Robin Paley, a Vietnam vet, and Hendrix Higgins, a former teacher who witnessed a school shooting, become trapped together during a storm in March of 2001, when Hendrix, now a computer tech, arrives to fix Robin’s only source of contact with the outside world.<br><br>Discovering they have much in common, an afternoon of bonding leads to more. When Robin admits he’ll never contact Hendrix again, however, a heated argument ensues. Hendrix fights hard to move on, while Robin seems to want to stay stuck.<br><br>They angrily part ways, Hendrix telling Robin to call him if he ever wants to live again. When Robin finally reaches out, he fears it may be too late. Has Hendrix moved on?

Herm I.T.

“The thunder makes him uneasy. Plus, I’m certain he’s wondering who you are. Neither of us is accustomed to company.” Robin was suddenly a chatterbox. So many words in one day were making him hoarse. It had to be some sort of record, though he did speak to Magnus Renegade more often than he’d care to admit. “Sorry. I’ll desist. And we’ll go sit in the—”


To Robin’s surprise, Hendrix reached toward the dog. “It’s just noise, big boy,” he soothed. Hendrix actually leaned in closer, and when he stroked down Mag’s entire back, his hand met Robin’s, already there. “Got to face our fears.” Hendrix swallowed hard. “Ain’t that right, sir?”


Sir?Was Hendrix going military or ageist, Robin wondered.


A loud crack of thunder made everyone jump.


“Fuck! Sorry, sir. Inappropriate language.” Hendrix scrunched up his adorable face. “I’m not too fond of this weather either.”


Chapter 4