Carlos Hazday

I never quite decided if he had or not, but your thoughts make perfect sense. I could see him thinking the documentary would have nothing to do with his actual job so why bother. That would tie in with his tunnel vision. The ambassador looks at the bigger picture and sees the benefit of CJ's activities while Northman's too busy covering his ass by focusing on the micro aspects.

He promised? I don't remember that part. Time to read it again. CJ would be 52 when he leaves the White House after a 2nd term. I'd say 30 years of retirement will give him enough time with Owen.

Interesting observation. Knowing he was a disposable character, I did not bother with a detailed backstory. However, were I to speculate now, I could see him being something like the curator of Bayer's Mexican headquarters art collection, or being some sort of counselor or facilitator. You know, some millennial, new age crap. A couple of decades ago, I had a twenty-something German guy (friend of friends) stay with me in Miami for a week. He was backpacking the US for a few months. I probably didn't spend as much time with him as I should, but during one of our conversations, he mentioned doing community work instead of military service. Our German character could be a pacifist too. I know some Germans born decades after the Nazi atrocities carry those events as a burden.

I would have quit reading it had I not encountered the story after it was entirely posted. Not so much for the multiple cliffhangers as for me not having patience. I do admire CJ's tenacity and dedication. The story was a monumental undertaking.

@Anton_Cloche Thanks, Tony. Although the First Lady gets involved due to a personal friendship, I felt it would be a typical move for the wife of a politician to show up at a ribbon cutting and bask in the glory of the accomplishment. Politicos are the same all over the world. And you've discovered one of the reasons for the interaction between Cesar, Infanta, and Lupe. I wanted to reinforce CJ's empathy is a result of his fathers examples.

Thank you! You want family warmth? The dads are in town for another day-and-a-half. Liebe deserves to spend more time with her grandfathers. All that and another Northman confrontation next Friday.

Good move, Jim! Why try to reinvent the wheel? I admit to recycling at least three events from previous books in upcoming chapters!

Stephen getting blindsided by the ambassador was fun to write. I suspect he acts up again, but he'll eventually crumble, I'm sure. LOL And they meet all these people without even trying!

Hopefully at some point soon. I do have a couple of hundred words written for a scene set in the Oval Office in 2047. A conversation involving CJ, Owen, Liebe, Fabricio, and Carson. Ooopos, that's probably too much of a spoiler. I'm not saying another word.

Actually, neither. But there are bits of me in a bunch of my characters. Cesar did get my dark hair and profession, but he has blew eyes and I have green.

I keep this up we could be part of a twilight Zone episode. The fictional Liebe? LMAO To be honest, I do think about CJ and Owen and their daughter being real people now and then. I may have even written something about it in an upcoming chapter.

Thank you. I try to keep my ego under control, but I'll accept praise. LOL No, seriously, I realize I'm not the greatest writer around, but I do put a lot of care in what I share on GA. I'm glad my efforts pay off. How about a couple of plot twists?

Thanks for reading, reacting, and commenting. Ambassadors are busy people who would not usually interact so much with a junior staff member. Of course, since it's CJ we're talking about, his actions force her (willing) interactions. I'll get her some help in dealing with Northman.

I'm gonna need a new ginger in the cast! I'm thinking Cox or whoever she designates would get involved if issues arose during a performance review. Let's see how it goes in the next chapter. CJ could just ask to borrow a bayonet or something from the marines...

@scrubber6620 One of CJ's talents I keep highlighting is his ability to bring people together to solve problems or advance projects. We saw him do it in high school (the AIDS Memorial Quilt display comes to mind), we saw him doing it in college when he introduced Brad to Heroes Haven, and we see it again in mexico with the technology center. Owen may have spark the idea for this project, but it was CJ who thought big, brought family, friends, and strangers together, and accomplished something wonderful. The associated praise and publicity are things he's having to learn how to tolerate. There'll be plenty more of that coming up. By the time he leaves Mexico he may be a minor folk hero there.

CJ shows us he's accustomed to his fathers' ways and we can tell he learns from their actions as much as their words. What applies to authors is just as important here: showing's better than telling. One other possibility people haven't mentioned is the effect the ambassador spanking Northman will have with CJ. He's tried to fit in, accept he's a rookie at the embassy, and tried to follow protocol. Of course, he attracts attention even while he tries to stay out of the way. Could he now be emboldened to strike back at Northman on his own? Of course that depends on whether Mrs. Cox and others move aside instead of slamming the pretentious butthole themselves.

I look forward to Fridays too. Considering how long it takes me to have a chapter ready for sharing, I anticipate readers reactions every week.

Amongst my many goals when writing a story is to provide a glimpse into characters' lives. As much as some people would like, not every chapter can have CJ kicking ass and taking names. Glad you enjoy the little things as well as the bombastic events. Although thinking about it, rubbing elbows with the upper crust is the norm for CJ, so these events give him a chance to collect more interesting people.

Is that due to global warming keeping temps up? We'll see how the actual review goes in a chapter or so.

Excellent distillation of the morning's events. You're absolutely right. Cox isn't a political appointee and therefore has experience in the diplomatic world. I'm certain Northman's not the first jealous person she has to put in his place.

LMAO Any shyness Liebe may exhibit I firmly believe is a temporary aberration. Her true character will reveal itself in due course, and I pity any fool who crosses her. Wait until you read about her at 7, 17, and 27. She'll be a good influence on Lupe now and her brothers in the future.

LMAO - Liebe's almost two, but Stephen may be the one acting terribly. As much as I like most of my characters, and even though I love CJ, Owen, and Liebe, the dads I think are my favorites. Brett's loud, obnoxious, and pushy but has a heart of gold. Cesar's the voice of reason most of the time without being stuffy. Perfect couple.

Thanks, Tony I think CJ's the more likely candidate to go ballistic at some point. Cox seems to by sly and jump in only when absolutely necessary.

Thanks, Tor

You're slacking. Cliffies are mandatory around here. What would be the fun in serial posting otherwise?