Scar Tissue Bargains #1

Arthur Bryne struggles. Recently divorced, financially overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, physically spent - he's adrift in midlife. Purposeless. In a rare moment of quiet, while playing a game with his lifelong friend Chris, Arthur receives a call. His only child has been hit by a car.

Sam, Arthur's only child, is a brilliant, kind, thoughtful nineteen year old. While Arthur struggles to rediscover his purpose, Sam navigates concepts of sexuality and gender. Despite often being at odds, the two have become closer through these difficulties. Now, though, Sam is in critical condition.

Arthur spends day after day praying, begging, pleading beside his kid's bed. Silence. With no strategy left, Arthur lashes out at the emptiness receiving his prayers.

Arthur's blasphemy reaches the ancient storm god, Bestaat. This attention is not a bargain. Instead, Bestaat responds to Arthur's hubris by forcing him into servitude. He will be immortal. Any wound Arthur receives will heal - old flesh replaced by stronger demonic tissue. Every harm a step away from his humanity. In exchange, Bestaat may not let Sam die.

As a final insult, Bestaat refuses to speak with Arthur again. Instead, he will communicate through an intermediary - a tumor-like creature who permanently attaches to Chris's shoulder. Lump and Chris will share memories and knowledge. Together, they become a verbalization of Arthur's conscience.

Bestaat will send Arthur through a gauntlet of violence. Early victims will be vile (sometimes supernatural) individuals. As the book unfolds, Arthur will discover his idea of "evil" does not align with Bestaat's. Arthur understands he must accept his child's fate if he is to honor the principles they both loved. Arthur accepts the loss of his child and declares war on Bestaat.