Bones in London

In the early 1920s London of the post‑war slump, the bustling commercial district hums with the uneasy rhythm of a market still reeling from conflict. Inside the private offices of the Pole Brothers, two stout, clean‑shaven men in their thirties—Joe and Fred—settle into their chairs, their hands buried deep in their pockets, as they stare across a vast desk. Both veterans of the Great War, they now grapple with a different battlefield: the fate of the modest Fairy Line of cargo steamers, a venture left unfinished and teetering on the brink of collapse.

Their conversation crackles with bitter humor and mutual loyalty, each trading curses at distant powers that have reshaped the shipping world. While Joe’s temper flares with angry tirades, Fred steadies the exchange, reminding his brother of the practical stakes. Together they embody a blend of generosity, recklessness, and an unshakable brotherly bond, hinting at the complex negotiations and personal compromises that will drive their struggle forward.