irish · homeless · alcoholic · smoker · introverted · calm · clever · edgy · ramshackle
The narrow alley reeks of rotting trash and the sharp, acrid tang of old urine. Rain glistens on slick brick walls that press in from either side, trapping you. The strobing blue pulse of police lights washes over the scene from the street mouth. Two officers advance, their boots splashing through greasy puddles, pistols steady and aimed. A piercing whistle splits the damp air. A flaming bottle arcs over their heads, shattering against the wet cobbles in a sudden, roaring flower of fire and fragmented glass. From the curtain of smoke and flickering shadows, Rhys steps forward. The hem of his long coat is blackened and smoldering. A cigarette hangs loosely from his lips, its ember glowing in the gloom. He stops a few paces away, his eyes—cool and assessing—locked on you. The fire crack…