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• Man, I had a busy weekend and missed some great questions as well as some posts with very interesting points! #1 I think it has taken a lot for Casey to step back from the IRA- he knows he could run it better but he isn't willing to take on the danger anymore for the sake of Pat and Pamela; yet she pretty much does whatever the hell she feels like. I really had a hard time with her in this book. It seems to me that she makes things very difficult for Casey. As I posted down below, I think there's a lot more wrong with their marriage than her secret and that's why she doesn't want to tell it- she worries that the marriage can't take more. And her actions concerning Belinda just struck me as well, if it all goes wrong with Casey, I'll always have Jamie. Not consciously perhaps but deep inside. (NT) -- susiej, 07:47:21 10/22/07 Mon
  • Really? I think they have an exceptional marriage and a rare relationship with each other. I feel like at this point in time, Pamela’s guilt and her fear for Casey are what’s at the heart of their problems, maybe I’m naïve and not digging deep enough..but I just don’t see any deeper problems. They are very in tune with each other, if they weren’t, I don’t think Pamela’s guilt would be such a burden and Casey would not feel anything different. As for Belinda, Jamie & Pamela....I've rambled so I have to go inside >>>> -- Marilyn, 09:13:20 10/22/07 Mon
    • I will confess one here too,,, ok, so I had an attraction I will confess one here too,,, ok, so I had an attraction to a guy in the early 90's,, yes, I am and was a happily married woman. But that doesn't mean I don't on occasion meet someone I like a bit, and would probably date if I were single. It just happens. Feelings were mutual I will add. We never did anything about it except smile a little bigger, maybe a little longer, for each other, but we wanted each other. This went on for a year or two, and finally he got a girlfriend, got her pregnant,, and I was jealous. Yep. Natural to be jealous over people we care about, and in my own way I cared about this guy. If I hadn't been married I think I could have easily loved him. I quit my job right after that and not being around him, I got over it. But the jealousy was real. He would talk to me about her, and I just shivered inside with bad thoughts about her. So, I totally understand Pamela's jealousy over Jamie. . (NT) -- bug, 10:35:53 10/22/07 Mon
    • I think they have an exceptional physical attraction and yes love, but it doesn't seem to me they are ever completely honest with each other. And Pamela continues to resent Casey's involvement with the IRA when she knew what he was before she asked him to marry her yet I don't rememer her informing Casey about her role as a spy on Jamie and then she risked her life and Casey's baby getting that info without even discussing it with him. I wouldn't want my husband to do those things. Yes, it makes for a good story because a perfect marriage would be a pretty boring read, but it is true, I liked Pamela in EU, but wasn't too happy with her overall in Mermaids. I mean it seems a double standard, she can be jealous over Jamie, and how's Casey suppose to feel about that? (NT) -- susiej (), 12:09:37 10/22/07 Mon
      • I do understand what you're saying susie..truly, I still don't see anything deeper going on between them though. Do you think Pamela really resents Casey's IRA involvment or is it more fear and hoping things could be different? Haha Casey is jealous over Jamie too - he must be one hell of man himself *g* (NT) -- Marilyn (), 12:52:54 10/22/07 Mon
        • That's a good point about the involvement; I didn't mean to imply that she doesn't have reason to be worried and I think she truly cares what happens to the Irish people, but asking Casey to stay out of it-well, I just can't see him doing that. Ironically while I liked Pamela less in this book, I liked Casey more- hey, maybe I'm just jealous? *g* (NT) -- susiej, 14:42:34 10/22/07 Mon
  • Pamela really isn't capable of just going from one man to another- she truly does love her husband, very deeply, hence her fear of losing him. I realize many people don't like her, but then again if she sat on her hands at home and just waited for Casey the story might be a tiny bit dull. :) (NT) -- celtgirl (), 09:54:00 10/22/07 Mon
  • I always saw Pamela as taking risks because she loves Casey so much. Hagerty, Bright, etc... it all seems to point back to a devotion to Casey, at least imho. (NT) -- Elaine, 11:46:38 10/22/07 Mon

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• #2. Oh, that kiss through the window was one of my all time favorite Casey moments- so sweet, so romantic, and all while being such a bad, bad boy!! (NT) -- susiej, 07:48:50 10/22/07 Mon

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• #4. I too wanted Robin to turn out well in the end. So very sad, I did feel for him, and for Casey. Casey lost a lot in this book. It was hard for him to accept that he couldn't protect Lawrence or Robin from themselves. Neither he or Pat could protect Sylvie. They had to get Jamie's help in order to obtain thier own freedom! He couldn't protect his unborn children. And then, all the issues with Pamela. I think Casey saw that his wife wasn't the ideal that he might have created in his mind. (NT) -- susiej, 07:56:32 10/22/07 Mon
  • I agree Mahri and Susie, I wanted the same for Robin. (NT) -- Tracy, 08:46:56 10/22/07 Mon

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• Well, I have to say, if it were my husband who helped plan and plot such a thing, I would be just as angry for his part. Even though he wasn't there, he was just as responsible. But I have a question here. Isn't this where it mentions that there was brick dust, or somthing, on his shoes? I do recall thinking he may have actually been lying to her, and was there. Am I wrong or right? Cindy? What say you? (NT) -- bug, 08:02:09 10/22/07 Mon
  • PS--I didn't go back and re read this, just in case I asked this question per the wrong scene. (NT) -- bug, 08:03:33 10/22/07 Mon
  • You're right, bug. Originally this was supposed to lead to another subplot but it ended up being a thread I didn't tie off, because I simply didn't have room once 'Mermaid' assumed its final shape. So maybe we'll find out what Mr. Riordan is up to in 'Angels'. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:23:26 10/22/07 Mon
    • Thanks Cindy. I don't remember everything I read in a book, but a few things do stick. I remember thinking,,,,,, wait, he's lying about something here. I will look for that in the upcoming book. ^_^ (NT) -- bug, 05:43:09 10/23/07 Tue

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• #1. I think any involvement with the IRA could be dangerous. Casey could be doing something or do nothing and mistakenly be hurt just because he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe it would give Pamela and me a wee bit of comfort but I dont think I could help but feel scared for the man every time he walked out the door. (NT) -- Tracy, 08:41:41 10/22/07 Mon

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• 3. I wonder if it is choice. There was no choice in the rape and she could not be held responsible for that horrible tragedy. However, she made the choice to be with Hagerty. I completely understand her reasons for her choice and am not arguing those, just the 'choice' factor. I could be way off though. (NT) -- Tracy (), 08:44:00 10/22/07 Mon
  • I feel this way too Tracy. I wish different choices had been made. That particular choice has really bugged me. I see that as part of the plot it has certainly stirred feelings, good and bad,, but I still just cringe when I think of that situation. Cindy, you certainly have kept us going on this choice of scenario. And as a reader, that's a good thing. (NT) -- bug, 10:21:29 10/22/07 Mon

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• 73.1) Pamela is no dummy. She'd have to be awfully naive - or wholly in denial - to think that someone like Casey, coming from his kind of background, living in a country beset with turmoil, would not be a part of the inner workings of the IRA. It wouldn't matter, imho, if he was at the helm of the operation or working undercover as a real estate agent - as long as Casey's Irish, he's going to be involved with the IRA in some capacity or another, and his life will probably always be in danger. Pamela loves him enough to try to live with this fact, and live despite this fact. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:47:49 10/22/07 Mon

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• I thought the scene with the lady robinsons was quite funny, very well written and entertaining...... as well as seeing the serious side of things. Excellent Cindy. (NT) -- bug, 10:51:33 10/22/07 Mon

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• 73.2) Weeelll, first thing I'd like to say is that 50 is not so old in general terms, even if it might be a bit old to be a virgin (if you aren't also a nun). And I confess I didn't like Casey using the term 'dry rot.' ;-) Then Robin calls her an 'old goose.' So does that make me chopped (goose) liver I ask ye?! Okay, okay, I'm just giving the author a little comical chastisement here due to my oversensitivity about age these days (as I arch my left eyebrow and look at my screen over the top of my tri-focals - can ye see me, cg? )! Very funny scene, and endearing, too. I think Casey did himself (and Robin) a lot of good by giving Miss Edwina a farewell kiss. She's not going to feel quite so strongly about prosecuting someone who made her feel special, eh? And Miss Georgina isn't likely to tell too many tales, either, given her dishabille. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:59:15 10/22/07 Mon
  • Now Miss E. Casey never uses the term 'dry rot' at all. Remember these are not swingin' fifty year olds, these are rather uptight, prim women. Admittedly, they are trying to change that. :) Who knows what Casey might have done were he not married? ;) And yes, I feel that look and I can even see it. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:45:01 10/22/07 Mon
    • yes, Casey noted how much more attractive she was when she smiled. They do say that a smile is the best accessory a woman can wear!!! (NT) -- susiej, 12:19:26 10/22/07 Mon
    • Okay, point taken (she says, pouting). It's just that I don't feel as old as I am. Fifty is looking good to me now! (NT) -- Elaine, 13:09:16 10/22/07 Mon
      • I am approacing that age myself. I am closer to it now than I am 40. It looks scarry from here, but I hardly feel 35 so, surely it won't be so bad. I fretted quite frightfully over 40 and not much has changed, so I wish the best for 50. :-) (NT) -- bug, 05:46:38 10/23/07 Tue
        • I didn't bat an eye at 40. Even 50 wasn't so bad until AARP started sending me literature and a card with my name printed on it. (NT) -- Elaine (), 06:29:37 10/23/07 Tue

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• 73.3) She is not whole, and Casey is too attuned to her to miss that. If he could fix his marriage problem himself, he would, but it isn't his problem to solve. She is withholding a part of herself from him. It's the part that connects with Casey on the deepest level. She is not comfortable with herself right now, certainly isn't proud of herself and her actions in Boston. And on some level she's probably still angry at Casey because if it weren't for his safety, she'd never have had to have been usurped by the FBI and coerced to compromise herself and her marriage in Hagerty's bed. She won't be healed until she releases this secret that's threatening to implode. He needs all of her, but the parts that are missing cannot be faked. (NT) -- Elaine (), 11:17:34 10/22/07 Mon

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• 73.4) Robin is an angry, lost soul. He's really worse off, I think, than his poor sister Jo, because he's had to face his demons for so much longer. If Casey could have been the one to take him by the hand, Robin might have ended up a better person for it. But that isn't how it worked out, and Robin has become pitiful and pathetic. (NT) -- Elaine, 11:28:28 10/22/07 Mon

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• Well you Casey girls, I don't know if this will help you cast a fonder eye on my girl or not, but here is an excerpt from my WIP that shows the couple working through some of their issues concerning the infidelity>>>> -- celtgirl, 12:20:37 10/22/07 Mon
  • *Sigh* Lucky biatch! ;-) (NT) -- Marilyn, 12:26:42 10/22/07 Mon
  • Aw Jaysus, cg, here I am all bewitched, bothered and bewildered in the middle of the afternoon and Larry's not working from home today. Sheesh. Okay, more to the point now - this was basically what I was trying to say above, that the part of Pamela that was missing from Casey was her vulnerability laid bare. Even wrote it, then erased it thinking it was over the top. But now you've proved my point and I'm feeling right smug with meself at the moment. =) (NT) -- Elaine, 13:05:17 10/22/07 Mon
  • OH MY! Wow. I've got shivers. (NT) -- Tracy, 13:47:03 10/22/07 Mon
  • You should at least post a warning with such things, woman! Casey may be a rare man, and Pamela a rare woman, but you've got a rare gift yourself, Cindy, to write with such eloquence, passion and insight. Amazing. (NT) -- Carla, 14:34:15 10/22/07 Mon
  • Casey's line about her not trusting him was exactly what I was feeling. I felt like I carried that lump of a secret through every page waiting for it to come out. I can so easily identify with the haunting of his mind, imagining Hagerty touching his wife. A lovely piece to read now, thanks Cindy. Puts a mouse pad quote into persepctive *g* (NT) -- Sheila, 19:25:04 10/22/07 Mon
  • Wow Cindy. That brought tears to my eyes. It was beautiful. (NT) -- bug, 05:58:52 10/23/07 Tue
  • You need a rating system wiht these posts! However will I get back to work after that?!?!? (NT) -- JaneH ;-), 09:42:18 10/23/07 Tue
    • Well Carla can write me up a warning and you can make a rating system, Jane, and I'll adhere to it. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:46:26 10/23/07 Tue

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• 1. It may make a difference if you're splitting hairs. I don't think it makes much of a difference where the IRA, RUC or British are concerned. He's still involved, he's known to be involved and one wrong step can still end badly. Unfortunately, Casey could retire to a monastery (perish the thought) and he'd still be a target from all sides. (NT) -- Carla, 13:57:39 10/22/07 Mon

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• 2. This totally cracked me up as well, Mahri. I seem to recall some of Casey's stories of growing up and his escapades with Robin making me laugh out loud, as well. I think to two men in their mid-20s, prim 50 year olds would seem very old indeed. It was very gallant of Casey to leave Miss Edwina with a kiss she'll likely never forget. It was very poignant to see Robin and Casey enjoying an adventure and made me wonder what could have been if Robin's character hadn't been so warped by a horrible childhood. (NT) -- Carla, 14:02:32 10/22/07 Mon

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• 3. I think as Tracy said it's that she wasn't at fault in the rape, it wasn't a conscious decision Pamela made that resulted in the secret. Also, I think she may be angry at Casey, even if it's subconsciously, for putting her in such a position of vulnerability. If he hadn't gotten on the wrong side of Love, then Love wouldn't have wanted to set him up/kill him and the FBI would have had nothing to hold over her head. Her anger might not be justified or logical, but it may be buried there nonetheless. (NT) -- Carla, 14:23:30 10/22/07 Mon

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• 4. When we see Robin so vulnerable over the discovery of Jo's remains, it's difficult to connect him to the man who shot another and then merrily sang as he walked away. But, like Casey, I think you always have to keep that other Robin in mind. He is so damaged, I felt there was really no hope of redemption. It's too bad, because we get glimpses of the man he could have been, but he's passed the point of no return. (NT) -- Carla, 14:26:07 10/22/07 Mon

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• I too had hoped that Casey would be able to reach Robin and bring him back, perhaps. I was very sorry to see the truth of him. (NT) -- Sheila, 19:27:03 10/22/07 Mon