Your Questions Part 4 and Reverse Q&A!

/ C. R. Hedgcock

Hello everyone! 🙂

It’s been a while since I did a Q&A post here (sorry about that). Many of you were intrigued by the idea of a reverse Q&A, where I ask you things I’m curious about. So after tackling a few of your questions, I’ll ask you some of my own!

 

1) Will the Predzels be in any future books?

I’m not sure yet. I haven’t planned to include them, but they may appear in a future story if they could help the main characters.

 

2) Did Sigurd get Gleym back?

Yes, definitely. 🙂 I love the fact that you remembered to ask about her!

 

3) Do we know what happened to Jigson’s parents?

Oh, I can’t wait for you to read Hunting in the Highlands! The answer is yes!

 

4) How much of the Hrein Orka in Iceland Intrigue is based on real science, and how much is fiction?

It’s mainly fiction … but who knows? Maybe there are principles of it that someone has yet to discover 😉

 

5) What is the significance of ‘Twelve Lemons’?

It’s a phrase with quite a personal meaning for Jigson and Detective Mortimer – otherwise it wouldn’t have guaranteed Jigson’s identity in Iceland Intrigue.

Is it part of a big mystery? Or is it something more innocuous? Will they spill the beans in Book 8? … Maybe!

 

6) When you wrote Hunting the Highlands did you plan out the whole book before you started writing?

Yes. I did make a careful plan so that the book would progress with logical structure and so I would know where the story was going – it had the potential to be quite confusing with characters splitting up and traipsing all over Scotland.

But the need to be flexible arose when I reached the end and realized that the climax was not right for the story … so a whole new ending had to be written!

Do you have burning questions for a future post? Send them via the contact page!

Now … here are my questions for you! 🙂

1. Who are your top 2 favourite male characters?

2. Who are your top 2 female characters?

3. Who is your favourite villain? (Miss Verton, Lewis Nickel, Bud Larone, Rolf/escaped convicts, Dainn, Herr Klaus, or someone else?)

4. Which is your favourite title in the series, and why?

5. Should one of the characters be in a relationship/courtship? Who and why? (I’m not promising anything by asking this 😉 I’m genuinely curious! 🙂 )

I look forward to finding out what you think! 🙂

4,874 thoughts on “Your Questions Part 4 and Reverse Q&A!”

  3. Well I had fun! Thanks for everyone who went to wrong with my crazy idea to get 1,000 post! It’s funny I kind of feel like I know you guys now even though I’ve never met any of you that I know of LOL!

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  7. 1000 comments! 😂 What a goal, and you reached it! 🎉🎉🎉 It’s been amazing to watch you get there — I’ve loved reading your favourite quotes and verses, your theories, and your great interactions with each other. You’re a special group, for sure! 😊

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  10. This is what you miss out when you’re gone for two weeks. 😦

    1. Jigson and either Rolf or Garth.

    2. Briosa and Abby

    3. I don’t know if I’ve really gone, “I love this villain!” but I really liked Garth, and he was supposed to be a villain.

    4. Probably Peril on Providence Island or Treacherous Trail. …and I don’t know why. 🙂

    5. I honestly don’t think a romantic relationship would fit, but would feel tacked on at this point. Books often get bogged down with that stuff (not that I’m saying Miss Hedgcock can’t write a great relationship because I think she can). I’d love to see Jigson get married and have a family (don’t know what that would look like though in all the adventure that happens. It probably would be stressful trying to protect them and the Bakers). One thing I know is that girls tend to seriously struggle with the whole purity and waiting issue.

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  17. Here’s something figure out: Why would Garth come back? He’s been “in hiding” and had to change his identity for his own protection. (Maybe if we come up with some really good ideas, Garth will come back sooner. 😀 )

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    • The problem is that Jigson always shows up to the save the Bakers (not that I’m exactly complaining). Garth never has had the chance though. I mean, wouldn’t this be a great scene?

      Rain fell in torrents as he dragged Abby around the corner, then motioned for her to hunker against the wall. She did seconds before their pursuers halted a few feet away. They stood there as if pondering which way she’d gone. Then they ran the opposite direction.
      Abby looked at the man as he unfolded from the wall and scanned the area around them. “Mr. Jigson?”
      He glanced at her, then at the ground, seeming to fumble for words. He shifted uncomfortably and sighed. “We went through this before, Abby.” He meet her bewildered gaze. “I’m not Jigson.”

      Reply

      • Or how about this scene!

        Rolf glanced over his shoulder to see his pursuer close behind. He dashed around a corner, his breath coming in short gasps. He looked around, desperately trying to find cover. Up ahead, he saw a low stone building. Mustering all his energy, he sprinted through the door. Pushing over some crates, he made a barrier for himself and tried to control his breathing. Slowly, he leaned his head against the cool wall and gave a sigh of relief. Suddenly, a shadow in the corner opposite moved. Rolf stiffened, not daring to move a muscle. The shadow advanced towards him. As it came into the light, Rolf could see it was a man. The man; his pursuer. Rolf clenched his fists in frustration. He had come so close! Without warning, the man grabbed him and dragged him into the light. Astonishment spread over his face.

        “What! You! Rolf?”

        Rolf looked up. “Mr. Jigson?” he breathed.

        The man gave the smallest hint of a smile.

        “No Rolf. I’m not Jigson. Es ist eine Weile her!”

      • That’s great!

        There are a whole lot of writers on here. Everyone should post a scene (or multiple) where Garth comes back.

      • This isn’t a scene with Rolf but I wrote this scene for after hunting the highlands,

        Abby Baker gazed out the car window watching the familiar houses and streets of her hometown, “almost home guys!” Mr. Baker called from the front of the car. Abby leaned back into her seat and breathed a sigh of relief. “Home” she murmured to herself yes it would be good to be home, she felt tired and worn out she wanted a break from adventure time to just relax, ride Arrow, get back to giving Cello and Horse riding lessons, and just get back to her life. The car pulled to a stop outside their home. Tom was out in a second followed by Andy and Phil. Abby took her time climbing out slowly she inhaled the fresh country air, “home” she said to herself “ yes it is good to be home.”

      • Here is another one,

        Jigson walked away back to his car. He had just waved the Baker Family of from the airport. Of course, they had asked him to come back with them, but he felt like he needed some time to sort things out in his mind. His thoughts wandered back to his days in the Glen, how different would he have been if he hadn’t been sent there? He sighed inwardly as he sat in the car. His parents, he couldn’t remember much of them, his dad, he remembered how he used to play with him and answered any questions ‘Haelix’ had. His mother could always make him laugh how she would make him laugh. He buried his head in his hands as the memories came flooding back.
        ………………………………………………………………….

        “It’ been two weeks!” Abby said to Mrs. Baker “shouldn’t things have gotten back to normal?”.
        Mrs. Baker smiled at her only daughter through the car’s front mirror “I suppose” she began “I suppose it depends on what is normal, what’s the matter Tom?” she stopped talking to Abby as she noticed Tom staring out the window “Mother” he said “Mother…. isn’t that… Mr. Jigson’s car?”
        Abby glanced out of the window and gasped “yes it is, Mother stop the car! it’s crashed!”

      • Ahhh!!! Sandrina, please tell me you wrote more to that last scene! :O

        Yes, I love writing. 😀 I love what you wrote too, Leah! The “What! You! Rolf?” line was so Garth. 🙂

      • it is a story set in a medieval world called Alethea and about a boy named Alec who becomes a great protector and has to defeat Garwin and his men who has turned the people away from the true king.

      • Yes. Right now, I’m writing an allegory on purity called Felicity and the guardians of the Silver Heart. I’m also really busy on a novel that takes place in the French Revolution. Also doing a short story about the wife of Shem, and am editing a book for a friend about a medieval kingdom called Shadene. So yes i’m busy!

      • oops, I meant yes I’m writing a story. No what is that? Is that the one by the Harris brothers? I didn’t know much about it. Is it good?

      • Yes, it is if I was a writer I would be on it. Bretts stuff is amazing especially considering all he and Ana have gone he still has created the most awesome stuff for writers.

      • Yes, it’s an online thing;
        every week new content is posted, you get interviews with published authors and publishers. You also get writing advice and courses in things like outlining a novel. Registration is closed now but you should check it out when it opens again.

      • Here is the next scene of the story it isn’t great but it just came to me.

        Phil paced the whitewashed waiting room anxiously and glanced at his watch “12:05 pm” he muttered to himself sitting down on the hard bench. A young nurse stepped into the room “Philip Baker?” she asked glancing over the top of her clipboard, Phil jumped up from his seat “that’s me” he breathed “is there any news on my friend?” “Mr. Jigson you mean,” The nurse said “when we brought him in he seemed very elusive, he has a bad concussion” Phil let out a groan “may I see him?” he asked quickly, the nurse shifted awkwardly “I can’t really allow that you see only family members…” her voice trailed off. Phil’s mind raced he needed to see Mr. Jigson, this car crash couldn’t just be Mr. Jigson driving badly, the agency trained their agents well in driving. “Brother!” he blurted out “sorry?” the nurse said confused “umm, sorry I meant to say I am his brother” in Christ at least he added to himself. The nurse seemed to scrutinize him for a minute “well…. I probably shouldn’t do this but… Come with me”. Phil’s heart lept for joy “thank you Ana” he whispered under his breath.
        The nurse took him through a couple of corridors, “in here” she said, “I’ll wait outside, but mind you only a few minutes” she warned him. Phil nodded and opened the door quietly. Jigson lay on the hospital bed, his head and arm bandaged, a large black and blue bruise over his left eye, and eyes closed “Mr. Jigson?” Phil asked cuatiously, Jigsons right eye cracked open “Phil” his voice cracked in a bare whisper “I knew you’d come” Phil licked his lips and fumbled for words “what happened to your arm?” he managed to ask dumb question he thought to himself “shot” he heard Jigson say, or not so dumb, “Phil listen to me, the car crash wasn’t an accident someone ran me over on purpose, you need to go…” Jigsons voice cut off as a spasm of pain crossed his face. “You need to go to Canada,” another wave of pain shot through him “Mortimer will help. Tell him… Twelve lemons” Jigsons body relaxed as he fell into unconsciousness, Phil let out a breath as he realized he had been holding it in. The nurse stepped in the door, I am afraid you will have to leave now Master Jigson” Phil brow furrowed, oh right I’m his brother, he remembered just in time.

        Phil met his father who had just arrived at the waiting room “well I am not sure what to make of it son, maybe he is delirious.” Phil shook his head, Mr. Baker sighed “go home and get some rest, I’ll stay here” “I’ll go home” Phil said “and call detective Mortimer” “why?” Mr. Baker asked “I need to talk to him about… Twelve lemons”.

        That turned out longer then I anticipated! Sorry for grammar and spelling.
        Miss Hedgecock should make a fanfiction page or something!

      • That was very…comforting. Ah, still dying to know what Twelve Lemons means!!!

        Yes; it seems like a lot of us have written fanfiction. 🙂 I’m really hoping Miss Hedgcock comes back and says, “Announcing Baker Family #8! (And yes, Twelve Lemons will be revealed)” 😀

      • Yes Sandrina, but I haven’t written them out. I should though! Are you on YWW? I don’t think I’ve seen you there….

  21. With all the chatting and writing and story sharing that we are doing, someone should make a writing blog or chat site for us to hang out on! I mean, look at all the comments we have put already on Miss Hedgecock’s blog!

    Reply

    • Yeah, that’s a good idea. And sorry you’ll get no writing from me ….😉 I tell alot of stories and write a lot in my mind but can’t get it put to paper my mind gets confused and I end with nothing everytime…. frustrating . Anyways hopefully one dayI’ll be able to just record myself talking and someone can actually turn it in to a book since I mentally can’t .

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  24. I love posts like this! Anyway, here are my answers to your questions! 😀

    1. Can it be three? XD Jigson, Alistair, and Phil are my favorite guys! (Seriously, Caitlyn, you did an AMAZING job with Alistair!)

    2. Let me see… Abby and Briosa. 🙂

    3. It is a toss between Dainn and Miss Verton.

    4. My favorite title is Hunting in the Highlands because I absolutely LOVE Scotland and my roots are Scottish! Plus, it does describe the whole book really well!

    5. This is a tricky question. I do appreciate when authors allow the older children to grow up and follow the natural course of life. If I could choose anyone, I would say Phil because he seems ready to think about it and become interested in someone, but not to enter a relationship just yet. 🙂

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  26. Leah, thanks for the idea, you guys can be my guinea pigs, if you want! I am doing a new feature on my blog where I post a spotlight every week, so people can share their thoughts on books, like everybody on here has been. My first spotlight is Miss Hedgcock’s books! So you can comment on the post and we won’t keep flooding Miss Hedgcock’s blog, but can keep talking my favorite book series. 😉

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  28. I’m curious about exactly what was going wrong with the Morse Code devices. Why were they messing up? As Phil said ‘something is playing up with the devices’ . Something, or maybe Someone. Also, remember that Jigson has a watch like Phil’s. Caitlin’s brought up the subject about the devices enough times that it must be important…

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  29. I am so cruel. My little brother is finally reading the BFA and I told him Jigson is in books 1, 2, 4, and 5 (for the reason that I want him to have the terrible moment of thinking Jigson is actually dead). He’s on the fifth book right now and accidentally dropped the book open to the last chapter and saw that Jigson dies. I haven’t decided if I’ll tell him there’s an epilogue (Miss Hedgcock was pretty smart not listing it in the chapters at the beginning). I mean, Jigson is in book six so the moment won’t last too long…unless he kills the book like Jac almost did and then refuses to read any more. 😀

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    • LOL, I pretty much killled the book I think I suffered for about 30 minutes before I actually picked the book back up and realized he wasn’t dead!😂

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    • I kept my siblings in Suspense. I let my brother read every chapter except the epilogue so that all of my family could hear the epilogue at the same time. He had to wait for a few months. I know. It sounds harsh.

      Reply

      • I can’t really remember what I did. I tend to not stop and think about what is going to happen next when I read books… I just keep reading so that I can find out instead of wonder. I do know I was pretty sure he wasn’t dead because no one kills their heroes (except my 20 year old brother, who kills just about everyone in his books, but he is a special case LOL! His books are pretty good though)!!
        And because why would the bad guys tell the truth??? They just didn’t seem very believable. It seems I am the only one who didn’t think Jigson was actually dead. My sister cried when she read it. The weird thing is, I cried the second time I read it even though I already knew he wasn’t dead!

      • I almost cried the second time because I felt so bad for the Bakers. Have you or your brother published any books? I write books every day.

      • No we have not. I write all the time, but right now I am not having much inspiration for my books.
        My brother doesn’t write so much anymore because he is more into politics now. He is running a campaign and working as an aide for a senator at the GA state capital. Actually, he did get one story published in a contest booklet thing. He wrote this wonderful book called Son of Scotland, about a boy named Dagget. maybe someday he will publish it…

      • I noticed there was an epilogue, but I couldn’t read through the tears and didn’t want to get the book wet

      • Uh oh, I bet he had something to say to you for not telling him! How old is your brother? If you don’t mind me asking 🙂

      • My brother skipped to the end of hunting in the highlands but I caught him in it and took the book from him. Then he got on his knees and publicly swear he was never going to do that again so I gave it back to him. LOL😂

      • He’s nine. I think he was so excited that Jigson was alive to be mad at me for trying to make him believe otherwise. I was mad though that he didn’t have to suffer through the book like I did… Then I went and apologized for being so harsh with my words. 😀

  30. I was just reading the last chapter, and then I could see it getting worse and worse, and when it finally came to blows, I fought the book and the book won:)

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  31. I mean, when I was reading the last chapter. I read it about a year ago. Miss hedgcocks books do not last in their “brand new” form at our house! We always have to draw straws to see who gets to read first!

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      • Well, my parents bought all of them for me because I was the only one really interested in them. Then my older sister started reading them and really like the books so they bought number five for her. I finished it before she did though! And I own all the others.

    • All of the books belong to me.😉 So my brother has to wait…… I didn’t even let him read Hunting in the Highlands for a month.LOL

      Reply

      • Harsh! I don’t have that problem… Yet! I have four brothers, the youngest is 7 months and, and the oldest is dyslexic and hates reading (so sad) so I am good! Did anyone read pilgrims progress?

      • I’ve read it! Love it! has anyone read The Holy War? Oh a play! So fun! Do y’all do drama? (or in my case attempt it from home:)

      • I’ve read Narnia and the Pilgrims progress. I would have read the holy war expect my Mom is making me wait and read it on a school schedule..

      • I love Narnia too! The Audio dramas are so nice as well as the books. My only problem with them is that some of Lewis’s theological ideas were way out and some were downright wrong. Ie. He didn’t believe that Adam and Eve were real and that the Bible is fallible. Some of his errors really come out in The Last Battle. But other than that, I love the stories! My favourite is the Silver Chair, but I really also like The voyage of the Dawn Treader. What about y’all?

      • Yes me too! though when we just moved from Germany when I was four, my dad read me the loin the witch and the wardrobe, I had nightmares for years convinced the white witch lived under my bed, I enjoy them now though 🙂 I think I have read some of the holy war… I have also read part of “letters from a Screwtape”

    • I don’t have the problem either (at least, not yet). I own all the books. There have been instances though where you can’t find the book because another sibling has picked it since you left in vulnerable.

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      • Kenleaf, put them on your top shelf and put your pistol in front of them. Then tell your parents you don’t want any of your siblings touching that shelf cuz your pistols on it and they’ll do it so now they can’t touch your books LOL

      • haha! that’s funny! is that what you do? my favorite Narnia book… would be The last battle and Prince Caspian, though I do like the voyage of the dawn treader… So sad what happened to Susan…

      • … *is confuddled*

        *yes, writers like to use asterisk marks to explain how they are feeling, what they’re doing, what they’re characters are doing, and so forth. Anyway…*

        …but I want my siblings to love the books I do. Books are our friends, precious *in a Smeagol voice* (and I have too many books to put on the top shelf. It would break before I was halfway done 😛 ).

      • Yeah, for me too. I’m buying a series that has 26 or 27 books. I will need another bookshelf.

      • Mystery and the Minister’s Wife. It’s an adult series with no adult content that kids can’t read. I’ts a good series but definitely not as good as the Bakers.

  33. The door to the grocery stoor slid open with a smooth sliding sound and greeted the Bakers with a rush of warm air. It was a pleasant change to the cool air outside, though it did have the slight smell of bleach from a recent moping of the gray tile floor.

    Mrs. Baker stepped forward to grab a cart while the others waited for her. Tom glanced around at the different people mingling through the aisles and check out lines, pushing metal shopping carts or carrying various items. He was glad to be back in America and see other Americans. He moved closer to Mr. Baker as a man strode by, the smell of his woodsy cologne wafting behind him.

    Mrs. Baker set her beige purse into the cart and announced, “We can go now.”

    Mr. Baker nodded. “Alright, Alice, You can lead the way.” Tom clutched his hand as they began walking.

    Abby sighed contentedly, shouldering her small black purse to a more comfortable position. “It’s nice to be back home.”

    “I totally agree,” Andy said. “I love adventure but it is nice to be away from it for a little while.” He grinned. “Notice I said little.”

    Abby smiled and poked her twin playfully. “You’ve loved adventure since before the time I was kidnapped by Miss Verton. Mother told me about you wishing you could help out somehow with Phil and Detective Mortimer.” Thinking about this caused her to look down at her locket. How helpful those devices were supposed to be. Somehow, almost every time they needed the tracking devices they were taken or destroyed. She guessed God just wanted to show he could save them without help from people.

    Phil shook his head in agreeance at Abby’s first remark. “Yes, it is nice to be home. I’m thankful we get to enjoy some peace for a little while.” He let his fingers slip into his jean pockets with his thumbs on the outside as he always did when walking in a casual manner. “You know, I’m glad for the adventures we’ve gone through.” Abby watched his bright blue eyes as he talked. “They have taught me a lot. You’ve probably heard me say it multiple times but it’s still true.”

    She shook her head. “Yes, they have.” She, Phil, and Andy picked up their pace as they were falling behind. Mrs. Baker had gone around an aisle so they hurried to catch up.

    “Oh,” Mrs. Baker said suddenly, trying to turn the cart around. “I forgot to get canned green beans. It’s in the other aisle.”

    “I’ll get them, Mother,” Abby immediately offered. “How many?”

    “Two cans, please.”

    “Okay.” Abby turned around and murmured, “Two.” She walked around the corner and spied the shelf with colorful cans arranged neatly. She stepped back and scanned the shelves carefully. There. On the left side. She stopped suddenly. A voice that voice sounded strangely familiar came from a tall, olive-skinned woman a few paces away from her.

    “Oh, where is the corn?” she exclaimed in her thick accent. Her tiny, glittering, black eyes searched the shelves. She tucked a loose strand of her greasy, shoulder length, black hair that had come loose as she leaned down.

    Fear struck Abby’s heart rate up and she felt like melting into a puddle. The woman’s lips were still upturned in the same grin Abby recognized years ago. A large man was with her. Abby’s mouth went dry and her jaw hung loosely. The woman from the candy stall? Miss Verton’s kidnappers? What were they doing out of prison?

    The woman let her eyes rest on Abby. Abby shrank back, hoping she wouldn’t recognize her. The woman asked, “Do you know where the-” She stopped and frowned as if wondering if she had seen her before. Then her eyes widened. “Never mind.” She turned quickly and told the large man something that ended with, “Let’s get out of here.”

    Abby had to tell her parents immediately. She tried to rush out of the aisle but as she did someone blocked her way accidentally. “Excuse me,” Abby said, fear shaking her voice. The man didn’t hear her because he had a phone pressed tightly to his ear, carrying a loud conversation with a friend.

    Abby looked over her shoulder to see where the Sloanes had gone. They were trapped also by someone at the other end. ‘No. This can’t be! Lord, please help me,’ she cried inwardly.

    The man on the phone finally moved and Abby raced to get back to her family on the other side. Her breathing was hard and she felt as if she had just run a mile. She looked down the aisle in vain. They had moved to a different aisle.

    A plump woman pushing a cart full of groceries stopped Abby. “I love your necklace! Where did you get it?”

    Abby didn’t have time to be stopped by people interested in her locket. “Thank you. It was specially made,” she breathed. She almost ran down the aisle knowing she probably looked kind of funny to the customers around her but she didn’t care. She needed to get to her family. There! She spotted them going down the produce section. She tried to go faster.

    When she was in hearing range, Andy exclaimed, “Abby you’re in a rush!” Then he noticed her shaken expression. “What happened?”

    This caused the family to glance at her. “I saw the Sloanes!” she gasped. “They were going down an aisle with me!”

    Tom had a puzzled look on his youthful face. “The Sloanes?”

    Mrs. Baker was just as confused. “Who are they?”

    Phil snapped his fingers with his eyebrows up high in shock. “So much for the peace! What are they doing?”

    Mr. Baker shook his head. “What is going on?”

    “The Sloanes are my kidnappers for Miss Verton!” Abby informed frantically. “Call the police! They are supposed to be in prison!”

    Mrs. Baker took in a sharp breath. “Oh, my! Charles, call the police!”

    Mr. Baker already was and had the phone to his left ear.

    “Abby, what were they doing?” Tom inquired.

    “Just looking for corn on the shelves.”

    “I wonder if this means another adventure,” Andy mused.

    Abby shook her head. “No. I don’t want another adventure,” she pleaded desperately. “We just got home. Lord, please, no!”

    Mrs. Baker shifted uncomfortably. “I think everything we do is going to turn into something. Let’s make sure to stay together and not leave each other for a few seconds,” she suggested. “That might help us not be captured as easily.”

    “Mother, why do we keep getting into dangerous situations?” Tom questioned.

    Mrs. Baker hesitated. “I’m not sure, son. I only know God helps us through them.”

    “Yeah, that’s why I escaped with Mr. Jig-” Tom covered his mouth quickly. “with that man.”

    “Mother, let’s pray,” Phil advised.

    Mr. Baker put his phone in his pocket. “Yes, we’ll pray and finish grocery shopping carefully.”

    The Bakers bowed their heads, each fervently praying for their safety and others who might be involved.

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  35. Here’s my bit! It probably is very unrealistic, but I thought it made an interesting plot twist. If this were in a book, the scene would be far longer, but there isn’t time or room for that now. 😉 Please forgive the fast-pacedness of it. I would have like to slow down and describe all in detail, but I don’t have the time for that right now.

    “Haelix!”
    The cry echoed through the park, sending its message through the trees and straight into the heart of the man who stood beneath them.
    “Haelix!”
    His jaw tightened. The voice belonged to a girl that was clear. But why did she shout his name for the world to hear?
    A motor exploded from the parking lot, and he caught a glimpse of a gray pick-up truck speeding away at a pace that was high above the limit. It was enough for the man to know that the girl was in the truck, and she was in trouble.
    He had begun to dash towards the parking lot the moment he heard the second cry, and by this time he was leaping into his car, turning the key, and slamming down on the acceleration pedal at the same time.
    He raced down the dirt road in a cloud of dust, tensing as the truck appeared in front of him. He mentally took note of the license plate and maker. Ford.
    Not slowing down, he took one hand from the steering wheel and moved it to his other, hovering a moment over a handcrafted gold watch. Then he pushed down on the knob at the top in repeating rhythmic patterns.
    FOLLOWING SUPPOSED KIDNAPPER. GIRL CRY HAELIX.
    The response came quickly.
    AM FOLLOWING YOUR ROUTE. GRAY TRUCK?
    YES.
    Surely Detective Mortimer knew what to do. He relayed the license number.
    AZ-29004.
    Now there was nothing to do but drive. The truck was quickly gaining ground and Jigson thought that the driver must have noticed him. He glanced down at the handgun by his side. He was prepared.
    About ten minutes later, the truck jerked to a halt, spraying dirt and stones into the air. One of the wheels was spinning madly, showing that it had come loose. Jigson slowed his car and wondered what to do next. He could pretend he was a helpful neighbor…but the driver probably knew better than that.
    He watched as the driver’s door opened and a thin man wearing a checkered shirt jumped out. Sunglasses balanced on the bridge of his nose.
    Jigson got out of his car and went up to the man. “Need help?”
    The man studied him for a long minute, from his wavy dark hair, to sunglasses, to the gun at his belt.
    “No.” The voice was heavy with a Spanish accent. Jigson wondered why it sounded so familiar to him.
    The sunglasses rose. Jigson stopped and stared.
    “Rake!”
    There was no doubt. Rake stood there, his eyes flashing with a malevolent gleam. He had been one of the escaping convicts from Oakwood Prison, and part of the queue that he had stopped.
    “Who— Rake must have realized what was going on, because he suddenly stopped short and stared at Jigson.
    “Jigson—excuse me—Haelix. How nice to see you again.” The voice. It didn’t sound like the Rake Jigson remembered. There was something else about it.
    His eyes shot to the man’s head. The hair was very short, and looked as if it had just started to grow.
    “I never thought we would see you again. After the highest bidder bought you, we thought she would put an end to your lies.”
    Highest bidder. That voice! If it was Rake, he must have adopted an accent to disguise himself. Jigson started as the words highest bidder suddenly rang a bell. Rake’s voice belonged to….
    ….Suro.
    Rake was Suro.
    No wonder he had been so eager to get rid of him. He was originally going to kill him, but then had sold him to Miss Verton. Maybe he thought Jigson would be worse off in her hands.
    Now he stood here! And he had kidnapped a girl!
    “Who is in your truck?”
    No answer.
    “I demand to kno—the words were lost as Rake aimed a punch at Jigson’s middle, which he sidestepped.
    “You villain,” muttered Suro as he lunged forward again, this time aiming at Jigson’s face.
    Jigson jumped aside, grabbed his gun, and pointed it at Suro. “Stop.”
    Suro did not. He kicked out suddenly at Jigson’s shin, and the blow made Jigson drop his gun suddenly.
    What was wrong with him? He knew how to fight better than this!
    Before Suro could grab the gun, Jigson kicked it out of reach and landed a punch in Suro’s gut. A moment later, the villain was out cold. Jigson dragged him out of the road and raced for the truck.
    Fortunately, the doors were not locked. He threw open the door and started.
    A girl was lying on the backseat, her hands tied together and her orange hair tangled over her face. As the door opened, she stiffened, then relaxed as the man spoke.
    “Cassidy!”
    She stirred and tried to look at him, but from the way she was angled, it was almost impossible.
    “Haelix?”
    “What did that man do to you?” Jigson asked as he pulled out a knife and severed her bonds.
    “I don’t know what he would have done….but I think he was after my parents’ money. Ransom.” Her voice was coming in ragged bursts, and she did not at all reflect the once confident, arrogant Caraid Cassidy from Glen Creag.
    “We need to get you out of here.”
    “Where is Mr.—Enric?”
    “Enric? Oh. Yes. Enric Suro is his whole name. I forgot.”
    Cassidy gave him a funny look as he slid into the driver’s seat and turned the key that was still in the ignition.
    “I’ll have someone come to get him.”
    SURO UNCONSIOUS. SEND SOMEONE.
    SURO? ENRIC SURO FROM AGENCY?
    YES. HE ALSO GOES BY RAKE.
    Jigson settled into the seat, put the vehicle in drive, and took off down the road.

    Reply

  36. Here is a scene I thought of. Sorry it’s quite long. But when my thoughts start running, it takes me awhile to catch up with them. My thoughts were always faster than I was.

    The sun was just setting over the city, casting it’s rays of purple and gold and surrounding the landscape in a beautiful display. Jigson drove his car into the parkade and turned off the engine. Walking slowly up to the apartment buildings he stopped for a moment to look at the sunset. He breathed deeply, letting his body relax. The shadows fell over the parking lot and Jigson started to make his way inside.

    Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move. Casually, he turned around, as if he was taking another look at the view. But his eyes were not on the sky. He was examining the corner of the apartment building. “What was it?” he thought to himself. As he stared at the corner, a plastic bag blew across the sidewalk. Jigson sighed. What was wrong with him?

    Wearily, he entered the apartment. As he climbed the stairs, he ran a hand through his hair. He needed to calm down. The events of the past few months flew through his mind. The Glen, the Scottish highlands, the tape, the submarine. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. His job was finished; why couldn’t he just relax?

    Rubbing his sweaty hands on his jeans, he unlocked his door. Sinking into an easy chair, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Then he heard a sound. No, it was hardly a sound. Had he just imagined it? His eyes flew open. Nothing had changed. “Calm down.” he told himself. It had never taken him this long to recuperate after a mission. He tried to think of something else besides his work. There is was again. A slight scraping. Jigson froze. He felt air whoosh against his face. Slowly, he looked up. His door was open and a man was standing in his living room with a gun in his hand. Without turning around, the intruder shut the door behind him. Then he looked at Jigson levelly.

    “So. I have found you.” he said in a low tone.

    “Who are you?” said Jigson stiffly. Then he realised that his hand was in his pocket. Very slowly, he felt his fingers close around his pocket-knife. Hmmmm, it had been awhile since he had been practicing his knife throwing. Maybe if he just… He saw the man looking at his hand. Jigson met the intruders gaze. This man, whoever he was, was no fool. He thought he saw a hint of a smile playing around the stranger’s mouth.

    “You do not recognise me do you?” he said.

    “I suppose that would imply that we have met before.” replied Jigson. He looked at the man closely. Something did seem familiar about him. The firm mouth, the close-cropped hair, the faintest hint of an accent. That was it! The accent. Where was the man from?

    “Keep going.” continued the intruder, as if reading Jigson’s thoughts.

    Suddenly, Jigson knew. “Gummi.” he said with a slight grin in his voice.

    Guòmundur gave an exasperated sigh. “Look.” he said shortly. “I did not come here for you to bring that up again. That is not the issue. The issue is, you have only recognised one side of me.”

    “Oh, I see.” said Jigson. “Well let me think. You don’t look like an old man anymore for one.”

    “I did not come to play court jester Haelix.” said Guòmunder stiffly.

    “Fine. Then why did you come?” asked Jigson.

    “First, I want you to try to remember where you have seen me before.”

    “Iceland.” said Jigson instantly.

    “No.” Guòmundur shook his head.

    Jigson looked at Guòmundur silently. Memories ran through his mind. Where? Where had he seen him before? He gazed scrutinisingly at Guòmundur’s face. In a flash, a shock ran through Jigson’s body. Everything came back. The Verton Headquarters. Driving his Mini Cooper out of the building. The small surveillance hut. The sunset! He stared at Guòmundur.

    “You! You were one of the guards in the surveillance hut at the Verton Jewlery Headquarters!” he gasped out.

    “Correct. Fortunately for you, it was my shift that day. Otherwise, you would never have completed your mission so easily. While you were sabotaging the wires in the back, I kept the other guard “busy.” And if you remember, I was the one that believed you when you said that the jewels were coming in a police van. Weren’t you surprised that the guards were so easily convinced? Well, that was my doing.”

    “But why were you there?” asked Jigson in astonishment.

    “I have my reasons. But that is not important. Something has happened. The Verton Headquarters may have been shut down, but some of the members were not. You do not know the half of it. I have been following this situation for years now. The time is ripe.” said Guòmundur quietly.

    “The time is ripe for what?” questioned Jigson.

    “You will see. But I will need your help.”

    Jigson frowned thoughtfully. Another mission? So soon? He did not work for Guòmundur! What was the man up to? But perhaps he would discover something important. He recalled the words of Cervantes. “Thou hast seen nothing yet.” He looked squarely at Guòmunder. “Fine.” he said, and held out his hand.

    Reply

  37. Oh I’m glad you like it! Yes I was just running old characters through my head, and I thought that so far, there has not been many replays from Suspense. Also, I did find it a bit strange that the guards were so easily convinced to let a police van into the top secret crime ring and just take Jigson’s word for it. So I came up with this idea.

    Reply

    • And if I was writing the full scene, I would lengthen the confession with Guòmunder, and the time it took for Jisgon to recognise him. Otherwise it wouldn’t really make sense. And there would have to be something slightly different about Guòmunder’s appearance. Something that would trigger Jigson’s memory to Verton. Because it would beg the question, why didn’t he reconize him right away in Iceland? But, if you think back to Iceland Intrigue, there is something slightly familiar about Gummi.

      Reply

  38. I think there is a whole lot we don’t know about Guòmunder, and his relationship (for lack of a better word for why did he somehow know about him?) with Dr. Roth. And why was Dr. Roth not to be trusted? That was not fully explained if I remember right. Oh I believe there is a lot we don’t know!

    Reply

      • Yes, Leah, that was an awesome scene! I am going to work on my story now!
        We have loads of snow here 🙂

      • Us too! We thought it was spring, and now we might even have a blizzard! Where did you live again Sandrina?

      • Yes, loads of snow! I live in the UK in Wiltshire, where are you? We have just been out-Brrrrr freezing- This is the second time for snow this year, we haven’t seen snow for five years, and this is the most snow we have had since we moved here!

      • Most of the time it is! This is the first year we have had snow in five years!
        two of my brothers had never even seen snow!

      • We have a ton of snow too! Who here thinks that Miss Hedgcock should make a new page on her blog devoted to fan fiction, conspiracy theories, and ideas so that in case she needs new ideas or inspiration she can just look at that page instead of having to muddle through all of her News Posts and so that we can stay on topic better? We’d basically be doing what we were doing now, just in a more organized way.

      • Oh, oh, me, me!!! I think that would be great!!!
        I just had a thought what if “twelve lemons” doesn’t really mean much? I mean maybe it was a funny accident at the supermarket or something? Maybe how Jigson and DM met. Don’t be mad at, me! I am just throwing around ideas!

      • My sister had an idea about a supermarket too! Like maybe someone was distracted and accidentally bought twelve lemons….or something.

  43. Your answers were fun to read.
    I would like to see Jigson or Phil enter a courtship and get married, but I also like how the whole family goes on adventures together now. I think if you did have one of the characters enter that stage, you should still keep all the mystery and suspense in the book, and of course talk about the relationship in a clean, God-honoring way so younger children would still be able to read them. 🙂 Do whatever you feel like the Lord is leading you to write. 🙂

    Reply

  45. Suppose we sent something like this to her…

    Dear Miss Hedgcock,
    We, your devoted readers, have a proposition to make.
    You may have noticed that we have filled up the “News” posts on your blog with our conspiracy theories, fan fiction, ideas, and favorite characters. We also have plenty of ideas for plots, titles, cover design, etc. Therefore, we propose that you create a new page on your blog and call it “Fanspot” or “Reader’s Ideas” or “Inspiration” or whatever you want it to be called. This would be where we would post our theories, fan fiction snippets, ideas, and whatnot.
    This could be particularly helpful to you when writing, brainstorming, researching, or simply wanting to read all of our thoughts.
    We thought this would be more useful so that you wouldn’t have to muddle through things of lesser importance, or search through all of your blog posts to find an idea. It would be helpful for us too, to keep our ideas at least a little more organized. Thank you for everything you do!
    Regardless of whether you follow up on this idea, we still remain
    Your ever-devoted fans,
    Isabelle, Jubilee, Jac, Leah, Kenleaf, Sandrina, Parker, and many more!

    Reply

  50. I got a response from Miss Hedgcock! She basically said that she thought it was a great idea and she would consider it. (And if you’re reading this right now, Caitlin, then thank you so much for your reply! 😁)

    Reply

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