Until he crashlands on the Wynne Farm near St Anne, Alderney, Edmund Bolton will have insisted the most prudent thing about himself is his medical degree and his willingness to fight fascists. But of course it’s that island, and that farm – and that family.

Aidan Wynne is tortured by the shame of others and tormented by a freedom he feels he can never possess. Until the handsome military doctor with far too much understanding and far too little self-preservation comes to turn his life on its head.

The war makes fighters of all affected, but none so much as the lovers and those who must love quietly. Often, the fray has less to do with weaponry and bloodshed, and everything to do with keeping tame a passion that seeks to send the world up in flames without burning oneself up in the process.

”Once more into the fray,
into the last good fight I’ll ever know.
Live and die on this day,
live and die on this day.”

Fray is created by Li Walt, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

FRay

Just then, a loud crash echoes down the corridor from the foyer, followed by the tread of at least five pairs of boots. 


Letting himself into the kitchen, Captain Ridley comes bearing an envelope, which he extends to Harry. 


“The documentation you requested,” he says, tone acidic, before turning to Edmund. “Edmund William Bolton, you are under arrest for crimes against the crown, among which high treason. You are allowed the representation of your choice, but whomsoever you choose will have to follow along behind us, as you are being remanded with immediate effect.”


Behind him, a firing squad stands poised to mow down anyone who stands in Ridley’s way. 


Removing his rubber gloves, Edmund raises his hands slowly in a gesture of calm surrender. 


Aidan reaches for him, but Edmund sidesteps his outstretched hand. 


“Harry, you’ll be right behind?” Edmund says, voice shockingly level and his eyes glued to those of Ridley.


“We’ll leave together,” is Harry’s reply. 


Chapter 49: Better be without sense than misapply it as you do.