“Merde!” Jean Luc exclaims and then continues on in several loud, angry French-Cajun phrases, directing them first at Jacques and then Mariah. Next, he turns on me, pointing with his knife.
Jaw clenched, face blood red, pulsing veins in his neck and forehead, and bloodshot eyes bulging, he spits out, “Little piggy! I’m going to stick you!”
Mariah grabs my hand, pulls me up, and runs the two of us toward the window.
We go through the open window together and fall to the shingled roof. Then we slide down and over the edge into the waiting Mississippi below.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
Welcome back to Our Story Your Story, where we delve into the depths of fascinating journeys and untold tales. In this edition, we dive into Chapter 28 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss,” where secrets are unveiled and danger lurks in the shadows.
Watch the video or download the podcast episode.
In this gripping episode, we unravel the intensity and suspense of Chapter 28 “Black Jack,” guided by the authors and hosts, Toby Younis, and Shelley Carney.
Join us as we navigate the themes of mystery, danger, and greed within this pulse-pounding chapter.
Journey back to when personal issues faded into insignificance against the backdrop of an enthralling adventure. Discover how this experience shaped Toby’s perspective on survival, evil, and resilience.
Throughout the episode, the themes of context and comparison take center stage. We discuss two harrowing scenarios and invite you to contemplate which situation you would find more daunting.
The atmosphere thickens as an elderly figure steps into Mariah’s room, bringing with him unsettling scents and dishevelment that discomforts young Miguel.
An animated conversation in a foreign language ensues, filled with hand gestures and escalating volume, heightening the tension. Suddenly, a hush falls over the room as the old man silences the conversation with a whisper, shrouding the room in suspense.
As the episode unfolds, Mariah emerges as a persuasive force, successfully making her case with the old man. The intensity builds as Mariah’s confidence grows, leading to a crucial revelation that sends shockwaves through the narrative.
Solemnly staring at an aged and worn piece of paper, Miguel is confronted with a level of danger beyond what he expected.
Jean Luc, the sinister owner of L’étrange, grows increasingly impatient, willing to go to great lengths to unearth the long-awaited treasure. As tensions escalate, old wounds are reopened, and the plot thickens with each passing moment.
The narrative takes a dark turn as Jean Luc’s anger spills over, punctuated by threatening gestures with a sharp blade and menacing French Cajun phrases.
Determination is a potent driving force that empowers individuals to seek freedom, often finding unexpected opportunities amidst challenging circumstances.
Imagine a determined student facing financial hardships, stumbling upon a scholarship that opens the doors to education and a brighter future.
Similarly, an individual shackled by a mundane job might have a chance meeting that leads to a career change, granting the freedom to pursue their passions.
These instances of serendipity, arising unexpectedly, demonstrate how determination can align with fortuitous events, guiding people towards freedom and a more fulfilling life.
Mariah’s burning desire for freedom instigates the scene with Miguel, Jacques, and Jean Luc in her room. She sees her unexpected relationship with Miguel as a welcome possibility to flee the shadow of the evil Jean Luc.
Jean Luc owns everything. The bar, the liquor, the women, Grand-père and me. Jean Luc believes that Grand-père knows the location of the treasure. Although Grand-père denies knowing the correct location, Jean Luc will not let us go until he is told where the treasure is hidden.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
Her confidence is clear as she vouches for Miguel’s trustworthiness in being privy to the hidden treasure’s secrets.
They speak in quiet tones for a little longer and it strikes me that whatever case Mariah is trying to make with him; she is succeeding. At one point, she stares at me for a few seconds and back to the old man. All she says is, “Oui, j’en suis certain.”
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
This showcases Mariah’s assertiveness and pivotal role in propelling the story forward.
The contrast between persuasive communication based on logical arguments and the use of threats and violence to achieve one’s objectives is profound and speaks to the heart of human interaction.
Persuasion through logical arguments embodies reason, empathy, and understanding.
It entails presenting well-founded ideas, considering different viewpoints, and appealing to others’ sense of logic and rationality.
Family loyalty often aligns with persuasive communication, as it’s built on respect, trust, and empathy.
Threats and violence are coercive tactics that rely on fear, intimidation, and domination.
Amidst this high-stakes encounter, we witness Jean Luc’s growing impatience and his willingness to go to any lengths to locate the treasure.
The door bursts open. It is Jean Luc. He looks quickly and angrily around the room at Mariah, Jacques and then me, instantly pulling something out of his pocket. He flicks open and brandishes a switchblade knife.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
His aggressive demeanor and menacing threats target Mariah, Jacques, and Miguel, intensifying the suspense and danger within the confrontation.
“I’m surrounded by bad guys and in a bad place. But you had to respect her response. Because I didn’t have enough evil in my life. I had anger, but I didn’t grow up around evil. She did. So she knew exactly what to do.”
— Toby Younis
Resorting to threats and violence can lead to lasting emotional and physiological harm.
Ultimately, the choice between persuasion and coercion reflects the values and ethics one upholds in their interactions with others.
Mariah uses persuasion and her grandfather’s loyalty to present the story of her circumstances to Miguel, hoping to convince him to help her escape.
I stare solemnly at what Mariah is holding in front of me. My brow furrows as a rush of possibilities explodes in my head. Treasure! After we recover it, we are free! Jacques can go back home, and Mariah and I can ride the BSA off into the sunset!
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
Writing the stories of one’s life is a formidable undertaking, often challenging to begin and see through to completion.
The difficulty lies in taking that initial step, grappling with memories, and organizing a lifetime of experiences into a coherent narrative.
Many writers find it essential to set self-imposed deadlines to hold themselves accountable, a tool that helps combat procrastination.
Creating a dedicated space for writing, devoid of distractions, becomes vital.
Some writers go to isolated places where their only task is to write, eliminating the noise of everyday life.
Toby and Shelley’s approach of writing during a long drive from Albuquerque to New Orleans exemplifies this concept.
By immersing themselves in the very environment where their story unfolded and confining themselves to a vehicle together, they harnessed focus and dedication, enabling them to pour Toby’s memories onto the pages and craft a significant portion of their book during the journey.
“It was fun having Kevin along for the ride to and from Louisiana because we wrote a significant part of this book on that travel. I was dictating it, and Shelley was typing it. I’d say something, and you’d hear Kevin fooling around with his iPad in the back, and he said, ‘nope. Can’t do that.’ ‘Why can’t I do that?’ ‘On that date, there were no trains leaving New Orleans in the morning’ or something like that.”
— Toby Younis
This illustrates the power of environment and focused commitment in surmounting the challenge of writing the stories that define us.
They delve into the significance of the Jean Luc confrontation, emphasizing the inclusion of terror-filled moments to grip readers’ attention and stir their imagination.
“We have tension and fear, because of the confrontation with Jean Luc. In fact, it was so good that I included that section on the back of the book and in the description on the Amazon page. ‘Jean Luc hurled angry French curses as he thrust his menacing switchblade at my chest. His last words, the only ones I understand, hiss through his clenched teeth. Little piggy, I’m going to stick you.’ That was probably the most terror-filled moment in the book. I chose to put that in there to capture people’s attention and imagination so they would want to read more.”
— Shelley Carney
The placement and execution of a climactic and frightening event within a story holds immense significance in shaping the reader’s engagement and emotional experience.
Such an event serves as a crucial turning point, injecting adrenaline and heightened emotions into the narrative.
When strategically placed, it acts as the pinnacle of suspense, grabbing the reader’s attention and intensifying their connection to the story.
In Chapter 28 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss,” the most frightening and thrilling event in Miguel’s journey takes place, catapulting the story into a heart-pounding confrontation with Jean Luc.
This carefully orchestrated moment of terror not only brings the plot to a boiling point, but also provides a sense of release and resolution, leaving readers with a lasting impact.
“It must have been quite an eye-opening evening for you to go from ‘this girl seems great,’ then suddenly, ‘she’s not what I thought she was,’ then ‘I’m going to try to help her out’ and then find out her grandfather’s also a bad guy. It’s like, wait a minute! I’m surrounded by bad guys!”
— Shelley Carney
The vivid portrayal and nail-biting intensity of this event leave readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing how the placement and execution of a climactic event can significantly enhance the reading experience, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s memory.
Context and comparison are vital tools in understanding the world around us.
Context involves considering the circumstances, environment, or background in which something exists or occurs.
It provides the necessary framework for a deeper comprehension of a situation, text, or event.
Comparison involves evaluating similarities and differences between various elements, shedding light on their characteristics, values, or effects.
Through comparing and contrasting, we gain insights into the nuances and intricacies that define each subject.
Together, context and comparison help us decipher complexities, make informed decisions, and develop a more profound understanding of the diverse facets of life and human experiences.
“She had the sense of an existence within a world of evil that I didn’t have. Her response was very automatic. I would have had to think about it, and probably got myself stuck like a little piggy in the process. She grabbed my hand and headed for the window, going out the window, knowing exactly what was going to happen. Me following, not realizing we’re going into the Mississippi River. It was very fortunate that she was on her toes enough to do something.”
— Toby Younis
Comparing two hazardous situations, the narrative explores the severity of confronting a switchblade-wielding assailant versus leaping out a window into the Mississippi River.
“Another option would have been some way to surrender to what was going on, but Jean Luc started with, ‘I’m going to stick you, little piggy.’ This guy is serious. When this guy gets like this, the best thing to do is run in the opposite direction.”
— Toby Younis
We analyze the importance of context in determining the gravity of each scenario, shedding light on the relevance of personal experience in different environments.
“In the case of Jean Luc, you had to realize that when he walks in the door, starts cursing, and flicks out his switchblade, this is a situation that’s not going to get better. It’s going to get worse. That’s being around evil.”
— Toby Younis
Reflecting on survival, we realize dire circumstances can momentarily eclipse personal problems.
“After 5 years in the military war zones and 35 years with the intelligence community, you just became, as a matter of your own personal security, more aware. Not just of your surroundings, but of what was happening in them. I’m always telling you first thing, get off the X. You have to be very much aware that the X is headed your way. The difference between being alive or dead is movement.”
— Toby Younis
Miguel’s escape from the threat compels him to reevaluate life, transcending the challenges he faced before.
“You’re in a completely different world where whether your father’s alive, whether your relationship with your mother is good, or whether you like boarding school was totally irrelevant. I think that was part of the lesson. There are other things in life that could make you easily forget.”
— Toby Younis
The belief in multiple lives, a notion linked to the gypsy’s promise, influences Miguel’s outlook on life.
“In the greater context of my life, that wasn’t so bad and I survived it. I still have the 8 lives that I’ve been guaranteed by the gypsy. I don’t count jumping into the Mississippi River as life-threatening because, honestly, I survived it.”
— Toby Younis
The allure of hidden treasure possesses an ageless charm, captivating the human imagination and igniting a thirst for adventure.
It taps into our primal desires for discovery, excitement, and the potential of finding something valuable or mysterious.
This allure, however, often triggers a shift in people’s thinking and actions that can be extreme, as they are driven by greed.
The promise of unimaginable wealth or a priceless artifact can push individuals to venture into perilous territories, risking their safety and ethics.
The pursuit of hidden treasure, when fueled by greed, can overshadow reason, leading people to cross ethical boundaries and engage in reckless behaviors.
This dark side of treasure hunting reveals how the lure of wealth can distort intentions and drive individuals to extreme lengths in their quest for the ultimate prize.
Delving into the mystery surrounding Cotillard’s hidden treasure, we explore Mariah’s grandfather’s conviction in its existence and the criticality of accurate interpretation.
My grandfather unrolled the paper, read it, and realized that it told him how to find Cotillard’s hidden treasure, the spoils of his criminal ways. But it was written in a way only Cotillard could make sense of. Around New Orleans, the story of Cotillard’s hidden treasure is considered gossip, or a conte fantastique. My grandfather insists it is a real, true treasure, and if the words can be properly interpreted, the treasure can be found.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
Mariah’s acute sensitivity to people’s evil intentions concerning the treasure juxtaposed with Miguel’s innocence adds depth to the theme of good versus evil.
Jean Luc will not let us go until he is told where the treasure is hidden. Now his patience is wearing thin. Jean Luc is prepared to do anything to get Grand-père to tell him where to find the treasure, and he will do it very soon.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 28
In this exploration of the allure of hidden treasure, we’ve journeyed through the themes of curiosity, adventure, determination, and the complexities of human desire.
The call of the unknown, whether it’s uncovering an ancient artifact or deciphering a captivating story, possesses an undeniable magnetism that influences our thinking and actions.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dangers of greed that can drive individuals to extreme measures, overshadowing the joy of discovery.
To enrich our lives using these insights, consider these three simple suggestions:
Let curiosity be your guide, leading you to explore new avenues and experiences.
Approach each adventure with a mindful perspective, considering the potential impact on yourself and others.
Curiosity can open doors to growth and understanding, but staying mindful will ensure you navigate these ventures responsibly and ethically.
When pursuing your ambitions and dreams, be cognizant of the boundaries you set for yourself.
Ambition is a powerful motivator, but ensuring it aligns with ethical principles will preserve your integrity and safeguard against actions driven solely by greed.
Strive for success, but let your moral compass be your guiding light.
Treasure the journey itself—the experiences, challenges, and growth you encounter along the way.
While the destination may hold allure, the path you carve and the lessons you learn contribute to your true wealth.
Embrace the process, for therein lies the real treasure of life.
Unveiling treasures, whether hidden within the pages of a captivating book or within our own pursuits, enriches our lives and adds meaning to our endeavors.
Let us strive to embrace the thrill of discovery, guided by wisdom and tempered by ethical considerations.
Through mindful choices, we can make our journeys more fulfilling, leaving a legacy that transcends mere riches.
The electrifying elements woven into this episode leave us eager to explore more.
Join us in the Our Story Your Story podcast and blog to uncover the treasures hidden within this enthralling tale.