Book excerpt: Ben Slocum's marriage careens out of control, so he flees New England, only to have his progress-and nearly his life-ended. Octogenarian and psychiatrist Will Rivard saves Ben with the stroke of a T'ai Chi sword. The ensuing friendship brings to light a stunning secret that has tormented Will for six decades. Will shares this secret through his adolescent journal, transporting Ben back in time to the height of the Great Depression. Ben's glimpse back in time reveals why two lovers cross the raging floodwaters of Fountain Creek, even as a bridge washes out beneath their car. Stranded, they huddle on the roof, a spot scarcely larger than a welcome mat, as rescuers throw ropes and launch boats into the torrent. Will Rivard joins in the fight to save them. Yet questions remain: Why did the couple attempt such a desperate gambit in the first place? Did Will chase them to that spot? As the complex strands of past and present converge, romance blossoms in Ben's life and he learns, of Will's ill-fated love. Like a Guilty Thing presents parallel dramas, each with questions-and answers-that race toward its gripping end.