“THE BULLRING” She would reach for my hand beneath the crisp white sheets and say nothing. She would lock her fingers inside mine and simply breathe, with her eyes closed, morning upon us, the birds calling outside our window, and the sun warming the room. There was nothing she could possibly do to enhance the […]

Two The clock behind the hotel counter says it’s almost 1:30 in the afternoon. The woman at the front desk smiles and nods knowingly when I tell her my name and why I’m here. “Your last name is Martin?” “Yes. I’m Jacob Martin. John Martin is my dad.” She says she wasn’t working when the […]

CHAPTER ONE It was late in the evening at Cy’s Green Coffee Pot Restaurant and Bar on Nantucket. The tavern clock’s gold numbers glowed against its black finish. KW had swiped the bar one last time with his rag and then polished a few beer steins before climbing the rickety wooden ladder to clean and […]

Chapter Eleven Lane “How was group therapy,” my mom asked. I turned to her, and I didn’t even want to get into how the session was. I turned and looked out the window. I just stared at the trees as they were passing by. I couldn’t look at my mom once again. She had been […]

…‘I told Saul I’d do as he asked.’ Perdita thought it best to slip that in while Luke and Gavin were distracted by the food. ‘I think,’ Luke said, ‘you need to tell us what you just said again as I don’t think I could have possibly heard right.’ ‘I didn’t hear right either,’ Gavin […]

Alma-Jane I am Alma-Jane, and I am genetically happier than the average person.  I know this because 5 days ago one of the researchers at the New York City Hospital, where I go once a week, told me so. “My dear AJ,” she said, eyeing me between quick, nervous blinks, “your Genetic Happiness score is […]

Kaith felt the impact of something massive colliding against his shield. He’d braced his shoulder, and for a wonder his position held. Blows from weapons rarely made the bones and muscles of his shield arm vibrate so completely. In more standard engagements, the largest danger came from clever strikes that forced the shield off its […]