Comment from Pearl Edwards

Exceptional

Of course she will investigate, who wouldn't in her place, even if it was just to give the finger to Thing 1 and 2. Loved their nicknames. Good chapter Jim.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 12-Nov-2024

Thanks so much Valda. I really appreciate those 6 stars too. I borrowed those names from The Cat in the Hat. I hate giving names to characters who will only appear once in a story but that you have to reference a number of times.

Some of the best agents don't always listen to their boss. If you're familiar with Harry Bosch, he never seemed to.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

That's very awkward fror Fran, and they have assumed some sort of guilt and complicity. But she will stand up for herself and conduct her own investigations. I am sure it won't be easy, and I am wondering about the impact on her brother as well. Will Brian be caught up in this as well as he invented the drug?
A super chapter.
Wendy

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024

Thanks very much, Wendy. Yes, it's hard to swallow when you know you've done nothing wrong. But we know Fran's pretty tough, and she won't let this slide without putting up a fight for herself and her brother.

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

This is a great continuation to the story. Fran is now suspended until further notice.nwhat I don't get is that she gives no resistance. She just takes. A bit odd I might say. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024

Thanks so much, Ulla. Fran is smart enough to know that it had to be done, especially with the Inspection Division agents present. But you'll find out soon that she knows her boss doesn't really doubt her.

Comment from Janet Foor

Excellent

Great second chapter Jim. I can see from the picture, it would be quite intimidating to sit across from "Two Suits" and remain calm.
But...of course she will investigate and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Blessings
Janet

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024

Thanks, Janet. You're right about all of it (and her boss knows she will too.)

Comment from Marilyn Hamilton

Excellent

Oh this is getting good! I like Fran and the way you portray her. She isn't going to let a little thing like a suspension by the FBI stop her from investigating! I like that in a woman. lol Very enjoyable chapter two. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024

Thanks so much, Marilyn. You've got Fran pegged perfectly right now.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

Three men across the desk from one woman. Tell me that's not an intimidation device. At least Lou is standing up for her.

Even before I read that last sentence, I was thinking, "Why, investigate, of course."

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024

I think you'll like Lou. Yeah, you know Fran won't take this lightly.

Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

Hello Jim,
this was a great post buddy. How interesting. I'm just curious how this drug could have gotten loose into the public. Obviously if the ingredients are known, I guess they can be replicated. Thanks for sharing this, I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Blessings,
Tom

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024

Thanks, Tom. I'll give you a big clue as to how the drug got out by saying that it takes a lot more than just knowing the ingredients before it can be replicated. You've got to know how to put them together. Did you ever watch Breaking Bad and see all the steps in the process of making chrystal meth? For Dipraxa, can you think of something that might give this step-by-step process in addition to the ingredients?

The answer will come in chapter 4.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

Of course, Fran is going to sit back and do nothing, like a good girl, NOT. It's going to be interesting to see how she starts investigating this herself, without the FBI getting wind of it. And without getting herself into trouble with the drug dealers on the street. Great start, Jim! :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024

You've got Fran pegged pretty well already, Sandra. Glad you're enjoying it so far. We'll be meeting our third major character on Monday.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Now we know why Fran was suspended but is she safe investigating alone? Is her husband in contact with her? Can she talk to Brian? I know you will absolve her of any wrongdoing.
Maybe a relative of Brian's professor was involved?

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024

I haven't figured out her husband, Mike's part in this story yet, if he even has much of one. She will eventually talk to Brian because she will definitely need his help--mostly in figuring out how to stop the spread of Dipraxa.

There will be two major plot lines to the story, the other one being the troubles with Big Pharma in getting Glyptophan to market.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Of course she will investigate because she 's obviously blessed with the same genetic drive and intelligence as her brother. I was surprised that they could use the drug for the purpose of interrogation but, then again, I may well be very naive when it comes to the FBI. This clear and flawlessly expressed chapter provides a comprehensive catch up from the last book and sets the reader up for an intriguing read ahead. I can't believe you've managed this sequel so quickly, Jim, and that the FBI link is so conveniently coming into its own. Well done! Debbie

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2024

---

reply by the author on 08-Nov-2024

Thanks so much, Debbie. It isn't like I have too much of it planned out, though. It was a little risky just starting to write it with only vague ideas of how it will go. I had to completely rewrite a chapter last night because I didn't like the way it was going. There were some major plot holes I had to work out.

That's one of the drawbacks of being a "pantser" (one who writes by the seat of their pants) as opposed to a "plotter" (one who plots it all out first and outlines it before starting to write.) But I've always found it fun just to let the story unfold the way it will and let the characters guide it. They usually know what they want to do, even if I don't.