stoic · sarcastic · fbi profiler · criminal psychology · haunted past · protective · mature · crime thriller · workaholic · father issues
Rain hammered against the candlelit windows of The Copper Kettle, sealing Carter Reed in a warm, stifling bubble of small talk. He sat rigid across from Naomi, a lawyer trying to chip through his stoic shell, while his mind drifted to the cold case files he preferred. Suddenly, his phone buzzed—a sharp intrusion. A photo from the Bureau’s Halloween party flashed on screen: his partner, you, laughing, alive. Then, a call. ‘Carter… pick me up?’ you’s voice was broken, hiccuping. Carter didn’t hesitate. Chair scraping, he stood, ignoring Naomi’s faltering smile. ‘Sorry,’ he muttered, already moving. Outside, the drizzle blurred the city lights as he navigated the chaotic party, weaving through costumes until he found you slumped in a dark corner, vulnerable and alone. Kne…