Carlos Hazday

Actually, I don't think I have any of those in this story. No births, no weddings, and no deaths. Well, maybe...

Myr once praised my opening hook in a short story I suspect did not deal with something he would like. The idea of hooking readers with a good opening stuck with me. In this story, I tried to do it with the opening line about breasts overflowing a dress, and with the first 3 chapters by establishing a base of what their lives are like. I think Yevgeny and Stephen will both be a pain in the butt.

Yeah, life will get busier. But CJ and his charming husband should be able to handle it. They already have Simmone and Felicia but I think they need some male support. How about I bring back someone they already know in the next chapter. 😜 I mentioned to someone that giving them a kid forced me to imagine how they would navigate their social live from then on, let's see if I get it right.

I wonder what took them so long! LOL When I started writing, I did too many info dumps; these days I'd ratherdribble the details out in a more natural way. There should be a few more coming our way.

You're welcome! And vielen dank, Google. My German's non existant, which is why I had to ask for help from a fellow author when I have CJ use some of his. In response to this chapter, someone just sent me a video clip of a toddler saying they didn't like Trump. I was worried I may have gotten carried away, but it seems Liebe's not the only politically aware two-year-old.

Phrase isn't familiar, but I completely understand. I use a lot of American cultural references I realize some readers will not grasp, but sometimes it's unavoidable since my guys are so American. Even the damn Aussie's turning into a Yank!

Sounds like me with Embers. I read a chapter over now and then when people comment and I get a notification. There are some I truly enjoy. The Kardashians one has to be top five!

Thanks, bud

I feel they'll be able to handle the parties. CJ has a healthy skepticism about people in authority and Owen's down to earth enough neither should be seduced by the invitations. But unlimited vodka and caviar would probably work with me!

I haven't been around a toddler in quite a few years, so I'm probably not getting her language skills right. My excuse is she's CJ's daughter and Harley's niece so of course she's gonna talk.

CJ and Owen don't need to work for a living, so I think they'll strive for balance between private life and their jobs. Something most of us would have a harder time doing. Liebe will benefit from them being around often.

While parents teach certain things (like sharing the guava juice) kids learn from listening to conversations too. She must have heard plenty of complaints aimed at the dictator wannabe from her parents, grandparents, and some of her uncles. Hell, even Brad turned against Agent Orange.

I can relate. Because some of my comments have gotten me in trouble before, I don't comment on what I read as often as I'd like. The reactions are often too limited and I have to expand in the comments section anyway. You got this.

@scrubber6620 I'm scared of you. That was one of the most insightful speculative comments I've ever received. Although Biden appointed Ken Salazar as ambassador to Mexico, I decided to go with a fictitious one. Because I'm writing in the near future, I've had a couple of mishaps when we reach the chapter's date. Relationships ending, restaurants closing, and similar events have left me gun shy. We'll meet the US ambassador in the next chapter and a couple others later on. All of them products of my imagination. We now have two potential antagonists: a Russian spy, and CJ's immediate supervisor. Unlike in previous stories of mine, I do not dispose of the 'bad guy' quickly. Both Domogarov and Northman will make multiple appearances. We know Yevgeny was invited to the reception because of being an acquaintance with the hostess, he might not known about CJ beforehand, so there may not have been much behind his chat. Your suggestion that he was feeling them out to see if there was potential for recruitment is good. Stephen sounds like the pompous ass CJ suggests. Someone drunk with the little power he has, brandishing his authority to aggrandize himself. You know, a dickhead. LOL I look forward to hearing your thought after CJ interacts with him and the ambassador in tomorrow's chapter. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Knowing what was coming, I've dreaded reaching this chapter. It's one of the reasons I slowed down my reading. I'm sobbing and that's not a good look for an old biker. The mark of a good author is the ability to reach and connect with readers through our characters; you, sir, have accomplished that. The fact I'm mourning someone's death is proof.

Having a toddler does change your life. We heard one modification to their life already; CJ admitted they don't drink themselves into a stupor the way most guys their age would. Having to coordinate babysitters and caretakers is now part of their daily life. I'll try to give a glimpse into their home life on a regular basis.

Off Topic: Simmone is named in honor of Nina Simone. I was listening to her when I created the character. You're right, she's been in Mexico a little longer and can provide gossip/info on the embassy and their fellow employees. Older than CJ and Owen, she has the practical experience CJ lacks. She'll be around for a while, and I think I'll use her again in future books. EDIT Forgot to mention Liebe. We already know she started speaking early (see Ripper Christmas) and as the story advances, I hope to show her vocabulary and her usage of both English and Spanish improving. With kids that age, changes come almost daily.

You have no idea how good it feels to be posting again and interacting with readers. Their entire time in Mexico will be but a building block for their future, but we do get to find out what the infamous event is. Come back tomorrow for another chapter, and I expect more comments.

Excellent observation. The first three chapters were designed to introduce the primary locations and characters, while setting up several story arcs. Aside from the mundane, CJ and Ozzie begin their adventures in chapter 4. I think I'll post it on Sunday so we have a chapter a day for the entire Thanksgiving weekend.

@Clancy59 Very good! All we know about the boss right now is second hand but in the next chapter I'll show him in action. You know, show instead of tell. Funny you mention CJ's jacket. Coming up, Northman actually refers to something in CJ's file. Unfortunately, everything in it is probably factual and does not reflect the level of experience our man has in dealing with big shots. I mean, CJ was shaking hands and kissing babies at 15, some seven years later, he's had a few relationships under his belt. But, but... How am I gonna get CJ behind the wheel of an Aston-Martin with machine guns behind the headlights and an ejector passenger seat if he doesn't agree to some sort of operation? Oh, wait, he would be working for the CIA, not MI6. Never mind.

I know, right? Considering his friend and neighbor's a reporter, it's surprising he hadn't been in the news yet. I see Felicia as a trophy wife with brains. She may look like a tramp, what with her breasts nearly falling out of her dress, but I think there's a good brain there. Yevgeny will be mentioned/discussed in upcoming chapters and he'll make a second appearance soon. Wanna guess when and how? 😜

Exactly right. I kept the actual move and work start dates vague, but Northman's speech came at the start of CJ's tenure at the embassy, while he went through his initial orientation. The cocktail part was on a Saturday, brunch w/Simmone on Sunday. Next chapter takes place on Monday following the party. Let's see if anyone else reacts to their pictures being in the newspaper.

We'll meet Northman and the Ambassador in the next chapter. I Look forward to hearing what you think about him then. LOL

Unfortunately, reader comments taper off after the opening chapter. First and last ones always attract the most comments. Although there have been a few chapters that have sparked additional discussion. I'll follow you to the new chapter; there are comments I must reply to.

You got it. I'm not sure if you saw it, but we had a conversation about those initials in the CDMX discussion thread. You should check it out, My most recent post was a short clip of the park across the street from where CJ and Ozzie live in Mexico.