by Gun Brooke
World famous violinist Gail Owen is devastated after a car accident leaves her unable to play her beloved instrument. She withdraws from her privileged life to an old farmhouse in Rhode Island.
Romi Shepherd is homeless in New York City and barely survives by singing for pennies in the subway. After being wrongfully arrested, she hitchhikes back to Rhode Island and, out of money and options, hides in a secret room in the house she grew up in, unaware that the new owner is about to move in permanently.
When Gail discovers Romi has been living in her house, she is curiously drawn to the young woman. Romi is torn between feeling guilty for lying to Gail and enamored of her, and she fears the truth will set them on a path toward heartbreak.
Praise for Gun Brooke
Wayworn Lovers
“Wayworn Lovers is a super dramatic, angsty read, very much in line with Brooke’s other contemporary romances…I’m definitely in the ‘love them’ camp.”—The Lesbian Review
Thorns of the Past
“What I really liked from the offset is that Brooke steered clear of the typical butch PI with femme damsel in distress trope. Both main characters are what I would call ordinary women—they both wear suits for work, they both dress down in sweatpants and sweatshirts in the evening. As a result, I instantly found it a lot easier to relate, and connect with both. Each of their pasts hold dreadful memories and pain, and the passages where they opened up to each other about those events were very moving.”—Rainbow Reviews
“I loved the romance between Darcy and Sabrina and the story really carried it well, with each of them learning that they have a safe haven with the other.”—The Lesbian Review
Soul Unique
“This is the first book that Gun Brooke has written in a first person perspective, and that was 100% the correct choice. She avoids the pitfalls of trying to tell a story about living with an autism spectrum disorder that she’s never experienced, instead making it the story of someone who falls in love with a person living with Asperger’s…Soul Unique is her best. It was an ambitious project that turned out beautifully. I highly recommend it.”—The Lesbian Review
“Yet another success from Gun Brooke. The premise is interesting, the leads are likeable and the supporting characters are well-developed. The first person narrative works well, and I really enjoyed reading about a character with Asperger’s.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (London)
The Blush Factor
“Gun Brooke captures very well the two different ‘worlds’ the two main characters live in and folds this setting neatly into the story. So, if you are looking for a well-edited, multi-layered romance with engaging characters this is a great read and maybe a re-read for those days when comfort food is a must.”—Lesbians on the Loose
Fierce Overture
“Gun Brooke creates memorable characters, and Noelle and Helena are no exception. Each woman is ‘more than meets the eye’ as each exhibits depth, fears, and longings. And the sexual tension between them is real, hot, and raw.”—Just About Write
September Canvas
“In this character-driven story, trust is earned and secrets are uncovered. Deanna and Faythe are fully fleshed out and prove to the reader each has much depth, talent, wit and problem-solving abilities. September Canvas is a good read with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.”—Just About Write
Lambda Literary Award Finalist Sheridan’s Fate
“Sheridan’s fire and Lark’s warm embers are enough to make this book sizzle. Brooke, however, has gone beyond the wonderful emotional explorations of these characters to tell the story of those who, for various reasons, become differently-abled. Whether it is a bullet, an illness, or a problem at birth, many women and men find themselves in Sheridan’s situation. Her courage and Lark’s gentleness and determination send this romance into a ‘must read.’”—Just About Write
Coffee Sonata
“In Coffee Sonata, the lives of these four women become intertwined. In forming friendships and love, closets and disabilities are discussed, along with differences in age and backgrounds. Love and friendship are areas filled with complexity and nuances. Brooke takes her time to savor the complexities while her main characters savor their excellent cups of coffee. If you enjoy a good love story, a great setting, and wonderful characters, look for Coffee Sonata at your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”—Family & Friends Magazine
“Award-winning author Gun Brooke has given us another delightful romance with Coffee Sonata. I was so totally immersed in this story that I read it in one sitting.”—Just About Write
“Each of these characters is intriguing, attractive and likeable, but they are heartbreaking, too, as the reader soon learns when their pasts and their deeply buried secrets are slowly and methodically revealed. Brooke does not give the reader predictable plot points, but builds a fascinating set of subplots and surprises around the romances.”—L-word.com Literature
Course of Action
“Brooke’s words capture the intensity of their growing relationship. Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking and heart-stopping. Where have you been hiding, Gun Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from this author.”—Independent Gay Writer
“The setting created by Brooke is a glimpse into that fantasy world of celebrity and high rollers, escapist to be sure, but witnessing the relationship develop between Carolyn and Annelie is well worth the trip. As the reader progresses, the trappings become secondary to the characters’ desire to reach goals both professional and personal.”—Midwest Book Review
“The characters are the strength of Course Of Action and are the reason why I keep coming back to it again and again. Carolyn and Annelie are smart, strong, successful women who have come up from difficult pasts. Their chemistry builds slowly as they get to know each other, and the book satisfyingly leaves them in an established relationship, each having grown and been enriched by the other. I love every second that the two spend together.”—The Lesbian Review
Escape: Exodus Book Three
“I’ve been a keen follower of the Exodus series for a while now and I was looking forward to the latest installment. It didn’t disappoint. The action was edge-of-your-seat thrilling, especially towards the end, with several threats facing the Exodus mission. Some very intriguing subplots were introduced, and I look forward to reading more about these in the next book.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library, London (UK)
Pathfinder: Exodus Book Two
“I love Gun Brooke. She has successfully merged two of my reading loves: lesfic and sci-fi.”—Inked Rainbow Reads
Advance: Exodus Book One
“Advance is an exciting space adventure, hopeful even through times of darkness. The romance and action are balanced perfectly, interesting the audience as much in the fleet’s mission as in Dael and Spinner’s romance. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!”—All Our Worlds: Diverse Fantastic Fiction
The Supreme Constellations Series
“Protector of the Realm has it all; sabotage, corruption, erotic love and exhilarating space fights. Gun Brooke’s second novel is forceful with a winning combination of solid characters and a brilliant plot. The book exemplifies her growth as inventive storyteller and is sure to garner multiple awards in the coming year.”—Just About Write
Protector of the Realm “is first and foremost a romance, and whilst it has action and adventure, it is the romance that drives it.The book moves along at a cracking pace, and there is much happening throughout to make it a good page-turner. The action sequences are very well done, and make for an adrenaline rush.”—The Lesbian Review
“Brooke is an amazing author. Never have I read a book where I started at the top of the page and
don’t know what will happen two paragraphs later. She keeps the excitement going, and the pages turning.”—Family and Friends Magazine
Insult to Injury
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Insult to Injury
© 2019 By Gun Brooke. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-324-6
This Electronic Book is published by
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, New York 12185
First Edition: July 2019
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Shelley Thrasher
Production Design: Stacia Seaman
Cover Design by Gun Brooke and Sheri ([email protected])
By the Author
Romances:
Course of Action
Coffee Sonata
Sheridan’s Fate
September Canvas
Fierce Overture
Speed Demons
The Blush Factor
Soul Unique
A Reluctant Enterprise
Piece of Cake
Thorns of the Past
Wayworn Lovers
Insult to Injury
Supreme Constellations Series:
Protector of the Realm
Rebel’s Quest
Warrior’s Valor
Pirate’s Fortune
Exodus Series:
Advance
Pathfinder
Escape
Arrival
Treason
Novella Anthology:
Change Horizons
Acknowledgments
The main characters in this book made it so rewarding—and sometimes also so emotional—to write. Thank you especially to Elon for helping me “snap out of it” when I needed to. And also, I have to mention my dogs, Hoshi and Esti, without whose unconditional love, life wouldn’t be the same and writing a book like this one would be harder.
Thank you to Shelley Thrasher, my editor, without whom I would not fare as well as a writer. After all these novels together, it is still such a treat to work with you. I am in such great hands.
I never take for granted the fact that I am among the lucky few in this world that get to write stories and be published by a dedicated, enthusiastic publisher. Thank you, Len Barot (Radclyffe), for your continued faith in me.
Sandy Lowe, senior editor, is the excellent, amazing hub of BSB—and a great person to contact when necessary. Cindy, Ruth, Carsen, and the rest of the BSBers—you’re all rock stars and I truly appreciate everything you do.
My first readers / beta readers—you are my first safety net. I truly appreciate your feedback, pointers, rescue attempts, and encouragement. I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate you taking time out of your life to read through my chapters. Thank you!
Family, friends, and readers—you all have your designated places in my heart. Thank you for encouraging words and for sharing the joy of storytelling with me.
For Elon
Prologue
Romi
“Sit there and don’t move.” The female cop sounds gruff, and her eyes are hard when she motions toward a bench where two men are sitting handcuffed with their hands on their backs. I’m cuffed too, but at least with my hands in front of me. Trembling, I obey.
“Officer?” I plead. “Please. What am I accused of?”
“Just sit tight. And I’m watching you.” The cop glares at me, and I know I’m seconds away from being cuffed like the guys. The fact that I’m not may be because I’m five foot two and scrawny. I probably look to her as if she can restrain me with one hand while she eats her lunch with the other.
I cling to the faux leather bag in my lap, as it holds all my worldly possessions. The cop has already searched it but found nothing she was interested in. She looked mildly surprised at the worn notebook where I jot down notes every day in super-tiny handwriting. That way it lasts me a long time. I keep sharpening the pencil when I write for that purpose. Pencils are cheap, and sometimes I prioritize, using the money I make singing in the subway to buy them instead of food.
“I’ve seen you around,” one of the young men beside me says, not unkindly. “You’re that singer.”
I’m not sure whether to feel flattered or freaked out. Who knows why he’s here in cuffs? If the cops let him go—and me—what if he comes looking for me?
“Mmm,” I say noncommittally.
“You’ve got a good voice. Why’re you here?”
“No clue.” I turn to him and see nothing but friendliness in his eyes. Blue eyes nearly void of pupils show he’s on something, but he looks more dazed than someone who’s about to go postal. “You?”
“Possession.” He nods to his back pocket as if whatever he’s on is still there, but of course it’s not. The cops must’ve searched him. “Same ol’, same ol’.”
I have never fallen into the trap of doing drugs. With too many other problems, it seemed illogical to add to the mess that is my life. Living as a runaway from age sixteen creates enough hurdles.
“I’m Sam,” the guy says.
“Romi.” I nearly extend my hand to say hello but remember our handcuffs and merely do an awkward little wave with my fingertips.
“Come on, now.” The cop is back. “Time to take you through booking.”
Booking? My heart stops long enough to make me dizzy. “But, Officer, please tell me why. I have no idea how I broke the law. What did I do?” I walk obediently next to her, not wanting to do anything to make things worse, but so afraid that I’m shaking.
“All right, since you ask politely, unlike most I bring in.” Tall and with her brown hair in a tight bun, she stops and looks down at me. “Your wallet containing your expired ID was found at the scene of a B&E on the Upper East Side. A lot was stolen. You were identified by a police officer working in the subway, who recognized you from the photo.”
My wallet? My wallet that was stolen more than a month ago. And what the hell was a B&E? Breaking and entering? “But…my wallet was stolen. I had eight dollars and forty cents in it.”
“Convenient,” the cop says, shaking her head.
I realize nobody is going to believe me. I haven’t done anything illegal, at least nothing like that, but I’m among the lowest of the low in this city, so who’s going to take my words seriously?
The cop uncuffs one of my hands, and it looks like she means to attach the open cuff to a ring on the desk. I don’t know if it’s my slight frame or something else that makes her underestimate me, but she takes her eyes off me long enough for me to see my chance. A group of cops is heading our way, pushing four large young men along, and these guys aren’t cooperating. My cop is knocked aside but jumps into the fray to assist her colleagues by slamming one of the men into the wall. I see my brief window of opportunity the moment the thudding sound of bodies clashing against each other and into walls, and voices yelling out commands, attract all interest in the room.
I push my worn jacket off and fold it over my arm and hand to hide the dangling cuffs. I snatch an even worse-looking baseball cap from the head of a young boy that sits cuffed on a chair in front of my cop’s desk and put it on. It reeks of unwashed hair. The kid shouts something in protest, but all the noise drowns out his words.
Before I make my way out of there, the last thing I see is the cops drawing their Tasers a
gainst the men—and the thumbs-up from Sam where he grins lazily at me from the bench before mouthing, “Run!”
Chapter One
Romi
The basement looks just like I remember. Nobody has moved anything since Aunt Clara resided in the old farmhouse. She used the cellar to store preserves, old magazines, and a multitude of boxes containing things she was certain she would find a use for some day. Looking at the very same boxes now, I realize she never did. Good thing she didn’t change the secret spot for the spare key to the basement door either. Anyone could have found it, as hiding it above the doorframe is hardly original.
I haven’t been upstairs yet. From peeking through the windows, I could tell all the furniture is covered with sheets, which means someone has bothered to take care of the place. I’m not sure when Aunt Clara died. I only found out about it when browsing the local East Quay newspaper online at the library a year ago. That suggests the house has been empty for approximately that long, unless she was hospitalized for a long time. The obituary didn’t specify.
