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

“Yeah, yeah, I know I have to do it, and you can even make me do it, but you won’t make me like it.”


John took him from where we were to the end of the room and back again before stopping to rest where we were all standing. I seized the moment and said, “Gran, these two young men are John and Joe; they’ll be taking care of Charles’ medical and therapy needs for the next few weeks, so you’ll be seeing them around the house regularly. Guys, this is Charles’ grandmother, Mrs. Barnett.”


They each took her hand, and we all stood for a minute to let Charles catch his breath. Mrs. Goodman came into the room and said, “Mrs. Barnett, how many will there be for dinner?”


Gran said, “Four plus myself,” and she looked at John and Joe. “You boys will please an old lady by dining with her, won’t you?” Coming from her, it was not a question.


Joe looked at John and nodded. “We’d love to,” they said, and Joe added, “We don’t get home-cooked meals very often.”


Chapter 53