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

Leander sat in the silence, hurt at the request. The room grew warm and he tried to concentrate in spite of the ill feeling Raphael’s words brought to his body.


For the next two weeks, Raphael drifted away from Leander. Raphael spent more time with Narron and his group, and less time with him. That pushed him closer to Charles. He continued to host the study sessions in hopes Raphael would show up.


“What’s up with you, chum?” Charles asked.


“Nothing…why do you ask?” Leander answered.


“You’ve been moping for a fortnight now. You’d think your brother had been killed in a motor car accident or something.”


“I haven’t been moping; I’ve been busy. We’re in the third year now, and things are getting tougher. Takes a bit more concentration.”


“I didn’t mean to hit a nerve, Leander. What’s Raphael been up to? How come he doesn’t join us anymore?”


Chapter 16