Can two broken men build one life? Ten years. That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there. Ten days. That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him. Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future -- and a relationship -- that both had thought impossible. Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know ...

Now that Makai had a nicer phone and they’d exchanged numbers, Emil could text him the morning after their discussion.


I had nightmares last night. Scared the bejeezus out of Mom.


He went to make himself coffee and grabbed a mug and his photography book and went on the back porch to read it.


A text came through a few minutes later.


Same. Without anyone but Mouse & kittens to scare. Feeling better now?


Sighing, Emil thought for a moment. He didn’t want to give a glib answer when he knew Makai really cared and would want to know.


Somewhat. Might have more nightmares, but I guess I’ll survive. You?


I guess. I’m gonna plan on Saturday today and figure out where to get a grill. Might just put together a brick one. Not big for barbecuing stuff normally.


Pretty sure Mr. M has some basic ones at the shop in the very back.


Emil was trying to figure out what to say next to keep the conversation going, when another text from Makai came through.


Chapter 47