A Collection of Short Stories +1 Myth

By Alexander McNeil

The four stories in this collection have something to offer for everyone. Take the first story, "Eyes on the Prize". It involves a young Hungarian orphan named Peter Van Isaac who unknowingly stole from another older thief. Said thief took an interest in the boy and "recruited" him into joining his cause, even instilling some words of wisdom into Peter.

If that interests you, then you'll enjoy the sequel "Family Outing". We fast forward about forty years in the future as Peter is now an accomplished thief himself, now operating in New York and with his own family. In this, we see how the Van Isaacs operate from their stealth, to their technology, to even how they take down any guards or security. It's a fun, albeit slightly criminal, romp with a surprising emotional core.

Speaking of criminal, in the subsequent story, "Good Business" we jump back into the 1940s and view a conversation being held between the current head of two different mafia families. Our main character is Lydia DiAngelo, a cool-headed, yet very loving mother of three who runs a hotel as the front of her crime family. Those motherly instincts kick in as she subtly gets a confession out of a rival family's head for running some shady business in her territory. How does she bust him? Find out within the pages of this flash fiction!

Finally, we have the last story, "Where Evergreen Trees Come From". It's written in the style of an old myth or fairy tale to explain why many evergreens retain their verdant hue. It involves a powerful archfey, simply referred to as The Queen, who took pity on a nearby village for not being able to grow a good harvest this past summer. Using her powerful magic, she extends the summer for a slightly longer amount of time for them, with the simple request that she take at least a third of the harvest once it is complete. However, as the date slowly approaches and the villagers have nothing to share, she becomes less patient with them. Read this story to your children at bed to teach them the values of keeping your word and paying your dues!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexander McNeil
• Release date: Feb 27, 2022

Alexander McNeil

Alexander McNeil is a novelist who writes high fantasy, flash fiction, and short stories. He is currently enrolled in Full Sail University to earn his bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. Whenever possible, he attends creative writing camps or seminars to improve his literary skills. In his off time, he enjoys listening to variety podcasts, playing video games, and eating fries.

Book preview

A Collection of Short Stories + 1 Myth

By: Alexander McNeil

Copyright by Alexander McNeil, 2022

All Rights Reserved

First Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for your use only, then return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

Eyes on The Prize

Family Outing

Good Business

Where Evergreens Come From

About the Author

Eyes on the Prize

A scrawny thirteen-year-old was bolted awake as he was thrown into the back of a truck. His eyes darted back and forth to observe his surroundings,