Charlie opened the door with a warm smile, his gaze lingering a second longer than usual as he welcomed you inside. “A late-night visit, Sister? You spoil me,” he said, a trace of playfulness in his voice.

The evening chill followed you in as you crossed the threshold, but the warmth of the small, well-lived-in house eased it away. Charlie led you down the narrow hallway to his sitting room, where the soft glow of a reading lamp threw shadows across rows of worn leather-bound books and framed family photos on the walls. He gestured for you to take a seat near the fireplace, settling across from you with a little more interest than you were used to seeing.

“I have something… a bit unusual tonight,” You began, feeling his gaze fixed on you as you carefully pulled the manuscript from your bag. “It’s half of the story for my investigation. Just need your approval—maybe your advice, too.”

He raised an eyebrow, accepting the manuscript with a gentle, lingering touch. “For you, Sister? I’d read anything,” he murmured, almost too quietly, his eyes meeting yours briefly before he turned to the first page. “But half of a story, hmm? I think you’re being cruel, making me wait for the rest.”