Posers

By J. Demetrio Nicolo

For Phil Stanton the rise to the top of the corporate ladder was meteoric. He had accomplished in two years what it took others to achieve over many years of extensive effort and sacrifice. For Phil, the voyage seemed as though it was orchestrated by some sort of Karmic influence, one that guided him through every step of progression without a single glitch along the way. But now everything was about to collapse around him. As he gazed at the panoramic view outside his executive suite window, he couldn’t help but feel as though some supernatural negative force had taken over his life and plunged him into the depths of despair. Phil’s wife Taylor was his most ardent supporter, always pressing him to be more aggressive, more opportunistic for advancement. Taylor reveled in the sweet life Phil had provided and her thirst for status and a materialistic life style was one of the incentives that pushed Phil to reach the pinnacle of advancement for the corporation that employed him. His insatiable desire to become a senior vice president had finally been satisfied and now all may have been for naught. Things were changing dramatically as he began feeling a sense of vulnerability. For several months Phil had been plagued with an abdominal discomfort that eventually transformed into a nagging pain. This was the turning point in Phil’s career, his life, his marriage; his confidence and his self esteem were crushed. He hit rock bottom but a most unorthodox alliance formed during his medical treatments helped resurrect his life and lead to an attempt at committing one of the most infamous crimes in California history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665517331

J. Demetrio Nicolo

J. Demetrio Nicolo continued his excursion into the world of fictional writing with his third novel, Posers, following his previous endeavors, The Silent Treatment published in 2004 and The Ultimate Escape published in 2020. During the course of his literary journey. he also ventured into a more personal endeavor writing a book titled Alec that has a biographical theme involving his childhood interaction with his father. Posers, a novel about people who posed as other people, represents a continuation of his writing style leaving readers with the proposition of using their imagination to formulate their own conclusions to unanswered scenarios.

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2021 J. Demetrio Nicolo. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  02/22/2021

ISBN: 978-1-6655-1734-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-1733-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021903315

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1 Step One To Stardom

Chapter 2 A Glitch

Chapter 3 Back On Track

Chapter 4 Academia, Love And Vocation

Chapter 5 Marriage And Success

Chapter 6 Disaster Strikes

Chapter 7 Treatment, The Beginning Of An Alliance

Chapter 8 What Have We Got To Lose

Chapter 9 A Taste Of Freedom

Chapter 10 Jailbird

Chapter 11 The Plan

Chapter 12 Action

Chapter 13 The Heist

Chapter 14 You Reap What You Sow

PREFACE

F or Phil Stanton the rise to the top of the corporate ladder was meteoric. He had accomplished in two years what it took others to achieve over many years of extensive effort and sacrifice. For Phil, the voyage seemed as though it was orchestrated by some sort of Karmic influence, one that guided him through every step of progression without a single glitch along the way. But now everything was about to collapse around him. As he gazed at the panoramic view outside his executive suite window, he couldn’t help but feel as though some supernatural negative force had taken over his life and plunged him into the depths of despair. As he stared at the luxurious yachts moored in the beautiful marina beneath him, he reminisced about the early days of his career when as an intern for a conglomerate he went totally unnoticed and were it not for his wife Taylor, he probably would never have reached the pinnacle of success that he was now experiencing. As he gazed, almost as if in a trance, he suddenly homed in on the large white and blue yacht located at the far end of the marina. It was his pride and joy, the Marian, a yacht named after his mother who had passed away just before it was launched. Phil and his wife Taylor spent many a night on the yacht sailing up and down the west coast. Phil’s wife Taylor was his most ardent supporter, always pressing him to be more aggressive, more opportunistic for advancement. Taylor reveled in the sweet life Phil had provided and her thirst for status and a materialistic life style was one of the incentives that pushed Phil to reach the pinnacle of advancement for the corporation that employed him. His insatiable desire to become a senior vice president had finally been satisfied and now all may have been for naught.

Just two weeks ago Phil and Taylor were planning to host a spectacular cocktail party on their yacht as it sailed from San Diego to Catalina Island. The party was intended to pay homage to a former executive who had decided to retire from the corporation. In actuality, the executive was forced into retirement as Phil had convinced the board members that the executive was long past his prime and was more of a detriment than an asset for the company. This action had become a normal mode of operation for Phil as he was often called upon by the executive board committee to assist in thinning the herd as they called it. But now things were changing as he himself began feeling a sense of vulnerability. For over several months Phil had been plagued with an abdominal discomfort that at first he attributed to his life style of gourmet foods and top shelf liquors. But as time went on the discomfort transformed into a nagging pain. Not one that was debilitating but sore enough to be constantly on his mind. At first he decided to set up a doctor’s appointment with the corporate medical staff but thought better of it after talking to his wife Taylor who cautioned him that whatever it was could be construed as a weakness by the executive board and that he should consult with a private physician. Then Phil made the unfortunate mistake of searching the internet to see if he could self diagnose his problem. This decision turned out to be a disaster for every medical site provided the same stark answer that he could have a terminal illness. This was the turning point in Phil’s career, his life, his marriage; his confidence and his self esteem were crushed. He hit rock bottom but a most unorthodox alliance formed during his medical treatments resurrected his life in more ways than one.

CHAPTER ONE

STEP ONE TO STARDOM

T he path to success for Phil Stanton was fraught with all sorts of ups and downs. Raised as an only child by a law professor/part time lawyer and a child psychologist proved to be more of a hindrance rather than an asset for a young man who would prefer to daydream and fantasize about becoming a sports star instead of an attorney or doctor as his parents had hoped. From the time that Phil could walk and talk his parents steered him toward a lifestyle that was more to their liking than his. His father would spend what little time he had away from his teaching position and part time law practice encouraging Phil to take up hobbies and extracurricular activities that were more in tune with the way his father raised him than in step with the average pre-teen child. On the other hand, Phil’s mother wasn’t much better as she would continuously harp on his scholastic endeavors, leaning on him to always do better and to concentrate all his efforts on scholastic achievement. The directions laid out by his parents certainly didn’t harm Phil’s advancement in life but they did detract from his childhood dreams. Even so, by maintaining their constant pressure on Phil, his parents did in the end achieve their goal of providing the basis for a successful livelihood.

By the time Phil reached middle school he had honed his study habits such that he could easily conquer all the hurdles presented by an above average curriculum while at the same time find outlets for his stunted athletic hopes. He would strive to find time to attend his school’s sporting events while performing exceptionally well in his classroom activities. He would often stay late after school and walk across the main drive to the high school that was located on the same campus and then proceed to the football field just to watch the football team go through its drills. Phil was fascinated by the intense one-on-one training routines. The fierce confrontations between linemen followed by their friendly interactions after practice caught Phil’s attention and he struggled to rationalize this aspect of teamwork. He was awed by the witnessing of two people engaging in a fierce physical battle and then departing the football field as comrades. Then there were the kickers. These players were an entirely different breed as they generally practiced alone and didn’t seem to have the same closeness with their teammates. Phil was amazed how they would concentrate on their kicking skills over and over without a sense of interest in the other aspects of the sport. All these little observations helped Phil deal with the burdens placed on him by his parents such that he would frequently depart the real world and morph into his sporting world of make believe.

When Phil reached high school age, his parents decided that he would be best served by attending an all boys private academy. Even though the public high school in his affluent neighborhood was close to his home and renown as one of the best in the state, his parents felt that attending a prestigious academy would certainly lead the way toward the type of education considered by most as the premier foundation for entering an elite university. To Phil’s dismay attending the all boys academy presented somewhat of a social problem for him as none of the few friends he had or any of his middle school classmates joined him in attending the private school. Before he could officially be accepted into the prestigious school, known as Epsilon Delta Academy, he and his parents were subjected to an interview with the school’s Head Master and his administrative staff. Naturally, because his parents were well grounded in academia, their part of the interview went off without any hitches. Phil’s participation, however, did pose a problem as he was not only disgruntled about going to the school but angry at his parents for not even seeking his opinion on going there. To this end, he blatantly displayed his feelings during the interview. Not only did his body language portray his negative attitude toward the responses by his parents to the questions asked by the Head Master and his staff, but also in Phil’s response to their questions, he made it vividly clear that he had no desire to attend the Academy and that the sole reason for applying was driven by his parents. Even so, at the conclusion of the interview, the Head Master decided that the school would accept Phil as a student and thus the die was cast.

Phil’s first year at the Academy was excruciating. His openly negative attitude toward the other students and his lack of participation in classroom activities quickly led to a disciplinary action against him resulting in a meeting between his parents and the school’s board of directors. During the meeting, some of his instructors were there to present their views of Phil’s improper scholastic behavior. They described in detail how Phil openly portrayed arrogance and indifference toward them. In addition to Phil’s behavioral problems, some of the instructors provided examples of his poor scholastic performance in the form of essays he had submitted and test results. During the meeting Phil was not only indignant toward his parents but displayed a rudeness and indifference to the board of directors. It seemed that there was little to gain by continuing on with the meeting so the board recommended that Phil be assigned a counselor to assist in changing his attitude toward his instructors and his classmates. This decision really puzzled Phil as he couldn’t believe that one person could alter his feelings of anger and resentment with his scholastic situation. But oh was he so wrong!

The next morning when Phil arrived at his first class, homeroom, he was instructed to report to the disciplinary office immediately. Not sure where the office was located, Phil proceeded to the school’s Head Master’s office located on the first floor of the adjacent building. Upon his arrival, the receptionist greeted Phil with a pleasant hello and inquired as to the nature of his visit with the Head Master. Phil explained that he was instructed to report to the disciplinary office but he wasn’t sure where it was located. Just then the receptionist was summoned via intercom to immediately come into the Head Master’s office. She quickly arose from her desk, grabbed a tablet and pen, motioned to Phil with her finger to wait and retreated into the office located behind her desk. After about fifteen minutes the receptionist returned and sat behind her desk. She appeared to be quite distraught and unaware that Phil was still waiting for her to tell him where the disciplinary office was located. Phil noticed that the woman seemed extremely upset and was reluctant to disturb her but he realized that he would be in trouble if he didn’t report as instructed so he made a coughing sound to gain her attention. The young woman quickly gathered her composure and proceeded to tell Phil that the disciplinary office was located in the basement, just below where they were sitting. Phil arose from his chair and proceeded to the door but before he exited, he turned and thanked the receptionist for her help. At that moment he couldn’t help noticing that she was sitting at her desk with her head down and crying. Phil turned and went back and stood in front of her desk. He paused for a minute and then said, It’s none of my business, but I’m sure that whatever was said to you by that guy in there shouldn’t be taken seriously. These people are all alike. They are totally consumed with their own, self determined level of importance. In the scheme of things, just remember that in the real world they are just assholes. With that the young lady raised her head from the desk and burst into a fit of laughter. She graciously nodded to Phil and he went on his way.

After about twenty minutes from the time he was told to report, Phil finally found his way to the door of the disciplinary office. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A loud, raspy voice bellowed out Come in. When Phil entered the office he saw a man sitting behind a large wooden desk facing away from the entrance. After a very brief moment the man spun around in his chair and faced Phil. He spoke, I presume you are Phillip Stanton. But I’m not sure as the Philip Stanton that I was expecting was to arrive about twenty minutes ago. Phil took a gulp and responded I’m Phillip Stanton sir. I apologize for being late as I wasn’t sure where your office was located and I went to the Head Master’s office for directions. No problem the man answered. My name is Stuart Planski. I’m the disciplinarian as you already know but you’re not here to be disciplined but rather I would just like to speak with you and see if I can help you with any problems you may be having. Please sit he said pointing to a chair in front of the desk where he was sitting. Phil sat in the chair feeling much more at ease after hearing Planski’s opening remarks. The two of them spent the next hour and a half discussing all sorts of topics including those that caused Phil to act in the manner that resulted in this meeting. He lamented about the fact that he had nothing to say about going to the Academy and that his parents were controlling every aspect of his life. Planski listened intently and took copious notes as Phil spoke. When Phil was finished speaking, Planski began to express his opinions on the situation. He told Phil that he too had parents that dictated his every action in his early years and that like Phil he was forced to attend the schools that his parents chose without any collaboration with him. He said that his resentment grew and grew every day he was in school and that it finally reached a point where he was asked to leave the private school he was attending. He went on to tell Phil that he thought this happening would once and for all set him free from his parent’s domination. But on the contrary, Planski relayed to Phil that moment was a turning point all right but one that made him spiral out of control and almost completely destroyed his life. Phil looked shocked that this man would open up to him in this manner. He thought for sure that he would be chastised and criticized for his behavior but that didn’t occur. Planski concluded the meeting by announcing that he had other student interviews scheduled and that he would meet with Phil again to continue their conversation. He then stood up and extended his hand to Phil. Phil arose and shook Planski’s hand. Before Phil departed, Planski summoned Phil to try and cooperate with his instructors and get along with his classmates. He walked Phil to the office door and as Phil exited he patted him on the back and said When we meet again I’ll tell you the disastrous things that happened to me so that you won’t fall into the same trap. I’ll have someone set up our next interview". Phil left that meeting not only feeling up-lifted but with a whole new attitude toward his current scholastic status.

When he returned to class, Phil noticed that everyone was busy with their scholastic activities and no one really seemed to pay too much attention to him. He took up his position at a desk near the rear of the classroom and devoted his attention to the instructor who was in the middle of explaining the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. At one point during his dissertation the instructor stopped to ask a question pertaining to the subject. Much to his surprise Phil raised his hand to respond and when called on by the instructor, gave a very precise answer to the question. This action by Phil not only jolted the instructor but caused considerable surprise by his fellow students. For the first time since entering the Academy Phil displayed an interest in his academics and above all seemed to have a much better attitude towards his instructor. In the classes that followed, Phil continued to show an interest and participate. This was the beginning of a whole new outlook and when he arrived home that day, he displayed a civil demeanor toward his parents. After noticing Phil’s apparent new outlook, both of his parents reacted in kind, treating Phil in a respectful way but not to the extreme of being patronizing. This day marked a turnaround for Phil’s family and academic relationships and it was all attributed to the talk he had with Planski. He couldn’t wait to meet with him again and hear about the terrible things that happened to him. Phil spent the rest of that day studying and doing homework. He had a lot of ground to make up.

The next morning Phil arose full of energy and strangely enough anxious to get to the Academy. It was amazing how a simple and curt interview with Planski had caused such a significant change in Phil’s outlook and attitude. When he arrived at the kitchen table for breakfast, his mother had already prepared one of his favorite meals, pancakes and bacon. As Phil consumed his breakfast his mother came over and gently rubbed his back and then placed her head on his shoulder. For the first time in a long, long while she displayed affection toward Phil and without realizing it she invoked a warm and loving feeling in him; a feeling that he thought had disappeared from his life. While the two of them were in this very sensitive and caring moment his father walked in and seeing Phil and his mother in the midst of such an unusual and rare embrace, walked over and wrapped his arms around the both of them. No one said anything but the three of them knew that at this very moment a loving and intense familial bond had been formed. After finishing his breakfast, Phil grabbed his backpack and headed for the front door. He didn’t want to miss his bus which for the first time was something he never expected to feel since enrolling into the Academy. Just before he reached the door, he turned and went back to kiss his mother and hug his father. This act of affection would reap an unlimited amount of support and love from his parents.

When he arrived at the Academy, he headed for homeroom. This time he took up a seat closer to the front of the classroom. As he extracted his books from his backpack and placed them under his seat he didn’t notice that a fellow student had taken up the desk next to him. Once he was finally settled in his desk, Phil gazed around the room and suddenly caught the eye of the student sitting next to him. Phil recognized him as Josh Fisher, one of the stars on the Academy’s football team. Once Josh saw Phil looking his way he nodded, smiled and said How’s it going? He then reached his hand over to shake Phil’s who quickly obliged responding Things are going better for me. This subtle encounter started a friendship that remained throughout Phil’s four years at the Academy. Shortly after Phil and Josh’s brief exchange, the classroom filled up with the other students followed by the entrance of the instructor. The rest of that day Phil and Josh did not have the chance to interact as they didn’t have any classes together nor did they have the same lunch break.

After classes ended that day Phil decided to take a walk over to the football field and see if there was any activity. Sure enough the football team was going through its drills just like those Phil observed when he watched the high school team when he attended middle school. However, this time there appeared to be a much more intense approach with little camaraderie between the players as well as between the players and coaches. When practice was over, the players and coaches met as a group in a circle in the middle of the field. Phil could see that one of the coaches was addressing the group but he was too far away to hear exactly what he was saying. Phil concluded that this individual must be the head coach and that he must have been giving some final inspirational words before dismissing everyone. At the conclusion of the coach’s talk, Phil heard a loud cheer from the group followed by their dispersal. As the team walked one by one into a tunnel next to the stands where Phil was seated, he saw Josh approaching and gave him a halfhearted wave. Josh saw Phil and responded with a wave back followed by a thumbs up gesture. Phil was ecstatic that he had developed a connection with one of his fellow classmates, especially one who was held in high esteem by the student body and the Academy faculty. That night Phil’s internal spirit was at its peak with his newly formed friendship with Josh and his complete reformation with his parents.

The next morning Phil’s outlook was totally energized. He couldn’t wait to get to school and see if his newly formed friendship with Josh would evolve into something greater. Sure enough when he entered his homeroom, there was Josh seated at the desk next to the desk that Phil normally occupied. When Phil took his seat, Josh leaned over and gave Phil a punch on the shoulder. The punch was not one of aggression but rather the kind of a friendly gesture that young men share with one another. As before Phil was ecstatic and said to Josh I saw you at football practice yesterday. I was really impressed. Josh responded Playing football and being on a team with your buddies is the best. You should come out for the team. Phil was flabbergasted that Josh or anyone for that matter would ever consider that he was football material; or even any sport material. Trying to respond, he began stuttering but finally blurted out Are you kidding? I don’t have an athletic bone in my body. Josh chuckled but persisted by again asking Phil to consider coming out for the team. Phil shrugged his shoulders as if to indicate that he would think about the idea of trying out for the football team.

That afternoon Phil once again went to watch the football team practice. As he sat in the first row of the stands, Josh caught sight of him and wandered over to speak with him. Phil he yelled Come on down I want you to meet the coach. Phil went into a panic as the last thing he wanted to do was get involved with the football team and especially the coach. Josh stood his ground not saying anything but vigorously waving at Phil to come down to the field. Phil continued to resist, shaking his head no in a most deliberate way. As the stalemate between Josh and Phil continued, the head coach for the team realized that one of his best players was not participating in the practice drills. After surveying the area he noticed that Josh was over on the track that was located between the field and the stands. He walked over to Josh and asked Fisher, what the hell are you doing? You’re supposed to be practicing. I know you’re good but don’t think for a moment that you can skip practice. Josh turned to the coach and responded, Sir I was just trying to get my friend to try out for the team. Phil was totally elated that Josh had referred to him as his friend. The coach then turned toward Phil and said "Hey you get your ass down here. I want