Question E

[Jonetta]

Kim figures out that Robert is not Charlie’s biological father. Had you a clue? Why do you think Stephen used that as a weapon?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

There may have been a hint in the descriptions of Robert and Charlie but I didn't pick up on it. And sometimes children do not look like there parents anyway.

In regards to Stephen I'd say often when people feel they are backed into a corner their worst traits come out. Not only had Stephen's daughter been kidnapped his marriage was in trouble and he had financial problems. In some ways he probably felt inferior to Robert in maturity and success and hurting him was a way that Stephen may have perceived he would get some sort of advantage in the situation. That Robert would be so upset that he wouldn't want to pay for Charlie to be returned. But Stephen didn't factor in the strength of Robert's character or that Robert wouldn't act in the same way. That he loved Charlie just the same after he'd processed the revelation.

[Lynn]

The age difference and the way he courted Karen was a big red flag for me. I agree with Lisa about Stephen. The description of him throughout the book made him seem like a very small man and his revelation was in keeping with the personality that had been developed.

[Robin]

I didn't even think of the possibility that Robert wasn't Charlie's father.

[Lauren]

It's been a while since I read the book, but I do remember having suspicions about this considering the age difference between Karen and Robert as well as Karen's lifestyle before meeting him.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch]

I had no clue and didn't even suspect why that was in the story and thought it was clever of the author when Stephen tried to use it to his advantage. I think like Lisa said Stephen was hoping Robert won't pay and he underestimated Robert's love for Charlie. It probably also was a desperate act on his part because he didn't use that information from the start.

[Jonetta]

I hadn’t a clue either until the moment Kim divulged it. She had the benefit of seeing pictures where the child looked nothing like Robert so I don’t think it was anything we were supposed to figure out.

Stephen’s insecurities drove him to reveal this secret. Yes, it was mean but he wanted to reduce Robert to his level, which wasn’t going to happen and didn’t. Robert was a class act and until that minute, Charlie was his child. After that moment, Charlie was still his child as biology wasn’t going to change that.

Stephen needs therapy. He’s got a lot of growing up to do.