Falling Into Place: A Collection of Short Stories

By Scott H. Young

A collection of five unusual and twisted short stories introducing original characters and the worlds they live in.

Joshua Constantine is a ruthless, wealthy entrepreneur searching for his soulmate, by any means necessary.

When Tommy “Two Fists” McCabe, an enforcer for the mob, is tasked with finding the lost daughter of a U. S. senator his search uncovers a bigger, more bizarre secret.
After Kurt Sheppard’s wife is killed by a bloodthirsty murderer, his friend Police Detective Jeff Mancini tries to find the perpetrator with a tenacity bordering on obsession. The investigation leads him down unexpected paths ripe with surprises, betrayals and a deadly conspiracy.

After a near death experience Sidney Rosenthal’s world has turned upside down. Now he must choose whether to keep the status quo or bravely step into an uncertain, and possibly deadly, new life.

A caring psychologist with a troubled past uncovers a deadly secret about the government agency for which she recently started working.

These stories written by author Scott Young feature both criminals and crime-fighters, normal people and those with special powers.

They outline the dark, entertaining vision of a talented new writer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: May 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781619844759

Scott H. Young

Scott Young is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, a podcast host, computer programmer, and an avid reader. Since 2006, he has published weekly essays to help people learn and think better. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Pocket, and Business Insider, on the BBC, at TEDx, and other outlets. He doesn’t promise to have all the answers, just a place to start.

Book preview

CREDITS

SOULMATES

Let’s make this a night to remember.

The words echoed in Jessica’s head as Joshua raised his glass toward hers with a wry smile. He was trying to maintain a casual veneer, but the implication was obvious. This was their fourth date, and he expected things to progress beyond a simple goodnight kiss at the door. It was only natural. Even though he’d been a perfect gentleman on their previous dates, a man like Joshua Constantine didn’t get where he was by allowing others to dictate the play, even in matters of the heart.

A self-made multi-millionaire, he’d managed to accumulate his vast fortune in less than a decade by having his fingerprints on every recent technological breakthrough. He was called the man with a Midas touch, and his meteoric rise had left friend and foe alike marveling at his knack for always being one step ahead of his competition. Joshua Constantine was the type of man who went after what he wanted with a confidence born of success. His pursuit of Jessica had been no different, and she liked it that way.

His penchant for success was the reason Jessica sought him out shortly after her arrival in Seattle. An unmarried millionaire was her date of choice, and she certainly possessed the attributes they most often desired in a companion. The combination of quick-witted charm, Ivy League intelligence and exotic beauty she possessed made it easy to get Joshua’s attention. Few men could resist her dark, almond-shaped eyes, full pouting lips, long silky black hair, and flawless complexion. When you added full, pert breasts, a round, apple bottom and long, toned legs to the equation, even the most honorable men questioned the logic of their fidelity. Along with those more obvious charms, she was also a social chameleon, comfortable in any setting from a hip hop concert to Swan Lake at the Met. Yes, Jessica was fully aware she was something akin to catnip for rich, white men, and she reveled in that knowledge.

Yes, let’s. A night to remember. She smiled coyly as their glasses clinked. Now if you’ll excuse me, sweetie, I need to freshen up a bit before our entrees arrive.

Not a problem, Joshua replied. I’ll step outside and attend to some business. This will give me the opportunity to make a call without having to deprive myself of your beauty more than once this evening.

Joshua rose and escorted Jessica to the edge of the restaurant’s dining hall. Shall we meet back here in five, my dear? he asked while bending to kiss her hand.

Mmmm, there’s every chance that giving me this five will get you this 10, Jessica playfully responded, presenting herself to him before turning to give him a view of her perfect posterior as she walked away. She didn’t bother to check if he was watching. She knew his eyes wouldn’t waver until she disappeared through the lavatory door.

Jessica checked under all the stalls to make sure she was alone before taking the cell phone out of her clutch. Sitting in the handicapped stall, where she could stretch out for the call, she flipped off her Louis Vuitton’s. She dialed while resting her feet on the shoes to prevent touching the bathroom floor with her bare soles. The phone rang twice before Myles picked it up.

Yeah, who is it? he said, breathing heavily.

Who the fuck do you think it is? Jessica hissed quietly into her cell, trying not to let her suddenly rising anger overwhelm her. Please tell me you didn’t screw this up, and you’re where you’re supposed to be, Myles!

Chill, babe. It’s all good, Myles replied. The surfer dude twang in his voice quickly conjured images of Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, but Jessica knew he was infinitely more capable than the Sean Penn character. In fact, Myles was an expert computer hacker and something of an electronics genius. I’m at the front door. I’m just about to punch in the access code to disable the alarm.

Jessica breathed a deep sigh of relief. Okay, good. We are just about to eat so it should be over an hour before we start heading back. I’ll text you when he’s paying the check. Remember, Myles. Don’t get greedy. Just find out what’s in that vault behind the wine closet.

No sweat, babe. I got this. Myles’s calmness actually made Jessica feel better. After you cloned his Blackberry last week, it was simple enough to hack into his computer and get everything we needed. Access codes, floor plans...hell, we can even send his assistant flowers on her birthday if you want!

Please be quick, Myles. Jessica said. And careful. Stick to the plan, and don’t do anything stupid. She immediately regretted saying it. This job made her nervous, and sometimes when she got nervous, she was a bit of a nag. If Myles noticed, he never seemed to mind. It was one of the things she loved most about him.

Everything’s cool, babe. Don’t worry. Again the calm, almost casual tone in his voice assuaged her fears for the moment. Just remember to act surprised when you get here and ‘discover’ wonder boy’s been robbed. Myles laughed a frat boy kind of chortle that always made Jessica wince a little. Love you, babe.

Love you, too. See you soon. Jessica ended the call and placed the cell phone back in her purse. She slipped back into her expensive shoes, exited the stall, reapplied the perfect coating of lipstick and left the rest room. Joshua arrived outside the dining hall at exactly the same moment.

Perfect timing as always, good sir! she said with a wink and a smile. He bowed and tipped an imaginary hat. Thank you, milady. Shall we?

Joshua took her arm as they walked back to the table. Their entrees were waiting and the server had taken the liberty of refilling their wine glasses with the 1985 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Joshua had selected. Before they began the meal, Jessica reached across the table and touched Joshua’s hand.

There is nowhere I’d rather be right now, she said. You make everything better. Her smoky, yet bright eyes fluttered while a mischievous smile played about her lips. Jessica could see the desire rising in Joshua. He wasn’t a man who got flustered easily, but there was no doubt he wanted her badly. Her part of the plan was to keep him focused on her and that desire. It was almost too easy.

Still, Jessica knew Joshua Constantine wasn’t a man to be trifled with. Despite his movie idol good looks and easygoing charm, he protected his personal life with the viciousness of a cornered wolverine. Anyone who dared to delve too far into his holdings had been legally bitch slapped by the best attorneys money could buy. Injunctions, lawsuits, and a systematic destruction of the interloper’s life soon followed. Everything from tax audits to sex scandals conveniently befell anyone who crossed Constantine, without any evidence leading back to the man himself. But every man has a weakness. Jessica knew from experience that it was usually located about a foot south of his belly button.

If she could keep him in a perpetual state of arousal throughout dinner, she knew he’d be putty in her hands, eager to return home and consummate their relationship at last. Once they arrived back at his home, they would discover the robbery. She would stay and comfort him while the police and his private security did their work. Then she would suggest the officers give her a ride home and promise to call him tomorrow. Within twenty-four hours, Jessica Parks would vanish into thin air like all her other aliases over the past five years.

She tried not to think about Myles and all the things that could go wrong with a job like this. Do your part and let him do his, she thought to herself. No sense worrying about things you can’t control.

The rest of dinner was smooth and enjoyable with good conversation and ever-increasing flirtations making the time fly by. Constantine was interrupted numerous times by what he called urgent business updates via email. With her date so often preoccupied, it was easy enough for Jessica to keep her partner updated on their progress. She sent one last text while Joshua paid the check. It had been almost ninety minutes since her phone conversation with Myles. Despite no responses from him, Jessica was sure he was already long gone, having trashed the place to mask what they were really after: Joshua’s hidden vault.

Jessica let out a scream of unbridled joy as Joshua’s Mercedes Benz SL-65 Convertible took a curve at 75 miles per hour. It was a magnificent machine and one of life’s luxuries she could definitely get used to. Joshua glanced over, watching the wind whip her hair into a frenzy, and allowed himself a knowing smile. He knew what was coming and couldn’t wait for it to begin. The car lurched as he floored the gas pedal, accelerating past one hundred miles per hour.

As they pulled up the long driveway toward the estate situated on Puget Sound, Jessica felt a wave of excitement ripple through her body. She’d seen the floor plans of Joshua’s mansion, but the reality of it was much more impressive. The house itself was ensconced in a hidden alcove, away from any prying eyes. It was surrounded by a private beach, three guest houses right on the sand, an Olympic- sized heated pool with spacious cabana, oversized hot tub, a tennis court, basketball court, and carriage house, all meticulously designed on three acres of land. The views of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance were breathtaking. Jessica felt like a storybook princess visiting a fairytale land.

If she was completely honest with herself, she knew there was an attraction to Joshua Constantine. What girl wouldn’t be interested in a man with his piercing blue eyes, lantern jaw, perfectly coiffed blond hair, and the smile that hinted of pleasures yet to come? He was charming, funny, and perhaps the most interesting man she’d ever met; not at all the pampered, self-absorbed, arrogant jerk she’d expected. More than anything, he had a gentle quality, a genuine spirit that put others instantly at ease. Jessica found herself drawn to him, and there were moments when play acting wasn’t necessary. She reasoned that was probably why she’d gained his trust so quickly and, as long as she didn’t cross the line, it certainly wasn’t a crime to enjoy herself a little.

By the time they reached the main entrance, she had managed to compose herself. Jessica knew she needed a clear head. It was time to start the show. Once they entered the house, she’d have to feign surprise and concern over the robbery as well as be there to comfort Joshua in his time of need.

This is the old homestead, Joshua said as they got closer to the house. I had it built to my own specifications. I hope you like it enough to become a frequent visitor.

It’s amazing, of course, but the place doesn’t have any bearing on that, she replied seductively, running her right hand over his check and neck. I like the man who owns it enough to visit him anywhere. Joshua caught her hand in his and kissed her palm gently.

Without another word, they walked arm-in-arm up the five marble steps to the one-of-a-kind, hand-carved mahogany door.

There was a mailbox to the right of the doorframe. Joshua opened it, revealing a keypad. He punched in a six-digit code and then opened the door. Always the gentleman, Joshua allowed her to enter first. The room was almost pitch dark, so Jessica cautiously made her way to her right, half expecting to trip over whatever mess Myles had left behind.

Are there stairs inside, sweetie? she asked coyly, knowing full well there weren’t.

No, darling, but let me turn on the lights so we don’t have any accidents.

When Joshua threw the light switch, Jessica gasped a split second too soon. For a nanosecond, she worried he’d noticed until her eyes adjusted, and she saw a bigger problem. The room was in perfect condition, everything in its proper place with no sign of a break-in. Confusion played over her face briefly before she pulled it together.

Is something wrong, my dear? Joshua asked. Don’t tell me you find French Provincial design shocking.

No, no...it’s not that, Jessica stammered, trying to find a good reason for her outburst. It was the light...the sudden light just gave me a start is all.

The house was impeccably decorated and, while furnished in almost all French Provincial décor, it adhered to the very model of Feng-Shui as well. She began to meander slowly around the room, swaying her hips back and forth, moving her hands over her body.

There’s such a marvelous space in this room. A person could do almost anything in here. It was a calculated attempt to get his mind back on her charms and not on her ill-timed gasp.

Any number of things spring to mind, Joshua said through an enormous grin. He hadn’t moved since entering the house, but now he casually removed his blazer and draped it over the back of the couch. He then walked into the center of the room, watching her body’s sensual dance. But, first things first. May I offer you something to drink, dear Jessica? A glass of Cognac, perhaps?

Jessica stopped gyrating and looked around the room. She knew the hidden wine closet was behind the row of bookcases on the north wall and decided to be bold. She stared into Joshua’s eyes, holding his gaze while she licked her lips.

I think I’d do anything for a glass of wine as good as that Rothschild.

I can absolutely accommodate you there. Please, have a seat, and I’ll get it, my dear.

Jessica made her way to the sofa and eased onto it like a cat settling into its bed, finding just the right spot after a series of supple movements. She stretched out seductively, never taking her eyes off his.

Despite the casual facade, Jessica’s mind had not stopped racing since the lights came on. It was filled with unanswerable questions. Had Joshua changed the codes? Did Myles fail to get into the vault? Did he get in and just forget to trash the place?

She tried to calm herself by looking at the bright side. Obviously, Myles didn’t get pinched or the cops would still be here. Worst case scenario: he failed to get into the vault and just decided to get the fuck out of there. She knew once Joshua got into the wine closet, things would become a little clearer.

Joshua walked to the third and last bookcase before sliding the entire bookcase to the right, revealing a hidden door. There was a keypad to the left of the door with a red light blinking above. Joshua punched in the five-digit code and the light immediately turned green. Instead of opening the door, he then went back to the bookcase and opened the spine of a fake edition of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. A biometric fingerprint analyzer was hidden inside with another blinking red light. Once he pressed his left thumb into the device, the sensor’s light changed from red to green. Joshua replaced the faux tome and then opened the door to the wine closet. He wore a self-satisfied smile.

It will just be a moment, my dear, Joshua said. I have a very special surprise for you. He disappeared into the wine closet.

From where she was sitting, Jessica had seen everything he’d done. In fact, she was sure he’d been showing off, which allowed her an unobstructed view. The code Joshua entered was the same one Myles had discovered while hacking into Constantine’s personal laptop. However, neither of them knew about the biometric analyzer. She knew it was the reason things had gone wrong. Myles wouldn’t have been able to open the door without it, so he must’ve hightailed it out of there as soon as the code didn’t work. No harm, no foul, she thought to herself. Things could be worse.

Suddenly, it dawned on her that it was entirely possible she would actually have to sleep with Joshua tonight. She joked to herself, Oh, well. I guess I’ll have to take one for the team.

Just then, Joshua returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. Jessica noticed that there was absolutely no sign of distress in his face. In fact, he was positively elated. That settled it. There was no way Myles made it into that wine closet; Joshua would’ve seen the evidence. Jessica was all at once annoyed and relieved: annoyed that Myles had failed to discover the added security measure and thus, failed to do his part, but relieved that she finally knew what was happening and could adjust accordingly.

I believe you’ll find this even more delightful than the Rothschild. Joshua beamed as he set down the glasses and opened the bottle. This little gem is a 1978 Domaine Romonet Batard-Montrachet. I managed to purchase seven bottles right after making my first million. I’m confident you’ll agree it was the best one hundred seventy thousand dollars I’ve ever spent. He poured them each a glass.

This is the last bottle I have, Joshua continued. I only open them for special occasions like tonight. He handed a glass to Jessica and kept the other for himself.

Mmmm, sounds heavenly, Jessica answered. Thank you for considering this such a special evening. If you keep this up, you’ll turn a girl’s head. She took a long drink from the glass. It soothed her frayed nerves, and she could immediately feel her body start to relax. She sank deeper into the couch cushions as the stress completely left her body.

She suddenly felt slightly drunk and tried to remember the number of cocktails she’d had at dinner. The number wasn’t forthcoming. Her brain seemed to be malfunctioning and her limbs now felt like overdone spaghetti. She tried to sit up, but her muscles weren’t responding. She felt her heart beating rapidly.

Oh, it’s going to be very special, Linda, Joshua said, his voice suddenly cold. Perhaps the most special night I’ve ever had. He took the glass from her hand just before she dropped it.

Jessica’s mouth felt dry, but she was unbelievably thirsty. She tried to clear her head, but it was as if a swarm of bees had taken residence there. She licked her lips repeatedly and struggled to focus her thoughts. Wait a minute! He called me Linda! she thought right before everything went black.

She awoke with a jolt, turning her head from the smelling salts Joshua was waving under her nose. He was standing over her with a Cheshire cat smile on his face. All the warmth had left his eyes. Now, they were pools of steely blue liquid, devoid of human emotion.

What the fuck! Jesus! What’s going on? Did you roofie me, you sick bastard? She wasn’t sure if any word other than fuck came out recognizable at all. Drool spilled out of her mouth as she lay there, slack jawed.

Now, now, Linda, Joshua said casually. If you can’t control yourself, I’ll be forced to gag you. Be a good girl, and we can converse like civilized people.

He definitely called me Linda again, she thought. Somehow Joshua knew her real name, but what else did he know? Did he know about the grift? About Myles? Her stomach lurched at the prospect.

As Joshua moved away from her, she could see he had a half-filled brandy snifter in his right hand. He swirled the amber liquid inside the glass as he walked back and forth. When he noticed her staring at it, he said, You really should have had the Cognac, my dear. It makes this moment even more delicious.

What did you give me? she muttered, her voice like a sandpaper whisper. She tried swallowing, but her throat felt raw and swollen.

Just something to make you more, shall we say, agreeable.

Why? she said quietly, managing to enunciate the word properly.

Joshua used his feet to guide the ottoman gently from an antique chair across the room. When he’d maneuvered it three feet away from the sofa, he sat facing her.

Why? he repeated in an almost jovial manner. I’m sure it wouldn’t surprise you to know that’s the question I hear most often. It never ceases to amuse me. The capacity of the human mind to ignore the very reality facing it, all the while attempting to decipher its causality. It’s really quite absurd. As he spoke, his cold eyes surveyed her body from head to toe, making Linda feel naked and exposed. Finally, he locked his gaze on her again and said, However, you deserve a response, my dear. In terms you can understand, the answer is...because I can.

Joshua walked to the mantle and placed the snifter next to his Seattle Humanitarian of the Year award. He picked up a remote control device and made his way back to the couch.

I think you’re really going to like this, Joshua said. Let’s get comfortable and enjoy the show.

He lifted her legs up and sat on the couch before lowering them so that her feet were on his lap. He hit the remote control and a sliding panel in the wall revealed a big-screen television as the lights automatically dimmed. The set’s soft, blue light bathed the room. Joshua took off Linda’s shoes and began rubbing her feet, as if they were a long-time couple settling in to watch a movie on a Friday night. Even though his touch now made her skin crawl, she was incapable of stopping him.

Pay attention, darling, he said. You know how I hate to rewind when you miss something.

As the first image appeared on the screen, Linda’s blood ran cold. It was her high school yearbook picture. Her mind reeled. The next image was her graduation day. Then a shot of her standing by her new car at age 20. How did he get these? A series of pictures from spring break, various parties, holidays and other get-togethers. Joshua said, matter-of-factly, Isn’t it awful when someone pries into your affairs? Invades your privacy? That kind of thing is the ultimate betrayal, wouldn’t you say?

A newspaper article about the car accident that killed her mother flickered onto the screen. Joshua gently rubbed Linda’s calf as if to offer condolences. She was so young, he said with false sincerity. Only 53. A tragedy really.

Finally, on the screen appeared a slideshow of pictures featuring her and Myles on their wedding day. Linda felt light-headed, and her heart beat so fast that she feared it would burst from her chest like the creature from Alien. She desperately tried to look at Joshua, but she still didn’t have full control of her body from whatever he’d slipped in her wine.

We’re coming up to the good part, he whispered as he once again began to massage her feet.

On the television screen, a video feed appeared. It was a clear picture of the entrance to Joshua’s house.