good view, but far enough away we could miss something. There's also a gas station and a convenience store on the south of the intersection, on the west side that would give better views, but higher risk of detection. It's probably closed. If we're the only car there, it's going to be awfully suspicious; especially if we pull out right after they pass." "Don't worry, Dad gave me a few lessons on shaking a tail, and on tailing. Just before I went off to college, he even had me drive back country roads with no lights; on the road or car. If we can avoid getting noticed when we first pull out; by waiting 'til we can just see their tail lights; we should be fine." "Let's go for the convenience store first. If it looks too dicey, we'll move off to the college parking lot." Liv nodded her agreement. The silence that followed persisted until the intersection loomed. The community college parking lot had all of its lights on, as did the Exxon just south of it. The Valero on the west side and south of the intersection had its awning lights on, but no more. No lights were on around the convenience store south of the highway confluence. Even better, there were two vehicles parked in the lot. Liv pulled into a space near one of the other vehicles. But not too close. She killed the lights, lowered the windows halfway, and turned off the ignition. Both occupants of the truck surveyed first the near vehicle, then the more distant one, looking for any sign of occupancy. If these guys were good, they might have a lookout posted to watch for a tail. During the forty-five minute wait, neither their eyes nor ears detected any sign of another person in the parking lot. For that matter, there was no sign of anyone around the college, or in the gas station south of them. The station across the way probably had an attendant inside. A low rumble coming from the northwest initially alerted Dave and Liv to their approaching quarry. Without exchanging words, they each hunched down in their seats. Both were on full alert. Hunter versus hunter was a dangerous game. Of course, if one hunter doesn't know the other is around, so much the better. For the other at least. Five S U V, varying from mid-size to huge, rolled swiftly through the interchange. They slowed from far in excess of highway speeds, down to something reasonable for the possibility of merging; if one had incredibly sparse traffic to handle. Which worked just fine, since there was absolutely zero traffic to merge with. As the engine sounds began to fade, Livy sat up and started the engine. She quickly doused the lights that automatically lit up before backing out from behind the vehicle two parking spaces over. Hopefully, it shielded them from the target's notice. Well, that and the fact the targets were headed away from them, and presumably keeping hostages in check. With swift, smooth motions, Olivia got the pickup on the highway following the distant trail of tail lights. Noting the woodlands on both sides of the highway limiting visibility around the curves, Livy began rapidly closing the distance. Balancing that were the few streetlamps and the need to not show up in the last vehicle's rearview mirror. The train of S U V passed under one, went dark again except for the taillight; which brightened briefly; then were illuminated again for a flash before disappearing. "Shit," she muttered. "It's gotta be the underpass for the loop. That's why they went left and cut off. They went behind the embankment. Just take the loop to the left and keep pressing. We'll catch them. Just be careful of more street lamps. I'm not sure if this loop they're hopping on is limited access. If they hit stoplights, we'll need to be very careful to avoid notice." "Right." There were a few traffic lights to negotiate, but both were solid green the entire time the runners and the pursuers were in view. The greater concern was the street lights near the intersections. Increasing their following distance once a traffic light became visible bought them some grace. They also took the risk of allowing the convoy to get out of view over a small rise while they waited just outside the pool of light before making the left at Park Ave. That was followed by mild panic until they could catch up with their quarry. A sweeping left turn awaited just over the crest. Dave spotted tail lights turning right as they finally hit a straight section. It turned out to be another curve in the road. This road had just enough curves to allow Livy to close the distance and remain unobserved. As the pursuing duo came around one curve, the convoy ahead was disappearing around the next. Just as they cleared a shallow 's' turn, Dave spotted tail lights disappearing to their right. "Ease up, I think we're going off onto a narrower road." By the time they reached the turn, Liv had them at an appropriate speed. No sign of the convoy ahead, and greater darkness with the trees closer in, she had to go slower. Fortunately, the road was winding through a few tight turns which caused the convoy to go even slower. They managed to catch sight of taillights and hear engine noises through the trees before they got close enough to be noticed. The asphalt took a gradual rightward curve, but a faint red glow inside the dust cloud ahead signaled the convoy had plunged ahead onto the dirt road. Hunter and unwitting prey slowed again, but the frequent braking and the scattering effect of the dust kept Dave and Liv well aware of their quarry's position. Liv coasted and maintained distance so she never had to touch the brake. To do so would reveal their pursuit. The convoy slowed further and Liv allowed the truck to coast to a stop. "Let's find a place to park this thing and dismount." Dave pointed off to a small pocket beside the road where the trees curved away from the dirt track. Each opened their door gingerly, sliding quietly to the wet grass. Liv and Dave first checked their own gear, then each other's. Satisfied they wore or carried everything they thought they would need, they eased the doors closed, latching them softly. "One benefit of this weather; the gators will be hibernating, and maybe the snakes too," Dave said in a whisper. "Brumating. And probably yes on both counts. The gators will be in the water, but the snakes will find a burrow or hollow log. So stay away from likely hidey holes." "Yes, professor." Dave's wry grin was both smart ass and respectful. Liv's nature knowledge far exceeded his own. Her reply smile was appreciative. Then both faces went blank as the two focused on their mission. Using every technique Carter had taught him, Dave slipped stealthily through the trees. Crouching, he moved swiftly from bole to bole, taking care to avoid rock piles and downed logs. The red glow in the distance was diminishing. He noticed sets of tail lights lining up side-by-side before extinguishing. They were parking. That was a good thing, because Dave and Liv were already on foot. That also meant the possibility of guards on the perimeter. Dave paused a bit longer in his position, searching for any sign of patrols or stationary sentinels. Seeing none, he dashed forward to a new location and watched again for any sign of an observer. Liv moved from her prior spot to the place Dave had just vacated. Morning twilight was in full swing, so the pair had good lighting. Periodically, Dave observed men moving to each vehicle, removing a woman, and leading her to one of the buildings. A few men guarded the vehicles, but their focus was on the occupants, not someone outside. All the better. Dave and Liv found themselves places within whisper distance a few feet back from the tree line. Unobstructed views with low probability of getting spotted. In better circumstances, they would observe for hours, from multiple positions around the clearing, gathering information and striking in the wee hours, or at first light tomorrow. But; those women being taken inside compelled faster action. Whatever these assholes were doing needed to be stopped. At the same time, they couldn't just rush in, or they'd lose, Dave would be dead, and Liv would be dead or worse. And not long after, the rest of his family would be in very dire straits. So don't fuck up, asshole . This had to be what Carter meant about walking the razor's edge. One thing was clear; these guys had no security posted. The pre-dawn twilight was sufficiently bright that someone looking out the window would spot them if they got stupid. The trees opened up into a large clearing. Within the open space sat the parked S U V, two large buildings, and several smaller ones. The two large buildings were corner adjacent and perpendicular on their long axes. They were somewhat longer than they were wide. The large building stretched wide across their eyeline seemed to be where everyone was gathered. That's the building the women had been taken into. Several others converged on that location not long after. About half an hour after the last man disappeared into the big building, Dave and Liv spotted someone leaving. He had someone over his shoulder. He headed for one of the smaller buildings. About five minutes later, it happened again. Time to communicate. He pulled out his phone, already set to silent, no vibration. Fortunately, he had a few bars. -Compound located. Track my location. Stuffing his phone in his pocket without waiting for a reply, Dave slid closer to his partner. "I'm going in closer. I'll get under the windows and listen in." Liv's face was unconvinced. "Is that wise?" "We need to know more before we do anything. I've got to get close enough to hear them. Get your rifle ready to snipe. Keep me covered. I'll pass on the outside of the first building," he pointed to the one that lay along their line of sight and perpendicular to the target building, "and then cross along the near wall of the one they're in. You'll be able to see me for most of that time, and you can see either end. You'll know if someone's about to come around and spot me." "We need Dad's low watt tactical radios." "If wishes were horses, hun." He gave her a quick kiss, then silently backed further into the trees. This allowed him to move more quickly without detection, though he still remained on alert for any sentries out here in the trees. There were none. Approaching the tree line again, he scanned thoroughly with eyes and ears, for any sign of someone that would spot him emerging. With still no sign, Dave dashed from the trees to the near wall of the likely empty large building. There he waited, listening for any sound suggesting he'd been seen. His heart was pounding. He worked to calm himself so he could hear anything over the roar of the blood in his ears. Of course, that could just be the contrast. This rural fall morning was incredibly quiet thus far. Satisfied he was as yet undetected, Dave moved stealthily to the far corner of the building. He put a hand on the wall, feeling the rough brick exterior. It was distinctly not new, but not decrepit either. A few short steps brought him to the building's corner. Using the 'slicing the pie' tactic Carter taught him so long ago; and re-taught over and over and over; Dave passed around the corner to find no one there. Hugging the wall, he crept by, pausing at each of the two doors, listening for any sign of occupancy. By the time he reached the end of the building near the occupied building, the sun was not yet up, but the sky was well-lit. As was the compound. With more on the line, Dave took more time with his pie-slicing cornering technique. The rest of the compound, then the side wall of the other building, and then the back wall of the target building came slowly into view, all devoid of other humans. He slid carefully along the sidewall of the empty building until he was near the corner closest to his target. With his head only he once more rounded the corner, verifying no one had entered the small area bounded by the two buildings on two sides in the time he'd been behind the first one. Sure that he was clear, he crossed the gap to the second building. He watched his footfalls carefully since the area conjoining the two buildings had been cemented in a rectangular shape. Postholes along the edges suggested this might be some sort of outdoor area with an awning during warmer times. A broom at the corner Dave was heading for suggested someone took the time to keep it clear of debris. At least he didn't have to worry about stepping on a twig. Dave heard a door open, then close. Footsteps in grass reached his ears but receded. He swiftly slid along the wall to the front of the building and took a cautious peek. Once again, a man was walking toward one of the smaller buildings, this time carrying a woman in his arms rather than over his shoulder. Dave eased himself away from that corner and back to the corner proximate to the back wall. He had to step carefully around the broom again as he came around to the semi-enclosed courtyard. Dave eased his way carefully along the back wall. At least now he had the benefit of knowing Liv could watch the area around him and cover him as needed. He crept carefully, listening for sounds through the wall. Primarily though, he knew his best chances were under the three windows, two of which were close together, more than halfway down the building's length. As he approached an exterior vent for a dryer, he paused. For a moment the thought flashed through his mind that this would be the ideal place for a snake to hide. Then his rational brain took over, reminding him that the intermittent nature was likely insufficient to help a snake survive through the winter. They were more likely off in the woods somewhere or hiding in the walls of one of the houses. The first window was just past the vent. Dave paused. He waited for a few minutes, but heard nothing. He edged up, his face upturned, his nose turned away from the building. Edging upward, he allowed his peripheral vision a first glimpse in the window. It was dark. He turned his head slowly, seeking greater detail. A few shadows and a small light on the back wall limned out an empty kitchen space for a community. Efficient, but a little too regimented for Dave's taste. A little too zombie group think. Dave moved forward. This time he skirted around a pile of small diameter metal pipes. Must be for a future irrigation project or outdoor faucet. The next window was only a few feet past the pile. Dave had to be careful how far out he went. He crouched and quickly got back to the wall once past the pipes. He could already hear voices. Someone was angry. "I said sit the fuck back down. You dumbasses cost us three men with your half-assed raid. No, you don't get a shot at any of the women from this raid. You're lucky we let you fucking live. One more fucking word out of your fucking mouth and I will shit-can all your asses. And you, big mouth, you'll go last; after I ass fuck your sister without a new dose! You can watch her melt like somebody poured battery acid in her shithole, then I'll kill you, with the memory of her screams in your fucking ears!" Dave went cold. His mind called up one of the videos about the dangers for a woman exposed to the semen of any man other than her partner. Anger welled up in him, but he tamped it down. A berserker rage banged against the walls of Dave's discipline. He held his focus, knowing he would only accomplish his goal with cold efficiency. All the things Carter said over the years, words that had been whirling in his ears since the moment of the break-in, all settled into cold clarity. Yeah, they were gonna die. In due time. He crept closer. Again taking care to avoid detection, Dave saw a woman select a syringe full of a vibrant green substance. She moved over to; a dead body on the floor? What the hell? Why is she injecting the dead guy? Wait, now it's purple inside? Maybe he just misidentified the earlier color? The woman with the syringe stood. A man dragged a blonde woman over to a table near the lady with the syringe. Dave heard her whimpering once she was close. A second man took the woman's other arm. The two men held her pinned, face down, against the table as her whimpering turned to active cries. Dave's stomach turned over. A third man pulled the woman's pajama pants down. She wore no panties. The woman with the syringe approached. The way she walked, and the look on her face, gave the impression she was walking to the gallows. Dave swore she mouthed the word 'Sorry' to the pinned woman before injecting her with the purple contents of her syringe. Immediately, the woman jerked and thrashed. The man behind her dropped his pants. Dave dropped low, not needing to see anymore. Hell, he'd seen far more than he ever wanted to. The cries and sounds he heard had a certain resonance with the priming and later imprinting orgasms of his partners. But overlaid with a guttural, raw emotionality. Then there was no more sound from the woman. A few low conversations between the men, and then Dave heard the door on the other side of the building open. Dave duck-walked away from the window and around the pipes. Once against the wall again he raised up a bit and paused. He needed to collect his thoughts. What to do was clear. Kill every man here. Given what they were doing, there were no innocents. The only questions revolved around how to do what needed to be done. Ideas formed in his head, but he needed to confer with Olivia. At the very least, she needed to know his intentions. Teamwork would be vital. He also trusted her judgment. Her input could prove useful. It often did. Something more about Olivia was rattling around the back of his head. A thought jumping up and down, demanding attention, but not coming forward. Like a word sitting on the tip of your tongue you just can't say. Something he knew, but wasn't fully acknowledging. It didn't seem related to the immediate task, so Dave moved his attention elsewhere. The number of trips from the large building to the smaller ones was very nearly the number of trips from the cars to the big building earlier. That meant soon the men would no longer be occupied with; what they had been doing. Since some had recently come back from a raid, they were likely to bed down soon. That would be a good time to strike. Time to move and communicate. The door had cycled twice more during Dave's thinking. As he rounded the corner of the empty building, free to move unobserved, he heard the door slam open. He froze in place, a few steps past the corner, where he could listen without being detected. Multiple footsteps approached, and sharp mutterings between two men. The footfalls changed as they crossed from the grass onto the concrete. Their voices became clearer too. "Why drag her all the way out here? It's fucking cold and wet." "'Cuz I don't wanna clean up the fucking mess when the old bitch slags, that's why! Grass will just eat it up and get nice and green next summer. Inside, the carpet and the fucking pad have to be replaced." Dave's blood boiled. He tamped it down for immediate purposes. He also started moving back the way he came. Weapon at the ready, he rounded the corner again. Three figures were just crossing off the concrete pad and back into the grass. Two males in hunter camo and a naked blonde woman sobbing as they dragged her between them. They stopped several steps off the pad. One man was out of view, the empty building blocking Dave's line of sight to him. Liv surely had a good shot on him, but she might not yet know enough to take it. She'd know soon enough though. The man Dave could see was turned away from Dave, with the woman collapsed, on her knees in front of him, looking away from Dave also. By their orientations, the man that was out of sight was probably facing the corner and would see Dave the instant he came around it. Fortune favors the brave . One of Carter's favorite phrases. Dave slipped the MP5 back behind him, on safe, he pulled the.22 pistol from his holster, and the silencer from his cargo pocket, mated them gently, and carefully began screwing the silencer in place. The woman cried out, pleading for mercy. Unseen by Dave, the second man slapped her, the sound unmistakable. Dave was moving as the slap echoed. His face etched in stone. No anger in his visage, no mercy in his eyes. His weapon came up smoothly as his feet accelerated him along the wall towards the man in his vision. Dave was now a fire and maneuver platform for the pistol. Just before he cleared the corner, he fired three rounds, all into the man's upper left back. His shot group was as perfect as the practices with Carter over the years. At least one of the rounds went through the man's heart. The suppressor dulled the sound of firing, and the subsonic ammunition avoided the supersonic crack of the rounds that would surely draw attention. The stricken man fell even as Dave came around the corner, rounding on the next target. That man was just beginning to look towards the corner with a curious expression. Dave fired again. Three rounds, just as Carter had trained him. He also dropped with no further resistance or sound. The first target was on the ground and the second descending, knees buckling beneath a falling torso, when the shuddering blonde woman registered the changes. She began to rise and turn around. Dave reached her at that same moment, grabbing her bicep and hauling her to her feet. To forestall undesirable attention, he shifted his hand from her arm to her mouth, clamping it shut. He got there just in time. The woman stared at him, terror in her wide-open eyes. He held his pistol low and to the side, but her eyes ping-ponged several times from it to his face. As frightened as she was, her eyes settled, then roved over his face. Within seconds her terror was held in check. Not gone but shoved aside. Like she was ready to believe something less evil than that of the other men's plans was now upon her. "Stay quiet, I need to get you out of here." She nodded. Wariness was present, but also a willingness to believe in; something. Grabbing her hand, Dave led her across the concrete pad and around the corner of the empty building. He didn't stop until they'd passed the length of the building, now leaning against the short wall, in full sight of Olivia. In pausing, Dave was reminded consciously of what his subconscious had of course noted; the woman wore not a stitch of clothing. He quickly averted his eyes, but not before registering her phenomenal figure. Granted, the condition of her skin on her face and her body indicated a woman with more than just a few decades of experience on this little ball of rock, but she was none the worse for wear by any means. Fit was an entirely apt description. Her tits had a natural sag, but still bore a certain firmness as well as a modest heft. And her eyes. Her eyes were captivating. Penetrating even. They stared at him from a gently rectangular face. Modestly arched eyebrows topped those gazing deep green orbs, and model perfect cheekbones provided a pedestal for those eyes to rest upon. Shapely, proportionate lips still trembled slightly beneath a nose that was not quite angular, and more than a button. Her face would fit in on a magazine cover or a boardroom. A face that could launch a thousand simps. "Let's get into the trees. My partner, Olivia, is waiting for us. Once we get away from prying eyes, we can give you something to cover up with. What's your name?"" Her face warmed briefly even as her arms instinctively moved to shield her tits. "Natasha." Her voice was unsteady, but not weak. "That way, Natasha." Dave pointed to a small gap between two young trees. Nothing he'd seen suggested she was a plant or any other kind of trap, but with only himself and Liv, he realized there was no room for fuck-ups. He spent much of his time walking sideways, keeping an eye to their rear. They entered the trees easily and without getting spotted. Natasha immediately slowed, picking her places to step more carefully with her bare feet on the woodland surface. They proceeded straight back from the buildings, in reverse of Dave's approach. He caught her arm when they reached the point to turn left towards Liv. Pointing quietly, Dave directed her on the new course. She nodded and kept moving. A few steps later, things started getting exciting. "Oh, holy Shit!" Even before his head turned, he knew the speaker was in the same vicinity as the two bodies he'd left behind. Through the intervening trees, Dave spotted a man standing in the gap between buildings. He safed the pistol and started unscrewing the silencer. There was no angle in stealth anymore. Once separated, the pistol went back in the holster and the silencer in his cargo pocket. He brought his MP5 back around. The man circled the two bodies slowly. Dave quietly moved closer to Liv, until they could see each other. With her attention on him, Dave drew his hand across his neck, then pointed at the man still examining the space where his friends had fallen. He heard the report of the rifle at nearly the same instant the back of the man's head sprouted a jet of blood and tissue. Dave hustled the last several steps to Liv's position. Liv gave him a wry smile as she looked behind him. "Recruiting more ladies, David?" As Dave began to object, her smile dropped. "I saw the whole thing. I didn't hear what was said, but they had it coming, that's for sure." "Yeah well, we need to get her warm and clothed. And still deal with these guys." "I've got spare clothes in the truck. Let her hide inside. At least get her out of the elements." Two men appeared, one on either end of the occupied building. Dave, Liv, and their charge were too deep in the trees for the men to spot. Besides, they were focused on the three bodies they could see. "Okay, I'm going to get her in sight of the truck, and then head down the backside of that building," Dave pointed to the empty building. "Got it. So, do I let these guys go back inside?" Do I tell her to take the shot? We're already all in here . Something in Dave went cold. "Once they turn back, take the shot." Liv merely nodded, her attention, earlier divided between her scope and Dave, was now fully downrange. Dave ushered Natasha along a tiny foot path, giving her some ease in foot placement. He tried to keep his eyes off her naked form, but when she jumped at Liv's first shot, the jostling of her tits was magnetic. He turned his eyes away quickly. Fortunately, he was able to spot the truck at this range. "We're going to have to work quickly to shut these guys down. Can you see that white patch through the trees?" Dave pointed in the direction he wanted her to look. Natasha nodded. "That's our truck. The door is unlocked. Get in there and get out of the wind. That will help you warm up some. Liv says she has a change of clothes behind the seat. Take a quick look to see if you can find a shirt or something. Then stay low, stay out of sight." The woman nodded again. "You are leaving me?" "I have to stop all of them before they hurt anyone else." Another shot rang out. She lunged at Dave, wrapping her arms around his neck. He was alarmed for just a moment, but he felt the shaking of her silent cries. She jolted again with the next shot. He gave her several seconds, then peeled her arms off of him. "I have to go." With that, he turned and hustled to a spot along the tree line proximate to the edge of the empty building. He was still covered by trees when he spotted a man moving toward him along the building. He's trying to flank Liv . Dave took up a firing position braced against a tree. Then he fired three rounds. The man dropped without a sound, though the shots echoed through the compound. Another crack from Liv's rifle announced her continued engagement with their opponents. If Dave didn't get engaged soon, they could overwhelm her. He sprinted across the gap and raced down the building's length. Another shot rang out. Dave reached the corner of the building, breathing hard, heart pounding. He heard feet slapping concrete and then go quiet. Swiftly turning the corner, he saw two men sprinting away, through the gap between buildings, and one more passing the other end of the building in the distance. Then another came around the corner near him, the follow-on to the two with their backs to him. He noticed Dave as Dave's SMG reached chest height. Dave's trigger finger pulled three times, smoothly, in quick succession. Three widely spaced red spots erupted on the man's chest. He fell against the wall and slid down. The man's weapon clattered to the concrete pad. Immediately, Dave shifted to the men headed away. One was beginning to turn. Dave fired on him first, this time with his weapon fully raised, taking aim and grouping his shots. Dave shifted to the second man that hadn't yet keyed on Dave's position behind him. With three rounds in his upper chest while running full tilt, the man tumbled to the ground. While Dave was taking out his targets, he'd registered two shots from Liv's rifle. That meant ten men in total they'd killed. But how many were there? At least ten, since the S U V had two men each. What Dave didn't know was how many were left behind to hold down the fort while the attackers were out. As he mulled over the issue, he dealt with two more immediate concerns. His weapon locked open on his last shot. He triggered the magazine release with his right, catching and removing the spent magazine with his left. Quickly, he stuffed the empty mag in his cargo pocket before pulling a fresh magazine from his tacvest. With a fresh magazine in place, he pressed the bolt release, driving a new round home. To be continued in part 11, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the modest overnight gains in soybeans, the mixed moves for corn and wheat, and what could influence cattle and hogs at the open.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the overnight dip in soybeans, the mixed movement in corn and wheat, and what might move cattle and hogs at the open.Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the end-of-week gains in hogs and the losses in cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat.March corn $4.40 and ¾ down $.05 and 3/4January soybeans $10.76 and ¾ down $.16 and 3/4January soybean meal $302.50 up $.40January soybean oil 50.07 down 75 pointsMarch Chicago wheat $5.29 and ¼ down $.04 and 1/4February live cattle $229.55 down $1.40February lean hogs $84.52 up $.35Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Matthew Parks | COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator Africa Melane speaks to COSATU’s Matthew Parks about South Africa’s fourth straight quarter of GDP growth, the sectors driving the 0.5 percent rise, and whether these gains can translate into meaningful improvement for workers. Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane For more about the show click https://buff.ly/XHry7eQ and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/XJ10LBU Listen live on weekdays between 04:00 and 06:00 (SA Time) to the Early Breakfast with Africa Melane broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3N Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European bourses started the morning flat/modestly firmer, but have since sauntered to session highs; US equity futures also modestly firmer.OpenAI CEO Altman declares a code red to combat threats to ChatGPT and plans to delay other initiatives such as advertising, according to The Information.DXY is modestly firmer, AUD initially outperformed after ANZ scaled back rate cut bets for 2026, but is now flat amidst USD-strength, USD/JPY rises back towards 156.00.Bonds are flat/modestly lower, Bunds little moved to EZ HICP whilst Gilts lag.Crude essentially flat in rangebound trade, XAU slips below USD 4.2k/oz.Looking ahead, highlights include US RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism, Earnings from Marvell & CrowdStrike.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the overnight dips in soybeans, corn, and wheat, and what might influence cattle and hogs at the open.Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the firm overnight trade in corn and wheat, and the mixed activity in soybeans, along with how cattle and hogs could open.Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the firm overnight trade for corn and soybeans, the mixed move for wheat, and what could drive cattle and hogs at the open.Soybeans and corn are watching South AmericaWheat is getting ready for the holidayCattle could see follow-through sellingHogs are waiting for more signs of improved demandLearn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US Secretary of State Rubio said good progress had been made re. Ukraine, and none of the outstanding issues are insurmountable.European bourses opened stronger, but sentiment has waned a touch in recent trade; US equity futures are mixed.DXY is marginally subdued, EUR gains a touch amidst geopolitical progress whilst the JPY lags.Lacklustre trade across fixed income with USTs flat whilst Bunds are firmer by a handful of ticks.Oil complex has been pressured by progress on Ukrainian peace talks, XAU trades rangebound.Looking ahead, highlights include US National Activity Index (Oct), Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index (Nov), Speakers including ECB's Cipollone, Elderson & Lagarde, Supply from the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Yooo people, in this weeks episode we have a very special guest ! @breenylee We dive into Christian standards of modesty, the question of whether men can speak into women's modesty, and the story behind her brand, St.Mode As always, any questions, dilemmas or general messages. Feel free to drop us a DM or email. Love

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the overnight gains in soybeans, corn, and wheat, and how cattle and hogs could open.Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Challenger October US Job Cuts jump 175.3% to a 7-month high at 153.074k (prev. 54.064k in September).European bourses are on the backfoot; US equity futures are modestly firmer/flat.Surprise early US Challenger release takes DXY sub-100; NOK gains on Norges, GBP awaits the BoE.Early Challenger lifted USTs to a session high, Gilts await the BoE.Crude benchmarks are higher despite Saudi oil price cuts and US inventory build; focus on Israel declaring the Egyptian border a closed military zone.Looking ahead, US Chicago Fed Labour Market Indicators, BoE & Banxico Policy Announcements, Speakers including Fed's Williams, Barr, Hammack, Waller, Paulson & Musalem, ECB's Lane, Nagel, BoE's Bailey, BoC's Macklem, Rogers & Kozicki.Earnings from Airbnb, ConocoPhillips & Warner Bros.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports that consumers are slightly less confident about their economic future.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the modest gains in corn and hogs, the mixed closes in soybeans and cattle, and the losses in wheat.December corn $4.16 and ¾ up $.03 and 3/4November soybeans $10.06 and ½ unchangedDecember soybean meal $275.90 up $1.60December soybean oil 50.80 up 23 pointsDecember Chicago wheat $4.98 and ¾ down $.01 and 1/2December live cattle $246.77 up $.27December lean hogs $83.60 up $.45See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Shreve and Ed Carson analyze Wednesday's market action and discuss key stocks to watch on Stock Market Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reviewing Study Article 26 from the June 2025 Watchtower Study Edition. Topics of discussion: End times or last days, and mixed messages from the Governing Body Subscribe to the JW Review Podcast HERE (Apple/iTunes), HERE (Spotify), or HERE (Amazon) Support MJF Apologetics through Patreon HERE WhatsApp or Signal: please contact me directly for my number Email me HERE

US Treasury Secretary Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He and other senior Chinese officials next week in Madrid, while Bessent and He are to discuss key US-China national security, economic and trade issues.US equity futures are lower across the board, RTY lags. European bourses began marginally firmer, but have since waned.USD attempts to recover from the pressure seen on Thursday's data, DXY at highs, while the JPY lags.Fixed income is in the red, though USTs are set to end the week near-enough unchanged. Gilts are the relative outperformer post-GDP.Crude began in the red, extending to a new WTD low before bouncing and recouping some of Thursday's pressure. Metals firmer despite the USD strength.Looking ahead, highlights include US University of Michigan Prelim (Sep), CBR Announcement, Credit Rating Reviews for France & Spain. US President Trump on Fox.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

With US markets shut for the Labor Day holiday, trading across the Northern Hemisphere was subdued. Still, Eurozone stocks closed higher on a defence boost, while European bond yields climbed ahead of a French confidence vote. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk gained on optimism over heart disease treatments, and China’s factory activity expanded at its fastest pace in five months. In commodities, oil prices firmed ahead of this week’s OPEC meeting, while gold hovered near a four-month high. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open slightly lower on Tuesday as investors brace for a data-heavy week. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the summer months and everyone is itching to get outside and to the beach for some sun...but with that comes a lot of skin and even more debate as to how people should dress. What is modesty and is it important or is it overemphasized?In today's episode, Pastor Jackie and his wife, Carina, talk through the concept of modesty and how Christians ought to show (or not show) their bodies. They talk through what it means to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, the idea of causing a fellow believer to stumble, and what it looks like to dress modestly as well as the heart behind it. Our hope is that as you listen, you will be encouraged to honor God in all that you do, even as you decide what to wear each morning!The 17:17 podcast is a ministry of Roseville Baptist Church (MN) that seeks to tackle cultural issues and societal questions from a biblical worldview so that listeners discover what the Bible has to say about the key issues they face on a daily basis. The 17:17 podcast seeks to teach the truth of God's Word in a way that is glorifying to God and easy to understand with the hope of furthering God's kingdom in Spirit and in Truth. Scriptures: 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:17; Matt. 5:27-28; Eph. 4:24; Eph. 2:10; Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rom. 12:1; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4; Prov. 11:22; Titus 2:3-5; Prov. 7:10; Luke 17:1; Rom. 14:13; Rom. 13:13-14; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 5:15.If you'd like access to our show notes, please visit www.rosevillebaptist.com/1717podcast to see them in Google Drive!Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so that we can reach to larger audiences and share the truth of God's Word with them!Write in your own questions to be answered on the show at 1717pod@gmail.com or tweet at us @1717pod on Twitter.  God bless!

Fed Governor Cook said she has no intention of being bullied to step down from her position because of some questions raised in a tweet by FHFA Director Pulte.European bourses tilt lower with the region unable to benefit from better-than-feared PMIs; US equity futures are mixed.USD is mixed vs. peers, GBP is top of the G10 leaderboard post-PMI.Bonds are pressured after PMIs, lower UK borrowing fails to lift spirits ahead of the Autumn BudgetCrude is firmer as geopolitics remain in the limelight; Ukraine's Air Force said Russia used 574 drones and 40 missiles in an overnight attack.Looking ahead, US Flash PMIs, US Weekly/Continued Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Index, EU Consumer Confidence, Fed Jackson Hole Economic Symposium (21st-23rd), Speech from Fedʼs Bostic, Schmid, Goolsbee, Supply from US, Earnings from Walmart.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

European bourses opened lower but have clambered back to the unchanged mark; US futures remain on the backfoot.DXY is flat, GBP digests hot UK CPI, NZD lags after the RBNZ delivered a dovish 25bps cut.RBNZ lowered the OCR by 25bps as expected, cut its OCR forecasts across the projection horizon and voted on the options of either a 25bps or 50bps reduction.USTs underperform into 20yr auction, Bunds bid on German Producer Prices, Gilts initially lagged on CPI but now firmer.Looking ahead, highlights include FOMC Minutes, Speakers including Fed's Bostic, Waller and reported Fed Chair candidate Zervos, Supply from the US, Earnings from Target.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska at 20:00BST/15:00ET, Trump will then depart just under seven hours later.European bourses began with gains, Euro Stoxx 50 +0.4%; follows a mostly higher APAC handover as soft Chinese data was shrugged off.US futures firmer, but have drifted off best in the European morning, ES +0.1%; UNH +12% and INTC +4.5% in the pre-market.USD gives back some of its PPI-inspired gains, JPY tops the G10 leaderboard after domestic data.A contained start for USTs into Tier 1 data points and the Alaska summit, Bunds dipped on the constructive European risk tone.Crude benchmarks lower despite the tone and USD, looking to the Putin-Trump meeting; XAU firmer.Looking ahead, highlights include US Retail Sales (Jul), US University of Michigan Prelim (Aug), Import/Export Prices (Jul), Industrial Production (Jul), Atlanta Fed GDP, Fed's Goolsbee, Trump-Putin summit & Press Conference.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the firm starts for corn, soybeans, and wheat, and the mixed opens in cattle and hogsSoybeans and corn are watching development weatherWheat is seeing a bounceCattle are waiting for live direct businessHogs are somewhat oversoldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump's announcement of new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals kept markets in flux. Plus: Drugmaker Pfizer boosted its annual profit guidance. And, data-software company Palantir reported strong quarterly earnings and raised its yearly outlook. Charlotte Gartenberg hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger.

Brownfield Commodity Market Reporter John Perkins has your look at the gains in soybeans and wheat, the mixed closes for cattle and corn, and the losses in hogs.Closing numbers:» September corn $3.99 and ¼ unchanged» August soybeans $10.12 and ½ up $.03 and 1/2» August soybean meal $271.40 up $2.00» August soybean oil 53.49 up 20 points» September Chicago wheat $5.54 and ½ up $.07 and 1/2» August live cattle $219.22 down $.55» August lean hogs $106.22 down $1.00Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick counsels a listener who is divorced, and also about how to defend the faith regarding scripture, and other issues such as finding good Catholic women, Catholic cemeteries and listening to Contemporary Christian Music. Aaron-I have 2 kids. I just got divorced because my wife decided she is a lesbian. We are Catholic. I don't know how to proceed. (1:04) Jess-Question about the Annunciation. We know 'Hail Mary' as a greeting but it can also be like a salute. Which way is right or are they both? (14:43) Joe-Is there a Catholic book that has specific catholic interpretations on the scriptures that are disputed by Protestants (21:03) Cassidy-Is is ok to listen to Contemporary Christian Music.(27:40) Anna-I need advice how to answer an interview question on equity and inclusion. (32:07) Laura (Email)-Could you explain a Consecrated Cemetery (37:42) Adriana-I think I'm losing faith in Humanity. What do I do about it. How can we call ourselves Catholics and pro-life if we say 'feed them to the alligators' (41:38) Joshua-How to meet good catholic women who dress Modestly and where to find them? (47:31)

APAC stocks traded stronger following the firm lead from Wall Street, with gains capped as traders were cautious amid the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.Geopolitical newsflow was relatively light in APAC hours, with no hostile incidents seen between Israel and Iran; “There have been no [US] sanctions lifted on Iran,” said Fox Business' Lawrence, in reference to President Trump's post suggesting China could continue to buy oil from Iran.Fed Chair Powell said they would expect to see meaningful inflation effects from tariffs in June, July, and August. He added that if those effects failed to materialise, it could lead to an earlier rate cut.BoJ board member Tamura said that if upward price risks heightened, the BoJ could face a situation where it would need to raise rates decisively, even if uncertainty remained high, adding that he does not see 0.5% as a barrier for BoJ rate hikes.Fox's Gasparino posted that Team Trump said it was close to announcing a handful of trade deals. The major ones the White House claimed progress on involved Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.Looking ahead, highlights include US Building Permits, CNB Policy Announcement; NATO Summit, Fed SLR meeting, BoE's Lombardelli, Pill, Greene; Fed's Powell; US President Trump, Supply from Italy, UK, US, and Earnings from General Mills, Paychex, Micron, Babcock.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other's major cities, with exchanges of fire continuing into a third day on Sunday, according to multiple media outlets.Israeli drones on Saturday targeted the South Pars Gas Refinery and the Fajr Jam Gas Refinery, according to Tasnim News Agency.US President Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday: "Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place."US President Trump said the US might get involved in the Israel-Iran war, according to ABC. The US is not currently considering joining the war against Iran to eliminate its nuclear program, according to an ABC News report.European equity futures are indicative of a mildly softer open with the Euro Stoxx 50 future -0.2% after cash closed lower by 1.3% on Friday.Looking ahead, highlights include the G7 meeting, US NY Fed Manufacturing, OPEC MOMR, Speakers include ECB's Cipollone & Nagel, and Supply from the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks were mostly higher amid the recent trade-related optimism stemming from the US-China trade talks in London which have now concluded.US Commerce Secretary Lutnick said they have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus; will return to the US to see if Trump approves.Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang said the two sides reached a consensus regarding the Geneva meeting; will report on the framework to leaders.European equity futures indicate a lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.4% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.1% on Tuesday.USD is broadly firmer vs. peers, EUR/USD is retaining a 1.14 handle, USD/JPY is oscillating around the 145 mark, GBP eyes the UK spending review.Looking ahead, highlights include ECB Wage Tracker, US CPI & Weekly Earnings, UK Spending Review, Speakers including ECB's Lagarde, Lane & Cipollone, Supply from Australia, UK, Germany & US, Earnings from Oracle and Inditex.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

wE MP3 June 2025 - 03

Stocks are broadly in positive territory; US equity futures are modestly higher ES +0.3%.USD on the backfoot but only marginally so, EUR & GBP pivot 1.12 & 1.33 vs the USD.Bonds are firmer but are currently set to end a tumultuous week back where they started.Crude is awaiting geopolitical updates from numerous regions/conflicts, XAU dips.Looking ahead, US Export/Import Prices, UoM Sentiment Survey, BoC SLOS, Speakers including ECB's Lane, Cipollone & Fed's Barkin.Click for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Curator Sukanya Rajaratnam and biographer Jon Ott weld together African American culture and 20th century Western/European modernism, through Richard Hunt's 1956 sculpture, Hero's Head.Born on the South Side of Chicago, sculptor Richard Hunt (1935-2023) was immersed in the city's culture, politics, and architecture. At the major exhibition, Sculpture of the Twentieth Century, which travelled from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 1953, he engaged with the works of artists Julio González, Pablo Picasso, and Constantin Brâncuși - encounters with Western/European modernism, that ‘catalysed' his use of metal, as the medium of his time and place.Hero's Head (1956), one of Richard's earliest mature works, was the first among many artistic responses dedicated to the legacy of Emmett Till. The previous year, Hunt joined over 100,000 mourners in attendance of the open-casket visitation of Till, a 14-year-old African American boy whose brutal lynching in Mississippi marked a seismic moment in national history. Modestly scaled to the dimensions of a human head, and delicately resting on a stainless-steel plinth, the welded steel sculpture preserves the image of Till's mutilated face. Composed of scrap metal parts, with dapples of burnished gold, it reflects the artist's use of found objects, and interest in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, which characterise his later works.With the first major European exhibition, and posthumous retrospective, of Richard's work at White Cube in London, curators Sukanya Rajaratnam and Jon Ott delve into the artist's prolific career. We critically discuss their diasporic engagement with cultural heritage; Richard collected over one thousand works of 'African art', referenced in sculptures like Dogonese (1985), and soon travelled to the continent for exhibitions like 10 Negro Artists from the US in Dakar, Senegal (1965). Jon details the reception of Richard's work, and engagement with the natural environment, connecting the ‘red soil' of Africa to agricultural plantations worked by Black slaves in southern America. We look at their work in a concurrent group exhibition at the Centre Pompidou, which retraces the presence and influence of Black artists in Paris, and considers the city as a ‘mobile site', highlighting the back-and-forth exchanges between artists, media, and movements like abstract expressionism. Shared forms are found in the works of French painters, Wangechi Mutu's Afrofuturist bronzes, and Richard's contemporaries practicing in France, Spain, Italy, and England.Plus, LeRonn P. Brooks, Curator at the Getty Research Institute, details Richard's ongoing legacies in public sculpture, and commemorations of those central to the Civil Rights Movement, including Martin Luther King Jr., Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune, Hobart Taylor Jr., and Jesse Owens.Richard Hunt: Metamorphosis is at White Cube Bermondsey in London until 29 June 2025.Paris Noir: Artistic circulations and anti-colonial resistance, 1950 – 2000 is at the Centre Pompidou in Paris until 30 June 2025.Listen to Sylvia Snowden at White Cube Paris, in the EMPIRE LINES episode on M Street (1978-1997).Hear more about Wangechi Mutu's This second dreamer (2017), with Ekow Eshun, curator of the touring exhibition, The Time is Always Now (2024).For more about Dogonese and ‘African masks' from Mali, listen to ⁠Manthia Diawara⁠, co-curator of The Trembling Museum at the Hunterian in Glasgow, part of ⁠PEACE FREQUENCIES 2023⁠.For more about ‘Negro Arts' exhibitions in Dakar, Senegal, read about Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds at the Serpentine in London.For more about Black Southern Assemblage, hear Raina Lampkins-Felder, curator at the Souls Grown Deep Foundation and Royal Academy in London, on the Quiltmakers of Gee's Bend (20th Century-Now).

US President Trump is expected to soften the impact of his automotive tariffs, according to WSJ citing sources.European bourses are mixed, whilst US equity futures trade incrementally higher, ahead of a slew of earnings.USD attempts to claw back some of Monday's losses, CHF & JPY lags whilst the Loonie fares better post-election.Canada's ruling Liberals, led by Mark Carney, won the national election but will need to form a minority government.Fixed benchmarks are relatively contained into a packed US session.Crude complex is on the backfoot, continuing recent losses, while base metals diverge.Looking ahead, US Consumer Confidence, Advance Goods Trade, JOLTS Job Openings, Speakers including BoE's Ramsden, SNB's Martin & US Treasury Secretary Bessent.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

USTR's office was reported on Friday to have prepared a framework for staggered reciprocal trade negotiations aimed at streamlining talks with 18 partners on a rolling basis over the next 2 months until the US's July 8th deadline, according to WSJ.US Treasury Secretary Bessent said he had interaction with his Chinese counterpart in Washington last week and thinks the Chinese will see the tariff level as unsustainable and he also thinks there is a path to an agreement with China on tariffs, according to ABC New; US Agriculture Secretary said the US is holding daily conversations with China over tariffs.APAC stocks were mixed amid a lack of major catalysts from over the weekend and with a very quiet calendar to start a busy week of earnings results and key data releases including the latest US NFP report.ECB policymakers reportedly are becoming increasingly confident about a rate cut in June although there is little to no appetite for a big move, according to six sources cited by Reuters.European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.2% after the cash market finished with gains of 0.8% on Friday.Looking ahead, highlights include US Dallas Fed Manufacturing Business Index, BoC's Market Participants Survey, Speakers including ECB's Rehn & de Guindos, Supply from the EU, Earnings from Domino's Pizza, Roper, NXP Semiconductors, Schneider Electric & Henkel.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

What does the Church teach on modesty in clothing?

Is A Man Insecure For Wanting His Lady to Dress Modestly Before Becoming His Wife?

Tariffs in focus amid reports that Trump could implement copper tariffs in weeks, elsewhere reports that Canada could find some reprieveEuropean bourses opened firmer but have since slumped, US futures are in the red but only modestly soGBP lags after UK CPI, EUR/USD attempts to reclaim 1.08, USD/JPY rebounded overnight but is off highsGilts gapped higher on data and extended but have retreated to opening levels into the Spring Statement, USTs softer while Bunds are firmer but only modestly soCrude continues to inch higher with a handful of factors underpinning, TTF slips as talks continue, Copper soared on tariff updates but has since pulled backLooking ahead, highlights include US Durable Goods, BoC Minutes, UK Spring Statement, Speakers include Fed's Musalem, Kashkari & ECB's Cipollone, Supply from the USClick for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

European bourses are in the green as sentiment in the complex improves; US futures are also higher with the NQ slightly outperforming.USD is a little firmer ahead of US CPI data, JPY lags peers.Bonds are bearish overall amid supply, inflation updates & German fiscal developments.Oil and base metals firmer, gold trades sideways ahead of US CPI.Looking ahead, US CPI, BoC & NBP Policy Announcements, OPEC MOMR, US 25% tariff on all imports of steel and aluminium come into effect, Speakers including RBA's Jones, ECB's Centeno, Nagel, Lane & BoC's Macklem, Supply from the US, Earnings from Adobe.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

European bourses are mixed; US futures are firmer attempting to consolidate following the prior day's hefty losses.DXY hits a fresh YTD low as EUR/USD reclaimed 1.09 on German defence spending optimism.USTs hold near unchanged while Bunds slump on the latest fiscal updates.Commodities broadly supported by a diving Dollar; XAU back above USD 2.9k.Looking ahead, US JOLTS, EIA STEO Speakers including ECB's Lagarde, de Guindos, Lane, Villeroy & Escriva, Supply from the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

European indices lower whilst US futures are modestly higher ahead of US NFP.USD misery continues as DXY dips to 103.60 as EUR's rally extends into Friday's trade.Bunds bounce off worst but remain over 300 ticks lower WTD, USTs await Payrolls & Powell.Crude firmer with gas inflating on damaged Ukrainian infrastructure.Looking ahead, US NFP, Canadian Jobs, White House Crypto Summit, Speakers including Fed's Powell, Bostic, Bowman, Williams, Kugler & ECB's Kazaks, Centeno.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Canada said it will impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports from Tuesday. China announced additional tariffs of up to 15% on some US goods from March 10th.European bourses hit as the region reacts to the latest Trump tariffs; US futures modestly lower.USD remains on the backfoot, EUR digests defence spending pledges, havens firmer.Bonds bolstered by growth concerns and tariff updates despite pressure from block trades & EU spending.Crude pressured continuing Monday's bearish bias, XAU shines on tariff updates & growth concerns.Looking ahead, US RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism, US President Trump's State of Union Address, Speakers including RBA's Hauser & Fed's Williams. Earnings from Target, Best Buy, AutoZone & CrowdStrike.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

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AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on new economic data.