Fourteen years ago, on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend Alistair he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared. But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident. Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him ... until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet. Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair has never died. It’s stronger than ever. But can it win over the repressed memories slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart?

Craving's Creek

I move closer to the edge, peering down into the cool green pool, waiting for his triumphant face to emerge.


Seconds pass. I frown, waiting. What is he doing down there?


I stare at the water, adrenaline pricking my palms. I watch the water, waiting for it to speak to me. What have you done with him? I want to ask it.


“Alistair!” I call out, but the noise of the falls drowns my voice. I lean forward, gazing below into the green eye, my heart racing now. “Alistair!” I yell down into the water. “Alistair!” I wait. Watch the surface for his head. There’s nothing there but a giant void. He’s not coming back up again. Oh, God, Oh, my fucking God.


Chapter 28