The Path of oncoming trains…. Hannah and Rafael

As mentioned in my previous blog post, a central theme in the three-mystery series is Rafael and the close bond he shares with his beloved goddaughter. Having spent many years as a cop, Raf became a central figure in Hannah’s life when he left active duty to become a criminal justice professor at her college, not wanting to continue risking his life in the dangerous world of law enforcement. In the first book he helps her unravel the mystery behind the college murders and even pushes for her to be placed in witness protection to keep her safe from being killed. While Hannah appreciated his concern, she has always been fiercely independent and refuses to let her godfather put himself in harm’s way to save her.

Three years later, while in Paris, Raf still sees that Hannah is not herself—haunted by recurring dreams of running through the forest and by the memory of the hooded figure from the first book. Part of Rafael desperately wants to protect Hannah, but she continues to keep him at arm’s length and won’t let him fully step in.

After the accident that leaves her beaten, Rafael does his best to ensure Hannah is protected at all times. Even when she doesn’t know who he is, she still feels the weight and frustration of the constant overprotectiveness he presents. While some readers might interpret his behavior as obsessive or possessive, that is not the intent; he is simply trying to keep her safe. The thought of losing her terrifies him, and that fear drives every careful, sometimes heavy-handed, action he takes.

This brings us to the third book. After he almost loses his life, the day of her wedding, Hannah comes to the decision that now it is her turn to be protective of her godfather, but he knows that she will do her best to protect him. There comes a point in the third book, in which Hannah tells Rafael that “You cannot keep pulling me from the path of oncoming trains.”

The meaning behind this quote is that, despite everything he does, he will come to understand that he cannot fully shield her from harm, no matter how fiercely he tries. Even when Hannah becomes frustrated with him, she recognizes that his intentions are sincere and rooted in genuine love and concern.

Readers will ask themselves “What will happen with Rafael and Hannah? Will their close bond change after the events unfold in the third book?” The answers lie in Paris Noir: Deadly Obsession