2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Gus and Roman find themselves hiding in Matthew Kemp’s room and hear him having the following conversation with someone on the phone (see spoiler):

(view spoiler)[
“Hey, I’ve got a minute. I thought I’d touch base.” Matthew’s voice was clear and strong on the other side of the closet door.
“Yes, everything seems fairly normal except for the fight with the woman,” Kemp muttered. “I believe so. He knows something. I don’t know what, but he’s definitely keeping her out of the loop. He’s nervous. Something spooked the hell out of him a few months ago. He went somewhere in DC on a secret meeting and when he came back, I noticed the change.”
“Yes. I’ve got it all set up. Something different this time. Keep ’em on their toes.”
A long pause followed, and Roman could hear the shuffle of Kemp’s feet as he paced.
“You know I will. And I’ll get the information to you as soon as possible. I think I’ve identified who I need to talk to and who I need to take out. Yes, we’re getting close. I’ll know more after I return from my trip to the countryside. Everything will be quiet until then. I’ve made sure of it. You’re going to owe me everything you promised very soon.” He chuckled. “I’ll hold you to that. And no promises on the other thing. She’s pretty delicious. If I can get my hands on her, it might be worth it.” There was a low groan. “Yeah, I hear you. Fine. I’ll do my job. Spoilsport. I’ll call in after I get back to London.” (hide spoiler)]

What were your thoughts in that moment (who he was talking to, what he was plotting, etc.)?

I was positive he was talking to one of the Russians or the White House mole. I believed that Kemp was working to bring Zack down.

Sharon wrote: "I was positive he was talking to one of the Russians or the White House mole. I believed that Kemp was working to bring Zack down."

Agree with Sharon.

I thought he was talking to a White House mole. It felt like he was planning a diversion event of some sort.

Jonetta wrote: "I thought he was talking to a White House mole. It felt like he was planning a diversion event of some sort."

Exactly, the one sided conversation sounded like a diversion.

Agree, Jonetta. I thought he was planning some type of diversion too.

I agree, I thought he was talking either to the Russians or the WH mole. So, since we now know Kemp was a good guy, who was he talking to and what was this conversation really about?

Anita wrote: "I agree, I thought he was talking either to the Russians or the WH mole. So, since we now know Kemp was a good guy, who was he talking to and what was this conversation really about?"

I think he was talking to Maddox. Zack's secret service guy knew Maddox was in the limo, so they were working with Maddox while he was in hiding.

I think it was Maddox too, but reading the conversation - it just doesn't fit.

That’s why I included the entire text. I’m not sure it was Maddox. Wouldn’t he have known about the meeting with Natalia?

At the time, I thought he was talking to his Russian handler or maybe Darcy because I suspected her already.

In hindsight, it is clear he was talking to Maddox and the ״I think I’ve identified who I need to talk to and who I need to take out״ refers to Gus and to Darcy respectively.

Jonetta wrote: "That’s why I included the entire text. I’m not sure it was Maddox. Wouldn’t he have known about the meeting with Natalia?"

I don't think the meeting he is referring to is with Natalia. Zack didn't meet Natalie.
I think he is referring to the meeting with the PGs and Lara where they watched the video of Joy's murder.

Ah! Thanks for that clarification. Then everything else works for Maddox being on the other end of the line.

Jonetta wrote: "Ah! Thanks for that clarification. Then everything else works for Maddox being on the other end of the line."

My copy of these books is full of highlights and notes. It is the only way I can keep track of all the details about who did what, when and where :)

I always highlight and tag my books too.

A few years ago, I went to a book signing with my Crossfire series. I had color codes for characters and events, color tabs indicating the picture clues (posted on her website) and what I thought they meant, and a lot of questions.

Sylvia Day said "I love when I see something like this". She spent more time than she normally would going through the books and tabs. Some questions she answered, some she said "come back after the next book." I think authors appreciate in depth discussions of their books.

That is so great, Sharon. Sometimes we forget the authors are real people and they must really enjoy knowing how much readers appreciate their hard work.