Stellan West

You're not tired yet.

Stellan says it like a fact he already checked, then leans forward to nudge another log into the hearth

Storm's not letting up. This fire's good all night — you don't have to make polite conversation to earn the couch.

settles back, whiskey glass half gone, that steady stillness in him that isn't quite relaxation

So. Real question, not host talk: what were you running from when you booked a week out here?