2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Ric & Annie’s case intersects with the FBI sting surrounding Gordon Burns and Jules requests they help him out, despite Annie’s inexperience. Given that Peg Ryan was suspected to be dead, was this operation too risky to involve her and Ric? Were there other alternatives or was it the right move for all parties?

It was definitely too risky for Annie. She had neither the training nor the experience. Ric, as a former cop could handle this operation. Unfortunately, they had the "in" to this little party and sometimes you have to just play it out.

It was very risky for Annie. She had to play everything by ear, but she did good. I don't know that there were any other alternatives to get on the inside quickly. It could take months or years for another agent to get close enough that Burns would trust him or her. Ric's in was exactly what Jules needed at the moment.

I agree with everyone. Annie wasn't trained at all. I don't believe the FBI would have let her participate if this was a real sting operation. Ric was former law enforcement and knew the risk. But, as Sharon mentioned, it would have taken a long time to get someone else close enough to Burns and be able to infiltrate his organization.

Yes, Jules's willingness to involve an untrained civilian stretches believability. Nevertheless, Annie was necessary for the operation, and she did seem to be a natural - she ends up being very resourceful in the situations in which she finds herself.

This felt really risky and I was surprised Jules encouraged it. They didn’t have a lot of options but Annie needed more backup. Unfortunately, things started to develop and took a turn before they arrived and thankfully Annie had some serious skills.

I’m not sure there were any alternatives and they created a framework that should have kept them safe. If Gordie hadn’t changed the plans and then seen that video of Jules, maybe it wouldn’t have ended up so dangerous.