Thanks very much for those observations, Geron. From one who is so adept at keeping the reader guessing from chapter to chapter, I take that as a huge compliment. I have greatly enjoyed the interactions with readers regarding this story, which are encouraging me to do some more exploring.
Your second paragraph brought to mind the quote attributed first to , "“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Thanks for (re)reading the story and for your comments and encouragement.