Aw, poor Reese! His job is not only physically demanding but continues to be emotionally taxing, too! At least spending time with a sympathetic listener like Badge allowed him to express some of the emotions he keeps so tightly under wraps around Joss. I especially appreciated learning about how The Wind in the Willows holds a special meaning for him and, more importantly, about his experience being a slow reader in school and how he dealt with it.
And Badge was a great original character! Her often-times infuriating naivete did make me want to shake some sense into her, though *lol* I wonder if she'll ever discover or understand the painful decision John made to save her life. I suppose she'll have to accept reality when Otter never shows up, or maybe ignorance really is bliss and she'll live on happily in her new life with her new baby.
Great story with all your usual beautifully nuanced language and emotions! It was good to discover Elias was the mastermind behind the crime again (and, this time, one of international scope!), and the John/Joss interaction was always appreciated, and I hope to see more of it :)
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Yes, Reese is taxed to the limit by his work. But the human and emotional connections he makes are important to him and his well-being, I think. Badge's innate optimism and openness struck a chord in him, provoking all kinds of thoughts: memories of his own challenges growing up, his desires for a child --specifically a daughter -- of his own, his perceptions of the limitations on his relationship with Joss. Lots of chagrin to go around. Badge being so frank in her gratitude made all the difference to Reese; he doesn't get thanked much in his line of work. She served as a nice foil to the elderly Joan too.
Of course, I got a huge kick out of bringing Elias back for a guest appearance. He is my go-to guy for evil and insight, LOL!
And Badge was a great original character! Her often-times infuriating naivete did make me want to shake some sense into her, though *lol* I wonder if she'll ever discover or understand the painful decision John made to save her life. I suppose she'll have to accept reality when Otter never shows up, or maybe ignorance really is bliss and she'll live on happily in her new life with her new baby.
Great story with all your usual beautifully nuanced language and emotions! It was good to discover Elias was the mastermind behind the crime again (and, this time, one of international scope!), and the John/Joss interaction was always appreciated, and I hope to see more of it :)
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Yes, Reese is taxed to the limit by his work. But the human and emotional connections he makes are important to him and his well-being, I think. Badge's innate optimism and openness struck a chord in him, provoking all kinds of thoughts: memories of his own challenges growing up, his desires for a child --specifically a daughter -- of his own, his perceptions of the limitations on his relationship with Joss. Lots of chagrin to go around. Badge being so frank in her gratitude made all the difference to Reese; he doesn't get thanked much in his line of work. She served as a nice foil to the elderly Joan too.
Of course, I got a huge kick out of bringing Elias back for a guest appearance. He is my go-to guy for evil and insight, LOL!
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