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

Robert’s smile beamed out at them. “Brings us to the other bit of good news. Remember Lavinia Hughes?”


“She’s taking us on?” Leslie asked with a great deal of enthusiasm.


“Starting soon. Any day now.” Robert stood and began collecting their bowls—the porridge barely touched and sticking to the sides in a gluey mess.


“I have some news, as well.” Leslie motioned for Robert to sit down. “You’ll need to hear this.”


“What the hell?” Edward asked. “You didn’t say a word to me. Why aren’t you—”


“Stop being so pompous.” Leslie playfully jabbed Edward’s ribs with an elbow. “I wanted to wait. Till we were all together.”


“Go on. I have a feeling this is important,” Robert broke in. “Let’s hear it.” 14: Freud and Beyond


Chapter 21