Growing up is hard enough, but it’s worse as a pacifist whose country is at war. Jim and Brian are neighbors, best friends, and high school graduates heading for college. In 1970 the Vietnam War raged, and Brian and Jim, both pacifists, worry about being drafted. To make matters worse, both men are gay and far from out. When Brian finally admits his feelings for his friend, he’s surprised and pleased Jim feels the same. Brian’s father teaches jujitsu, and the two men learn the ancient art, though neither believes in fighting. They struggle to overcome their pacifist tendencies amid racial tension and homophobia that threatens to tear their lives -- and their love -- apart. Can Brian and Jim turn fear into courage and learn to defend themselves, and each other, to create a life of love?

Fear and Courage

Brian kissed Cindy’s cheek. “Thanks for understanding. You’re hip.”


“I’ll keep what you said a secret.”


Brian hunched. “Doesn’t matter. I said it in front of too many others. It’ll get around.”


A little while later, Jim and Brian walked home.


“Tell him you’re from another planet.”


They laughed, then Brian draped an arm around Jim’s shoulder. “I was so scared. I thought Lou was gonna kick my ass.” He pulled Jim a little closer. “What did you say to Lou?”


Jim’s face lit with a wise-assed grin. “I said I’d been with dozens of girls and some move faster than others, and pushing it would have the opposite effect. I told him that if a guy apologizes it makes the girl think you’re manly to say you’re sorry.”


Brian bumped him sideways. “Dozens of girls, huh?” He laughed as he sucked in Jim’s sexy cologne. “We made a good crime-fighting duo, huh?”


Chapter 33