Why does Jenks wear red? Kim’s read-along answers

I read up to chapter 21 last night, forcing myself to stop after a very pleasant afternoon in Trent’s office–right before the rat fights.

Sara Jane, oh Sara Jane. Poor smart, industrious, Sara Jane, who sees the trap and has no choice. I named her after one of the Doctor’s companions, and a small amount of that original character’s plucky determination has leaked through into my Sara Jane.

And I still don’t like Jonathan.

But Jenks? It’s right about now that his character just begins to shine, and he is one of my favorites. I bristle when he’s given the name comic relief, because he’s so much more. He’s the one with the large family, mortgage, and no money. The one who’s put both enemies and failing children into the ground–the first with a casual nonchalance, the second with a long-standing grief. He has talents, a wife that he adores, and absolutely no secretes. He is everyman, and it’s the dichotomy of his ruthless savagery and smart-mouth commentary that make the four inches work.

But as for red?

The wearing of red as a symbol of good intent and free passage came right from my back yard watching the ruby throated humming birds at my feeder. Turning the warning symbol into one of good intent was a small step. Sort of like changing  growl and baring of teeth into a smile.

Thank you again, Mark, for the rendition of Jenks. Love this one!