Star-Cross'd and Steam-Punk'd

A delightful coming-of-age story about of an orphan, rescued by a kindly woman, who finds his way in life working for his hometown mob boss then political operative. He hitches his star to a seasoned political candidate; with an older and more experienced lover on the road and his sweet young girlfriend Leshia safely back home he's got it made, a promising future fixing problems and elections beckoning.
One day in a strange town he sees too much and crosses a couple red lines and suddenly learns his likeable personality and quick wit aren't always enough to keep him on the 'inside'. Abruptly abandoned by his associates in a strange town and pursued by his powerful and angry ex-lover he steals a vehicle and flees to the desert with his girlfriend. When the vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere they look at each other and despair.
Terrified, lost and broke, whatever plans they had for their future together blow away like desert dust. An unexpected savior finds them and explains the game Jaf was playing and how he lost. The three head back to their hometown of Durary with Jaf's former associates either behind them or waiting for them, eager to retrieve what they believe Jaf stole. Durary may not be safe, but it's the only place they can think of to hide out.
Can Jaf Daskal wriggle free from the mess he made? And what will it mean for his lover and their futures?This begins the backstory for Jaf Daskal's adventures which properly begin with 'The Caliuga Set-Up'.'Schooled! Follows immediately after 'Star-Cross'd and Steam-Punk'd'.