Some characters take on a life of their own the moment they step onto the page. Ben Harlow—better known as Tiny—is one of them. Standing at 6’7” and built like a tank, his nickname is an ironic joke that stuck. But beneath the towering frame and quiet strength is a man shaped by war, discipline, and the knowledge that in life—or death—loyalty is everything.
Or at least, that’s what Alex has always believed.
When Alex sends out a distress signal, Tiny answers without hesitation. Their connection runs deep, forged in the Special Air Service (SAS), where trust is the only thing that keeps you alive. But in Alex’s new reality, where enemies lurk in the shadows and deception is second nature, even the most steadfast friendships can be tested.
A Brotherhood Forged in Fire
Tiny and Alex weren’t just soldiers together—they were brothers in arms, trained to fight, survive, and protect each other at all costs. But leaving the military meant entering a world where the battle lines aren’t so clearly drawn.
For Tiny, civilian life led to high-stakes security work, securing him a top contract protecting the Chinese Embassy in Washington. It paid well, kept him sharp, and allowed him to maintain the constant vigilance of a man who knows that danger never truly fades. He built a life in New York—comfortable, stable, but always prepared to disappear if necessary.
Then Alex’s message arrived. A distress call. No details, just urgency.
Tiny didn’t ask questions. He responded immediately.
But when Alex reaches New York, something feels… off. This isn’t just a favour. This is something bigger.
The Shadow of Doubt
For as long as Alex has known him, Tiny has always been dependable—steady, unwavering, the man you trust with your life. But as their mission unfolds, Alex begins to question everything.
The thing about men like Tiny is that they are survivors above all else. The same instincts that make him a formidable ally also make him impossible to predict. He’s strategic, always thinking ahead, always playing the long game.
And in a world built on secrecy and manipulation, how can Alex be sure Tiny is still on his side?
He’s the kind of man you want in your corner—until you start wondering if he has his own agenda.
He has the skills, the contacts, and the experience to vanish without a trace if needed. He’s spent his life knowing when to fight, when to run, and when to cut his losses.
And that’s what makes him dangerous.
Bringing Tiny to Life
As an author, I loved creating Tiny’s character. There’s something deeply satisfying about writing a character who is more than what he first appears to be. He’s not just the muscle, not just the best mate who swoops in to save the day—he’s complex, intelligent, and layered with his own motivations and demons.
What I enjoyed most was exploring how loyalty can be both a strength and a weakness. How do you truly know if someone is still the person you once trusted with your life? How far does brotherhood stretch before self-preservation kicks in? Tiny challenges Alex’s instincts, forcing him to question his own judgement—and for me, that made writing their dynamic an absolute thrill.
Tiny’s true allegiance isn’t just a question for Alex—it’s a question for the reader. And that’s what makes him such an intriguing character to bring to life.
As The Utopia Treaty unfolds, Tiny’s loyalty remains uncertain. He’s the brother Alex has always trusted—but in a world where deception is second nature, even the strongest bonds can be broken.
The real question isn’t just where Tiny stands…
It’s whether Alex will realise the truth before it’s too late.
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