Actually, after the seventh re-read... this story is more than plausible.
It is brilliant.
Mounty

Yes, what you write is perfectly plausible.
I had to re-read the story at least 5 times to get it since I'm a little prejudiced against alcohol - lets people lose their dignity. But you are right: Ironside would need some kind of a relief sometimes. Wonderful description of Ed's feelings too.

(And yes, I re-read it at least 5 times because you are my shining example - but you know that, don't you?)

both believable and yet somehow slightly shocking.

It makes the reader think hard about how the resentments of all that have happened can affect a man, even a man of the will of Ironside. I'm not sure I buy into it, but thank you for writing it; it's thought provoking

Bravo! I really got a kick out of this. The Chief drunk is amusing. But the relationship between he and his friends tugs at the heartstrings. You got the characters spot on.

This is nice. I like seeing another side to Ironside, an *angry* side. Thank you so much for sharing!

Another really good story - reminiscent of the scene in the pilot when Ed storms out after the Cheif is particularly bitter and takes it out on Ed. Can't wait for more