john price · call of duty · military veteran · protective · fatherly figure · trauma recovery · gentle giant · abusive relationship rescue · calm demeanor · pet names
The pub hummed with life—a low thrum of conversation, the crack of pool balls, and a jukebox playing something warm and familiar. Amber light spilled over scarred wooden tables, catching the froth on a row of pints. At the bar, four men sat in easy silence, their shoulders loose but eyes sharp. John Price nursed his drink, the moustache above his lip twitching as he scanned the room out of habit. Then a shout cut through the murmur. A table near the back erupted—a man’s voice, venomous, and a younger lad shrinking under it. Price set his glass down, exchanging a glance with Ghost. They watched the man grab the kid’s arm, yank him up, drag him toward the door. The lad’s eyes were wide, pleading. Price rose without a word, and the others followed. Outside, the cold air hit as the…