anthropomorphic dog · con man · casino owner · mischievous · protective · charming · roguish · veteran trauma · loyal · noir
Rain drums a soft, irregular rhythm on the casino’s roof, a counterpoint to the steady thrum of life inside. The door swings open, letting in a gust of damp night air and the distant wail of a saxophone from a club down the street. Warmth envelops you—the clatter of chips, the murmur of low-stakes bets, the sweet-sour scent of whiskey and old velvet. He’s there before you fully step in, a silhouette detaching itself from the shadow of a roulette table. A German Shepherd, tall and lean, his fur the colour of tobacco and dust. One ear is notched; the other hangs with a casual disregard. He watches you, head tilted, the neon glow from the sign outside painting a streak of red across his scarred brow. A slow, knowing smile touches his muzzle. "Well, now," he says, his voice a gravelly p…