After the Dark

By Kathy Otten

Months in the trenches of France have left Liam Gallagher wondering why he has survived when better men did not. His guilt intensifies when he returns home only to come down with the deadly Spanish Influenza sweeping the country. Once again Liam lives when thousands do not. Now the only bright spot in his monotonous life is the time he spends each day walking with Rosalie Moretti. Their talks give him hope for the future, a future possibly to include this vibrant, loving woman. Until one dark, catastrophic afternoon, when Liam realizes the reason his life was spared has come down to minutes and his ability to perform one selfless act.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: May 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781509201143

Kathy Otten

Kathy Otten is the published author of historical romance novels, short stories, and young adult novels. A certified book coach, she helps writers bring their story visions to life. When she’s not writing, she enjoys walking her dog through the woods and fields near her home or curling up with her cat and a good book.

Book preview

Inc.

The warmth of Rosalie’s palm pressed against his free hand. Heat rushed to his cheeks, and between their palms, his skin dampened. He laced his fingers with hers. With the pad of his thumb, he traced the top of her hand. Her skin was so smooth. Were all women this soft, or had he just never noticed?

She tugged him forward, and loath to release his hold, he followed her up the steps.

He cast one quick glance over his shoulder toward the city livery and blacksmith shop. He should return to his beat, walk around the tank, and chase away the lads and lasses who’d come with their pails to collect the constantly dripping molasses.

But when he looked back at Rosalie, a secretive smile teased the edges of her full lips, as though she were aware of her own seductive power over him. And like a green lad, fresh off the boat, he allowed her to lead him inside.

After the Dark

by

Kathy Otten

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

After the Dark

COPYRIGHT © 2015 by Kathleen H. Johnson

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Debbie Taylor

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First American Rose Edition, 2015

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-0114-3

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

Rick

This one is yours. Love you.

Standing beside the telephone pole on which an iron callbox was mounted, Patrolman Liam Gallagher telephoned his report to the station while keeping an eye on the congestion of motorcars which puttered back and forth along Foster Street.

He replaced the short, tube-shaped receiver in its niche, wide-end down, swung the blue door closed, and turned his key in the lock. He’d been twenty-three minutes late reporting in to the station, delayed by two freight wagon drivers arguing over right-of-way. Slipping the end of his chain with his key and whistle into the pocket of his double-breasted overcoat, he crossed the street, and extending his stride, he hustled up Commercial.

He hated the thought of being late, hated the thought he might miss her. He almost checked his watch again, but doing so would take time he couldn’t afford to lose. Once the sun passed noon, he wouldn’t need to hurry. Then the only thing he’d have to look forward to would be a hot sandwich and a pint of Guinness at Sullivan’s after the end of his shift. Later, he’d take the ferry to East Boston, climb six flights of stairs to his empty one room flat, and go to bed.

The monotonous routine of his existence was broken only by the events of his job. Until that brisk morning thirteen days ago, when he first