In 1910, the United Kingdom is in turmoil. King Edward dies after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries is being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Empire. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and the meaning of unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads "not guilty" to the charges.<br><br>Throughout the trial, Leander's past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trial, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past. But it may be too late to rekindle any love that remains, given the circumstances of the era and Leander's likely sentence.<br><br>Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Leander convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?

Disappear with Me

“But what about romantic love?” Leander asked.


“Lee, it’s referring to both kinds of love, romantic and platonic. Romantic love is the same way. It has to be patient. God knows, my father has to be patient with my mother around,” Raphael answered. Only he knew that his grin revealed their discreet, romantic love.


“Why do you call each other Lee and Ray?” Greene asked, changing the subject.


Leander’s forehead broke into a sweat. He wasn’t sure how to answer Greene. Luckily, Raphael came to the rescue. “We’re like brothers, old man. We’ve lived in the same house since we were fourteen. Haven’t we been over this?”


“Well, then I request you call me Charles, at least for the time being,” Greene announced. “Maybe one day we’ll be close enough that I’ll allow you to call me Charlie like my mum and dad do.”


Charles looked very serious when he said, “No, never Chuck. The family endearment has always been Charlie.”


Chapter 14