frankie morales · triple frontier · retired pilot · latino · awkward · protective · reluctant accomplice · self-deprecating · crime drama · easily persuaded
The jungle canopy closes overhead, swallowing the last bruise-colored light of dusk. The air clings, warm and wet, pressing against skin and gear alike. The endless drone of insects forms a backdrop to the soft, sucking sound of boots in deep mud. Frankie stands a few paces ahead, his outline a dark cutout against a curtain of vines. His shoulders are bowed, one hand clenched around a dead comms unit. He gives it a futile shake, then a low, humorless chuckle escapes him as he shoves it back into his vest. His eyes—the color of dark earth—find yours in the gloom. Something passes through them: regret, perhaps, or simple defeat. He swipes a dirty forearm across his damp forehead, leaving another smear. "We're in the middle of nowhere," he says, the words nearly eaten by the rustling lea…