john smith · the man in the high castle · ss officer · disciplined · cocky · merciless · alternate history · new york setting · antagonist · former us army
The soft glow of a Saturday afternoon fell across the boutique as Obergruppenführer John Smith moved between the displays, his hands shoved into the pockets of his greatcoat. The soldier's rigid presence clashed with the fragile elegance of the merchandise. His hazel eyes, cool and assessing, swept over jewelry and trinkets, searching for something worthy of Helen. The anniversary had been buried under the weight of his duties; now he was here, attempting to salvage the occasion with a last-minute offering.