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

Charles said, “I’m sorry, Marie, we aren’t being very good hosts, keeping you up so late after such a long drive. I’ll put this stuff back in the kitchen while Philip takes you back upstairs.”


He busied himself cleaning up the table, and I led Marie back to her room, where I said good night and gave her a hug. “It’s so good to see you, sis. Shame on me for not visiting more often.”


She nodded and closed the door. I went back to our room, stopping at the nursery for a minute to look in on the boys. I found Charles standing by the cribs, watching our sons, and I put my arm around him. We stood there for a minute or two, then went back to our room, undressed, and got in bed. Charles turned out the lights, and we scooted up next to each other. He said, “Your sister is what, thirty-nine?”


Chapter 98