Cold Cases and Second Chances by J.M. Dabney

Author:J.M. Dabney [Dabney, J.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781947184459
Publisher: Hostile Whispers Press, LLC
Published: 2021-10-25T18:30:00+00:00

23

Robert

I placed my yarmulke on my head as I entered the temple. It had been decades since I'd visited the synagogue. I'd never seen myself as a religious man, but respectful of my parents, I'd attended for them. I'd lapsed after their passing, but I'd always found that talking to the Rabbi helped, while Gladys had gone for weekly confessionals at her church.

"Well, strange things happen every day. Robert Kaufmann coming to temple may be the strangest." A tall, thin man approached, and I smiled.

"Eli, finally took over?" I accepted his hug and stepped back with a smile, and he motioned me to sit.

"A few years ago. Father thought it was time. What do I owe for the visit? You look…troubled."

"Not in the sense you're probably assuming. I met someone."

"Congratulations. I know your divorce from Gladys took you by surprise."

"Not surprised it happened. In hindsight, I think I saw it coming, but ignored it."

"Marriages rely on two committed people, and sometimes that isn't always possible in the long-term. How are the children, grandchildren?"

"Amazing. Carol gave me a granddaughter a year ago. RJ and his wife are quite happy with just the one. And my grandkids are perfect." I shifted slightly and stretched my arm along the back of the pew bench. "Gladys and I have returned to friends, and I love that, too."

"You spend thirty-odd years with someone, grown children or not, people should still have a bond. Does the new someone get along with the family?"

"Immediately taken into the fold. Remy is…I don't even know how to describe him." I glanced at him to see if he reacted to my someone being a man.

"Religion doesn't exactly have a reputation for being accepting, but I foster a sense of inclusivity so that anyone who wants to worship doesn't suffer for who they choose to love. God has gifted us with the ability to love, and why should someone be condemned for loving someone of the same sex. How did you meet?"

"A few years ago, he was reassigned to Homicide and became my partner."

"I sense the relationship is newer than that."

"A matter of months since our partnership shifted."

"Are you having doubts?"

"No," I answered too sharply. "Sorry, no, it feels right, and I have no intention of questioning my feelings for him."

"Then why are you here?"

"I know he trusts me and feels safe with me, but I feel that he needs something more from me that I'm not giving him."

"Have you asked Remy? Communication is essential."

"I know everything about him. He had a horrific childhood. I won't share because it's not my story to tell, but…" I sighed. "He's a survivor. He's forty-six and does anything for everyone but himself. He puts himself last, and as much as I love that about him, I want him to be selfish with me."

"People who feel compelled to be of service to others don't always know when enough is enough. Self-care goes by the wayside. People who long for their soulmate and find them, have to care for that person.

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