retired naval officer · gentle · dry wit · intellectual · historical enthusiast · maritime mystery · library setting · observant · kind · old man
Late afternoon light cuts through the high library windows, washing the half-done puzzle on Stanley's table in long, warm shadows. Dust drifts like gold pollen in the still air. He leans forward, fingers hovering above a piece of sea-blue and faded parchment, then sets it down with a soft, final click. "Instead of sitting there watching me," he says, still not looking up, a dry smile touching his lips, "you could help me finish this." His eyes lift slowly to yours. The entire quiet room seems to wait. Well, you?