Mikiesboy

You're right. My Husband Michael did that job you mentioned for a long time. He ended up having to retire from the police because of the reasons you've mentioned. It changed him. He's doing better now, back to his old self for the most part. But I know some of that will never leave him. Thank you for your comments, Gary L., and for sticking with this story.

Hi, Terry P. Thanks for your comments. You're right; for normal, decent people, there is no justification. But for Black and those like him, there seems to be, both in this story and the real world. However, I agree with you. Thank you for continuing to read this.

Thank you for your great comments! I think the people who do this kind of thing must be cultured enough to deal with the kind of wealthy clients they'd have. You're right about the reason for the invitation...Ego and the fact Black believes they are pretty good guys. I like your ideas about Dante and the card. Let's see what happens.

That's the polite term for Mr. Black, chris! While it's never written out anywhere, Black says he doesn't know the reason. Ego is what Robert said, and I think he's likely correct.

@Parker Owens does have a lot of class; you're right. There is no perfect answer to your question of why Black allowed the interview or invited Andrew on board. Robert said earlier it's likely ego. Black said in this chapter he wasn't sure why. My feeling is ego, and Black feels he is doing a good thing on some level. Believe me, the real 'Mr. Black' completely thought what he believed and did was okay. At the same time, it would horrify most decent people. A note about editors... they edit, they do not write the story. They suggest things; authors choose to accept or decline those suggestions. If I disagreed with everything, most editors wouldn't hang about; they'd move on. I don't recall if K ever said anything about how Dante spoke to Andrew. In any case, I find calling people by their surnames to be extremely rude. Perhaps Dante, knowing Mr. Black to be anything but rude, chose to call their guest by his first name and sometimes Mr. MacCabe.

Don't ask me to write about Mr. Black's childhood and home life! Thanks for your comments and support!

Thank you, Parker. The 'real' person, Mr. Black, is modelled on, was worse; he makes my version look like Mr. Rogers. You're correct about Matt, and while Andrew is safe, is he as unaffected as he sounds? Time will tell. Thanks for your insight!

Happy Wednesday. I hope you all have a super day. For those interested, it is Frank Kafka's birthday.

Andrew lifted his head and saw the yacht ahead. Though dim, he could see the ship's sidelights and the stern light glowing softly. Dante noticed the movement of their guest and turned to see what had caught the writer's attention. They were close. "Andrew, I can't let you see any more. I have to put this hood on you until we get aboard. Are you going to give me a hard time?" "No, D. Go ahead." Andrew's heart began to beat rapidly. He took a deep breath as the young man slipped a clot

i did kinda think that.. lol

Happy Tuesday and Happy UFO Day! Be kind to any aliens you may meet or read about. 👽👾Have a great day!!

@spykeOh my! Thanks, spyke! It's nice to see you! Hope all is well. This is certainly a well dressed pug! Pearls are all the rage now! It's great, thank you!

Thank you rick! Love the image! It' great. Hope you're doing okay!!

Being offline in the forest sounds terrific! Will we see some poetry about your experiences? Perhaps a haibun? I hope your time away brought some peace and relaxation. I think you're right about how Andrew is feeling. The first chapters have been an introduction, the beginning. I'm editing chapter 7 again now, and things will begin to happen. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.

Well.. It is June 30.. which means it is Asteroid Day. I'm not sure we want to say Happy Asteroid Day, but whatever floats your boat. I found some background online: Every June 30, Asteroid Day marks the anniversary of a meteor airburst in 1908 that levelled hundreds of square miles of Siberian forest land. But a more recent meteor blast—and a new plan for getting advance warning of the next one—is receiving some added attention for this year's Asteroid Day. Otherwise.. Happy Sunday! Have a good one. Tomorrow is Canada Day for those of us who celebrate this great country. Later in the week is the Fourth of July celebration for our more southern cousins! Enjoy and be proud wherever you live!

Thanks, Reader. I'm sure you're correct. I can sort of imagine that. I felt that way sometimes when Michael was still in traffic, and He'd go to work in horrible snow storms and things. I worried until He came home. But yes, Robert puts on a brave face, but he's worried.

Hmm, that's very interesting. Thanks for sharing that!

No, I certainly agree. I cannot see myself doing anything remotely that crazy for a story. Thank you for your comments!

Thank you, Michael for your input. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Andrew is naive and misguided, I think. I wouldn't take research quite that far. About your question, I think @MichaelS36 answered that better than i can.

You're correct. The calm is over. There is a storm warning for the next few chapters.

Thanks, drsawzall. I wouldn't do it either. Andrew is crazy.

Any writer worth their salt will kill off a character if the story calls for it. Authors have to write their story, and like life, they are not all happy. Sold Into Freedom has some make-you-squirm moments, just so you know. We will learn more about Dante in upcoming chapters. Thanks for reading this and for your insights. I appreciate them.

Thank you, akascrubber. Technically, Andy didn't break the rule as the phone remained on shore for use after Andrew is dropped back there. He could not bring electronics onto the boat. We will see what happens once Andy gets to the yacht in connection with meeting the host, Mr. Black. This is all in the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it!