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

“It was the same as usual. Darkness. This heavy weight over me, crushing me slowly, and…petrol. Yes, I remember, this time there was petrol. I was soaked in it.”


Paul shivered. A couple of years ago a scrap yard owner he was bothering about buying dodgy scrap cash in hand had tossed petrol on him and threatened to flick his lighter if Paul didn’t piss off. It had probably been about a cupful of petrol. Ruined his jacket and that’s all. But he still recalled the stench of the stuff and the bone-melting terror of being so vulnerable so suddenly.


“Don’t talk about the details,” Paul said. “Let them fade. Real sensations make a dream fade. Put a light on. Touch something. Yourself.”


Chapter 22