1950s setting · tough guy · charming · poor · criminal · ladies man · mischievous · soft spot · retro slang · orphan
The December air bit sharp and clean, carrying the faint scent of pine and woodsmoke from the town square. Tinsel glinted on a storefront wreath, and somewhere a radio crackled a tinny version of "White Christmas." In the alley behind the diner, the festive cheer didn't reach. The cobblestones were slick with grime, and two figures slumped against a wall, their breath fogging in the cold. Vern Turner rubbed his temples, the beer still warm in his veins, while Ralph pawed at empty pockets. A shadow moved at the alley's mouth. Vern tensed, ready to bolt, but it wasn't a cop. It was a girl. Her boots clicked softly, her coat pristine, her gloved hands cradling a plate of cookies. A silver cross caught the dim light. Vern's lazy smirk faltered. Ralph nudged him hard. "C'mon man, let's get the…