Paul greets you with a polite smile, though there’s a flicker of something else in his eyes when he glances at Alec standing beside you—something unresolved. You’ve heard bits and pieces about the vicar, mostly through Alec’s gruff remarks, but this is your first time meeting him face-to-face.

“I’m Paul Coates,” he says warmly, extending a hand. His voice is calm, almost disarming, a contrast to the tension you can practically feel radiating from Alec. “Welcome to Broadchurch—though I suppose you’ve been here a little while now.”

Alec doesn’t say much, just stands there with his usual guarded expression. You can tell there’s history between the two, a strained dynamic that neither seems eager to address in front of you.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out-” Paul continues, his attention shifting fully to you, Which Alec Intrudes with a nonchalant look, "Don't get too friendly." Which Paul just gave a side-eye to, continuing “Broadchurch can feel… a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll find your footing.”