A Collection of Stories Where Nobody Wins

By Dakota Musgrave

Despite having four stories, A COLLECTION OF STORIES WHERE NOBODY WINS contains three main characters (the first and last story sharing the same protagonist).

"The Whale" follows Ahab, a private detective investigating a string of murders suspected to be the work of the Geppetto Killer. Down to his last lead, Ahab arrives at the home of Johnathan Blane only to find the prospective informant dead, seemingly having fallen victim to Geppetto. Now, Ahab must scramble to find even the thinnest of threads to follow before his investigation turns colder than John's body.

"On The Line" is a story that picks up in the day-to-day life of a slave named Beyaj. Working the factory line any day is grueling, but after a horrific accident where one of the machines slaughtered a worker, tensions are high. None are eager to take their turn sitting inches away from an earth-shattering ore press. His turn now up, Beyaj must find the mental fortitude to force himself into the maw of the beast. Refusal means punishment, but obedience could mean far worse.

In "Twin-bulations", twin brothers Victor and Simon butt heads over which brother is the true recipient of a birthday present from local sweetheart Abigail, who both the boys are hot for. An agreement must be made over the gift before the brothers tear each other apart in the name of love.

Ending as we began, "The Sinking Ship" takes place after "The Whale" as the story follows the day Ahab confronts who he perceives to be Geppetto. Even if he's right, finding a man like Geppetto is only half the battle. Regardless of his suspect's guilt, Ahab has stepped into a deadly trap built just for him. He'll have to find a way to swallow his pride before his entire life burns to ashes around him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dakota Musgrave
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463280133

Dakota Musgrave

Dakota J. Musgrave is studying for a BFA in creative writing from Full Sail University. He has been writing for ten years and has a love for experimentation. His passions include mystery, deconstruction, comedy, and dystopian fiction (along with a focus on writing for the Young Adult and New Adult demographics). Over these ten years, Dakota has gained a wealth of experience in collaborating with others on scriptwriting and storytelling projects. Dakota always strives for quality in whatever he does, never letting life hold him back from seeking success in his work. The world is filled with tragic but untold stories, and Dakota dreams of being able to one day bring these stories to the common man. During his time at Full Sail and beyond, Dakota is always eager to work with others and looks forward to achieving greatness with his peers.

Book preview

A Collection of Stories Where Nobody Wins

By Dakota J. Musgrave

Copyright by Dakota J. Musgrave, 2020

All Rights Reserved

Cover and author photo created and owned by Dakota J. Musgrave

First Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-0463280133

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

The Whale

On the Line

Twin-bulations

The Sinking Ship

About Author

The Whale

The smell of dust and dirt dominates my senses. The dim fluorescent lights flicker, casting shadows throughout the hallway. Trying to ignore the peeling paint and the mold growing on the walls, I brush my hand across the door. Apartment 117. I give the doorknob a twist. The clattering of the lock communicates its refusal to cooperate. Of course, they’d never make it easy.

Kneeling, I reach into my coat for my lockpicking tools.

Right side, two pockets down, I think, the words a reflex.

I insert the torsion wrench and pick. Feeling out the lock, I find it only has three pins. No challenge at all. The scraping of metal vibrates through my fingers as each of the driver pins slip into place with a click. I rotate the lock with my tools, and it has no choice but to surrender. With a smile and pleased hum, I stand up and place my wrench and pick back in my pocket (on the right,