Stopping a murder that happened forty years earlier may be the only way to heal a tortured mind ...<br><br>Six months after Jesse Madding is brutally tortured by Marcus Brooker, he is still experiencing flashbacks, panic attacks, and jumping at his own shadow. His lovers, Gideon Keel and Emma Coolidge, would do anything to help him, but Jesse refuses to be hospitalized for treatment, or even visit a therapist. Desperate for a change, Gideon and Emma suggest a radical solution.<br><br> Jesse wants to fix his life. More than anything, he wants to be normal again. He doesn't want to live in fear. He doesn't want to be ashamed of his scarred and mutilated body. He doesn't want to shy away from Gideon's touch. Certain that the holding pattern will kill him, he agrees to Gideon and Emma's proposed solution: travel to an alternative dimension and save Marcus Brooker from witnessing Mary's grisly murder ... in order to save Brooker's soul.

Chaos and Communion

“I know how terrifying it is, Jesse. I’ve seen it. But I’ve seen things change, too. I know it’s possible, and I believe with everything that I am, you can take the steps you need to. If that’s what you really want.”


Jesse paused, wishing he could add more, but not knowing what to say. She seemed to understand, because she inclined her head—a slight nod. After a moment, he let himself out of the car and shuffled into the diner. He ordered a cup of coffee and waited until Hal’s car was long gone before slipping out the door and down the block.


Chapter 30