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

Human nature never ceased to amaze Leander. Parishioners who had not so much as uttered a polite “Thank you, Reverend” or “Nice sermon” on their way out the door, showed up in flocks to testify against him. At first, he was hurt that they would do such a thing. After all, he did revitalize the congregation with the day nursery. When he let go of the hurt, he was angry with them for turning against him. And as soon as he was angry, he relaxed. At this point, he could only hope Weeks’s witnesses would paint the true picture of his nature.


To cope with the abusive testimony, Leander allowed his mind to wander back to the early days at the parish, his early days with Emil Strong. He warmed in the cold courtroom at the thought that even in their first times together, Emil inspired him to stretch beyond his normal thresholds.


Noble continued to call witness after witness who had nothing but bad things to say about him. He didn’t let it bother him; he was lost in this thoughts.


Chapter 24