2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Marcus operates above and below the law, which Daisy knew before becoming involved with him. He clearly stepped over the line when he killed her rapist but gave her a choice before he did it. Your thoughts about him in this respect? Did it bother you that he killed the man? What do you think of the author’s decision to not give him a name?

He was a man who protected what was his and Daisy was his. He was not going to let this stand. He let Daisy know he what he was going to do and that it was to protect and avenge her. It didn't bother me Marcus killed him and his not being given a name didn't bother me. For his attitude that she was just a stripper, I would have shot him myself.

Marcus wanted Daisy to feel safe. I'm not sure she would if the guy was still walking around. The way the justice system treats rape victims is terrible in general. For a stripper, she would be put on trial instead of the victim, who obviously thinks she is gutter trash. I didn't have a problem with Marcus killing the rapist.

Marcus is a major player in the Denver “underground “ so he followed his “code” in killing the rapist. That’s who Marcus is, so I had no problem with it. Daisy also had a say in it. Now, if he was a school teacher or a dentist or something I would expect him to give the guy to the police.

I’m so conflicted about this. Marcus took the law into his own hands and I’m normally not an advocate of this.

However! I can’t ignore how I felt in the moment when Marcus killed Daisy’s rapist. I was glad he was gone because he had no regrets in what he did to her. His views about women were distressing and I have no doubt he’d inflict violence in the future. She may have been the first woman he’d raped but I doubt she was the first woman he’d punched. The law would never have given him more than a few years behind bars. Our laws and judicial processes are pathetic when it comes to rape. People get more time for dealing drugs.

Oh, and I think Ashley deliberately failed to give him a name to reduce his identity the way he tried to do to Daisy. Without a name, he becomes less sympathetic.

Jonetta wrote: "Oh, and I think Ashley deliberately failed to give him a name to reduce his identity the way he tried to do to Daisy. Without a name, he becomes less sympathetic."

Good point. It made him a nobody.

That’s the word I was looking for!

Yes, Marcus is definitely a morally ambiguous character. For me, I had to put aside my knowledge about his criminal business interests and just focus on the romance. Ashley deliberately leaves out the details so that it is easier to do so.

As to his killing Daisy's rapist, the man had absolutely no remorse and I will not shed one tear over his demise. Some people get what's coming to them. Also, in his line of work, Marcus could not show weakness. Two birds, one stone.

I also agree that his lack of a name made it easier to accept Marcus's actions.

The man's part in the story was a plot vehicle, so him not having a name didn't matter. I didn't really understand Marcus's desire to talk to him before killing him, and I'm afraid that this whole incident just added to my dislike of Marcus.