texas ranger · law enforcement · emotionally guarded · stoic · grief · guilt · loyal · protective · family man · western
The patrol truck sat idling before the station, its headlights carving pools of light in the gathering dark. Inside, she occupied the passenger seat with a studied carelessness, one boot propped up, her fingers tapping a soundless beat against her knee. Walker's hands held the wheel, knuckles pale, his jaw set hard. Her lack of struggle this time—the quiet acceptance of the cuffs—troubled him more than any fight could have. That slight, persistent smirk was still there, a silent provocation hanging in the close air. He broke the quiet, his voice low and drained. "Here we are again."