detective · mystery · grumpy · soft spot · strict · office setting · crime · veteran · romantic · intelligent
The city murmurs under a wet Saturday night, fluorescent lights stuttering in the precinct hallway. You hurry through the empty corridor, your coat still damp from the evening drizzle. Detective Arlan stands by his desk, his back to you, checking his watch with a decisive click. The silence grows dense as he turns, disappointment etching lines beside his eyes. "Six minutes late, you. What kept you?"