The List

THE LIST Campbell Series JL BOWMAN Also by JL Bowman The Weekend Love and Politics Soul Keeper The Wrench (Vella) Songbird’s Courage (Vella) Shadow Within: A Manifest Destiny Story (Vella) The Knights of Roselyn Book One Dark Promises: The Knights of Roselyn Book Two Introduction Dearest Readers, I wanted to take a moment to address the violence and suspense in this book. I do understand that these themes may not be for everyone, and I encourage readers to exercise caution and discretion when deciding whether to read this book. If you or a loved one feel you need some help please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. https://www.thehotline.org Thank you for your support. Sincerely, JL Bowman Copyright © 2023 by JL Bowman All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Created with Vellum For my love, my rock and my partner in this adventure we call life. “All shall be done, but it may be harder than you think.” – Aslan from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. CS Lewis Contents 1. Everdine Emily Bradford 2. Xavier 3. Ever 4. Ever 5. Xavier 6. Ever 7. Xavier 8. Xavier 9. Ever 10. Xavier 11. Ever 12. Xavier 13. Ever 14. Xavier 15. Ever 16. Ever 17. Ever 18. Xavier 19. Ever 20. Xavier 21. Ever 22. Ever 23. Ever 24. Xavier 25. Xavier 26. Ever 27. Xavier 28. Xavier 29. Ever 30. Ever 31. Ever 32. Xavier 33. Xavier 34. Xavier 35. Xavier 36. Xavier 37. Ever 38. Xavier 39. Ever 40. Epilogue The Wrench Acknowledgments About the Author ONE Everdine Emily Bradford The music blared in my ear pods as I danced between the bookshelves and I re-shelved copies of The Hungry Caterpillar, Harry Potter and various other children’s and young adult books. I twirled as if I had a partner, doing my terrible version of a dance with steps I made up as I went. One kid laughed at me, and I smiled. I loved this job. Being a children’s librarian was the best career choice. It made me happy and to be in the same library I grew up in was a dream come true. Someone tapped on my shoulder, and I turned to see Josephine Brinkinoff grinning at me. I turned off my music and beamed right back at her. Josephine was somewhere between sixty-four and sixteen and my boss for the last four years. “It’s time for you to leave, honey,” Josephine said. I took out my phone and wrinkled my nose, glancing at the time. “It’s taco night.” I placed another book on the shelf. “But I need to finish this cart at least.” Josephine was always pushing me out the door to go have fun and be a youngster. “Nope.” She squeezed between me and the book cart. “I’ve got it. You go have fun. Meet a handsome man, dance all night, fall in love, and make babies.” “Josephine!” I whisper gasped. “What? I remember what it’s like to be young. When you meet the man, you’ll know. Your heart will beat a mile a minute and you might see a halo around him, a bright aura…” “Josephine,” I cut her off. “Not everyone is as lucky enough to find the great love. Plus, I’m leaving. Westie is done. I’ve saved my money… I don’t need love right now. I need adventure—I want to see the world. Or at least North America.” “Oh honey, you can have both. They aren’t exclusive Xavier Philip Santos It felt good to be home. The surf was decent, but none of that mattered because I was officially done with the tour obligations today. I turned my board into the wave, paddling with long strokes so I could catch it. Greg whooped behind me. It was just me gliding through the water, enjoying the ride, with the sun on my back. Not competing. It’s what surfing used to be for me, pure joy. It used to be my obsession and in the last six months—it became a burden, a job. Actually, it’s been a great career, the sponsorships, the surf movies, the people… mostly were good. I had a good career. At age thirty-two, I’m ready to stop competing. I’ll do all the other things. My brand is still solid, still making money but, I’m tired of competing, surfing for the entertainment of others, for a score. I just want the joy. I also want to stop traveling. Living out of a backpack and my board bag for the last twelve years took a toll on my mental status. Honestly, I see my sisters settling down with their partners, having kids, and there’s this itch inside me—I want that too. I want a partner, maybe even kids, definitely a dog. I want to be home and kiss my wife, someone I love more than surfing, but I haven’t taken the time to find that person. I finished the ride and paddled back to where Greg was floating, bobbing in the current. He looked more relaxed out here. It’s why I dragged him with me before we sat down to take care of closing out my contracts with the tour. I’d met all my obligations, but there was a negation to bring me back. I’ve explained to Greg that no amount of money was going to put me back on tour. At least right now.