Two weeks after Philip d'Autremont is acquitted of his wife's murder, it's time for him and his partner and lawyer, Charles Barnett, to start building their life together. But it turns out that not everyone in Atlanta is as ready to leave the trial in the past as Charles and Philip, and a surprise attack leaves Charles in the hospital and Philip's arm in a sling.<br><br>With thoughts of their own mortality fresh in their minds, Charles and Philip make a decision that will change their lives forever. Future plans and home renovations take their minds off the attacks, but the danger isn't over yet: the people behind the attacks are still at large, and they weren't acting alone.

Tribulation

My shower was quick but thorough, and soon enough I was dressed and ready. I pointed to a corner of the closet. “Grab those cargo pants and that shirt, will you?” I said. “I put them there yesterday for Charles to wear when he leaves the hospital.”


“Sure,” Bruce said as he retrieved the garments. “No underwear?”


“I think that will be a bit complicated with the cast. Besides, Charles doesn’t care; he said he’d be happy to go home naked if he had to. Anything to get out of the hospital. Wait a minute and let me see if I can find some cargo shorts. Charles suggested they’d be better, and I think he’s right.”


“No, the doctor talked him into going by ambulance. There are a few steps at the entrance to the house, and it just makes more sense to let the professionals get him upstairs and into bed before the amateurs take over.”


Chapter 47