Word of Honor, Book 2 (47 page)

He stood in front of the vehicle, then swiped at his forehead with the back of his hand. The sun was getting more intense as each moment passed. Alabama promised to deliver a fire and brimstone sort of summer, and the Farmer’s Almanac co-signed the notion.

He removed his jacket and took off his shirt, then slid inside the vehicle and started the engine. He turned on the radio and nodded his head to the sounds of Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke on the Water.’ As he made his way out of the graveyard, he paused, taking notice of a cluster of blood red irises right at the exit. He smiled and acknowledged them as if they were old friends, then continued on his way out, exiting the white wrought iron gates of Peebles Cemetery.

He was beyond ready to feel his wife’s arms wrapped around his body and receive the delectable kisses from his children upon his face. Yes, life was
good
. It had not handled him gently, but he had not done the same to it, either. He’d released the past, let go of the ugly things that held him back, and embraced the new world he was offered, filled with bright colors, the adoration of the finest woman he’d ever known, and the sweet surrender of tolerance…

Irises are blood red…

Confederate flags have backgrounds of blue…

Prison bars confine minds…

I’m Aaron Pike.

Now tell me,

Who… are
YOU?

THE END

Music Directory

Music is an important part of my storytelling style. I use it to help set a mood, and provide more insight into the characters. If you feel so inclined, I encourage you to go back and re-read some of the scenes, this time, accompanied by the musical choices mentioned. I hope that you find the scene even more enriching after doing such. If you play a song you like, please support the artist(s) by purchasing a legal copy of their album and/or song in question. Thank you and enjoy.

Songs mentioned in this double book series:
(Please note they may not be in the exact order as mentioned in the text, but they do follow a general chronological time frame.)

1.   Georgia Satellite – ‘Keep Your Hands to Yourself’

2.   Vivaldi – ‘Four Seasons’ (Spring)

3.   Ohio Players – ‘Fire’

4.   The Brothers Johnson – I’ll Be Good To You

5.   A Taste of Honey – ‘Boogie Oogie Oogie’

6.   Al Stewart – ‘Year of the Cat’

7.   Gin Blossoms – ‘Jealousy’

8.   Alice in Chains – ‘Rooster’

9.   Diana Ross – ‘Missing You’

10.  Little Einstein’s theme song

11.  Crowded House – ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’

12.  The Kooks – ‘Bad Habits’

13.  Isley Brothers – ‘Always Come Back’

14.  Fetty Wop – ‘Trap Queen’

15.  Otis McDonald – ‘Fingers’

16.  Daughter – ‘Smother’

17.  Mogwai – ‘Take Me Somewhere Nice’

18.  Tech N9ne – ‘Hood Go Crazy’

19.  Daughter – ‘Medicine’

20.  Shura – ‘Touch’

21.  Amos Lee – ‘Violin’

22.  Mansionair– ‘Hold Me Down’

23.  James Bay – Hold Back The River

24.  Smith – ‘The Weight’ (soundtrack from Easy Rider)

25.  Van Morrison – ‘Moon Dance’

26.  Black Crowes – ‘She Talks to Angels’

27.  Kevin LeVar – ‘A Heart That Forgives’

28.  Foghart – ‘Slow Ride’

29.  Deep Purple – ‘Smoke on the Water’

30.  Bob Seger – ‘Night Moves’

31.  Grateful Dead hummed – ‘Touch of Grey’

32.  Lynyrd Skynyrd – ‘Free Bird’

33.  Van Halen – ‘Jamie’s Crying’

34.  Fleetwood Mac – ‘The Chain’

35.  Oh Wonder – ‘Bold Gold’ – Louis The Child Remix

36.  Whitesnake – ‘Here I Go Again’

37.  Alina Baraz & Galimatias – ‘Can I’

Book Club Questions

1.   Aaron Pike grew up in an environment that was a fertile breeding ground for dysfunction. What do you believe hurt him the most in regard to his relationship with his mother and father?

2.   Aaron prides himself on having control and keeping his cool. However, there were a few times in this double novel series where the reader was allowed to see how he struggled with this every now and then. What do you believe control symbolized for Aaron?

3.   Mia grew up in a big, loving family but she did encounter issues with her father in regard to her own spiritual beliefs versus his own. In what ways do you think Mia rebelled that may not have been mentioned in a straightforward manner in the book?

4.   Mia is very close to her cousin, Trudy. In what ways do you believe this relationship helped her and possibly impaired her?

5.   This book deals with very heavy topics, namely racism. Do you believe that men and women with Aaron’s original beliefs are a majority in the United States or do you believe this ‘extreme’ racism that he practiced is a rarity?

6.   It is typical for Tiana Laveen to use ample symbolism in her books. In the following examples from this novel, describe what you believe may have been ‘double/triple’ meanings in this two-book series:

Trees

Eagles

Irises

Dark and light

Paper/Origami

7.   What do you think of Mia’s choice to keep her racial identity from Aaron once she realized that he was an Aryan National Socialist?

8.   It is said that ‘good girls’ love ‘bad boys’. In this book, that would be true. However, there were elements of Mia that showed that she, in fact, had a rather devious mind. What are some of these examples?

9.   Why do you believe Aaron was able to change after being so enmeshed and indoctrinated in a life of power, extreme racial creed, and arrogance?

10.  What was it about Marcus’ character that allowed Aaron to feel safe when discussing matters with him, and vice versa?

11.  Do you believe racists are born or made?

12.  Aaron has behavioral issues, amongst others. He was able to disconnect and not have much regard or apathy towards individuals that he perceived as a threat. This is something he still struggled with even towards the end of the book. Do you believe that this sort of behavior can be changed?

13.  What are some things you liked about Aaron and Mia together as a couple?

14.  Julian Savant first appeared in his own book from the Scandalous Heroes box set (no longer available for purchase.) He now features in a book called, ‘Tattooed Moon’ (available at all online retailers.) In his typical way, Julian not only gives body modification; he is spiritual, insightful, and more than likely empathic. This unlikely pairing (Aaron and Julian) end up meeting in this book and becoming friends. How do you think this helped Aaron along his journey?

15.  What was your favorite scene in the book?

A ‘Thank You’ to the Readers

Hello everyone! I want to thank each and every one of you for purchasing this book series and reading it. I greatly appreciate it and I do not take any of you for granted. I also appreciate the kind and considerate emails that I receive, as well as social network connections. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, and it has been a living dream to be able to share my thoughts with the world.

Thank you for giving me that opportunity.

Tiana Laveen

If you wish to purchase Tiana Laveen books, you can find them at all major online retailers.

The books are available in ePub and mobi formats for all ereading devices. They are also available in paperback format.

PLEASE NOTE:
The first portion of this series, entitled “The ‘N’ Word”, is available RIGHT NOW for purchase in both digital and paperback formats. It is strongly advised for that novel to be read first.