Michael Carmac is a small-town cop on the verge of a breakdown. After a split-second decision leaves an innocent child dead, Michael's reality unravels. Suffering from PTSD, he finds comfort in a bottle while struggling to find forgiveness.<br><br>Fellow officer Bertram Angel offers Michael support, and what starts as friendship turns into something deeper. Can the two men find love, forgiveness, and acceptance while moving forward and healing wounds that don't always show?

The Incident

“Michael, come on. Calm down, man. Come on now.” Angel was there and Michael’s body was against him. He could smell him and, even through the red rage, he could still feel his lust for Angel.


“Are you even supposed to be in here, kiddo?” Angel asked the kid. “You know this is a private club, right? Twenty-one and over in the bar.”


“Hey! Isn’t this little shit Dawn’s brother?” Angel yelled, his voice booming over the music.


“Yeah, kick his ass outta here,” someone called back in a drunken slur.


Angel laughed. “Hey, Reg, you better calm your ass down and get your lady’s little bro outta here. He’s about to get his ass beat. You can kick it after you kiss the bride.” Angel pulled Michael tight to his side and led him away from the out-of-control party.


Michael was familiar with Angel’s tactic, bear hug to stop any further action. Once outside, Angel let him go.


Chapter 12