All For Us: SMALL TOWN HEROES, #1

By H.K. Fox

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where the spirited college life of The Ohio State intersects with the menacing reality of the underworld, "All For Us" unravels as a gripping noir thriller framed in a dark academia setting.

 

Dean Washington, a devoted football player with a heart of gold and a secret dark side, finds himself thrust into the murky depths of the city's criminal underbelly. When his cousin seeks his aid in dealing with a treacherous mob debt, Dean is left with no choice but to step off the football field and into a game of life and death.

 

Meanwhile, Nikki Thorn, a mother, art major, and recovering addict, is battling her own demons. When her past mistakes culminate in her son being taken away by his father, Nikki is drawn into a desperate fight to reclaim her child. Her gothic aesthetic belies a fierce determination to confront her past and secure a future for her son.

 

In the midst of their individual struggles, Dean and Nikki's paths collide in an encounter that sees them forming an unlikely alliance. As they join forces to face their formidable foes, their lives become irrevocably entwined.

 

"All For US" is a compelling tale of resilience and redemption, of battles fought in the shadows and the relentless pursuit of a better future.

 

As Dean and Nikki traverse the dangerous streets of Columbus, they grapple not only with their survival but also with their identities and the true cost of courage.

Amidst the juxtaposition of vibrant college lawns and crime-ridden streets, the narrative weaves a story of action, suspense, and the raw exploration of human morality. Dean and Nikki must navigate the labyrinth of deceit, risk, and betrayal to cast light on their city's hidden sins. Will they succumb to the darkness, or will they emerge victorious in their quest?

 

The shadows hold the answer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.K. Fox
• Release date: May 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223638254

H.K. Fox

H.K. Fox is an extraordinary storyteller who finds solace and healing through the art of storytelling and the harmonious collaboration with AI technology. Their journey as a writer takes a unique path, guided by the intricacies of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D.). Through their writing and their partnership with AI, H.K. embraces the healing power of creativity and the unity within their alter system. For H.K., the creative process mirrors the interconnectedness of their alter system, where one alter may initiate a story and another brings it to completion. This beautiful dance of collaboration within their internal world translates seamlessly into their work with AI. By harnessing the capabilities of AI technology, H.K. explores new dimensions of storytelling, merging the ingenuity of human imagination with the boundless possibilities offered by artificial intelligence. The partnership with AI not only enhances the creative process but also acts as a catalyst for personal healing. Creating stories alongside AI allows H.K. to access different perspectives, ideas, and voices, providing a profound therapeutic outlet for their alters to express themselves and coexist harmoniously within the realms of storytelling. Through this unique collaboration, H.K. not only finds healing within their own alter system but also invites readers on a transformative journey. Their narratives, shaped by the intricate interplay of human imagination and AI assistance, resonate with depth, authenticity, and the profound understanding of the human condition. As H.K. continues to weave tales of wonder, they celebrate the power of creativity to transcend individual experiences and bridge the gaps between minds. With their work, they aim to inspire others to embrace the healing potential of storytelling and recognize the beauty of diverse voices coming together in unity. Embrace the mesmerizing narratives crafted by H.K. Fox, where the synergy of human and AI collaboration creates stories that touch hearts, illuminate the human experience, and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Book preview

1

The break of dawn always seemed like a personal victory to him. A solitary moment before the world awoke, a silent celebration of a new day. Dean was an early riser, often the first on The Ohio State campus to greet the morning sun.

His boots, worn in just the right places, crunched against the dew-kissed grass of the football field. The air smelled of damp earth and promise, the scent of opportunity that came with every new day. It was early, the sun just beginning its slow ascent, and he had the world to himself.

His routine was simple, and it was his. Push-ups to awaken the muscles, a few laps around the track to shake off sleep, and then some quiet time to gather his thoughts. As a first-year student, he was still finding his footing, juggling classes, football practice, and the chaotic social life that came with being a student. But in these early hours, it was just him and the open field.

He finished his morning run, feeling the familiar burn in his lungs, the satisfying ache in his muscles. As he stood there, catching his breath, he looked out at the gradually waking campus.

The first hint of morning chatter began to fill the air, breaking the tranquil silence. A new day was beginning at The Ohio State, and he was ready to meet it head-on.

After a quick shower in the near-deserted locker room, he made his way towards the cafeteria. The smells of cooking bacon, eggs, and coffee began to fill the air, a comforting reminder of his mother's kitchen. His stomach rumbled in anticipation, and he quickened his steps.

The lady at the counter, Mrs. Henderson, greeted him with a warm smile, her cheeks rosy from the heat of the kitchen. She knew him by name, one of the perks of being an early riser and a regular. The usual, Dean? she asked, already reaching for a plate.

He nodded, taking a seat at one of the many empty tables. Sitting in the vast cafeteria alone, surrounded by vacant chairs and tables, felt odd. In a few hours, this place would be buzzing with students, filled with chatter and laughter. But for now, it was just him, his breakfast, and the soft hum of the kitchen appliances.

The scrambled eggs were fluffy, the bacon crispy, and the coffee strong - just the way he liked it. As he ate, he went over his schedule for the day. Physics at nine, followed by a double session of History and English. Then, football practice in the afternoon, and perhaps some time in the library before dinner. A typical day in the life of a college first-year student.

But as he sat there, finishing his breakfast in the quiet of the early morning, he felt a strange sensation. It was like a shadow, hovering at the edges of his awareness, a nagging feeling that something was about to change. He shrugged it off, attributing it to the stress of a new academic year and the pressure of the upcoming football season.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of classes and corridors, a jumble of lectures and notes. His mind was elsewhere, still stuck on that strange sensation from breakfast. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.

As he walked to the locker room for football practice, he found himself scanning the crowds of students, looking for anything out of the ordinary. But everything seemed normal - students rushing to classes, friends laughing on their way to lunch, couples stealing kisses under the blooming magnolias.

He shook his head, laughing at his paranoia.

With a newfound resolve, he stepped onto the field, ready to put in his best at practice.

His sweat-soaked jersey clung to his back as he wrapped up the practice, his muscles screaming in protest. The ball felt heavy in his hand, and he could feel every thump of his heart against his chest. It was exhausting, grueling even, but it was a necessity. A means to an end.

He never really cared for football, not the way some of his teammates did. For him, it wasn't about the thrill of the game, the rush of adrenaline, or the cheers of the crowd. No, for him, football was a ticket. A ticket to a great education, to a future that wasn't defined by the struggles of his past.

As he walked off the field, he looked up at the empty bleachers, the rows upon rows of seats standing stark and silent. They would be filled soon, filled with people who saw him as a player, a part of a team. But they didn't know the truth. They didn't know the real him.

His gaze landed on a lone figure in the bleachers, a figure that looked out of place in the deserted stadium. Her black hair stood out against the drab concrete, her face hidden behind a pair of oversized sunglasses. She sat there, silent and still, her attention focused on the now-empty field.

He felt a pull, a curiosity that was hard to ignore. But he also knew better than to get involved. He had enough on his plate already. He couldn't afford to get tangled up in someone else's problems.

So, he turned away, focusing on the task at hand. He had a long day ahead of him, with classes to attend and assignments to complete.

Leaving the locker room, he went over to the library, needing to catch up on a mountain of coursework. The air was getting cooler as the afternoon sun began its descent. Students were scattered across the campus, some rushing to their next class, others lounging on the grass, soaking up the last rays of the day.

As he entered the library, the silence enveloped him like a comforting blanket. Rows upon rows of books stood like silent sentinels, their dusty covers bearing a multitude of stories waiting to be discovered. He found a secluded corner, spreading out his books and notes on the table before him.

His thoughts kept drifting back to the girl. Who was she? Why was she watching their practice?

His thoughts were disrupted by the arrival of Mike, his best friend and fellow teammate. Mike was the kind of guy who seemed to have been born for the football field. Unlike him, Mike relished the game, the camaraderie, the adulation. He had an easy smile and a hearty laugh that seemed to echo around the library.

Dean, deep in thought? he asked, pulling up a chair. You know how to enjoy a Friday, don't you?

Just catching up on some work, Mike, he responded, gesturing to the spread of textbooks and notes before him.

You know, there's a party at the Alpha Beta house tonight. We should go, Mike suggested, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

Dean shrugged. Parties, especially frat parties, were never his scene. The loud music, drunken revelry, and superficial conversations were all too much for him.

Maybe, he said noncommittally.

Mike gave him a knowing look. You're thinking about that girl, aren't you? The one at the practice today.

He was surprised, but he shouldn't have been. Mike was observant when he wanted to be. Just wondering who she is, that's all, he admitted.

Mike grinned. Maybe she'll be at the party. You should come.

He couldn't help but smile back at him. I'll think about it, Mike.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of academic texts, theories, and diagrams. As the library started to empty, he packed up his things, his mind heavy with more than just academics. He thought about the mysterious girl, Mike’s invitation, and a quiet evening at home that sounded far more appealing than any party.

Walking back to his dorm room, he watched as the campus turned from the gold of late afternoon into the twilight hues. It was a transformation he found comforting. Despite the rigors of football and academics, something was soothing about this routine, about being just another student in a sea of faces.

His dorm room was a shared one, Mike being the other occupant. When he walked in, the room was empty. Mike must have gone ahead to the Alpha Beta house. He tossed his bag on his bed, the room illuminated only by the faint glow of the streetlights seeping through the window. He paused, taking a moment to enjoy the solitude.

Football team parties were nothing new to him. He had been to enough of them to know that he wouldn't miss much if he skipped one. But tonight, the allure of the unknown compelled him. Maybe it was the girl from practice, or perhaps it was just the weight of the day finally catching up with him, but he found himself drifting towards the Alpha Beta house.

The fraternity house was ablaze with lights, pulsating with the beat of the music that vibrated through the walls and spilled out onto the lawn where students were laughing, drinking, and dancing.

He found Mike in the midst of it all, beer in hand, already surrounded by a group of admirers. When Mike saw him, his face lit up.

Dean! I knew you'd make it, he shouted over the noise, clapping him on the back. They shared a brief conversation, mostly Mike talking about the game and the party. He nodded along, his attention elsewhere.

As the night wore on, he found himself in various corners of the house, talking to teammates, classmates, and girls whose names he didn't know and probably wouldn't remember. Despite the noise and the crowd, he felt oddly distant, his thoughts still caught up in the quiet solitude of the library and the football field.

It was while he was standing on the fringes of the crowd, nursing a cup of punch, that Mike found him again.

Washington! Mike clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder, his eyes shining with excitement. We’re going to do great in our first game, man. We are going to crush’em.

He nodded, feigning enthusiasm. Yeah, we did good at practice, I feel safe about our chances.

Mike chuckled, taking a long swig from his beer. Good? Try great. You were on fire, man. The game's gonna be a breeze. That was the thing about his teammates. Football wasn't just a sport. It was life. He shared the field with them, but off it, they were worlds apart.

His gaze drifted towards the corner, where a group of people huddled together, a stark contrast to the athletic crowd he was a part of. They were the goths, the punks, the emos... the ones who didn't quite fit the mold.

Amongst them, was the girl from the stands. She was different here, less guarded, wilder. A part of him wished to join them, to bask in their carefree enjoyment. But they wouldn't see him, Dean Washington. They'd see the jock, the football player, the walking stereotype.

Earth to Dean! Mike's voice snapped him out of his reverie. He turned back to him, offering a half-hearted smile.

Sorry, man. Just lost in thought.

Mike smirked, following his gaze. Ah, I see. The lovely Miss Nikki Thorn caught your eye, huh?

He shrugged, deflecting his insinuation. Just looking around.

Sure, sure, Mike teased, nudging his shoulder. Well, while you're 'looking around', remember we got practice early tomorrow.

He nodded, his words barely registering. The party raged on, but his mind was elsewhere, drawn towards the intriguing girl in black and the world she represented. A world he longed to explore, to understand. But for now, all he could do was watch from the sidelines.

The party was in full swing now, loud music reverberating off the walls, solo cups littering every surface, laughter, and conversation filling every corner. People were starting to let loose, the alcohol flowing freely, inhibitions fading. It was amid this chaos that he noticed a brewing tension.

A hushed argument had broken out between two guys near the makeshift dance floor. One of them, a fellow player he recognized as Tony, was gesticulating wildly, his face red with anger. The other guy, a stranger to him, was standing his ground, defiance etched on his face.

He watched as the argument escalated, the volume of their voices rising with each passing second. He could see this wasn't going to end well. Tony was a hothead, and he'd had more than his fair share of beer tonight.

Without thinking, he moved towards them, weaving his way through the crowd. A part of him knew he should let it be. It wasn't his fight. But another part of him, a part he often chose to ignore, felt compelled to intervene.

Hey, guys, he said, stepping between them. Let's cool it off, okay?

They both turned