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

“I will,” Michael said. “Anything you need right now?”


“You,” Angel said. “I want you to touch me.” He took Michael’s hand and held it against his face. “Softly,” he added with a smile.


The request was so stark that Michael felt his eyes burn with emotion.


“There’s nothing I’d rather do,” he whispered hoarsely, then watched as Angel let out a deep sigh, his body relaxing and sinking into the bed as Michael leaned down and pressed trembling lips to Angel’s bruised mouth.


“You’re still beautiful to me, Angel,” Michael said as he let one of his hands graze his partner’s chest. He pulled gently on one of Angel’s nipples, then the other. Angel turned his face to the pillow and sighed. Michael moved his hand over Angel’s shoulders, down his thick, powerful arms then back up again, squeezing his shoulders as firmly as he dared until Angel groaned


“Are you okay?” Michael asked, about to pull his hands away.


Angel nodded, a contented smile on his face. “Don’t stop,” he whispered.


Chapter 28