Question H

[Jonetta]

When Holland convinces Dax that she had “used” him, he didn’t believe her at first but eventually did. Do you think if he’d given himself time to think about it he might have smelled a rat? Was he distracted by his quickie marriage?

[Sharon]

I didn't like the quickie marriage part of the story at all. Dax should have smelled a rat based on what he knew about his father's case.

[Lynn]

He should have trusted her and investigated a little more before blaming her. It's tough, though to ignore being told that someone doesn't care. I think that's why it was easier for Gus because she wasn't confronted with the whole thing face-to-face and her emotional investment was far less than Dax's.

[Sharon]

Lynn, I agree in general. In this case, Dax and his friends know that a conspiracy is in play. It seems to me, it would be in line with the plot to have Dax to demand information from Holland before jumping into a marriage with a casual acquaintance.

You are right about Gus, she was looking at the events with a clear head.

[Anita]

It was a case of big, wounded, male ego. Dax was devastated by what Holland said to him. I think if he had gone off hunting or fishing and not met up with Courtney, he would have settled down, thought it through and gone back to Holland for some better answers. I definitely think the quickie marriage distracted him.

[Jonetta]

I echo Anita’s thinking. If Courtney hadn’t just “appeared” next to him in that bar he probably would have gone away to lick his wounds. He would have talked to his friends who would have made in step back (maybe not Maddox).

His first reaction was absolute disbelief and then she went for the jugular. The male ego is a fragile thing😏

[Lauren]

If he had stopped to think about it, he would have realized that this was completely out of character for Holland. I agree with Anita, that he allowed his wounded pride to get in the way.

The quickie marriage to Courtney really annoyed me too. It undermined an otherwise very sweet romance.

[Karen ♐]

I agree with all of you. That male ego... When Courtney showed up at that exact time, I actually thought that maybe she was in on this whole conspiracy to keep Dax and Holland apart.

[Anita]

I thinks it is safe to assume that Holland was being watched by Russian operatives to make sure she discouraged Dax in any way possible. I want to theorize that those operatives contacted Courtney and put her in Dax's path in the bar. The more I think about her, the more I think she was a part of it.

[Sharon]

I agree with you Anita. The more I think about Holland and read the comments, I believe Courtney was part of their plan. I don't know if she was a willing partner or lead into the plan because she isn't a good friend.

[Lauren]

As much as I would like to link Courtney to the conspiracy, there just isn't any detail in the story to indicate this.

I actually think the idea of her not being involved makes her actions even worse. She betrayed her friend out of her own selfish desires and jealousy.

[Jonetta]

I actually hope she was part of the conspiracy, at least maybe being encouraged by someone to show up at that bar. It would take the sting out of her being a so-called friend.

[Sharon]

I agree with Lauren that there aren't any hints to link Courtney to the conspiracy. However, in my head she is in it somehow.

[Karen ♐]

Lauren wrote: "As much as I would like to link Courtney to the conspiracy, there just isn't any detail in the story to indicate this.

I actually think the idea of her not being involved makes her actions even wo..."

I was actually hoping she was part of the conspiracy so that her actions could be understood. But I think you're right. And it does make it so much worse.

[Anita]

I can see for sure someone encouraging her to console Dax at the bar. I can also see her having revenge sex with him. Jetting to Las Vegas for a lost weekend, sure. But, MARRIAGE! That is a step way to far especially since she knows Dax and Holland really do love each other.

Call me a conspiracy nut, but I think she is in on it. I have no trouble seeing Courtney as a Russian mole.

[Sharon]

That will be a big reveal. I'll love it if they take her down.

[Lauren]

Lol! You ladies would not do well in my literary analysis course. I always tell my students that if there is no evidence in the text to support their claims, then their argument is unconvincing. It's a good thing this is not a university course.

[Sharon]

Lauren I try to look for evidence, but if I don't find it I write my own story. If I did that when I was in school failure would be in my future. LOL Thank God Jonetta doesn't grade our answers.

[Lauren]

Sharon wrote: "LOL Thank God Jonetta doesn't grade our answers.."

Lol! So right about that.

[Jonetta]

Never!!!😏