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 went to him. “Thank you, officer.”


A car pulled into the nearby driveway and a woman got out. “What’s going on here?”


The old man said, “Ma’am, please call the police and say a retired officer needs help immediately with an ADW. You got that? Retired officer. ADW.”


“Officer. ADW. Yes.” She rushed to unlock her front door and went inside.


Justus wandered off, shaking his head. The other kids left, too, looking over their shoulders at Robby handcuffed on the ground.


“Most of them. They’re the McNamara boys. The oldest, Justus, is the only one who helped me.”


Robby spat out, “You’d better take these cuffs off of me, asshole. Who do you think you are?”


When Robby tried to stand, the man pushed a foot to Robby’s chest, holding him down. “I’m the man arresting you for assault with a deadly weapon. I sure hope you’re eighteen because I want to see you in state prison.”


Chapter 59