Thanks, Terry. I had to get this story out because readers made such a big deal out of a reporter's line about Mexico. I was honestly surprised it created such a stir. Now that the pressure's off, I can jump back and forth in time again.
Nope, I'm still in Wilton Manors.
An earlier version of the chapter had CJ correcting Owen about where I lived. I simplified the scene since to most people there are only two cities in South Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. They forget the two counties have over 60 municipalities.
CJ, Brett, and Cesar met me early on while we were all riding the Skyline Drive, we went riding together in South Florida, and I was at CJ and Owen's wedding. I bet when I'm frail and in a wheelchair, CJ will still keep in touch.
Yep, I was right. Y'all a bunch of blood-thirsty readers. Glad you enjoyed this installment, and I'll see what I can do about Northman. Maybe the US should open a consulate in Yellowknife and post him there.
Thanks, Jose. And thanks again for beta reading that other story.
I'm surprised at the blood lust over Northman. I mean, the man's an obnoxious jerk, but he probably doesn't deserve all the abuse. LOL Anyway, CJ will work for the State Department twice more; maybe we'll run into him again. I mean, I kept Fernando Llorosa around when Malibu ended just so I could give CJ a go at him. I'm enjoying recycling idiots.
Thanks, Chris. And thanks for the review. Twenty years later, Margaret Cox will be in her sixties. All that experience better be put to good use by President Abello.
He's a pain in the butt. But he's lovable anyway.
I really miss his stories, and unless he gives us something to read soon, I may have CJ run him over when he and Owen go to Michigan for a wedding.
“LIEBE! CJ!” Owen’s arrival and shouts coincided with Lincoln groaning and rolling onto his back.
“Oshieee…” Liebe’s cry was accompanied by sobs, tears streaking down her face, and snot streaming from her nose. She crawled a couple of inches before Owen scooped her into his arms.
“Are you okay, Munchkin? Are you hurt anywhere?”
The girl wailed louder when she noticed her other father laying in a pool of blood underneath her kidnapper. “Ceej! He’s hurt! Help him, Oshie.”
“Some