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

“Peter reminded him too much of his home life,” Leander muttered to himself. He tried to focus on the words from the sixth  of Luke.


Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.


Leander smiled; the words did little to comfort him.


“Please Lord,” he prayed, “be with the jurors and open their hearts so that they may see beyond the law and show mercy upon me.”


At the courthouse, the jury was sequestered in the jury room. They had the instructions from the judge and now it was up to them to determine whether the reverend was guilty.


Juror Number Seven was the first to speak up. “I think our first order of business is to elect a foreman.”


Chapter 68