The Enforcers don’t intimidate me anymore. An Enforcer removed the shackles so I can at least toss a memento into Reid’s grave.

I rub my hand against my raw left wrist, growing more and more used to the space that used to be my left hand. I am the last of the Blackwater triplets. Because I live, her husband-my brother-is dead.

I should be standing by her, creating a bond as sisters, but I’m a criminal. Tawny takes shuddering gasps and blinks hard while tears paint trails down her smooth cheeks. She wears a short ivory dress with long sleeves off the shoulders and a braided tan belt. She stands with her hands folded in front of her, wobbling on the soft ground in high heels. Does she blame me for his death? Her gaze is fixed on Reid, as though she can see through the lid of carved wood concealing his face. He is- was-a traveler, not meant to stay in one place. He should be cremated and scattered in the most adventurous locations. Lumps of black earth wait to enclose him in permanent night.Įverything about this funeral feels wrong. Probably making sure I don’t run.Ī pall of autumn leaves covers the Unity Village graveyard, the only disrupted portion of ground being Reid’s grave. Did he originally carve it for me?Įnforcers surround the gravesite-black human pillars lined with bullets, staring straight ahead. The smooth wood coffin displays the best of Father’s carpentry skill. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 🙂Ī date was set, a coffin prepared, and a grave dug in the earth, yet I breathe against my own will as my brother is lowered six feet down. Without further ado, here’s your special glimpse. But, so you’re not left out, just click here to read the first chapter of A Time to Die. (book 1) 🙂 If you have not read book one, A Time to Die….DO NOT READ ON! There are spoilers in the first chapter.

That’s right! Today I’m sharing with you the entire first chapter of A Time to Speak which releases exactly one month from today! ( Tweet this) That’s only four weeks and two days! 720 hours! Who’s gonna count down with me? Bueller? Bueller?

A time to speak nadine brandes