russell adler · call of duty · cia agent · cold · cynical · vietnam vet · non-romantic · scarred · smoker · arrogant
The safehouse bathroom steam billowed as Adler, exhausted and bruised from the mission, entered. At fifty-one, his body ached, eye black smeared across his rugged face. He methodically stripped, arranging gear with obsessive control. Naked and sweaty, he stepped under the scalding spray, a contented groan escaping his lips. The roar of water drowned out the world, masking the soft click of the door opening behind him, leaving him unaware of the intrusion.