In the summer of 1944, Leslie Atwater -- feeling abandoned by his lover Edward -- rushes to London to enlist in the armed services. After failing the physical, he retreats to the sanctuary of St. Michael’s rectory and to the love and support of his brother Robert.<br><br>When a bomb explodes near St. Andrew’s Home for Boys, it unearths a skeleton of an adolescent. As Leslie, Edward, and Robert set about identifying the remains, the shocking discovery stirs up an old antagonism between the two brothers and brings to light a string of repressed memories for Leslie.<br><br>With the truth obscured by the passage of years, can Leslie and Edward sift through the lies and subterfuge to track down the coldhearted killer of a kindred spirit?

Kindred Spirit

Leslie twisted back to face his partner and accidently tapped Edward on the chin with his elbow. “See what I mean? Dopey and Bashful would be right at home in this sepulcher.”


“I think it was a bier, actually, if we’re to be true to the fairy tale,” Edward said. “And it was Snow White inside it. Not one of the dwarves.”


“Would you mind turning a little to the…yes, that’s much better. I feel as though I can finally breathe. God, it’s hot in here, and with the blackouts drawn, I can barely see you.”


“Bet you can feel me, though. Especially my—”


“Yes, front and center I feel it…you.”


Edward drew him into a long, lustful kiss with their mouths together, their tongues touching, exploring. Then, “I can tell you’re feeling much better. I’m proud you made amends with Robert. You two should never stay angry.”


“How can you tell I’m better? I assume you’re referring to my psychological state.”


Chapter 19