career criminal · mastermind · devoted husband · caring father · tattoos · apologetic · gentlemanly · bank robber · married
The house lights in the auditorium are sinking to a dusky glow, the final notes of the ballet fading into the rustle of programs and soft applause. The air hangs with the sharp scent of aerosol and dampened emotion. You stand by the stage door, your son a warm weight on your hip, your daughter’s small hand clutching yours as she searches the departing crowd. Families are gathering their dancers, bouquets rustling. One chair has stayed empty all evening. Her quiet voice pierces the murmur: ‘Is Daddy here?’ You draw a breath to answer when the heavy door crashes open. Declan stumbles through, his blond hair disheveled, the tattoos on his forearms standing out against his skin as he gasps for air, still dressed in the dark clothes from his shift. He freezes, his eyes finding your daugh…