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

“I’d better get out of here,” Kev said, his voice husky with emotion.


“As much as I don’t want you to, you should.”


Neil walked with him to the door. For a long moment they gazed at each other before sharing another, less passionate kiss.


Neil watched as he walked down the hallway. I won’t say I love you, it’s too soon, but for sure I like you more than any man I’ve ever know and that includes Zeke. Thinking of Zeke brought back the fact he was dead—murdered—and again a wave of sadness swept over him. “We’ll find out who did it,” he vowed. “Between us and the police, we will.” He hoped he could keep his promise.6


“Thank you for coming in,” Detective Payne said by way of greeting when he met Kev in the station house waiting area mid Monday morning.


Kev nodded. It wasn’t like I had a choice. When a cop says ‘I want to talk with you’ and tells you when, you obey.


Chapter 21