Dr. Ray Carmichael is a wealthy African-American doctor and political activist running for office on the platform that the brutality and corruption of the local police force is out of control. Nick Sorenson is a white cop who grew up poor and almost lost his life in gangs and crime before turning his life around by joining the police force. When Ray’s brother is beaten by a couple of police officers after a traffic stop, Nick is the Internal Affairs detective put in charge of investigating the incident. Dr. Carmichael's obvious distrust of the police force rubs Nick the wrong way, and the man becomes a pain in his neck. Too bad, because neither of them can deny their attraction to each other. Ray has Nick removed from the case when he decides he’d rather date the man than fight with him. In spite of their differences, they begin an affair and grow closer. Until an explosive incident at a family gathering puts nagging doubts in Nick’s head -- he's not sure if they can overcome the differences that separate them. When Nick is about to lose everything important to him, will he realize his budding relationship with Ray is worth trying to see the other side?

The Other Side

He realized Ray was saying something to him, but his attention was too focused on the cops now heading their way. His knuckles tightened on his beer bottle.


Ray swung around on the stool to look at the three off duty officers. “Can I help you gentlemen?”


The nearest one, Ramirez, a large, beefy guy, who’d called Nick’s name ignored Ray, and looked at Nick. “What the fuck are you doing with this bastard?”


“Yeah, Sorenson. Do you know who this asshole is?” Another of the cops, Lawrence was his last name, asked.


“Look, guys, we don’t want any trouble. We’re just here for a drink.”


“Nick, you know these guys?” Ray asked.


“Yeah, they’re some police officers from my precinct.”


“You a traitor, Sorenson?” Ramirez snarled.


Nick’s stomach twisted. He pushed down the queasy feeling. “Of course not.”


Chapter 9