MartyS

Hi Benji, First and foremost: Thank you. Now regarding this quote: Think carefully. With any author other than the Goat, this is highly possible. However, CHJ (That is a diminutive for CliffHangerJames) is about to give up secrets he has kept hidden for almost two years. He needs something to replace his feeling of power. So he has created new secrets. Who is Rachel? Will Mr. B carry out his mission? Marty

Thank you Zombie, one thing for sure, that goat is an Expired Cliffhanger. Marty

Well Benji, we did agree to disagree. This appears to be one of those times. Some of our opposing opinions should be answered in Chapters 98 and 99. I doubt Rachel's current identity will be among the secrets revealed. Marty

Hi TalonRider, Your recollection of the events occurring in Chapter 66 is faulty. Rather than spending a lot of time here typing them, i thought it easier to refer you to the chapter. You can if you wish to, review them. Fowler's explanation to Trevor as to the reason he decided to search the boat, was at best ambiguous. Recent events involving his wife were significant enough for me to closely examine that scenario. After doing so I concluded Fowler had been briefed Monday evening by Rachel. I believe during that conference she told her husband, that based on her knowledge of Dirk, there was a strong probability there was a handgun concealed in the catamaran. Marty I believe recently there was an excellent link posted. When you went there it was the Golden Eagle who was victorious over the goat.

Hi Benji, Every reason you stated in your response to my posting is exactly what I said in my posting last week. The problem is those inconsistent little items I mentioned are still there. I would strongly suggest if you did not check out my posting last week, please do. Every thing you believe is there.. I do not intend to try to convince you I am correct. All I will do is ask you to think about it. I may be wrong, but my gut feeliing is those little inconsistancies need to be paid attention to. So I am going to do so. As far as I am concerned, Rachel is Shelly Foster. Marty

Benji, I think I may have solved one of the puzzles I mentioned in my earlier post. Mr. B established the fact he had rented a powerboat on Thursday. I questioned how he was able to be at Chinaman’s Point watching when the Kookaburra sailed Friday afternoon. I should have waited a day or so and considered all possibilities. Basingstoke did rent a powerboat. Remember that collection of security devices he has? It would not be too hard for him, to conceal some kind of tracking device aboard Kookaburra. That would explain the powerboat and him knowing the catamaran was underway. He also didn’t seem concerned Trevor was sailing away. Let me throw in something else. When Mr. B returned from his unsuccessful search on Wednesday, he contacted some people in Carnarvon Bay, Tasmania. He instructed someone to buy something for cash. Any ideas? How about a boat? Let me put that aside and go on to something, which has been really bothering me for a while. Specifically, “Who is Rachel?” Benji, the following quote appeared in Chapter 95. This did not make any sense to me. Read on and you will see my thoughts on this quote. I am seriously considering Trevor was mistaken about Shelly being her middle name. I read the following quote in a review for Chapter 95. It contains something I was not aware of. In the Chapter 96 Judas thread I posted the following: After posting that quote, I then followed up with a lengthy post explaining why I was keeping my options open as to which of the three was Rachel. You might want to review what I said. Then consider this. A while back I posted an opinion, in one of the threads regarding Rachel and her disappearing act. I speculated what criteria someone looking for her might use. I was considering a law enforcement agency or the Cartel might be trying to locate her. One of the search parameters I listed was: “Involved in the Charter Boat Business.” This has been nagging away in the background whenever I considered Rachel being Sarah Blake. We know Trevor’s mother has a sister. I have been giving serious consideration to the probability that Sarah Blake was Rachel and Shelly Foster was her sister. In one of my earlier posts I gave my estimate as to how old Rachel was. In doing my evaluation, I guesstimated Rachel was around twenty years of age when she married Dirk. We do not know how Dirk and Rachel became involved with each other. We know from the Prologue, “ their marriage was a spur-of-the-moment decision, rash and hasty,” The Prologue also establishes Rachel had started at age 12 to handle boats. She also was well trained and knew sailboats. I bring to your attention her taking out a charter in Ares without engines. There is nothing appearing in this story to show that Rachel’s sister is in any way involved. We only know she exists because of the telephone call Trevor made to Lisa after arriving in Carnarvon. If Rachel became involved with boating at age 12, it was most likely a family thing. Maybe her sister did also. Rachel might have to keep her head down because of the Disappearance. There is another factor to consider. Martin Blake and Greg Fowler have been friends since they were in school together. There is one fly in the ointment. Martin Blake runs a farm. This is usually a family inherited occupation going back for generations. Martin’s farm is near Geraldton. That is a long way from Northam. That should rule out any probable school relationship between Rachel and either Martin or Greg. What do you think so far, Benji? One of the biggest problems I have is: “Why didn’t Greg Foster find out about Trevor Sunday evening when he got home.” I am sure you remember, I believe he did not get the word until Monday evening, about the possibility of a concealed firearm aboard the catamaran. If my supposition is correct, it clears up something else that has bothered me for a while. Shane told Trevor early on, Mrs. Blake did not go out that often on Kookaburra. It is an established fact Rachel loved sailing. Next, Let me throw in a WAG. The two of them may be identical twins. Being sisters they may look so much alike; Sarah Blake could not let Trevor see her. I will be interested in reading your response. Marty One added thought. Ned told Foster he had not found any hidden compartments. I guess he didn’t find Trevor’s hide-a-way. I wonder why Greg did not question him on that.

Hi Benji, One thing for sure, Chapter 97 covered a lot. However, when the chapter ended it left me confused about several matters. Let me start with Basingstoke. He discovered Kookaburra somewhere before noontime on Thursday. Based on the information in the final paragraphs of this chapter, Mr B. rented a powerboat later that afternoon. In those same closing snippets we learn the Hitman is apparently staked out on Chinaman’s Point waiting for, and watching Kookaburra sail from Kalbarri and head south. We know from Chapter 95 when Trevor and Shane left the Kookaburra on Sunday morning, the Zodiac would have been secured in her davits. The impression Trevor wanted to display was that someone was aboard. In Chapter 95 Martin tells Trevor the local powerboat rental will not let their rental boats head north of Goat Island. What I would like to know is: How did Basingstoke know to be on Chinaman’s Point to watch the Kookaburra departing Kalbarri Friday afternoon. Next there is the matter of the parts Ned wants to have Trevor and Kookaburra pick up in Geraldton and deliver to Carnarvon. Trevor sailed on Friday afternoon heading to pickup the large gear Monday morning. It is about 150 kilometers away. That is less than 100 miles. Maybe 6 to 10 hours of travel time. Several chapters ago the subject of Shane’s Stop and Steal Safari was mentioned. Specifically considered were the negative aspects of him being seen around marinas between Perth and Carnarvon. It was mentioned that Kalbarri was probably a safe location to hang because it was not on the main road. I do not understand why they departed Kalbarri. Of course if they had stayed, the assassin would have most likely scuttled their trip. I know that. You know that. How did Trevor and Shane know that? To loosely quote Yul Brynner in the Musical, “The King and I,” “It is A Puzzlement". Benji, Then there is the way both Martin and Greg Fowler handled Trevor’s announcement of his quest to find the sunken Ares. Dirk could not have been in contact with Australia concerning Rachel. To do so would have put him in danger of screwing up the expiration of at least one of the two Federal Criminal Conspiracy Statute of Limitations. Shane was the only person who knew about Trevor’s Quest locally. Their responses and Martin’s decision make little or no sense to me. Confusing isn’t it. Marty

Hi Benji, I believe it is probable you might have missed one of my posts to you. At least you have not responded to it yet. I posted it at approximately 2:33 AM yesterday. (Saturday) Marty

Benji, ........I seem to lost my sunglasses!! I certainly hope you find them I don't think Gonzales will be to upset, after all what he is really after is justice. Now he will concentrate on Bridget and George maybe bring in the Feds on this. Benji, I know he has said that. However think of all the man hours he has spent pursuing a phantom. It is highly probable he may say to himself, "Why didn't I think of that." It will really hit him hard if he did briefly consider the possibility and said to himself, "Nope, that ain't possible." He might call up Fowler and ask him if he could start a record search on Rachel Carlson, might get a surprise answer! I don't doubt he will eventually do that. I doubt there will any pursuit of charges against Dirk, they really had nothing on him in regards to Arnold, it was all conjecture based that he was guilty of murdering Rachel. They just wanted to lump in other charges to get a airtight conviction. My comment on the authorities pursuing a murder conviction for Arnold's murder was meant to be tongue in cheek. Marty

Your posting brings one question to mind. I wonder if some astute reader will comment, "No matter which end of The Goat you look at, he is ugly." Nah, that is not likely to happen.

Benji, Here is something that you can think about. On Sunday, December 17, Sergeant Gonzalez is going to have his world turned upside down. There is a good chance he is going to be thoroughly pissed off. I don't doubt Henry will catch a lot of flack. I don't think it would be advisable for Henry to tell the sergeant, "I told you so." Even after Dirk gives him the unvarnished truth, all Dirk's claims will have to be verified. On top of everything else, it is a Sunday. Any records which need to be checked will not be immediately available. You better believe the States Attorney will be over the roof when he finds he has been sucker punched. He was the one who went to the judge to remove the possible Fugitive charges. I don't doubt there will be an attempt made to rescind the agreement. Sergeant Gonzalez is not likely to be his favorite police officer. Well maybe the authorities can figure out a way to proceed with the Murder Charge for killing Arnold. My immediate advice to both Dirk and Jim would be: Move out of Florida ASAP. Marty

Easy Benji, your going around in circles. That is exactly what the Goat wants us to do. Here is my take on who is Rachel. I was working on it when you made your recent posts Hi Benji, I wrote this for a damn good reason. (See quote immediately below.) There is no question in my mind that Rachel is in Australia and involved with what is going on in Carnarvon. Trevor has seen none of the three females. Their presence in the storyline is almost non-existent. Shelly Foster finally surfaced during the conversations with her husband Greg in Chapter 88 and the again in Chapter 92. Sarah Blake is present with her husband during his phone call with Trevor at the end of Chapter 91, but does not speak. Melody Kelly's only appearance is in Chapter 79. She answers the telephone when Trevor calls Ned. When Greg Fowler met Trevor he did not know who he was. The following day he drove Trevor to the bank. He also was involved with Trevor when Shane came and met Trevor at the Custom’s Pier that evening. He was treating Trevor the same as he had the day he rescued him. On Tuesday things have changed. Greg does a search of Trevor’s Atlantis. He finds the gun. I believe he was alerted to the probable presence of a handgun aboard the boat. I believe when Greg returned home Monday evening, someone told him a lot about who Trevor was and the facts involved in the Disappearance. If his wife Shelly was Rachel, why wouldn’t he have been given the word when he returned home Sunday evening. Because the possibility does exist his wife did not learn about Trevor Sunday evening, either because she was already asleep or maybe away, I am not ready to commit she is, or is not Rachel. Martin Blake loves Kookaburra. She is his first boat. He has owned her since she was new. That is a pretty big boat to start learning boat handling aboard. Based on his statements, he had to be taught to handle her. Someone had to teach him. The fact she is a sailboat as opposed to a powerboat makes the learning curve a lot more difficult. She is operated as a charter boat. We have seen this is a business you need to be trained in. Just like Joel had to in the Med.. It is not something become skilled at from a book. Someone had to tutor him. There should be no question in your mind as to who is the boss when to comes to the Kookaburra. Sarah Blake made the original decision to help Shane, when he came literally begging. Martin Blake had to wait for Sarah to return home, to give the OK to use Kookaburra with the press. You can ask why I included Melody Kelly. Back in Chapter 79 she became very flustered when Trevor telephoned Ned. That has been bothering me. The second reason showed up in Chapter 94. Here it is: Why would Greg Fowler assume Ned’s wife would care if Ned didn't help Trevor. I do not know. I do not intend to rule out anyone right now. I feel strongest that Rachel is Sarah Blake. But, knowing the Goat, I wouldn’t bet money on it. According to the Goats posting, we, the readers will learn most of what occurred a decade ago when the Ares disappeared. The various participants in the story may not learn it at the same time. So let us wait until Chapters 98 and 99 are posted. As far as Joel and Lisa heading for Australia, relax. The way Bridget is talking they may never leave on the trip. Joel should be getting the word about Dirk shortly after the 17th. Then he and Lisa can pillowtalk in Bridget's guest house. When the Deadly Duo learn Dirk is free and clear regarding Rachel and learn the Ares was not destroyed, that is when things will get interesting. I wonder how well Lisa will handle Bridget now that she is suspicious of her. I doubt Basingstoke will have completed the hit on Trevor before the start of Chapter 98. I have no doubt that somewhere in Chapter 97 will be a humdinger of a Cliffhanger. The Goat has already said those two chapters, 98 and 99 are ready to go. This will create a three week CLIFFHANGER. Do you really think the Goat will pass up that kind of opportunity. Marty

So speaks the Sage from the mountains in Arizona. Based on my understanding, knowledge and belief, a female can give birth to triplets. However, I have never heard of multiple mothers giving birth to the same infant.

Benjiiiiii, We were right!!!!! On TUESDAY October 18th I posted my discovery of the contradiction in Chapter 96. In that posting were the following statements: On WEDNESDAY October 19th as part of your response you said: On THURSDAY October 20th I responded: On THURSDAY October 20th Daddydavek had this to say: Benji, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. To start with, the contradiction I brought to your attention is significant. It is not something that can be disregarded. The three of us more or less agree, The Goat is trying to put something over on us. What does the Goat do? He posts the following on: FRIDAY October 21: I certainly believe this is important to bring to the attention of the readers. This has been brought up in several recent posts in other threads. But, do you see anything in there about the apparent contradiction. Nope, it isn’t mentioned. It seems to me there just might be some personnel changes made in the Florida Drug Smuggling operations in the near future. I doubt CHJ is happy about his subterfuge being discovered, before he was ready to reveal it. That makes me feel good all over. I just love messing with his Cliffhanging mind. Something else has come to my attention. I would rather not say anything more about it right now. I will let you know when, and if, it comes to pass. Marty

To tell the truth as far as I can tell Rachel might be Shelly Foster, Sarah Blake or even Melody, Ned's Wife.

Well Benji, I am not sure. I do know Bridget is up tight. Go back and read her short appearance in Chapter 95. She was ready to draw and fire on Rob when he came to meet her. She made the appointment and it was not in Rob's Marina or at her home. Like I brought to your attention, she never mentioned to George about instructing Rob to increase the cruising range of the Sea Witch. She has been in the business a long time. I do not doubt she has developed good survival instincts. Marty I would not suggest hold your breath waiting for the Goat to give you an honest response as to whether he goofed or not.

Hi Benji, IMPORTANT I posted a special for you in Brain storming Tuesday evening. Now on to this post Hey Marty!! ............ Well we all have to consider goat hours also, they can be excruciating slow I suspect that after Sundays admission, and meeting with Gonzales coupled with Ned's discovery of the Atlantis/Aries of an interesting cache of information left by Arnold, things will move quickly. Things that will directly link Bridget to many misdeeds, Fowler will call Gonzales on the discovery. Yet to be in play is Joel letting anyone know about Trevor's insistent search for the Aries, Gonzales, Fowler and Henry are not aware of it. This is the connect the dots scenario, once the papers and other information are recovered from the Aries and Gonzales grills Joel, everything will fall in place for the detective and Fowler. Easy now Benji. First. Dirk and Jim know about Trevor’s Quest. I would think they told Henry all about his searching for the Ares. I doubt Henry would tell Sergeant Gonzalez. Henry does not want anything about Rachel to come to the Sergeant’s attention. Correct about Fowler not knowing about Trevor’s Quest. Only Shane knows in Australia. Ooooooooopps forgot about the Dr. Shrink. Trevor may have told her. I think that if Rachel had found anything Arnold would have hidden aboard Ares, she would have taken it with her when she disappeared. I just thought of something. This is not a WAG. But it is pure speculation. I have very little to support this scenario, except one thing has been bothering me. We know that Greg Fowler has been briefed, probably directly by Rachel. The way he has been pushing Ned to do the Doppler search made me believe he didn’t know about Arnold’s hidden compartments. I forgot one important factor. Rachel! Rachel’s scheme to arrange for her Disappearance has stood the test of time. If it had not been for Trevor’s searching for the Ares, the Statutes of Limitations would have just expired on December 16th . Dirk wanted Trevor to go to Australia when his school started the Christmas Break. That is December 21st. Dirk would have been able to tell Trevor everything that was part of the Disappearance. Dirk was free and clear as of the 16th. Dirk even told Trevor he would explain the divorce papers in a couple of months. Anyway we know what happened. Trevor arrives in Carnarvon after two attempts to kill him. If he had completed the first half of his circumnavigation as planned, he never would have been near Carnarvon. We both believe Rachel is pulling the strings. Only Bridget and her associates know why Trevor has almost been killed twice. Law enforcement authorities on two continents are clueless. Here is what I think may happen. Rachel knows where the hidden compartments were aboard the Ares. I believe she removed anything she found, that Arnold had hidden. I believe she kept the documents and brought them to Australia with her. I believe Trevor’s Atlantis used to be the Ares. Now I am speculating. I think the documents have been returned to the hidden compartments. I think Greg Fowler knows this. I think Rachel wants those documents to be found by Ned when he does the search. This way Greg is off the hook and does not have to explain anything to his superiors. I kind of doubt Ned has been briefed. Joel's part in keeping his promise to Trevor in continuing the search may dampen George's plan of framing them for drug smuggling in Australia, as I see Fowler and company escorting them of the plane and through customs, or rescuing Lisa and Joel. Sorry Benji, I do not understand exactly what you are trying to explain here. Now for the Idea that Bridget would flee without George, I don't think so, I see them both fleeing and into the lap of Sanchez and meeting Neptune, before he too soon meets his own demise. I will stand with my guesses here. Especially when I add in the info I posted in Brain storming for you. The problem is the fact that Mr. B will still be on the hunt, so the excitement/danger will be how Trevor and Shane survive this. I wont argue with you here. However, if Sanchez is killed or arrested, I doubt Mr. B will finish the job. Those are my thoughts. Marty

Benji, Heads Up I posted this in Brain storming so it wont get lost in a Chapter Thread. There is a nice contradiction in Chapter 96. Either The Goat screwed up or he did this deliberately as part of the storyline. Sort of inserting little clues that will not be noticed by most readers. The first Quote is part of the conversation between Sergeant Gonzalez and Henry in the Chandlery. This was after Joel and Lisa had departed. Pay particular attention to when George took out the Sea Witch. Henry tells the Sergeant it was three days ago. Now read the second quote. This is part of the conversation that took place between Bridget and George in her home. I would suggest you go back and read both conversations. As far as Bridget is concerned the Sea Witch has not been out in a week. If she believes that, then George has been using the boat for drug runs without telling her. I am sure you noticed my earlier post where I commented on Bridget not telling George about the additional fuel tanks she was having installed. Now we have George not telling her when he is making drug runs. That is taking money out of her pocket. Remember what she did to her husband Arnold, when he tried putting something over on her. If the Goat screwed up, he will post a correction notice in the Forum. Benji, IMO this is not an error by CHJ. I suspect he is setting up dissolution of the partnership. What do you think? Marty Benji, I added this Wednesday Morning. Maybe, just maybe George was not doing a drug run when he took out the Sea Witch. Maybe he was having a private chit chat with Sanchez. Think about it.

As I have previously stated, I am tracking Australia time in the story. In Chapter 96: Trevor and Shane arrive at the Murchison Station on Sunday, December 10th. If the meeting between Henry and Joel/Lisa took place as planned in a previous chapter, it occurred on Monday, December 11th (Florida Time/Date) All Statute of Limitations will be expired by Saturday December 16th in Florida. Trevor's Emancipation is effective on Sunday December 17th in Florida. This is also the date scheduled for the Online Conference between Sergeant Gonzalez and Dirk/Jim. I am not sure of the legal aspects concerning the Time/Date difference on legal dates. The time difference between Western Australia and Florida is, I believe 13 hours, during the Month of December

Sorry guys, but........... Quote from Chapter 88 Now i agree the Assassin could be flying a Cessna, but I do not think he arrived in Carnarvon flying one.

Benji This is from the chapter: I think when Dirk did this, he started the clock for the Expiration on the 10 year Statute of Limitations Criminal Conspiracy. Next interesting something I noticed: The ending part of the chapter. George and Bidget are having a real deep conversation. They are talking about the future. One thing was not mentioned by the Witch. I think it was in Chapter 95. Bridget told Rob of Rob's Marine, to install additional fuel tanks, to give the Sea Witch extended cruising distance. I have a hunch, if The Fit hits the Shan, Good Old Buddy George will be standing all by himself. Marty

. Hi Benji, ..............I Love it!!! Lisa is the Judas in her minds eye regarding Bridget (Like I said). Finally Lisa see's through Bridget's managed manipulated pretense. Joel tries to comfort Lisa as she slowly realizes that Bridget may have been behind all the attempts on Trevor's life When she put the other clues together and will they trust the guesthouse again? I was surprised at how little info Henry extracted from Joel and Lisa, of course he is not a detective and would hammered the witness/suspect for hours, but really a 15 minute interview? Benji, you must remember one thing. Sergeant Gonzalez and Henry planned and are doing the Good/Bad cop routine on Joel. Let’s face it, its working. One thing has definitely become apparent to the two investigators. Neither Joel or Lisa are involved with Bridget and George as co-conspirators. Congratulations on the Lisa/Bridget Judas prediction. The meeting with Joel and Dirk should prove very interesting, as the statutes disappear Dirk can divulge the truth and of course Trevor will hear it from him or sooner. Given the newly found wealth of Dirk, is it possible I misjudged the next victims here? Could it be Jim ande Dirk instead? You lost me on this one. How are Dirk and Jim going to be the next victims? Finally is anyone else nervous about an airport so close to the boys designation, how does Mr. B ignore the obvious press reports and fly off the handle. I'm going to go out on a limb here and think that he will fly over the area and spot the Kookaburra on a chance that they went south instead of north. The next few chapters are going to be filled with a least a cliffhanger or two and the final showdown of our heroes! There is no doubt in my mind The Hitman will be searching south. Sanchez must have told him Trevor was meeting Joel in Perth on December 23rd. The only question in my mind is when he will start looking. Basingstoke is more or less tied up until Tuesday in Carnarvon until he gets the security set up in Ned’s boatyard. I kind of doubt Mr. B will find the Kookaburra where she is presently anchored. The Goat has to keep the Cliffhangers going. We know there are going to be more than one hundred chapters. How many I am not sure. I copied this quote by CHJ from the “Red Sky at Morning Thread in the Forum. BTW That discussion between Trevor and Shane about the interior structural beam in the bilges of Kookaburra, more or less eliminates the probability, that a Lagoon 55 was modified to become a Lagoon 57. And I think CJ did a good job with this chapter also.

Could be, Benji. The reason for my WAG is the way Barney was screwing Kline around with the Garlic Crusher. Keep in mind, Barney knows the name Kookaburra. When Chapter 95 closed it was Saturday night in Australia. A couple of chapters back Gonzalez told Henry to setup the Joel interview on Monday. Due to a lack of reference points, I do not try to keep track of dates in Florida. About 24+ hours to go for 96.

Here Is my WAG Judas = Barney

I have only posted the three digit number 156 one time in any thread in this Forum. All I did was to tell you to remember it. The title of Chapter 96 is Judas. Is that a Masculine or Feminine Judas?