Crossing the Creek — Tom Steele

Dissatisfied with the superficial trappings of our modern world, Clyde Nassau traipses through life, questioning society's worth. But Clyde's life changes dramatically when he is summoned to a parallel world by a prehistoric clan that seeks protection from migrating hordes of sub-human creatures. The parallel world entices Clyde, tempting him to cross over again and again, but the journeys cause him to question his own sanity. During one visit, Clyde is seduced by a beautiful girl, Barley, a duplicate of the fiancée tragically taken from Clyde in his own world. Unable to come to grips with the strange new events in his life, Clyde confides in his best friend, Mark, and his romantic partner, Robin, inviting them to join him in his quest to save the clan from total annihilation. While attempting to meet demands made upon him from both worlds, Clyde's difficulties intensify when he discovers the sub-human creatures have gained access to his world.

Tom Steele is a retired high school teacher. During his teaching career, Tom was honored with the following awards: the PTA Educator of the Year Award, the Western Illinois Master Teacher Award, a USA Today Teacher Team Award, a Channel One Teacher Award, the American Council's Excellence in Teaching Award, the U.S. State Department's Russian-American Art Exchange Award, and five Most Inspirational Teacher Awards granted by Western Illinois University and Chicago University. Tom served as a Staff Sergeant in Vietnam. He is the recipient of two Army Commendation Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is the author of Muddy Water, Perish, and The Pied Piper of Sweden. Tom lives in Illinois with his wife, Linda, and their three children.