Three Seconds: Part Three

[PeteyParker]

This section was amazing. The book has gone in a completely different direction from where I thought it would be heading. I'm curious to what Piet's plan will be in part 4 because he seems to have planned for this exact contingency to happen. It's like he is Batman and can plan for any situation.

[calb15]

This book is getting better, and better.  

In what ways were Piet Hoffmann's plans for entering prison working out exactly as he'd organized them?   At first everything work for him, he work every detail to get things done.

What was life in prison like and how did Piet fit in there? Life in prison is hard even for someone like Piet, who already had the experience and was one step ahead.  

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans?  He got burn big time, and it took him some time to learn he was left alone.

How would you judge Piet as a man in these chapters if you'd had no picture of his life outside the prison walls before this?    I would think he's a really bad person, someone without a soul.

Why do you think Grens detects something wrong about the stories he's being given by police and prison officials?  Cause he has the experience and knows how things works, and has a six sense about this things.

Why does Grens attempt to go the cemetery twice in these chapters? Can you describe his struggle  I think he's trying to make peace with his dead wife, he needs to go and face his reality so he can let go.

[JoanieGranola]

In what ways were Piet Hoffmann's plans for entering prison working out exactly as he'd organized them? Piet was able to get his books, his job and the respect of his fellow prisoners as he had planned. I'm surprised that it worked so flawlessly for him.

What was life in prison like and how did Piet fit in there? Life in prison seems pretty drab. It appears that Piet fit in to prison life because he had been there before. He knew what to expect and he knew what he had to do to survive.

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans? Being burned interfered with his carefully orchestrated plans. He knew there was a chance that he would be exposed, but I think he really hadn't expected the worst to happen. He was, however, prepared for the worst, which is what saved his life (at least up to the end of part 3 - I haven't read farther than that).

How would you judge Piet as a man in these chapters if you'd had no picture of his life outside the prison walls before this? Not having any other information or background on Piet, I'd say he was a calculating criminal who was desperate. Of course, thinking he was a cold, calculating criminal and then finding out he was a snitch would bring up a whole host of questions for the reader.

We spend quite a lot of time in these chapters observing Ewert Grens. How does he compare to the other officers he works with and for?  For starters, he seems to be the only one who's not corrupt. The other officers he works with seem to have ulterior motives for every action they take. Grens is old school and wants answers and will stop at nothing to get them. His fellow officers (Goransson, for one) create lies and have to work hard to conceal them.

Why do you think Grens detects something wrong about the stories he's being given by police and prison officials? Other than the fact that he's been a police officer for a long time and has a gut feeling, I'm not sure how or why he detects something isn't right. It would appear from the beginning that he was never supposed to even have Hoffman on his radar, yet here they are at a standoff with many lives on the line.

Why does Grens attempt to go the cemetery twice in these chapters? Can you describe his struggle? To be honest, I have no idea why he would attempt to go to the cemetery in these chapters. It's been alluded to that he's looking for closure, but he certainly seems to be taking his time about it. His work is his life - especially since his wife died - and he seems comfortable with that.

I'm disappointed with Erik Wilson - why was he not available when Piet called him? I know he's in the US, but it would seem that he should've been available when Piet called him. Something seems fishy to me. Of course, while I was reading about the sniper, I kept thinking that Erik Wilson was the person they were going to bring in to fire at Piet. He still could be, since we were informed that the police never knew the real names of the snipers. But if it were Erik, I would think he would've told Grens that he couldn't shoot at Piet because he was an innocent man, not that he brought the wrong ammo.

And I still keep waiting to hear more about Zofia - the more I read the more I believe that her part in this story is merely to show Piet's internal conflict between right and wrong/truth and lies.

[DawnGR]

Sorry for the lateness, we had a death in the family. I have to say Part three really had me all the way through. Way more then part 2. I think Piet had a known in a way this was not going to work as those in charge had planned , though I think the mental stress took its toll quickly. He knew that he was on his own yet hoped he would be wrong and in contacting them he would be able to get out. I think Ewert is the kind of officer that wants justice. He wants to make sure he covers every angle to make sure the truth is out there and those need be brought to justice. I think his intentions are good.

[salander_9277]

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Rachel-K wrote:

Hi all,

Please feel free to use any of the following questions to discuss Part Three of Three Seconds, and please also feel free to post your own thoughts and questions for the group!

In what ways were Piet Hoffmann's plans for entering prison working out exactly as he'd organized them?

Well it's crazy how he planned out so many things, like smuggling in amphetamine in the closed tulip blooms. I am unsure if we know his entire plan and I kind of enjoy his hard work slowly unfolding in front me this section of the book.  It is so intense and hard to put down.

What was life in prison like and how did Piet fit in there?

I think Piet knows how to play the game so he hits hard from the beginning and earns the respect from day one.

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans?

Being called out as a snitch threw a huge wrench in the works and he went from drug dealer to survivalist.

How would you judge Piet as a man in these chapters if you'd had no picture of his life outside the prison walls before this?

I would definitely view him as a hardened criminal.

We spend quite a lot of time in these chapters observing Ewert Grens. How does he compare to the other officers he works with and for?

Why do you think Grens detects something wrong about the stories he's being given by police and prison officials?

He pays close attention to detail it seems and could tell something didn't seem right from the beginning.  He even sends the woman police officer to go snooping as he continues his job as gold commander.

Why does Grens attempt to go the cemetery twice in these chapters? Can you describe his struggle?

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[salander_9277]

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JoanieGranola wrote:

I'm disappointed with Erik Wilson - why was he not available when Piet called him? I know he's in the US, but it would seem that he should've been available when Piet called him. Something seems fishy to me. Of course, while I was reading about the sniper, I kept thinking that Erik Wilson was the person they were going to bring in to fire at Piet. He still could be, since we were informed that the police never knew the real names of the snipers. But if it were Erik, I would think he would've told Grens that he couldn't shoot at Piet because he was an innocent man, not that he brought the wrong ammo.

And I still keep waiting to hear more about Zofia - the more I read the more I believe that her part in this story is merely to show Piet's internal conflict between right and wrong/truth and lies.

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Yes where is Erik Wilson??????  Shouldn't he at least be around to help him?  Interesting theory on the sniper possibly being Erik.  

I am totally wondering what exactly he had Zofia do aside from possibly deliver that letter to Grens by mail or something.  And what is in that envelope besides the recorded conversation about his infiltration mission???

[meme1]

In what ways were Piet Hoffmann's plans for entering prison working out exactly as he'd organized them? Piet was able to devise a method of getting his "drugs" into the prison with no one the wiser.  Actually, I thought putting them in books was a novel idea.  The set up at the church so that he could hear their plans was ingenious and worked well.

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans?

We spend quite a lot of time in these chapters observing Ewert Grens. How does he compare to the other officers he works with and for?  He is dedicated and tenacious.  He begins to suspect that he is not being given all the truth.  And then he becomes even more determined to solve the problem.

I could not believe the police officials who turn on Piet.  They are truly unethical and have no respect for people's lives nor ethics.  I can only hope that Piet manages to survive with some semblance of a decent life.

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[dhaupt]

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DawnGR wrote:

Sorry for the lateness, we had a death in the family. I have to say Part three really had me all the way through. Way more then part 2. I think Piet had a known in a way this was not going to work as those in charge had planned , though I think the mental stress took its toll quickly. He knew that he was on his own yet hoped he would be wrong and in contacting them he would be able to get out. I think Ewert is the kind of officer that wants justice. He wants to make sure he covers every angle to make sure the truth is out there and those need be brought to justice. I think his intentions are good.

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Dawn, I'm sorry for your loss

[deana99]

I got a bit behind with work and the holidays but once I got to part 3, it was flying!  I am sure I will finish the book quickly, seeing that I cannot put it down. 

Part three was awesome...  I was amazed at how detailed Piet's plans were for prison... both taking over and protecting himself.  Extremely detailed and knowledgable.... I am surprised how well it worked for him.  I know that he prepared for his possible exposure, and knew that he could not depend on anyone, including the police....but I do not believe that he ever expected that they would be the ones to burn him, and so quickly after his arrival and takeover! 

I am wondering what Piet has in place on the outside...what he has Zofia doing?  I am also curious to see what he has sent to Grens.... Amazing how he knew that he was the "true cop" that could be trusted in the end.  Where is Erik Wilson?????  I cannot believe that after all of the work to get to this point in their infiltration, that he is not reachable?!!!!!

[Tarri]

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DawnGR wrote:

Sorry for the lateness, we had a death in the family. I have to say Part three really had me all the way through. Way more then part 2. I think Piet had a known in a way this was not going to work as those in charge had planned , though I think the mental stress took its toll quickly. He knew that he was on his own yet hoped he would be wrong and in contacting them he would be able to get out. I think Ewert is the kind of officer that wants justice. He wants to make sure he covers every angle to make sure the truth is out there and those need be brought to justice. I think his intentions are good.

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I'm so sorry for your loss, take care of yourself. 

[nymazz]

In what ways were Piet Hoffmann's plans for entering prison working out exactly as he'd organized them?

 I think his plan would have work out perfectly if certain events never happened,  Grens was already working very hard to find the mystery-man from the original murder.   He became suspicious of Hoffmann, wondering how someone convicted of a violent crime could obtain a gun permit.  Grens boss's panicked and they turned their backs on him, exposing him to the other inmates as a snitch pretty much sealing his fate.

What was life in prison like and how did Piet fit in there?

Piet didn't fit in at all, but he was becoming someone the other inmates needed as the main drug supplier. 

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans?

Well as I said above, I think Grens inadvertently interfered with his plans when he requested the interview.  That set all the wheels in motion.

How would you judge Piet as a man in these chapters if you'd had no picture of his life outside the prison walls before this?

He would seem like a very calculating criminal.

We spend quite a lot of time in these chapters observing Ewert Grens. How does he compare to the other officers he works with and for?

He sees inconsistency's with this case and he will not let it go, I think he is suspicious that his boss seems to be rushing to close this case. 

Why do you think Grens detects something wrong about the stories he's being given by police and prison officials?

He's been at this a long time, and maybe he's not happy with the answers he's been getting from his department.   And he was very suspicious of the Warden after he was told that Piet was in the hospital with an infection.

Why does Grens attempt to go the cemetery twice in these chapters? Can you describe his struggle?

I think he knows he needs to move forward and maybe actually wants to now, but he feels guilty every time he tries so he's torn.  Need to read more on this.

[tberra]

Wow  Is  all I can say  about  this book I was having a slow start getting into it  but once I did  it was like a rollercoaster ride . I  have been working these past two weeks and was quite disappointed I was unable to read as much as I wanted . I will answer back later with fuller answers to the questions . I have a few of my own  ( I don't think I missed this info or I may not hae gotten to it yet)  I would like to know thw background story on how Piet /Zofia  met what drew them together I am assumming the kids are his  yet  they both seem not to relate  to each other as a true  married couple .

[torbank6]

I have really enjoyed this book.....couldn't put it down towards the last chapters.

Piet's plans for entering the prison work out really well until the police turn against him....I am still not sure if Wilson knew or not but none the less, the police who he was working with and for, almost got him killed. I don't really think Piet fit into prison life, although he tried.  I don't think he was there long enough although the other prisoners were starting to respect him for the drugs he could get them. Piet in these chapters becomes methodical and has a set agenda and sticks to it until he is forced to change his plans....even then he is ready for the change. 

I like Grens as he is trying to do the best possible police work he can. He has good instincts and goes by his gut.  He also doesn't give up easily.

I think Grens goes to the cemetery to try and get closure to his loss and deal with his loss.

A great book.

Torbank6

[Superbookworm]

Wow this part was great!  I could stop reading about Piet.  Poor Piet!

[nymazz]

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Superbookworm wrote:

Wow this part was great!  I could stop reading about Piet.  Poor Piet!

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I agree completely, it was so exciting, my heart was pounding when poor Piet was trying to get guards to put him into solitary. Great book!

[cdoscher]

tberra, I have the same reaction to this section of the book.  One of my pet peeves in this story is that we have very little background information on any of the characters in this book.  Is this to be left to our imagations?

[cdoscher]

I loved this section of the book!  It is both frustrating and exciting at the same time.  The only thing that prevented me from reading on to the end of the book is this blasted cold I have had for 3 weeks!

Piets advanced arrangements and plans are working out perfectly. The tulips with the drugs were delivered and Piet was able to wipe out the competition and become sole supplier.   Piet had taken into account everything that could possible go wrong while in prison, especially the part of the police burning him. He knew this was a big possibilty and took precautions everyday.  In the book it says Piet in the past was a part of the beatings of other prisoners.   I think his previous prison stint was what helped him to plan out his infiltration and survive. I was amazed at all the preplanning and the ways of getting what he needed into the prision.  The entire section in the workship was exciting and nerve wracking.  We find that Piet did have a plan with Zofia.  But what was it?  Is Piet alive?  The story makes us believe the Piet is in little pieces all over the workshop, but could this really be the end of Piet?  I think he is to smart to have not survived!

What interferes with his carefully orchestrated plans?  Everthing was going along as planned until Ewert wants to interview him.  This made the government nervous.  They knew how Ewert works and they didn't want him finding out that they were working with Piet so they decided to burn him.  I find this the most fustrating part.  I wanted to scream at them that this makes them no better than the rest of the murders in that prison.

How would you judge Piet as a man in these chapters if you'd had no picture of his life outside the prison walls before this?    I would descibe him as calculating, evil, with no respect to other human life.

We spend quite a lot of time in these chapters observing Ewert Grens. How does he compare to the other officers he works with and for?   I think the police work is his life.  He loves what he does and it is the only thing he knows.  He has the gut instinct that makes him a good cop.  He has determination is see the case to the end and get all the answers.

Why does Grens attempt to go the cemetery twice in these chapters? Can you describe his struggle?     Ewert attempts to go to the cemetry twice to finally say goodbye to his wife and move on with his life.  I think he knows he has to move on but is struggling with the past.  It is hard to discribe this struggle since we know so little about his life with Anni.

[SandyS]

Part III really kept me interested.  It was so detailed oriented.  I must admit though, I have no idea where this is going. 

Is Piet alive?

How does Zofia fit it?

Where is Wilson?

Will Grens solve this mystery?

Usually I find these types of books very easy to figure out - not this one.

Can't wait for Part IV.

SandyS

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cdoscher wrote:

.....  The entire section in the workship was exciting and nerve wracking.  We find that Piet did have a plan with Zofia.  But what was it?  Is Piet alive?  The story makes us believe the Piet is in little pieces all over the workshop, but could this really be the end of Piet?  I think he is to smart to have not survived!

[kboston]

Piet had studied the outside of the prison and the people he was going to share a cell block with.  So when he got there he knew who the dealers were and the the background of his mafia contacts and the others in the block.  Piet fit in because he knew what to do and how to act, even though he may not have felt that confident.  He was especially aware to wait the 20 minutes of unmonitored time to make sure he wasn't jumped because his true identity had been found out.  When the burn came he was ready, surprised, but not caught off guard.

Ewert seems like a man that lives in the past.  He had solved all of his cases, but three and those were the cases that still got under his skin.  He visited a place that held certain memories of his wife, but couldn't bring himself to face the fact that she had passed he didn't go to her funeral, listened to music that reminded him of her. 

Grens work was his life and he was a good detective and knew when pieces didn't fit into a puzzle, that's why he knew something was wrong about the stories he had been given.

I think Grens struggled with visiting the cemetery because it would make his wife's death final and he didn't want to deal with what got her to that place.

[swan480]

Again, sorry to be contributing to the discussions so late, but as I said in my posting in the first part's discussion, I was pretty sick for a couple of weeks in December, and it interfered with reading the book and signing in to the forum (not to mention with Christmas preparations!).

I found Piet's struggle in prison to be the most interesting part of the book.  For me, parts one and two were really just leading up to this, the main part of the story.  All of his preparations are almost like setting up a puzzle, and I love how the pieces fall into place in the last 100 pages or so of the book.

I think this part also takes a lot of time to establish Grens as an "honest cop," setting him up to be upset by the discoveries he is about to make about how the police department operates.  The cemetery scenes, along with the backstory, seem to be there to established that he is also a man who feels guilt very strongly.  To me, though, the hints about his background were confusing and difficult to follow.  It started making more sense than in the first part, but I still struggled through some of the scenes with Grens, including the cemetery scenes.  Perhaps that is part of why I liked Piet's part of the story so much more in this part.