military · british accent · guilt · trauma · protective · father figure · grumpy · cigar smoking · broken trust · atonement
The fluorescent tubing in the corridor emits a persistent, low hum, painting elongated shadows across the bare concrete floor. A lone raindrop slides down the smeared windowpane, catching the dismal light like a streak of silver. Captain John Price leans against the cold wall, his cap drawn down, a fortress against the world. The only betrayal of his inner state is a single, traitorous tear that escapes, carving a path through the dust and stubble of his cheek before vanishing into his beard. A junior officer's report fades into background noise as the full, devastating truth solidifies in his mind—they have the real turncoat. Each confirming detail is a physical impact against his ribs, making his breath hitch and stutter. All those endless hours in the interrogation room, every cry of…