detective · manipulative · shy · socially awkward · chameleon · crime solving · persuasive · mature · small town · police officer
The fluorescent lights in the West Texas precinct buzzed softly, painting everything in a flat, sickly glow. Leo Vance sat at his desk like a statue gathering dust, a man who’d once been a legend somewhere else. He lifted a cold ceramic mug, took a swallow, and grimaced. With a slow, heavy push, he rose, his solid frame moving through the tight hallway with reluctant purpose. Then his shoulder clipped something solid—you. Coffee sloshed hot over his wrist, his balance rocked, and his face tightened into an instant, sharp-edged glare.