Moments for the Heart

Welcome back, Weekend Writing Warriors. I’m glad you’re back for this week. I am so excited to give you the conclusion to where we left off last week. Jacob is in a serious predicament. Arrested, defenseless, and before a man who we are unsure of his intentions at this point.

If you remember, my novel is set in a Dystopian world where it is illegal to be offensive. Federal laws exist that prohibit people from saying certain things, especially against those in authority. To violate these laws would bring legal consequences. The government has appointed a special law enforcement agency to enforce these laws; their representatives are called Officials.

The lead Official for Jacob’s area is named Edwards. We get to continue the pleasure, or perhaps the displeasure, of his introduction in this week’s snippet.

The Five Barred Gate Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Non-Offensive Movement in the United States became federal law? What would happen to the freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution? This is the story of Jacob Andrews. He is faced with the decision to follow his heart and disregard what the law says about how he should live; even if it means his life.

Where we left off last week:
“Good afternoon, sunshine,” the Official said, “I was wondering how long it would take you to wake up. I am Official Nathan Edwards, and you, my friend, are in a great deal of trouble.”

“Was it the glorified hall monitor comment or my heel to your foot that has put you in such a foul mood?” Jacob sneered.

The Official pulled his baton from his belt and casually swung it, connecting with Jacob’s cheekbone, just below his left eye.

The force of the blow rocked Jacob’s head to the side, almost knocking him out of his chair. He could feel the heat of blood rolling down his cheek. He glared at the Official–at both the Officials, or was it the same Official two times?

The Official laid the baton on the table, sat, picked up his cigar and took a deep drag. He blew a perfect smoke ring, then smiled and fixed Jacob with a cold smile, “By all means, Citizen, keep talking. I can do this all day.”

Oohhwhee. Wow. Yes, these two have a history… and a future. Thank you for reading this week’s snippet. Stay tuned for more from The Five Barred Gate next week. Just wait, Official Edwards is only getting started.

The Five Barred Gate is available for purchase on Amazon. The link is at the bottom of this text box.

You can also purchase direct from me by visiting the Home Page of this website. The link to buy now is at the bottom of the screen. The benefit of buying direct is that you will receive a signed copy.

Below that link is my Children’s book series Elissa the Curious Snail. A series of books about an adorable snail that teaches children about prayer and believing in themselves. Series at 4 books. More to come for 2020.

You can also read about updates regarding my next novel due out in August of 2020, Little Reminders of Who I Am as well as my current Untitled work.

****I have also started a multi-contributor-journal that will document the events of Coronavirus2020. This is a message board forum. While I plan to input regular entries, I hope you will leave messages in the comment field at the bottom. I encourage you to share what you are going through where you are at, as we all have different points of view across the country, and possibly the world. Please take the time and visit the link, if not to read what others have written, to leave your own comment and share what’s going on with you regarding the Coronavirus2020 Pandemic.****

In His Exciting Service,

Jeff S. Bray

The Five Barred Gate is Available on Amazon

Elissa the Curious Snail Series

Check out other amazing established and emerging writers at Weekend Writing Warriors. Each week we post new snippets from either our published works or our works in progress for each other to comment on. Get an insight on how the mind of a writer works and the behind the scenes of works before they hit the book stands everywhere.