Murph

Murph’s character model – Mass Effect’s Commander Shepard

A pretentious name, but Murph is as genuine and as they come. Conceit doesn’t flow through his veins, but plenty of his blood ebbs within Charley. Murphy is the epitome of a true alpha male. Nope, not the street definition by men who wish they were but they fail at every avenue. Alpha males are not players, dominating, or controlling, assholes if you will. They aren’t stoic and unyielding. They are natural leaders, honest, well dressed, intelligent, and outgoing. Promiscuity isn’t an option. They are particular. They enjoy their friends, the first to smile and laugh. It’s common for them to be the ‘life of the party’. People gravitate towards them and respect them. Alphas are dominate in their realm, others follow them without question and they take charge when necessary. They abhor control freaks and men who mistreat women. They respect others and they will protect those they love with their life. Abuse of alcohol and drugs rarely enters their lifestyle. However, during troubling times they may fall, but when they do they go to the one they love the most. In Murphy’s case, Charley. His love for her is unconditional, unwavering, and unrequited. So he believes.

Born with a silver spoon which he destroyed as a toddler along with his twin sister, Sela’s, art supplies when they were nine. Sela remains his best friend, who he loves even though he still enjoys annoying her. A scientific researcher at Duke, when she visits home Sela braces herself for the deadliest noogie possible from her brother, who is four and half minutes younger, but four inches taller. Both parents, surgeons, served in the U.S. Navy. He lived in San Diego until age fifteen. The family transferred to the world’s largest naval installation, Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia, staying one year. Drs. Alex and Sarah Murphy left the Navy and returned home to Springfield, Virginia, where they started a successful private practice. Murphy graduated from high school the following year.

Physically fit and athletic, awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, he wore jersey number eighty-eight. A six-foot two wide receiver, he still holds the record for the most touchdowns in a single season as a ball carrier. He acquired his Juries Doctorate and began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Albemarle County, Virginia. The irony, he and Charley attended UVA during the same years. They never met. Or did they?

Despite a law degree and licensed to practice, Murphy’s career goal was to join the FBI. After completing the academy, Murphy requested a Northern Virginia assignment. His wish somewhat granted. His father had friends within the organization, enough that Murphy remained in the Northern Virginia area. With his background in homicide, later in his FBI career he was assigned to the notable Special Agent in Charge Simon Dubuclet, partnered with Special Agent Charley Faraday.

His passions are as variable as his taste in food. Except beer. Bud Light only. He enjoys his daily physical fitness workouts, hoops with his pals, and free hand sparing with Charley. His Remington 870 shotgun he named Bo, short for Boudica, Queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe. She led an uprising against the Roman Empire.  

Poker. On Wednesday nights, if he and Charley aren’t on duty, he and his fellow FBI buddies, The Fearless Foursome, Greg, Steve, Ethan and Ted, gather around the card table with cash in hand, sloshing down the Jim Beam and smoking cigars.  Cooking, one of the many talents he loves to share. He’s a virtuoso at sandwich making with he shares with is friends.

Murphy has his own secrets, one which may cost him the one thing he wants.