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As David said the bond between these two is so strong it is unbelievable. Every time I see them I think of their first meeting. In this life we have so few true friends like these two. Thank you again for George and Winkler.

This chapter started out with danger and then because of George's quick mind and steady demeaner ended up much better than I thought. Again we are only five days away from the deed. George could be a witness to the assassination or just be close when it happens. The skill in which you blend both the historical facts and this story line is I feel masterful. Thank you again for this saga, for George and for Winkler. I am still holding out for that happy ending.

Winkler looked in on them, and thought about waking Granger as he had been ordered to do. But he had seen the captain fight the fatigue, noticed his drawn face, the bags under his eyes, the way the struggle against the weather was draining his energy. He had seen the young midshipman fighting for his life, fighting to heal his body and recover from having an appendage ripped from him. His fever had been high today, higher than ever, and they all knew that if it didn’t break soon, he wouldn’t make it. Winkler knew that they needed each other, more than either was probably willing to admit. He decided to risk his captain’s wrath and let him sleep. As the story continues we can see the bond between Winkler and Granger grow. The love of friendship they have is priceless. Yes we see the romantic love between Cavendish and Granger but also the trust between the Captain and his faithful steward. What makes this story even better is that it is timeless. The relationships are the same as they would be today. We could only hope to know a brave young hero like George, a playful handsome bright even younger teen like Freddie, and a faithful loyal steward like Winkler. Honestly I would be proud to know them and call them friends.

David and I don't always agree but on this point we do. I understand sometime gathering at a death bed is not pleasent but we never got to say goodbye to this wonderful woman who we all love so much

As most of you know I have followed the saga since almost the beginning, one of the saddest things is the loose of Tonto. She was there when JP had no one. Only the time when she caught JP and Stef kissing did she react poorly. However putting that aside she was a force of nature. I understand even fictional characters don't live forever, but I miss her, maybe more than all the others. When Mark wrote the Box he brought her back for a bit. Mark has said Will is the reincarnation of her, and in many ways he is. As Will is the new and improved version of Brad I think he is the new improved version of Tonto too. Add to all that, a bit of JP and Stef. Someone said watch out world Will Schluter is here. This chapter shows us how true that is. I was going to end there but let me explain: From Tonto Will gets his black and white view of the world, from Stef his love of life and sex, from Brad is temper and his need for control ( but with Will it is only controlling his own life, from JP he gets his calm planning and anilitical thinking, and from himself that caring , loving heart. In my mind that is who Will is and is becoming. An AWESOME young man.

Thank you so much for the AWESOME birthday present!! Having another chapter of the Gap is the best. Again Will has handled himself with the maturity beyond his years. The old Will would have freaked out with the death of Randy and not handled Connie as well as he did. I think his change of plans will turn out good. And as usual Mark throws a twist in the end with Tom's kiss.

Thank you so much for this new chapter. As we creep toward the faithful day ( March 23), We see the plight of George and Charles. As we know the government in Britain is in question. However, with only 12 days left before the assassination we can hope that George will remain safe. I long for George to return home to his family, friends and return to his ship. I know Mark loves happy ending so I am hope this book will have a happy ending too. As scrubber said I feel the ending of this book coming. Please send George somewhere warmer even with his stout ship and three stoves for heat. Please keep George safe. Charles and Winkler too.

I have loved Will from the first time we met him. The shy kid has grown. As degsy47 said has had both privileges (wealth and power) but also conflicts with all his parents (even with his grandparents). His need for being his own person has been his major goal. Through all this his big heart has come out. The gift of water is only the latest act of kindness. As I have said before I can't wait to see what an awesome person he will become in the future.

Some time back I said Mark had a awesome mind and he replied his mind was twisted. I am wondering if this is one of those times. I just feel there is more to Randy's death than just an accident with a snake. Is there danger out there for Will and Connie? Again only Mark knows.

Again I agree whole heartily. The thing we must remember about power, you must use it sparingly and wisely. I think Will is learning how to do that. This saga is about family, growth, and above all LOVE which ties everything together.

Again I couldn't agree more. It is good to see other readers see what I see: Will growing into the outstanding man he can be.

A new chapter of Gap, what a gift!! Again Mark has brought us along for the ride. We feel like we're there. Seeing the sacred mountain. Enjoying this trip. Then the news. What is going on with Randy. How dumb is he, or is there more to this than we know. Is there something more behind this death. And how will Will handle this situation? Knowing Mark I wonder if someone or some people are after Will. It will be interesting to see what will happen next. Thank you Mark for another chapter. Again it raises more questions than it answers. Thanks Again.

i couldn't agree with you more

George is a formidable, uncommonly successful captain in the Royal Navy at sea and at court This story line enables him to put his charm, skills and sexual charisma in service of his county as a naval diplomat and skilled court player and seemingly effecting great powers decisions at the highest levels. I would suggest that Granger is showing himself fit for higher command and promotion where he would have to show an ability to think in broader terms for more units. He won't like it but in a while he will no longer be a frigate captain, assuming he leaves Russia safely. I bet he will shine. I wonder what the reaction to his service be when he returns to London. Will part of it need to be kept secret? As Scrubber said This s both who George is snd maybe more important why we love him so much. He lives for us too!!!

George Granger is in my opinion one of the greatest literary creations of all time. Everything about him, his behavior, and even his idiosyncrasies is so finely attunded and written that it makes him almost irresistible. Just when I think this story can't get any better, it does... As David said I agree whole heartily.

It is wonderful to have a new chapter. As we see the time tick down tension increases. The meeting between Granger and Alexander is like a fencing match. I think each person is wondering how much to reveal. I believe this meeting will help George and keep him safe. Getting to know Alexander and having a private meeting will help both Russia and Britain. We are now only a few weeks away from the act. A number of chapters back I saw DANGER for George and Charles. I believe they will make it through and return home safe. Mark you are known for happy endings. I can see a possible happy ending for George. Thank you again as we creep toward the death of the mad Tsar and a new and closer relationship between Russia and England. Thanks Again.

After reading this comment, it brought to mind the time which JP said those very words about Jeanine's parents. ( not suffering fools gladly).

It is interesting to meet George for the first time here. A young man full of wonder and awe entering this new world. Little does he know the adventures which will await him. Danger, loss, sadness and fame all with moled him into the brave naval hero he will become.

Thanks for the new chapter> Again we see Will planning things out. He acts like someone much older. This again shows us how Will has grown and maybe even more what good influences both Brad and JP are on him. What could have been a difficult situation turned out good. Maybe Will on his own with some help in the background is both a good thing and a good learning moment. I am also happy Will has found Connie to keep him company on this journey. Thanks again Mark!!

One of the few problems I have with this saga is the loss of Tonto. She was a force of nature. As you have said Will is the male reincaration of her. I am not sure if that is why I love Will so much. Maybe it is the fact both of them stand up for what they feel is right even if it is not popular. That is something we need today more then ever.

Whether or not I even wanted him in my life. Yet there was something incredibly special about a father-son bond. I realized that when I thought mine had been broken, I sought out other men to fill that void. I looked over at JP. He must have felt me staring at him, because he looked back at me and smiled. For some reason, I'd chosen him to latch onto. He winked at me and I decided that I'd made a good choice. Again Mark in just a few words you have said it all. At the beginning of this book we didn't know Matt or Wade. And even as we met Wade he was just a fellow teammate. Now he has become a major character. The bond between him and JP will only grow stronger. And as we know the bond between him and Will will grow too. Many times I wonder how you create this awesome story and these characters which i for one so love.

You made me love you when I didn't want to. Then you jumped in and saved my life. You can't leave me now,” Every time I read these words it makes me cry. If these words were the only ones you wrote they would still be enough. They are a priceless declaration of love. A love which will go through pain, suffering and loss but will still endure. They are everything this saga is in one sentence

As Kbois said Will will be hell on wheels. Well he already is! Long ago I told you what I loved about this saga is that characters grow. Will has done that in spades. The only thing I disagree with Kbois is that I believe that Will is the new and improved version of Brad. Thanks again for returning to us. You were missed a lot. More than I can say.

Again you have woven a masterful tale. So many twists and turns. It is hard to know what will happen next. The only thing we know for sure is the clock is ticking. Less than a month from now and the Tsar will die and will be replaced by his son who will be much more friendly to George and England. I was very sad to hear of Fritz's death. He was a good friend, guide and lover to George. And even more a brave man. Thanks again for these new chapters. Please still safe and well.

i thank God for your return and for these new chapters. I hope you are feeling better. As I read this chapter a few things came across loud and clear. First was the drug use. Honestly that bothers me. Second is how Will can deal with different situations. The boy is learning how to handle himself, both with Kelly and Striker. The final thing is the long reach of Stef and Will's family. Again thank you for thing new chapter on a day which is sunny but 15 below and only God knows the wind chill.