Page 1 (1/2)

Chapter One

Tonight, Owen’s band, Sole Regret, would perforht? Houston, maybe And then New Orleans Or was it Beau to run together He just got on the tour bus after the show and herever it took him At least he knew they were still in his hoht before, so souys, but his faht-knit bunch, so hehis hair as if he were a four-year-old and insisting he have another biscuit with his fried chicken

Owen stood behind thethe crew make last-minute adjustments to the fire fountains and spark cannons The fans had no idea how ret could play for a ehands, but their crew’s hard work had paid off—the band would be live in less than five minutes Owen appreciated all they did He’d clie and without the crew, there wouldn’t be a stage

While he waited, Orapped his hand around the dog tags dangling from a chain around his neck, closed his eyes, and sent a silent prayer to his older brother, Chad, currently serving in Afghanistan Be safe Come home soon, soldier Be safe

Owen prayed the same words before every concert His routine As if the powers that be were e As if the energy of Sole Regret’s fans el Owen ie And carried a big fking gun Chad’s angel of no mercy would keep him safe Owen had faith

Soainst Owen’s arm, and Owen kneas Kelly before he even opened his eyes

Kelly’s rim line, and his dark brown eyes held concern If Owen hadn’t known Kelly as well as he knew hiht he was always serious and stern Kelly did loosen up on occasion, but only around people he kneell

The leather strap supporting Kelly’s cobalt-blue Les Paul guitar cut into his bare chest when he lifted a hand to give Owen’s shoulder a co squeeze

“Heard from Chad lately?” Kelly asked

Owen sometimes wondered if his best friend could read his mind

“He’s supposed to Skype ht where he is”

“Tell him I said hey,” Kelly said

“Tell hier boy”

Owen knew Chad liked to see fairlfriend or all the friends aiting for hi brother to both of the insufferable idiots, but he’d also stepped into a protective roleOwen had endured in high school, but occasionally Chad’s older, bigger fists had been necessary to get the point across

Owen had plenty of friends now, but there had been a time when Kelly had been his only one He was still Owen’s best friend Alould be As ether than should be allowable by law That hadn’t changed Probably never would But other things between theed in the past six months