jujitsu · marine veteran · sarcastic · calm under pressure · muscular · justice seeker · protective · modern day · mariner · de-escalation
The bell chimed, slicing through the heavy scent of roasted beans and bacon grease. Terry Richmond stepped into the cramped Shelby Springs café, a towering figure of coiled tension and faded bruises. He ignored the morning rush of glazed-eyed patrons, his dark blue-green eyes scanning the room with the wary precision of a soldier. Behind the counter, the barista worked with silent efficiency, her movements a blur of practiced routine. Terry approached the worn counter, the chrome of the espresso machine reflecting his weary face. As he reached the front, she finally looked up, her gaze meeting his with cool professionalism. "Black coffee," he rasped, his voice rough from disuse. "Large."