I loved your review, but actually found something I didn't entirely agree with. I think that Claire's view of family is different than both Will and JP. I think that, for those two, it is almost an obsession or passion, while for Claire, it is important. But not an obsession.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
It is no great secret that Nelson was a difficult subordinate. Granger summed it up nicely, pointing out that a relatively dour and formal admiral like Keith would have a tough time handling a free spirit like Nelson. It makes Jervis' tolerance of Nelson's strategies that much more important and valuable.
I liked the JJ/Will interchange. It shows how balanced their relationship is. JJ can't really just blow Will off like he can with most people (and family members), because Will knows how to manipulate him. And JJ is pretty good at doing the same thing to Will.
August 4, 2003
Tribeca, NYC
Brad
We got back to the condo and found that pretty much everyone was up. “And where were you?” Claire asked.
“Stef and I went to a diner and had freedom toast,” I said with a smile. JP chuckled. The patriotic nutjobs in Congress were just a little ridiculous.
JJ walked into the room and I smiled at him. “Hey there.”
“Good morning,” he said, glaring at me. I hadn’t really been ex
Chapter Thirty-Eight
February 18, 1800
HMS Queen Charlotte
Malta
Granger walked into Lord Keith’s ornate and expansive cabin, smiling at the situation, but using that to throw his legendary charm at Lord Keith. Keith was clearly confused at the panoply of people in his quarters. Nelson was there, and Keith did not like him, so that had dictated that there would be tension by default. Peard looked quite composed, even though his ship was all but a jury-rigged wreck. Gr
August 3, 2003
New York, NY
Will
I opened my eyes slowly, feeling Zach’s amazing body underneath mine, and smiled. That smile changed pretty fucking fast as my stomach rebelled against the drinking I’d done. I bolted out of the bed, staring in confusion at the strange hotel room around me. I remembered getting here with Zach, I remembered fucking him like there was no tomorrow, and then I passed out. That was all fine and good, but what I really needed was the bathroom.
August 3, 2003
Tribeca, NYC
Will
“Does it ever bother you, being up here?” I asked JJ. We were sitting on the patio, which was on the roof. It had wonderful views of the skyline of Lower Manhattan, but also of the void where the Twin Towers used to be.
“No,” JJ said. He was in a bitchier mood than normal this morning. I was kind of glad he was staying here in New York so I didn’t have to deal with his moody ass. “But then again, I’m not usually dressed like you are.
February 18, 1800
HMS Valiant
Malta
“Mr. Weston, please change the lookouts,” Granger ordered. Dawn was almost upon them, and Granger had a feeling that there was something out there.
“Aye aye, my lord,” Weston said.
Daventry came out onto the deck and joined Granger. “You seem to be on edge, as if you anticipate something is about to happen.” He and Daventry almost automatically began to pace together. The waves were small, so it was a par
Thank you so much. I think you're absolutely right: for all their conflict, Brad and Robbie really were partners, and his loss has been wrenching for Brad. I think this deal with Marc has been good for Brad, showing him that the trophy partner who looks pretty and goes to parties with him just isn't going to cut it. He needs a challenge.
Thanks Tim. I haven't always liked JJ; it's taken me some time to warm up to him. When I write him, I have to be in the right frame of mind. Sometimes it's a challenge to do both him and Will in the same setting. Having said that, I'm getting my groove on where JJ is concerned, and I'm enjoying him more and more.
Thanks for the review!
It's good to get some validation about Brad's behavior, because it definitely is a stretch. Like you said, I see that as an epiphany moment; hopefully he gets it now.
I think it's interesting how Wade and Mary Ellen relate to each other. There's a respect on both sides, mostly based on how dangerous the other can be, but in Mary Ellen's case, she ultimately acknowledges that it's tough for her to bullshit Wade, and she understands that he's honest and honorable. I can see her using that in her favor, as well as against Wade.
I think that it's likely that Will and JJ both looked at Elizabeth Danfield and decided that she was probably beyond their reach at this point. That requires a whole new level of sophistication. I suspect that if she gets her comeuppance, it will be from Brad, Wade, JP, Stef, or Nana.
I think that Brad needs to find himself, and I think he's almost there. He is rather tedious when he's floundering.
I think Carullo will look at JJ skeptically. He won't want to piss him off (because he's living there, and because he's benefiting from the family's influence), but he won't see himself as a likely boyfriend candidate for JJ either.
I think JJ did gain some respect from his family, especially from Will and JP. They've viewed him as someone who is fragile and needs to be taken care of, and he's just shown them that he is quite capable of taking care of himself.