Journalist Paul Bradley reports on an act of heroism by paramedic Drew McGregor and goes on to have him nominated for a bravery award. Drew's heroism is a great story that Paul wants to make the most of, but he has other reasons to want to see the great-looking and openly gay Drew again. Ones he doesn't dare speak about, since he's deeply closeted and terrified of being outed, fearing losing his career.<br><br>When Drew accidentally finds out Paul is gay, he's initially angry at the deception, but he's sympathetic too and his kindness encourages Paul to confess his feelings. Drew likes Paul, but won't date a closeted man, saying that leads to too many lies, too much pain. Paul will have to reevaluate all the choices he’s made for the sake of career and family, if he wants Drew to give him a chance.

Role Model

Things calmed down a bit after the air ambulance left with the child. The air of urgency vanished. Paul awaited his chance, lurking again, and took it when everyone finally left Andrew McGregor alone, sitting on the tailgate of an ambulance, drinking a mug of tea, a red blanket around his shoulders. Paulsidled—another useful skill—up to him.


“Mr. McGregor, Paul Bradley.” He flashed his pass. “Can I have a couple of minutes of your time?”


“Can I ask how you came to crawl inside?”


“Me and my partner were first on scene. We were coming back from doing a transfer into Manchester,” hesaid. “Found them like this.”


“And you crawled in despite the danger to save the girl.”


McGregor grimaced. “Believe me, I didn’t intend to stay there for hours. But she was trapped, and, well…she asked me to stay with her.”


“Begged you to stay?” Begged was a better word.


Paul noted it down. “What’s her name?”


Chapter 16