Three men: Neil Stafford, a scene designer. He is still infatuated with his first lover. It's reason he wants to go to their college reunion -- to see if he can finally put his feelings for Zeke behind him, with the help of his best friend. Zeke Hale, a lawyer. He's also a married, and very closeted, gay man although he clandestinely slept with as many guys as possible while in college, including Neil. Kev Deering, a waiter. He's been in love with Neil almost since they first met two years ago. However, for reasons of his own, he hasn't told Neil he's bi, so Neil treats him as his very safe, straight best friend and nothing more. Three men. One will be dead by the end of the reunion. One will be the primary suspect in the murder. One will do all he can to try to solve the murder.

The Reunion

It was easy to spot their destination by the tents lining both sides of the paths in one area of the park. When they got there, they joined the people who were checking out the various booths.


“I will never understand paying that amount of money for a photo when you can go there and shoot the same thing for free,” Neil said at one point.


“Ah, but can you catch the play of light on the trees the way he did?” Kev asked with apparent seriousness.


“I was kidding. I agree with you. A good painting or drawing is something else. That takes a talent I will never possess.” Kev glanced at Neil. “I bet you’re pretty good at it, though, considering what you do.”


“I’m nowhere near their class—” Neil pointed to the artwork in a couple of booths, “—but I’m decent when it comes to drawing designs for the sets so that the director can see where I’m coming from.”


Chapter 19