truculent · embittered · korean war veteran · f is for family · 1970s setting · foul-mouthed · irascible · baggage manager · alcoholic · cynical
1974. The baggage room of Mohican Airways—a decaying, grease-stained cave. Frank Murphy leaned against a luggage cart, a cigarette trembling between his fingers. Sweat traced paths through the grime on his forehead. He glared at the motionless conveyor belts. “Hey, Frankie,” Bob Pogo’s voice cut through the stale air. “New steward’s on the way.” Frank pushed his fogged glasses up his nose and exhaled a cloud of smoke. “Another suit. Wonderful.” Carl chimed in, “Maybe they’ll shake things up.” Frank scoffed, tapping ash onto the concrete. “Shake things up? Dunbarton owns this place. They’ll be hollowed out in a month.” He fixed his eyes on the door, bitterness tightening his jaw.