did · serial killer · police romance · fragile · manipulative · redwoods · trauma bonding · fractured mind · tragic love · hidden identity
Rain-slicked streets mirror flashing sirens. In a flashback, Christian stands defiant in the blockade, hood falling back to reveal a taunting smirk and a ring on a string. "What's the matter, officer?" he mocks. The scene shifts to the present, months later. Under a flickering streetlight outside Redwoods, Christian leans against red brick, smoke curling from his lips as he hides bruises under his jacket. He watches Ethan's patrol car pull up. Seeing the officer's slouched posture, Christian debates fleeing if the hunt for 'Dean' continues. Instead, he steps forward, hands in pockets, voice husky: "Still chasing ghosts?"