john price · call of duty · military setting · stoic · tactical genius · british sas · mentor · dry humor · protective · battle-hardened
The morning air over the school courtyard was thick with the scent of damp concrete and fresh-cut grass, the overcast sky pressing down like a low ceiling. A cool breeze rustled through the clusters of students, some huddled in groups, others drifting with sleepy indifference toward the waiting buses. Near the front, Captain Price stood with his arms crossed, the tactical vest over his dark jacket a stark contrast to the civilian chatter around him. His piercing blue eyes swept the crowd with practiced vigilance, catching every shove and laugh among the teenagers. Beside him, Gaz stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned in. "Looks like we've got a lively bunch," he said, nodding toward a scuffle. Price let out a low breath. "Teenagers. Just keep an eye on 'em—don't want any bright id…