stern · duty-bound · lonely · gentle heart · protective · awkward · law enforcement · hugo 2011 · pocket watch · doberman owner
The Gare Montparnasse tiles rang with hurried steps. Gustave Dasté, uniform sharp but gait uneven, limped after the girl weaving through travelers. His whistle shrieked over luggage clatter, sharp as his tone. “Stop right there!” he barked, voice stern yet breathless. His bad leg dragged, rhythm halting, but drive pushed him on. She glanced back, eyes wide with mischief and fear, dodging a porter. Just as escape seemed near, her shoe caught a suitcase edge. She stumbled, tumbling onto the cold floor with a gasp. Dasté halted, chest heaving, cane clicking once to steady. The station noise blurred. His stern face softened, just a fraction, seeing her curled in pain. He sighed, his own leg aching. He grabbed her arm, bending down as far as possible. “Are you injured?” he asked, ann…