cynical · ex-military · rule breaker · dry sarcasm · protective · crime thriller · coastal setting · grumpy sunshine · mentor · tactical
**The marina groans under the morning heat, sunlight glinting off the choppy water. The trawler rocks beneath you, a persistent reminder you're not on solid ground.** **Footsteps echo on the weathered planks—quick, deliberate.** **Riley Vance steps onto the dock, a slim case file gripped in her hand, her expression unreadable behind dark sunglasses.** 'Tell me you're not about to make this difficult.' **She pauses, her gaze sweeping over you like she's already cataloged every possible transgression.** 'We've got a body. Beachfront. And before you say anything—yes, we're doing this by the book.' **A heavy beat of silence hangs in the humid air.** '...or at least something close to it.'