The Greens of Jericho

Reviewer: Obsidianagirl Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Nov 2008 9:58:45 AM Title: Chapter 11

I really love this story! I guess you shouldn't glut yourself on a bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries when you aren't used to real rich food. Either that or Valenti did something to make her sick...Hmmm...Like living and being a perv.

More soon, please.

Sid

Reviewer: SandraDee Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Jul 2008 4:27:06 PM Title: Chapter 11

Oh, there are so many things I love about this story.  This chapter was no exception. I'm going to list a few of them.

(1) Poor Heather has been through so much!  Even though Constantino was evil incarnate, it must've been dreadful for him to die in her apartment.

(2) I love that Heather is no longer shrinking away from Jake's touch.  Those two are just wonderful together.

(3) I love the Hawkins family.  I'm so glad tha tyou've chosen to make them integral to this story.

(4) The Chavez/Jake/Heather conversation was funny! 

(5) Jake and Heather talking about their future children...sigh.  Just love that!

(6) The details that you've worked up for the conspiracy are just astounding.  I'm very worried for Heather because she's in such a dangerous situation and Valente is an absolute creep, but I know she's in your capable hands.

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Author's Response:

SandraDee,

Thanks for your review.

Heather has been through  a lot but the problem was that she really didn't come to terms with what happened to her in New Bern. She kept it all inside trying to maintain the brave front she presented to those around her. Constantino dying in her apartment was the straw that broke the camel's back. It served as the catalyst that caused everything that had happened to her in New Bern to come bubbling to the surface. Her scrubbing the floors was her way of dealing with this.

I really enjoy writing Heather and Jake. In this chapter I think Heather finally realizes that Jake provides her a safe haven and will always be there for her.

I am having a good time writing the Hawkins family. I think their family dynamic is very intersting.

I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation between Chavez, Jake and Heather. Writing Chavez reactions (and Jake's subsequent ones) are alot of fun.

Even though Heather and Jake just got back together after so long apart. I think the experiences the went through brought them quickly brought them to the point where they both know that they can't picture a life without one another. I think the talk of children is a natural extension of this.

Thanks for compliment on the conspiracy. It's the thing I wrestle with the most ... trying to make it believable.

I'm glad you are enjoying the story and thank you again for your review!

Reviewer: Marzee Doats Signed [Report This]
Date: 18 Jun 2008 5:00:22 PM Title: Chapter 11

 

Wonderful work as always, Skyrose!  Here are a few things I can't let go by without remarking on them:

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"I have to get this out! It can't say here. Get out! Get out! Get out! It's not coming out, need more water. I have to get rid of it! I can't live with it here! Get out! Get out! Get out!"

Jake recognized it for what it was. Heather was channeling all that had happened to her into scrubbing the floor. He understood the reaction after all that she had been through and witnessing her desperation broke his heart. He just had to do something.

* * * * * * *

Poor Heather!  I really do feel for her.  I'm sure I'd be just as upset if someone was killed in front of me - even someone I truly hated.  I'm glad that Jake stepped up and took care of her.

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"Listen . . .  you . . . you country bumpkin, consider this your last warning. You can't have him, he's mine! Tommy and I have an . . . an . . . understanding! Don't think you can just walk in here and steal everything that I've worked so hard to get. I won't let it happen, not now, not ever!"

I heard his first name was Thomas . . . but Tommy?!  Ewww . . . Ugh, my headache it's getting worse! I have to end this.' Heather slammed her hand on the desk and stood up to her full height.

 * * * * * * * * *

Ewww, is right!  And, as much as I don't at all see Heather as a "country bumpkin" the fact that Tara would call her one cracks me up.  I'm glad though that Heather got the upper hand in the end. :-)

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"I thought I could count on you," Hawkins said flatly.
 
"You could," Jake replied, "until Chavez became a threat to Heather. I'm sorry, Hawkins, but this isn't going to work out."
 
Jake ran his hand through his hair and continued, "The bombs gave me my life back. I've got my family and someone I love to keep safe. I'm not risking them to save thousands--hell, even millions--of Americans. If I could save them without hurting Heather or my mom or my brother, I would, but it looks like I can't."
 
Jake turned and walked toward the door, leaving Hawkins staring at his back. He opened the door, paused for a moment and looked back at Hawkins, "I'll look out for Darcy and the kids for you..." 

* * * * * * * * *

This rings very true to me.  Jake just isn't the hardened operative that Hawkins is.  I'm glad that, in the end, Jake's argument seemed to get through, and Hawkins found a way to keep the mission on track.

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"Valente," Jake hissed.

Heather saw the concern in Jake's face. "Don't worry..."

Jake looked at Heather incredulously, "Not only is your boss trying to seduce you, but he wants to have someone kill you too. Of course I'm gonna worry!"

"He is not trying to seduce me." Heather said through clenched teeth, enunciating each word. She was annoyed that Jake said Valente was interested in her in front of Chavez and Hawkins.

Jake realizing his mistake, turned to Heather. "Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it. But don't tell me not to worry. Of course I will. As long as you're in Cheyenne, I'm gonna worry!"

* * * * * * * * * *

I always do like protective Jake! :-)  And I have to agree with him on this one.  I think Valente's type is pretty much anyone.  He's probably more interested in Heather than he is in Tara at this point.

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"Heather is coming back with you for the wedding isn't she?"

"Yeah, she'll be there."

"Well, tell her she can stay with us. It will give me a chance to get to know her."

"I was planning on it, Mom."

* * * * * * * * * *

Ah!  But what will the sleeping arrangements be? ;-)

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"You know, your Dad, told me about what happened before you left for Black Jack. He said if there was anyone who could handle you it was her. He said he admired her spunk for calling you out that day."

Jake snorted and said hoarsely, "I always wondered what he thought about that whole scene. "

"Well now you know. He also told me about your reaction when Heather left for New Bern. Even if you didn't know it yet, he said, your future lay with Heather. I didn't believe him when he said it, but looks like he might have been right." Gail said then sniffled.

"Well, he was right, Mom. Absolutely. I can't even . . .  Mom, are you going to be okay?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Awww!  I love that Johnston noticed and told Gail.  It's like he can still give his stamp of approval even though he's gone.

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 I just have to say, these 2 parts are too funny!

* * * * * * * *

They both became so lost in each other that they didn't hear the knock at the door, followed by the creaking of the door opening. It wasn't until Chavez cleared his throat, embarrassed that he had walked in on them, that Heather and Jake realized they were no longer alone. They quickly pulled away from each other. Heather, blushing furiously, buried her head in Jake's chest. Jake looked at Chavez with eyebrows raised, silently questioning his presence.

"Uh....yeah...right . . . uh....sorry," Chavez stammered with a bemused expression on his face, before making a hasty retreat out of the room.

As soon as the door closed, Jake started laughing.

Heather raised her head and playfully swatted Jake's chest. "That is so not funny!"

"You'd be laughing too, if you saw the look on his face when he walked in!"

* * * * * * * *

And....

* * * * * * * *

 "That bedroom? From now on, that's Heather's and Jake's room. Trust me on that. You don't want to sleep there." Chavez said to Hawkins as soon as the door was shut.

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I also really like this part and the discussion that followed.  I can absolutely see Jake taking his responsibilities very seriously.  I think he always has, which may be the reason he has panicked and run in the past, because he feels his responsibilities so keenly.  But I don't think he'll be running this time. :-)

* * * * * * * *

The comment that Chavez made about the possibility of Heather being pregnant, even though he knew it wasn't possible, had affected him in an unexpected way. It made him think of the future of what lay ahead for him, Heather, and their family. It made the burden he already felt for their safety and well-being weigh more heavily on him than it ever had before.

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And, finally, I thought this exchange was too cute. Though, something tells me even Jake Green's daughters will be an adventure to parent no matter how much he might hope otherwise!

* * * * * * * *

Heather finally managed to compose herself. Wiping the tears from her eyes she looked away and told him shyly, "Well, I got this picture in my mind . . . . of what our son would look like."

"Yeah?" Jake asked. He'd never really thought about having kids, until now, with Heather, and he was surprised to realize he liked the idea. 

She turned her eyes back to Jake's, "Yeah. Imagine having a little Jake running around," before she started to giggle again.

 "God forbid," Jake laughed as he rolled his eyes. "We're only having girls, and they are all going to be just like you!"

"Maybe, maybe not," Heather said with a smile on her face.

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Author's Response:

Marzee,

Thanks for the detailed reviewed.

Constantino's death in Heather's apartment was the last straw for her. After everything that happened to her in New Bern it was the last straw for her and everything came to the surface. In the scene with her scrubbing the floor I wanted her to seem desperate so I'm happy that the scene worked.

Tara really does feel threatened by Heather not only does she think Heather is going to usurp her place in Valente's personal life she also things that Heather is going to enroach on the power and influence she has in the office. Tara's self worth is tied into her job and her relationship with Valente. Heather definitely does not want to get involved with Valente on a personal level, the thought is just appalling to her. I like to think of Heather as a strong person who can hold her own when her integrity is brought into question and I wanted to portray that by giving her the upper hand in her interaction with Tara.

Regarding your question about the sleeping arrangements when Jake and Heather go back for Stanley's and Mimi's wedding . . . I think you probably know already!

I thought it was important that somehow Jake knew that Johnston gave him his blessing so I included the part where Johnston told Gail what he thought about the scene when Heather confronted Jake before they left for Black Jack. I think this will come up again later on in the story.

I am really enjoying writing Chavez and his reactions to Heather's and Jake's relationship. It really is alot of fun! When Chavez first met Heather he did think that he would like to get to know Heather better and was wrestling with whether or not he could make it work and still carry out his mission. His mission won out but once he saw Heather and Jake together he knew it that even if he wanted to pursue a relationship with Heather it would be a lost cause. I think that his reactions to Heather and Jake is his way of dealing with this.

Jake does take his responsibilities very seriously and like you said when they got to be too much, he just gave up and ran. You are right though, this time he won't be!

LOL! I think you are right that any daughters that Jake and Heather might have will certainly give him a run for his money!

I'm glad that you enjoyed this chapter.