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

“Oh, Ryde, I love you with all my soul.”


“Okay,” I say, playing it cool. “So that’s one thing you know about yourself.”


“You’re right.” He leans back. “I want to see him. I want to see Dr. Scarborough.”


I wasn’t prepared for this. This is huge.


“I want to see him.” Alistair nods seriously and looks away at the yard. “Today.”


“Yes, today. Can you arrange it? I’m lucid. I’m myself. I don’t know how long that will last.”


I stand. Take my phone out. “Let me call him.”


Alistair blinks. “Thank you,” he whispers.


Jamie answers on the second ring. “Ryde? Are you okay?”


In the back, I can hear voices. He’s at home with his family. Alistair looks over at me. In his eyes, I see urgency and desperation. I see hope too.


“Dr. Scarborough,” I say, taking Alistair’s cold hand in mine, “I’m calling about Alistair.”


“So, this is it. He wants to see me.”


Chapter 65