This debrief post contains spoilers, so I've split it under a cut. Proceed with caution if you haven't read Part Two yet, or, better yet, go grab a copy!
“Don’t say fine,” Aidan said, more harshly than he’d intended. He was still jittery inside with being dismissed by Ghost, and Tango looked as pale and drawn as if he was destined for the next bed over in the cardiac unit. “’Cause that shit yesterday, after that Fallon guy questioned you? And earlier this morning? What, were you out for a garden stroll? And just now? You’re not fine. What’s going on?” He softened. “Tango, just…tell me, man. Whatever it is, you can tell me.” He tried to make his gaze imploring, however a person did that. Tried to say with his gaze, I pulled you half-dead out of a bathtub full of your blood. I went through two detoxes with you. Don’t pull away from me now.
For all of his many faults, one of Aidan's redeeming qualities, perhaps even his best quality, is his unwavering support of his best friend. (Insert Tango's insistence to Fallon that best friends are for children.) Ten books later, and Aidan's still a little immature for his age, because that's simply who he is. But he has grown, in a lot of big ways. He and Tango are a package deal, and they've seen each other through every kind of up and down. Here in book ten, Aidan's determined not to have a repeat of the last time Tango got too in his head about his past, and so he cuts the mounting tension off at the pass.
I'll admit to being a little intentionally manipulative in writing the early chapter in which Fallon questions Tango. There's the reveal that Fallon knows him, and he tries to exploit Tango's weaknesses. Just like the last time...except this time, because Aidan is more mature than he used to be, he addresses the situation head-on, and I enjoyed getting to play out the hospital parking lot scene, and the scene in Ian's office as a way of showing how the club isn't going to repeat its old mistakes.
Another scene to point out is Aidan's meeting with Lewis. Though the situation is totally different, Aidan learned a lesson with Greg in earlier books: his trust is hard-won, now, and he's hesitant to give strangers the benefit of the doubt.
I can't say what's going to happen with Aidan in Lord Have Mercy, but he and Tango will both have a chance to demonstrate what they've learned about themselves, life, brotherhood, and leadership over the course of the series.
I do love how Fallon was neutralized, but it’s so not enough. He’s really despicable and deserves to be nuked for what he did and the way he acted.
ReplyDeleteBut it was beautiful to see Aidan step up and confront things with Tango head on. Tango really should get the chance to take back some of the power he never had. I just want to hug him!
Here's another couple, they just don't know it, they love each other an Aiden would kill for him and has. Then there's the boys there openly a couple I love them too. But I loved Adian and Tango first, Adian is the most caring person and still trying to be like his Dad.
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