With the name of Jesse Thomas Cromwell, he definitely belongs in the world of Renaissance Faires. Playing old instruments of yore and singing ballads and bawdy tunes puts him on stage. This is Jesse’s favorite pastime, and things are going well until bagpiper James opens up a competition on a neighboring stage. Jesse becomes louder and bawdier until security comes and kicks him out.<br><br>Later James finds Jesse and apologizes for the ruckus. Together with a young lad whose faire gear was stolen and James’s niece, or maybe now nephew, they hatch a plan to get back into the Ren Faire. There are signs James isn’t altogether straight, but can Jesse answer that question in a satisfying way? Especially when they just might get thrown out of the faire again?

The Troubador

When we calmed down, I said, “I can’t believe how good you are with Alan. I’m not sure I would have known what to do. He’s a sweet kid.”


“And innocent as all hell and stupidity can make them. That Gorgonzola fucker, pardon my French, is a first-class asshole. We got all the boy’s stuff back and left a few calling cards. And called the police to tell them to search his car when he leaves there. I have contacts. And I have been one of the good guys for a long time. Until I got kicked out of the Navy for one little thing. It seems I liked everyone a little too much.”


“Are you taking him home after this?”


“I’m taking my niece home and I think he’s going with her, if I know my niece and sister at all, I know they will take in and love any stray they find. They like me, after all.”


“I do too,” I said quietly, and our eyes did that whole romantic, locked thing that requires you to blush and look away and then look back. Then the coffee showed up and the waitress cleared her throat.


Chapter 10