Soledad
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Is it sure that Farrell is doing the actual shooting? Because if it isn't then they might be in more trouble than they tink.
Námo haunting the booth is a hilarious idea. And Dave Michaelson speaking Inuit? Is for the win.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. We may never know for sure who's doing the shooting or from where. The idea of Námo haunting the booth is quite funny considering who he is. And Dave is just full of surprises.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Just the thought that poor Glorfindel was injured that badly and then thrown away like garbage makes me so angry. I really hope they catch whoever did that to Glorfindel and they get their well-deserved punishment. And I have to agree with Alex and Derek, it's probably better if the police gets in there first, due to the repercussions if it's the Elves.
Hm ... interesting point about Josiah. But then, we all know there are more powers at work than is obvious.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Having the mortal police handle the case is probably the best way to go. If the Elves catch up with the perpetrators and deal out their own brand of justice, it would not sit well even with their friends. And it is obvious, I think, given the people who have wandered into Wiseman over the years that the Valar are stacking the deck, so to speak. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
For once I am glad that so many Elves are there; with only the initial crowd, there would not have been enough healers. And from the looks of it, Elven healing mixed with Mortal surgery was doing more good than one alone.
To hear that Glorfindel's ring is missing is really worrying, knowing what the ring does – and considering his emotional and now physical state. You don't do anything by half, do you?
It was a bit unexpected to see Josiah and the others coming, but it seems they did a decent job in diffusing the tension a bit. And it was good that so many of the Mortals came, also, showing how many were worried about Glorfindel.
For once I am glad that I am so far behind – at least I don't have to wait for updates when it gets so nerve-wracking!
Author's reply
This chapter is nerve-wracking for sure, Kitty, with a lot of emotions flying hither and yon. And it's interesting that it took Mortals to help diffuse the tensions between the different groups of Elves, I think. And no, I try not to do anything by halves. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Glad to know they are now all searching for Glorfindel. They are right, he would not forgeth is class and stay away without explanation, and that has me pretty worried.
Oh God, that's even worse than I feared. What the heck happened to Glorfindel? It sounds really, really bad, I just hope they can save him. And I for one don't blame Elrohir for attacking Helyanwë, to be honest, even if that's not the time.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Elrohir was understandably angry, but he should've been in better control of himself. Helyanwë was not directly responsible for what happened to Glorfindel though she was a contributing factor. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 24: Domino Effect
Oh god. I knew the peace wouldn't last, but it's really sad that Helyanwë, of all people, had to be the one to attack Glorfindel over that, considering the relationship they share. What a stupid cow! I really want to slap her. Hard. No wonder Glorfindel ran out of the house.
So they were overheard. To be honest, I can't blame Serindë for wanting to move out at once after hearing that. If Elves like Helyanwë look down their noses on Glorfindel like that, I don't even want to know what they think about the other Elves who never sailed ...
Glad some are aware of what happened, but right now, I am mainly worried about Glorfindel, as I am not certain how much more he can take. And I hope Elrohir and the others come back soon and tell them what actually happened and join the search.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, it's very sad indeed and the repercussions of her words will not be good for any of them. It will truly be a domino effect. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Heh. I notice that Alex did not tell Finlay just who and what Nate - and Esther - are. Elves are bad enough, if Alex had started prattling about angels - and the Angel of Death in particular - I'm sure Finlay would have started sizing Alex up for a jacket with extra-long sleeves.
Smart of Alex not to stick his oar into what is happening between Námo and Finlay. I suspect that when it happened, Alex was feeling as he was walking on a wire above a pool filled with pirhanas. Hungry ones. But it might be funnier thinking back on it afterwards.
The description of Námo just sitting there calmly, sipping coffee while the bullets were flying, was just too hilarious for words!
Orange neon sneakers with a blue gingham dress? Sounds like Estë needs a fashion makeover, though just finding some other shoes would help a lot!
I don't blame Michaelson for being tense. And giving what is probably coming up, things will be getting no better fast, which I'm sure he knows!
Here, have some music, Somehow I felt this vid suited this chapter! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkVHOoCUmu0
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Alex was smart to keep quiet. Finlay wouldn't have believed him anyway. The image of Námo in this is pretty hilarious with everyone else panicking around him while he's calmly drinking his coffee. And Esther just cracks me up with her get-up and her attitude. Michaelson no doubt yearns for the days when all he had to worry about was the occasional bar fight or robbery, but he's up to the task of dealing with the weirdness coming his way, so I'm not too worried for him.
Interesting vid. Thanks and thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 23: Further Conversations
It's a bit sad to see that there are still these tensions between Glorfindel and Finrod; I certainly hope that this is going to get better over time. They really can't afford to fight that much among themselves, all of them, not just these two.
Ah, I had been wondering how the Elven healers are going to get any qualifications without going through the whole studies and training and if they can fake papers and all that. This explains a lot, thanks.
Well said, Finrod. Aldarion has no need to be so arrogant. Besides, we Mortals don't have millennia to perfectionise our skills, we have to do with much less.
Oh, that was a nice way to tie this story to 'The Journey Home'. It's good to see that some of the Elves who stayed behind knew this group who went in search of Maglor and Valinor and that they finally find out what happened to them.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. It'll take time, but eventually Glorfindel and Finrod will be friends and brothers again.
The healers will be off to Anchorage later in the year to take their exams and become board-certified doctors.
I wanted to tie the two stories together because some readers did wonder about those who remained behind, wondering if some of these Elves had known Denethor and the others who went to rescue Maglor. I figured it gave this story a depth of history that it might be lacking.
Thanks for the comments. It's appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Finrod's remark about the Valar's or Maiar's usual entrances left me laughing loudly. So true! And quite the shock for the poor priest to realise that Finrod has such a blasé attitude about his 'angels' and knows them well.
The topic of manipulation comes up a lot, and always has been. Somehow I don't get the feeling much has changed in that regard since EI 1. But it made not just Finrod think when Fionwë said that even the Valar and Maiar are just chesspieces, so to speak. Or at least that's how it sounds to me. Might help the Elves to accept it easier, who knows.
Author's reply
Finrod's remarks are pretty funny, especially in the blasé manner in which he delivers them. And Fionwë's remarks have given Finrod a better perspective on the cosmic scope of what is happening and realize that even the Valar and Maiar have particular roles to play and that it is all being orchestrated by Eru for their benefit. So what looks like manipulation to the Elves really isn't; it's just the pieces on the cosmic board moving to where they need to be.
Thanks for the review, Kitty. I greatly appreciate it.
It was good to see that at least two priests are trying in their own way to help the Elves and fight the prejudices and – in some cases probably – hatred some Mortals have for them. Josiah's approach was rather drastic, but memorable, if you ask me. I was glad his son lept Finrod from leaving; at first sight it might have sounded like Josiah was preaching hate, but in the end, I suspect his approch will at least get the people thinking, and talking with that man and his son will probably be good for Finrod, too.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Josiah's approach was typical of that particular brand of Christianity and very memorable. Finrod doesn't know it yet, but he has a very powerful friend in Josiah and his family. Thanks for the review. It's appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 20: Chatting with Manwë
LOL – Caleb is such a sweetie! Of course he's a bit young to understand what Manwë meant. It was nice to have this amusing interlude, considering the rest of the chapter.
Well ... that leadership issue seems to be solved, at least for now. We'll have to see if the dissatisfied ones are now shutting up or if they keep complaining. Somehow I am not convinced that we have seen the last of it.
It's probably true that the Elves need to take a more active role in the political game, if they want to or not. Might be more something for some of the Valinórean Elves who lived at court for so long, though they have the disadvantage of not knowing the first thing how that is done in their new home.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, Caleb is a cutie-pie at age 6 and Manwë was very sweet in how he dealt with him.
We can hope the leadership issue has been solved, but nothing is every that simple or easy even in real life.
And while politics is the bane of our existence these days, having some involvement in it can only be to the Elves' advantage. After all, they're going to be living there for a very long time, while all the Mortals they know today will be gone. I suspect that in not too many years (as Elves count them), they will be running the town, but that is for the future to decide.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party
No matter what his faults are, Glorfindel showed here an amount of loyalty to Daeron and Amroth that is touching. In any case, I am glad Daeron told him and Finrod what he overheard, as it needs to be addressed soon before it gets even more out of hand.
For some reason, that little byplay between Alex and Gilvegil made me uncomfortable. Sure, Alex shouldn't have said that Ron only succeed due to surprise, but the Elves should stop bringing it up and attacking him, too. Their behaviour will only make things worse.
Oh well. I guess it was about time that Derek lost his patience and told the Elves exactly what he feels, and probably not only he alone. Considering the whole series, I fear he's right, too, even though that's sad. But things have probably to be dire when now Manwë is dropping by ...
Author's reply
Glorfindel is very loyal to his friends.
Gil was not cool here and Derek was right to reprimand him. Even Elves can suffer from lack of judgment at times.
And Manwë showing up... yes, that's not good.
Thanks for the review, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 18: Setting the Bait
That little discussion about life in Aman confirms my suspicion that the three Amigos were so easily throwing themselves into the life in Alaska because they have more freedom there and enjoy it.
There's that arrogance again about the Rangers helping with the idea. It's really a bit depressing how some of the Elves still feel so superior. But I am glad the three youngsters warned Alex and Derek about it. It's telling that they chose these two instead of their own folks, isn't it?
In any case, it's nice to hear a bit more about what the three youngsters did back in Aman, and having the five getting to know each other better as a byproduct of this invitation.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Compared to the kind of life they were living in Aman, Alaska must feel like a breath of fresh air for these three and they are reveling in it. Alex and Derek, of course, were the first Mortals they'd ever met, so technically, they've known them longer than any others and they've learned to respect them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 17: A Conversation Overheard
For some reason, it sounded weird how Glorfindel reacted to the whole thing of the Valar setting up the chance for Finrod to work at the bookshop, seeing how Glorfindel was often the one accusing them of manipulating the Elves. Maybe he's actually learning it ;)
Ugh. I don't like the conversation Daeron overheard, not at all. The Valinórean Elves need to get over their rank obsession and thinking that leadership in an environment none of them knows still has to be based on Valinórean ranks, really. Daeron is right, Finrod and Glorfindel need to know before that gets completely out of hand.
Glad he went to Vorondur to talk; seeing his past experiences, I can see why he is hesitant to tell anyone. It's probably better to tell the two most concerned privately, or the situation would get even more ugly very fast.
Author's reply
Glorfindel does sound awfully mature here, doesn't he? Probably won't last though. *grin*
The conversation Daeron overheard was unsettling on many levels. Luckily, Daeron knew just who to go to for advice.
Thanks for the review, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Poor Finlay. He's about to get a huge shock, though I think Sakari is going to handle it better. But it was interesting watching Nate and Esther dealing with the situation.
Author's reply
We'll see just what effect the revelation has on Finlay and Sakari in the next chapter. And it's always a hoot to watch Nate and Esther working together. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
I remembered enough of my high school French to know what was being said without paging down. I guess you never totally forget.
Author's reply
I'm glad you were able to follow the French, Tari. It's like riding a bike, you never totally forget. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
rikki
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
An exciting and active chapter! Things are really picking up here as we ride up the first hill of the roller coaster. Findlay must be wondering how he got dropped into a spy thriller with all the gun fire and strange persons he meets. I take it the Agency is more hush-hush about the work that they do, not shooting out windows in a cafe full of people. He is definitely ready for anyone who comes after him with all those guns. When I read he was keeping them in a cooler, I couldn't help but think "ah, on ice". Sakari and the shaman will do a good job keeping him busy teaching the village everything he knows. We should see him again in EA4 then, right?
On another front, I like how you are developing Dave's character. He is sarcastic and complaining about people doing his job. Reminds me of some men that I have worked with over the years. Very competent, but prickley as a cactus about what he considers his territory. Then Ester gives him a back massage and he melts. He will have plenty to do with all the activity coming up trying to stay ahead of the elves and Valar. Hopefully he will stay out of Alex's way, as Farrell seems to be playing for keeps here.
It sounds like the next chapters will involve a little bit of searching for Farrell before he gets any wilder than he has already gotten. I can see this building into a rather grand finale when all is said and done.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Very exciting. The Agency is indeed more hush-hush about what they do and don't like to even advertise its existence to the public at large. I have no idea if we'll see Finlay and Sakari in EA4, but you never know.
I'm glad you like Dave. He's a fun character to write for and his sarcasm is right on.
And there will be a climax to this particular arc of the story, I promise, though it won't necessarily be the grand finale. There's still quite a bit of story to tell.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
MikoNoNyte
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
"Un quide spirituel" had me giggling, Fiondil my dear. But I totally lost it when Finrod entered and "C'est un ange," which had me laughing long and loud.
Ceci a été le chapitre plus drôle jamais! Vous remercier!
(Here's hoping my 40 years ago French isn't too bad LOL )
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, MikoNoNyte, especially the French. It was fun to write. And I think your French is just fine, better than mine. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 16: Zombie Hunter Boot Camp and Other Money Makers While Waiting for the Apocalypse
Of course Alex needs to keep his anger under better control, but I can understand him – the Elves still often enough tend to brush these two men off, give them the feeling they look down their nose at them. Seeing that Alex isn't an average man, but a highly trained agent with experiences way past what most other Mortals will ever have, it's clear he won't take that too well.
Derek's idea is interesting, and rather amusing how he tried to sell them his idea. Boot camp for zombie hunters, indeed! But it's not a bad idea at all, they can make money with it and at the same time train themselves and others. Wrapped in that label, it's much more inconspicuous.
Alex' idea is another good one, I think. It would give many of the unemployed Elves something useful to do and help them economically, so the Wiseman Elves don't have to pay for so many. Not to mention the chance to interact more with the Mortals in both cases.
Author's reply
Zombie apocalypse is very popular here in the State. I've even written copy describing archery targets with zombie themes and such, so the zombie hunter boot camp isn't too far-fetched an idea. I'm sure it will prove successful if they pursue the idea. And selling stuff on Ebay or the other websites like it would prove beneficial as well. We'll just have to see how it goes. Thanks for the review, Kitty. It's appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 15: What Happens in Edhellond Stays in Edhellond
Oh great, they are arguing [i]again![/i] *groans*
Honestly, I am impressed how much Alex registered in such a short timespan. Certain Elves could learn a lot from him, really.
As for the Elves ... it's becoming more and more clear that there are problems brewing between the different factions, and I don't like it.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Alex was properly trained by Amroth. Situational awareness means just that and I doubt that Alex stops to think about it. He's doing it all the time. It's how he (or any other agent) stays alive. And yes, there are problems brewing between the different factions and that will cause trouble later on. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 14: The Wiseman Intelligence Agency Meets
*sigh* The Valinórean Elves need to be more careful where they talk about private stuff and realise how many mortals in Wiseman will understand them, not just Alex and Derek who they know to be around the Elves a lot. Or do they think the Mortals are less gossipmongers than the Elves?
Vorondur is right, both Men and Elves tend to be touchy about everything. While I can understand why, it doesn't help. They need to get over that, and that's not going to be easy, I fear.
Olórin's idea to help sounds good; we'll have to wait and see if it helps.
Author's reply
The Valinórean Elves still don't have a clue about how much the Mortals around them are in the know and should act accordingly. Well, hopefully Olórin presence among the Mortals will help stem the tide of gossip so there's not much damage done. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
True, it's likely that curiosity alone will drive the Elves to these lessons. Even more so as it gained particularly Max and Sunny some respect among them and they won't stay away because they look down their noses at them.
Oh, I know exactly what Finrod meant with categorising these vampire novels. In the library we have them in the horror genre. Then there are certain romance novels which are easily recognisable by women with rather daring necklines wrapped snogging around half-naked men on the cover. Funnily enough in German they are called 'Nackenbeißer', which would translate to about 'neck-biter'. Not too long ago I asked jokingly if we'd not better label them as 'horror' and put them into that shelf, because from the covers I can't see much difference to a vampire aiming at the neck of a victim ;)
Poor Finrod, I can understand why he would find that sort of story absolutely appalling. No wonder he ended up throwing up. Though the idea of Vairë reading these novels and laughing herself silly about them is a bit weird. Personally I am with Nick here and have refused to read them, Twilight included. Not my cup of tea.
On the other hand, Glorfindel is right, too, when you put it in a wider perspective, there are many more and much more important reasons to get worked up than these silly novels. It's really not easy to be thrown into such a completely different society. But he could have said it in a nicer way than that.
Author's reply
The proliferation of the vampire romance novels is amazing. I can't see the point of them myself but perhaps because I'm pretty much vampired out. They really don't interest me all that much. *grin* At any rate, Finrod's own history would make these kinds of stories even more horrific for him. And the Valar have their own brand of humor. Glorfindel was right, but as you say, he could have been a little more sympathetic about it. But no one said that Elves were perfect. If they were, they would be too boring. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. It's appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Vorondur wanting to analyze the Valar left me grinning. Yeah, that would be an interesting endeavour, though I am not sure he'd not get more than he was bargaining for.
It's amazing what you can learn by reading fanfiction. Interesting lesson about personality types and having a look at our favourite characters at the same time. While I had two years of psychology at school, the Myers-Briggs was definitely not included; but then, I suspect that only comes into play at university level.
Finrod objecting about Vorondur calling Glorfindel with his mortal name left me sighing. It makes so obvious how little prepared the Valinórean Elves are for living among us mere mortals and that they don't understand that they have to fit into our society, not expecting the mortals to follow the Elvish way of life.
The little discussion between Fionwë and Olórin was a nice touch *grin*
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Holiday weekend. Figured it was a good time to get around to responding to your reviews.
Anyway, I've done the Myers-Briggs a couple of times and you're right that it makes no sense to do it when you're young. I think here in the States you actually have to be of legal age to have it administered and the person who administers it has to be certified to do so. It's a very interesting psychological tool and combined with the Enneagram it's very accurate.
Finrod still has a way to go before he's entirely comfortable with living in a mortal society and that's true for those who came with him. When you stop and think that it's only been a couple of months since their arrival, you can see that it's not been that long for them, but they'll get there eventually.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Whoa! Just, whoa! Oh my gosh. Fiondil, you should consider being a screenwriter for your next career. This was so perfectly written and well-balanced, it was a movie scene waiting to happen. People screaming and Alex and Finlay crawling on the floor with their guns, bullets flying, and Námo sitting there calmly drinking his coffee - it was creepy and exciting and comedic relief-y at the same time. This just became my favorite scene in the entire story (so far). What a moment.
Obviously nobody's going to croak when Námo's sitting right there keeping people safe, but I got really worried about Nick and Finrod across the street when Alex said the shots were coming from the area of the bookstore. Thank you for having Finrod come wandering in and saving me from a terrible potential cliffhanger. Not that I thought the Alien Overlords would let him go out like that, but I had all kinds of ideas of Farrell breaking in and doing nasty things to Finrod and Nick to gain access to the roof. Yikes!
Oh, Dave, you poor thing. I could imagine this wouldn't be the first time he's needed a little support from Estë. One year he's the chief of a quiet little Alaskan town and a few years down the road, suddenly there are murders and jailbreaks and kidnappings and torture, spies and Elves and Alien Overlords and the end of the world, and a lot of people telling him how to do his job/doing it for him. I wouldn't blame the guy if he turned in his badge - on the other hand, put like that, it also sounds like an awful lot of fun. *grin* I can only imagine what this story would look like through Dave Michaelson's eyes.
I'm going to have to go reread this one, maybe more than once. Shades of the restaurant scene from Pulp Fiction. Whew.
Have a wonderful week and thanks for the update!
-Kevana
PS: *chokes on water* ...he's haunting a booth. *strains of Angel of Music play in the background*
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. This chapter does read like a screenplay, doesn't it? And usually when I'm writing I "see" the action as if I'm watching a movie and all I'm really doing is describing what I'm seeing. I'm glad you thought it perfectly written and well-balanced. It was loads of fun to write, especially the banter between the characters, like Alex commenting on Finlay stashing his weapons in a cooler and Dave's "Jedi Elves". Anyway, thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Things are definitely warming up. Clearly Sakari is a very perceptive young lady, and I have a distinct feeling that she will be very able to keep her new husband in line when it comes to it.
I loved your little pun in the first paragraph: He suddenly realized that it was the same booth as before and wondered if the Vala haunted it or something. Nate gave him the ghost of a smile, as if he’d read his thoughts.
What really made me smile was the image of Esther giving Dave a neck massage!
*grin* This story continues to surprise me and keep me on my toes! I'm looking forward to Friday!
Author's reply
You're right about that, Dreamflower. I'm glad you enjoyed the little pun in the first paragraph. It was one of those chortle moments writers sometimes get when inspiration strikes.
Esther giving Dave a neck massage is a fun image. Wish she would come around and give me one. LOL!
I'm glad the story continually surprises you. I would hate to think I'm being predictable. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
I was shocked at somebody jumping Alex, thinking there was no way Farrell could have gotten hold of him THAT easily! But this answers a big question for me, I've been wondering what was going on with those agents up north, since they were supposedly going to be released after a few months. Heh, at least all you got was a punch, Alex. That was a bit nerve-wracking! Wonder what those other two fellas are going to be getting up to in D.C. though. Maybe they've learned a lesson.
The whole thing with Finlay seems awfully fishy.
And I think there is one more person whose safety should be considered now...somebody Alex is slowly getting to know and like. (Aww, those two seem like they could be good friends at the least.)
LOL @ Estë, or should I say Esther. Waitress casually speaking Russian to a couple of ex-spies, gotta love it. They need to rename the Gold Nugget after her. Do the owners have any idea who they have working there, or do they just conveniently miss that they have an extra waitress running around?
I'd be concerned about Námo looking grim, but when does he not look grim? I think I'd be more worried if he showed up smiling. *grin* But Finlay's up to his neck in something besides snow now, hehe.
Farrell-Watch 2012 (I think you said that's when this was set) is still on!
Great chapter, one twist after another.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well, that was the reaction I was looking for in my readers: shock. And it just shows that Alex isn't invincible or all-knowing and he can screw up just like the rest of us. In other words, he's human. As for Finlay, we'll just have to wait and see what his game is.
And Esther is a hoot, that's for sure. I think the owners are very happy to have her working there on occasion.
And yes, it is 2012 in the storyline.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.