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

Cornwell rushes out of the room. “I’ll get some Advil,” he shouts.


In bed, Alistair is still, breathing shallow. His eyes are open, but he isn’t looking at us. “Bless this child, Lord,” Father Masson says, wiping his brow again. He bows his head and I see him take Alistair’s limp hand in his.


I stare at Father Masson until he looks up at me. “He needs to see a psychiatrist,” I say firmly. “Do you understand? He needs help from someone who understands this disorder.”


Father Masson looks down at Alistair’s frozen face. “Pray for him.”


I touch Alistair’s white-blond hair. “I’ll just love him,” I say, for myself more than for Masson.


“You think your love is doing him well?” I turn to see Cornwell standing at the foot of the bed. “Do you?” he asks again.


“Yes, I do,” I say lamely. I’m very tired from the physical fight with Alistair. I never thought I’d have to hold him down like that.


“Ever since you came back into his life, Father Genet’s condition has deteriorated dramatically.”


Chapter 56