MichaelS36

I cannot agree with you more! Police officers are under immense pressure. It comes from ourselves (our morals and belief systems), the job, our bosses, and the public. I worked traffic, became a detective and then worked in the Child Exploitation Unit. After several years there, I'd started to change and not for the better. I chose to leave to save myself from going the way I'd seen others end up. It's a necessary but horrible job. It's not hard to understand why some take what we'd call the wrong path. If I'd had the benefit of foresight, I'd have stayed in traffic. Jamie is going through something similar. He has his own belief in right and wrong, the rules of his job and what the public say about the police. He's being tested, and hopefully he'll find the strength he needs.

I'd try the veggie burger if you make one. It's a known fact I'll eat just about anything. And I'll admit the beef and bean burgers tasted just like all meat burgers to me. I'll try anything once as you know. I did really enjoy the chickpea, spinach and potato stew you made which was meatless. It didn't need more. While I enjoy meat, I can see the benefit of meatless meals now and again. Luckily, I enjoy vegetables of nearly any kind.

You speak to me as if I cook! I don't, tim does and he looks after me and Daniel very well. I suppose we could have a long discussion about meat but no one will likely change my mind, nor will I attempt to change yours. Enjoy!

Where's the meat? Sorry, large carnivore here, lol. Still not a huge fan of tofu, but as a diabetic I see its benefits (tim told me to write that). Supposedly, there are benefits. I trust him. Enjoy your food!

That is horrific. I'm sorry you went through that. My husband did also, forced out of his home at fifteen years old. My parents took the news in their stride. They said, "Be the man we brought you up to be." I'm grateful to them and I hope I did as they asked. If you can be 'out' safely, do it proudly. The more we're seen, the more accepted we'll become.

I wrote about this in a comment in the previous chapter. Jamie is still the man you thought he was. But he is in an impossible situation. The job often puts us in those positions. Jamie's job is to protect .. while he's had that training, they seemed to forget about the paranormal portion of the course. How is any right-minded person supposed to deal with all of this? Drugs are really not the answer, either is alcohol, but I can understand what Jamie's done. And obviously, he completely trusts that Mike is a solid thing in his life. He trusts Mike fully and admits later it wasn't the best of choices. We're human, we make dumb decisions sometimes. All of us.

Lots of comments here for this chapter. Jamie's in a rough spot. He need to protect the minister at all costs and he's paying a huge price to do so. It's not simple or cut and dried being a police officer on any level. I've seen that myself. It's easy to sit and read or watch and judge from on high. It's not so easy when you are dragged through other humans' mess and lives and you need to sort it out. Or you need to protect the principal. You're showing this to us very well. I don't suppose it's going to get any easier.

Can't agree more. An excellent film.

It pleases me that you're seeing balance in your life and emotions. You often resided at one extreme or the other. That you feel that perhaps you find comfort in the middle of the two is a wonderful thing. Keep investigating what options you have and what feels right for you. I don't believe there is a single answer, so stay open to what may be of help. xoxo M

All I can say, I've said. But you don't need to hear more from me. I am always willing to hear you. Reach out as and when you want or need to. Be patient and kind with yourself.

Two wonderful poems! I'm so pleased you've posted them.

tim has 8 books of poetry on GA ... I hope you choose to read more of his work. Regards.

I'd have to say, tim hasn't made me much I haven't enjoyed. he's a good cook and a great baker. he looks after me very well. Cupcakes are nice and a good way to eat cake without eating too much of it. I'm glad you enjoyed them. Tofu stew. Not a big fan of tofu, but if you served me some, I'd eat it. You never know unless your try things.

Hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday.

We'll find out later today if you're still employed. However, going only by the way this place smelled, I'd say you're in no danger of being fired.

Well, so much here ... and all of it wonderful. Very true and the so called 'author' who said otherwise well, I'll say no more about that. However, the above is very true. Subtle and well done. Also.. I remember someone telling me, always be nice to the receptionist and the secretary. They are often asked later what they thought of a candidate. To me, all jobs are important and especially the people doing them. No one should be treated badly because they are just a janitor ... So I was very happy to see Jamie has the same thoughts! Enjoying this story very much. Though, I guess I have to start coming here daily!

Unlike some, I don't believe the paranormal aspect is a difficult shift. Also, I don't believe it's easy to write. In addition, the paranormal, ghosts, are popular subjects and have been written about for many years. They have been written well by big name authors (Shakespeare and Stephen King et al), not only on GA and have also been successful films. I am very much grounded in reality, not a believer so to speak, but I've witnessed strange things that I cannot explain, nor have others been able to explain to me. Both as a police officer and personally. So, to make this topic believable, to keep readers following the story, takes skill. Yes, we readers have to be open minded enough as well, and frankly I'd rather be open minded and willing to trust, than not. I have said before, I do not read a lot of fiction, but this story is worth my time and effort.

More like, cover my ass modules, common sense but as you've said, that is in short supply. You'll have the placed whipped into shape in no time. If you need lessons in handling a whip, just ask. However, I'm not here for that only ... @lawfulneutralmage another excellent chapter. Enjoying both sides of this story, the paranormal element is an interesting twist!

Great way to spend my lunch hour. Enjoyed this chapter very much.

Cops are capable of stretching the rules. They are only human. I did most things by the book. Sometimes, you have to push the envelope however.

I wish you the best of luck with you new company. From tiny acorns ... I hope 2024 is both interesting and successful.

Thank you, Wayne. We've talked about this several times. tim's wellbeing and happiness are everything to me. I'm happy what I'd hoped and planned for have come to fruition. I can also say, I'm happy tim has the friends he does.

I'm grateful that I'm able to support us on one salary. There are perks that benefit me directly, such as dessert and a hot dinner when I get home. Not in necessarily in that order. Seriously, your mental health professional told me a long time ago that you'd benefit from working part time or not at all. Sadly, we were not in the position to let that happen until last year. You do seem happier and less stressed. I want you to enjoy your life now. Write, nap, bake (lots of baking), exercise, volunteer, read and just relax. Just be happy. That's all I desire ... well, for the most part. M xo

Thank you, chris. Thanks for your support. tim will appreciate it. Life is a battle for tim and Peter was downright rude. tim especially took Peter under his wing when Peter came to live with us while he was in University here. It's not the first time he's hurt tim. It may very well be the last. Family or not.

Thank you @Reader1810 and @Kitt If Peter feels he should reach out, I'll talk to him. Otherwise, all the best to him. It was an inappropriate place to bring up what he did and how he did it over what is a toy. tim did say something to him about it and his behaviour, and Peter didn't much like hearing the truth. tim now of course feels guilty for speaking up. Though he did nothing wrong. The ball is in Peter's court, he can do what he wishes with it. Thank you for your concern. It's good to know you're here.