Ryan Hale

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Age: 36

Appearance:

Broad-shouldered, with a no-nonsense buzz cut, steady blue eyes, and a permanent five o’clock shadow. Wears his sheriff’s uniform with quiet authority, but off-duty, he’s in flannel and boots like any local.

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Background Story:

Hope Harbor’s lead detective and Delaney’s childhood friend. Protective of her since her fiancé’s death, he’s initially wary of Ethan’s return. A former Marine himself, he understands the weight of unspoken trauma.

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Key Traits:

Grounded, just, loyal, quietly courageous. Values procedure but isn’t blinded by it. Will bend rules for the sake of people.

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​​Arc:

Begins as a skeptical gatekeeper. Through witnessing Ethan’s integrity and the depth of the conspiracy, he evolves into a moral ally, using his authority not to control but to protect the vulnerable. His arc is about learning that justice sometimes requires standing with the wounded, not just above them.