2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Owen stands up to McDonald in that mess hall and creates a riot. Was saving Mercy the impetus? Was McDonald really trying to save Mercy or was he trying to get her out to save himself because he knew he was having a heart attack?

I think Owen finally realized the truth about McDonald, and also his love for his sister came through (finally).

I read this long enough ago that I can't recall what I thought Tom's motivation here was. Killing FBI agent would not give him and his followers a peaceful existence, for sure....

I think Owen’s own sense that there was something really wrong with McDonald is what motivated him first. He had decided he was leaving anyway. His desire to save Mercy was tangled up in his new enlightenment but I don’t think it was his primary reason. I’m sure I’m probably wrong but my opinion of Owen is pretty low right now.

Oh, and I don’t think Tom was trying to save Mercy. He needed help and knew she was probably his best chance in that moment.

Deep down Owen loves Mercy, in my opinion. He wants to save her and Cade.

McDonald was trying to save himself. To me, that is why he revealed he is her uncle. He wanted her to put him before anything or anyone else in the room.

Oh, I agree with you about Tom. This guy only looked out for self.

I get why you’re more open to Owen, Sharon, and respect that. I’m not there. He just represents a lot of what I’ve seen before...someone exercising really bad judgment without really taking full ownership when it hits the ditch. He was also worried that Tom had set him up for Jack’s murder, using his gun and getting men to point the finger at Owen. It took him too long to see what others sensed at a first meeting with Tom and to make that turn. Maybe in the next book I’ll see something in him that reflects stronger character. Right now, I’m having to make too many excuses for him

I think Owen started the riot to stop MacDonald and get Mercy out of the situation she was in. He knew the FBI and sheriff were on their way and was trying to buy time.

I was surprised when MacDonald grabbed Mercy and tried to drag her out the door, telling her that he was trying to save her. I couldn't wrap my brain around that. I think he was going to use her to try to get away.

Thinking back though out the book, I don't think McDonald showed any feelings previously towards Mercy except irritation that as an FBI officer she was interrupting his plans. Maybe because he knew he was having a heart attack he panicked and had a sense of shame about his behaviour. It was a bit of blip in the plot really but I did enjoy the twist I never saw coming.