Coming June 28th, 2023…
An Excerpt from my novel Brothers by Honor. To be released June 28th, 2023 by The Wild Rose Press
I look at my four friends. Rolf, now calm, appears to have a channel for the anger at being categorized by beauty. Stein’s nefarious skills have been given a platform, at last. Through his words, Paul defies conventions and expresses his resentment toward going along. And Jan, who demands excellence from everyone, holds himself to a higher standard. Stepping out into the cold, clear night air, a stack of newspapers in my hands, I’m overwhelmed by the sensation of love. My heart beats faster. The trees and flower boxes are etched in high relief, and I’m giddy. And terrified. And filled with longing. Longing to do this again—the printing, the information gathering. The camaraderie of my friends was . . . no . . . is a brotherhood. I’m trusting these people with my life, and they trust me with theirs. I look over my shoulder at my newfound brothers. Like an unposed photograph, all are in mid-position—just about to—leaping into—oneness. Paul is the last to leave the hut. As he turns off the light, the yard is distantly illuminated by a passing ship’s red, white, and blue lights that paint an abstract of the Norwegian flag in the seawater. I don’t hear my friends leave, but I stand alone on the Carhart’s’ lawn. My thoughts follow my gaze out to sea. I’m venturing into the unknown with my brothers.
