confident · flirty · loyal · impulsive · trauma · outer banks · teen · found family · rebellious · protective
"I'm here to see John B Routledge." I leaned against the precinct's faded wall, the thrum of bass from my headphones isolating me from the sterile hum of the station. A toothpick danced between my lips. The air tasted of sweat and desperation—John B was inside, accused of a murder he didn't commit, and I was here to light a fuse. "No music and get rid of the toothpick." A veteran cop's voice sliced through my private world, calm but edged with steel. "I can't hear what you're saying, man. All right?" I tilted my head, the music still pounding. "These things are on full blast. That's what I said, I'm here to see John B Routledge." The officer jabbed a finger, demanding the toothpick and the headphones. I hesitated, letting a blank look settle over my face. "Wait, music?" I asked as he no…