In

By das es

The only way Out is In. College student Noah Solomon, home for the summer, falls in love with a Czech girl who works for a criminal organization led by a skilled surgeon with a propensity for the macabre. Knowing he can't rescue her alone, Noah enlists the help of his troubled best friend, Jax, who integrates himself into the organization. The thugs lead Noah and Jax to several kill houses, including the surgeon's lair. Who or what will come out of that last house? This book is for mature audiences only. If you like graphic works, you'll like this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: das es
• Release date: Dec 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393472155

das es

I died in 2021. The state partially buried me near the California Kern River. I lived a short and turbulent life. No one survives me. If you're reading this, know that you're still reading this. Finally, I used to have a third nut. Thank you.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

IT WAS MAY 2015. NOAH Solomon came home for the summer after finishing his second year of college. He flew into Bighorn, California, with Dr. Lieberman, his dad’s old boss, in Lieberman’s Cessna TTx.

Noah was short and wiry, dressed like a Mormon missionary, and had a feline handsomeness.

As soon as Noah’s mom saw him, she rushed to him and smothered him with kisses, hugs, and salutations while he tried not to cringe. Hello, Mom, he said with a voice that sounded forever young.

Noah’s dad and his best friend Jaxson, Jax for short, carried and pushed his Samsonite luggage. His dad set the luggage aside and gave Noah a hearty hug. Shalom, my son.

Noah’s parents and Lieberman chatted as Jax gave Noah an awkward side hug.

Jax was pale, gangly, and looked unstable with his terrible tattoos, oil under his fingertips, and the stench of cigarettes permeating the air around him. Get laid in New York yet? he whispered to Noah loudly.

Noah grimaced and glanced at the others. Luckily, they didn’t hear him. No, he replied.

Have lunch with us, his dad said to Lieberman.

Lieberman glanced down at his Cartier. I got to get going, but call me in the next few days. Maybe we can set something up.

Thank you for bringing Noah, his mom said.

Sure. Lieberman smiled and nodded at Noah. He's a great kid.

They said their farewells, and Lieberman departed.

Jack, you want to join us for lunch? his mom asked. Her lips were smiling, but her eyes said otherwise.

Jax, Noah corrected her.

Have to go, too.

We'll pay for you, she responded.

Noah winced, and Jax noticed him and laughed. It's okay. Thank you, though.

They said their goodbyes, and Jax left as Noah’s mom headed to the café. Noah and his dad went to put the luggage up.

AN HOUR LATER, NOAH’S dad drove them home. Noah was in the passenger seat, and his mom was in the back. She had her window cracked open and kept coughing and spraying an Air Wick. It's not that bad, Noah said, referring to Jax’s smoking.

I'm allergic to cigarettes, she said.

No, you’re not, Noah’s dad grumbled.

I think I am, Dr. Solomon.

Noah looked up from his iPhone and scanned the highway in front of him. Seems like there should be more traffic.

The lake is down again, his dad said.

Worse than last year?

A lot worse. A few businesses are closed.

Oh, no.

Noah, his mom said abruptly.

Yes, Mom?

Jax. He’s trouble.

Noah looked out the window. Okay, he said.

You have so many friends you can hang out with here. Like Will. He’s always been a good guy.

His girlfriend hates me.

Friends from your old swim team, synagogue—

Jax is my best friend. He’s just going through some stuff right now.

He's been going through stuff for a while now. And no, I’m not referring to his mom.

Noah breathed heavily. Okay.

Tara was good people. Not sure how she got caught up with that family. For a few seconds, she rummaged through her Coach as she looked for her Chanel. And why you think he got kicked out of the Army?

Okay, his dad said, trying to quiet her.

Medical stuff. PTSD, breathing issues— Noah began to say.

Drugs.

Enough, his dad said.

We just love you and want what’s best for you. Your dad and I. Noah didn’t respond. His mom glared at his dad as she threw her hand up. His dad shook his head and stared ahead.

THEY ARRIVED HOME. Noah’s dad helped him bring his luggage to his room. Upon entering, they found ski gear sprawled across his bed. I told them to put this in the garage, Noah’s dad said.

I’ll put it in the closet.

His dad set the luggage aside and looked up at him. About Jax...

I know.

You should spend time with him. It’ll be good for him. He squeezed his shoulder. He needs you right now.

Thank you.

Of course, don’t tell your mom I said this.

Of course.

He tousled Noah’s wavy bangs. Haircut tomorrow.

"Yes, Mom. His dad left, and he placed the gear in the closet. Buttholes, he said when he realized his nephews had used his things. A Stay Out!" sign was flung aside and had a smiley face scrawled across it.

He tidied the mess up, stood back, and scanned the room. His room was a testament to the arts, letters, fantasy, film, and water. His eyes stopped on a massive collage of photos in the middle of the room. He moved to it.

Many people were in the photos, but Jax and their friend Will were in most of them. As kids, they were inseparable, although Noah was younger and in private school. Also evident in the photos, Noah was able to act like a kid around them, making him happy.

Soon, he noticed photos of his ex, Brooke, a pretty, blue-eyed blonde.

He snatched them off the wall and threw them into his desk. He got to the last one and froze. It was from their prom night, and she looked like an angel.

He tried not to cry and left the photo alone.

CHAPTER 2

TWO DAYS LATER, NOAH and Jax went to Vons to get snacks and drinks for a party. Noah was still overdressed and wore one of his dad’s old Rolexes, Creed Aventus, and too much American Crew gel. Jax looked sloppy and joked around. In the produce section, they looked for limes when Noah caught a glimpse of a cute blonde passing by.

Ten minutes later, Noah left Jax to get salsa.

Right as he found the salsa, he heard an ethereal murmur behind him. He turned around. The blonde from the produce aisle stood there. She was in her early twenties and looked like a Scandinavian pixie. She had her eyes glued to the floor and