Watched by My Neighbors: Silent Shadows: Unraveling the Secrets Behind Familiar Faces

By Al Copperhead

Discover "Watched by My Neighbors," the thrilling, psychological page-turner by AI Copperhead that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

 

Dive into the life of Nick Collins, a determined 40-something escaping a mundane factory job to pursue success in the real estate market.

 

Just as Nick finds love with the enchanting Sara Collins, tragedy strikes, leaving him heartbroken and lost. When enigmatic neighbors, the Darkmores, move in next door, their unsettling presence casts a shadow over Nick's world.

 

As he finds comfort in the arms of the alluring Isabelle Walker, their romance is plagued by mysterious events that follow him relentlessly. With authorities skeptical of his claims, Nick confronts the darkness engulfing his life, exposing chilling secrets and hidden dangers.

 

AI Copperhead's masterful storytelling explores trust, resilience, and the human spirit, leading readers through a maze of suspense, love, and unexpected twists.

 

Experience a world where nothing is as it seems, and the line between friend and foe blurs in the shadows.

 

Don't miss out on this riveting psychological thriller—grab your copy of "Watched by My Neighbors" today and unlock the chilling secrets hidden within its pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Copperhead
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223457114

Al Copperhead

Hello, fellow mystery enthusiasts! My name is Allen Vinson Faulkner, but you can call me AI Copperhead. As a 40-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, I’ve recently embarked on an exciting journey as a self-published mystery fiction author. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by the power of imagination. It allowed me to escape into enchanting worlds filled with adventure, suspense, and intrigue. My mother, recognizing my love for storytelling, encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an author, and thus AI Copperhead was born.

Book preview

Preface

Nick Collins, a determined man in his early 40s, escapes his humdrum factory job to pursue financial freedom through a booming real estate business. Life takes a promising turn when he falls in love with the captivating Sara Campbell, but a cruel twist of fate soon leaves him grappling with heartbreak.

Just as Nick struggles to navigate the wreckage of his shattered life, enigmatic new neighbors, the Darkmores, move in next door. Their chilly demeanor and peculiar behavior unsettle him, casting an ominous shadow over his once familiar surroundings. Amidst the turmoil, Nick finds solace in the gentle warmth of the radiant Isabelle Walker, but their budding romance is tainted by the strange happenings that seem to follow him.

As a mysterious presence begins to lurk around every corner, Nick's pleas for help are met with skepticism by the authorities. Forced to confront the dark forces that threaten to consume him, Nick's journey takes him down a path fraught with secrets, betrayal, and hidden dangers.

Watched by My Neighbors is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, masterfully crafted by AI Copperhead. Exploring themes of trust, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, this riveting tale will lead you through a labyrinth of suspense, love, and unexpected twists. Delve into this chilling novel and experience a world where nothing is as it seems, and the line between friend and foe blurs in the shadows.

Chapter 1

Nick, is just sitting at the edge of his bed thinking about how glad he was, knowing he didn’t have to go to work today. He was still feeling the effects of the vodka from last night when he picked up his iPhone and started scrolling through it. He clicks on his Bible app to see what the word of the day had in-stored. The Bible verse is James 4:17- So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin. The verse made him think for a moment. Nick’s phone rings; it’s his boss; Mr. Parker probably wants him to come into work today. He snaps out of thinking and picks up the phone. Mr. Parker asks Nick to come to work. So that he could help keep things flowing.

He told him okay and that he would need time to get ready. But, after he hung the phone up, he decided to go back into his room and reset his alarm clock to take a quick nap. He hit the off button instead of the snooze button when he was resting. He started dreaming about the past when he was young. Nick and his dad were in the store shopping. He didn’t want to ask his dad for the money for a candy bar, so he put it in his pocket. In the line, his dad noticed the candy bar in his pocket. So, he told his son to take the candy bar out of his pocket and made him apologize to the manager. Mr. Collins told the manager that he would pay for the candy. He also told him that it was time to teach his son about the value of money. He told Nick that the candy bar had to be paid for to keep the store from going up on their price to pay for the stolen goods. This could cause the store to lose customers to another store due to the high cost. Now, you have no customers and have to close your store from the massive loss. All because some kids started stealing and not knowing about the value of money. Nick felt bad apologizing; he took a deep breath and told his dad that he would start doing stuff to make money, like cutting grass and washing cars. Plus, he will start saving his money. Mr. Collins said, That’s a good start, son. Are you going to work today? He wakes up sweating a little bit, holding himself; he gets up out of bed, trying to get ready to go to work.

He decided to freshen up quickly and then grab a coffee, as caffeine was one of his best creative friends.

He went to the nearby Starbucks store, ordered a coffee, and pulled up at work listening to his music. Nick enjoys all types of music. When Nick is traveling to work or around town, he listens to different music hip hop, gospel, country, rock & roll.

He got out of the car and started to move towards his gate area. He had hardly taken two-steps before he remembered that he was forgetting something very important.

Fuck! Nick exclaimed; he forgot his cell phone.

Nick wasn’t sure about how the morning was going to be at work.

He just needed to get to work as early as possible, or he wouldn’t hear the last of it from his Boss, Mr. Parker.

Nick looked at his watch and sighed. He has decided to keep his resentment for his boss Mr. Parker bare because it would be destructive to work together with him with such resentment in his heart. He hadn’t slept well for a couple of days, all thanks to Mr. Parker.

The days use to go by like they were nothing for Nick Collins. Nick Collins is a tall, slim-toned white man. He’s about 6’2 from Cleveland, Ohio, where he works as a machine operator in a manufacturing company. Ever since he started working at the Manufacturing Company, almost every moment wasn’t as dull as he would have imagined.

It was already bad enough that he had been at work since this morning despite being tired and just trying to pull through. Nick, just like every other adult, has a bigger picture for his life. He knew that by just working as a machine operator, he wouldn’t get to the level he had always imagined. Working there wasn’t technically the greatest for Nick, but it was at least better than nothing. It wasn’t that he needed to buy the fleet of cars he wanted and the kind of family he had always dreamed of having. He knows he has no one to help him achieve all that except himself.

A couple of minutes into his thought, one of his co-workers, Max Fuller, showed up in front of him.

Sup man, Max said from behind.

Nick Just snapped out of his thought and sluggishly sat up from the position he was leaning in a while, stretching his hands for a handshake. Hey man, what’s up? Nick replied.

Max shook his hand. I just wanted to check in on you to know if you’re settling in just fine with Mr. Parker.

I was just finishing up with him; we were test-running some stuff before he stepped out to grab some things, replied Nick, who is not yet fully aware of his environment.

Great, so you’re free right now, Max asked, scanning the room with his eyes.

Can you take this discussion somewhere else because the last time I checked, this wasn’t the chat place? Nick snapped at Max.

Max rolled his eyes in annoyance; all right, let’s go to my desk, said Max.

I don’t know how you spend your day with that asshole, he mumbled loud enough for Nick to hear him.

He’s not that bad, though, we just had a few cases come through this morning, and he started to get me more involved... Deep down, Nick knew he just told the lie of the century.

That’s shocking because I have never seen him get anyone positively involved. He is just all about nagging and making rules up and down, Max continued.

Do you want to come to grab some food with me? I know a great place; the food is great, he asked Nick with his face looking like he was already convinced that Nick was going with him. At least I can give you points on working with Mr. Parker, he lets out a laugh.

I will just grab some snacks and wait for lunchtime, Nick replied.

It’s not yet time for lunch, man, He said again while trying to get up at the same time.

I know, just want to make use of my free little time, Max said.

Alright, since I’m less busy too, Nick dusts the back of his trousers and starts heading to the eatery together with Max.

On getting there, they sat at the table toward the end part of the place. That wasn’t Nick’s favorite spot, but at this point, he doesn't need to worry; he just has to pick up some fries and return to work.

A lady in her mid-thirties walked up to them to take their orders.

She looked at Max and smiled,

Hi, Max She waved at him.

Hey, Catherine, Max returned the wave.

I assume the usual, She said with a huge smile on her face.

Not ready for today, Max replied.

The lady turned to Nick, Hey, she waved at him.

Hey, Nick waved back at her reluctantly.

I am Catherine; I just started working here not long ago; please may I take your orders, she said politely.

Oh, my name is Nick Collins. I work here too. It’s nice meeting you; Nick pulled his hand forward for a handshake, and Catherine shook the hand.

Can I have some fries? Nick requested.

Catherine: Yes, of course, she replied to Nick and quickly turned to Max... before she even began to talk.

Same, Max gestured.

Alright, I will go get your orders ready, she said and started to walk towards the kitchen.

Nick turns to Max, Hey, man... I haven’t seen her here before,

Oh, she has not been working here long. She just got employed here, Max responded.

Oh, she said to herself, I completely forgot, Nick said

The duo was kinda silent for a few seconds, and suddenly Max broke the silence.

How is he treating you? he asked.

Who? Nick raised his brows and queried.

Your boss, of course? Max replied.

Oh, he’s nothing I can’t handle, Nick smiled.

All Nick could do is groan because he knew not just Max but every other person knew the answer to that question. Working with him is a living hell, he wanted to answer, but then, he held himself back when he realized that this is a work environment and speaking ill about your boss shouldn’t be the first thing to come into your mind when a question like this is thrown.

Cool, he’s cool, He replied, curious Max.

It seems Max didn’t still have it... he continued.

No one has ever reported working smoothly with him, as everyone that works with him complains about how much of an inconsiderate human he is.

These questions may feel loaded, but I’m just looking out for you; in case you don’t like working with him, you can always apply to change who you work with; everyone complains about him, that is terrible, Max continued.

I sense you don’t like him, but do you dislike him that much?

All I’m saying is that no one has been able to please him, except you want to die trying, Max continued.

I don’t think he’s a threat to me; I can always stop working with him, you know, Nick said as he gave a devilish smile.

You have no idea because everyone who has worked with him quit after days; I am surprised you are still working with him after weeks, Max replied.

Sometimes, these stories are exaggerated, you know, Mike said, trying to end the conversation about Mr. Parker.

A few minutes later, the lady returned with two little bowls filled with fries.

Nick started eating quickly. He didn’t remember or even feel hungry until now. He has rushed off in the morning without having his breakfast. And he hasn’t felt any form of hunger until now.

Max, on the other hand, joined Nick in munching down his fried chips one after the other, he was eating hurriedly, and the same with Nick, rather he was picking the fries slowly.

Nick, who was becoming quite uncomfortable with the discussion, replied,

I didn’t know about that Deep down, he knew that there was no atom of a lie in what Max was saying. Mr. Parker is the most selfish boss ever; almost anyone would not think of working with him. He missed his breakfast and hurried to work due to how selfish and wicked boss Mr. Parker is. Nick has considered quitting his job on several occasions due to this same man.

"I heard he just got divorced from his wife due to his consistent nagging and selfishness. Max cut Nick out of his thought.

Sounds like you’re now stalking him Nick raised his brow, surprised at the level of information Max has relating to someone he isn’t even working directly with and for.

Ha! I wish I was. I’m just an observant person... that’s all, he replied to Nick.

Nick takes a sip of water, looking a bit satisfied with his answer

I’d like to believe you are just observant Nick rolled his eyes and continued to eat the fried chips in front of him, this time slowly and considerately.

Shortly after a while, Nick Collins and Max were done eating.

I have to go home; I’m currently done and exhausted for today, Nick said, realizing how tired he was and considering how the day had been going on for him.

Then you must be flowing well with Mr. Parker, no one better dare go home without his permission Max sounded surprised this time around.

I shouldn’t be at work today, but because he called and said he needed me urgently at work, I hurriedly came, said Nick.

A few minutes later, the duo was left with no choice but to hurry back to their respective sections.

Nick can’t help but continue to wallow in his thought about life.

If this were to be five to ten years ago, he wouldn’t believe he would sit down and think about what to do with his life. Right now, he wants to be a billionaire or at least a millionaire, and just working here wouldn’t make him that. And if it would, then it would take a very long time, more than expected.

"Oh, I need to start going, so I will be able to prepare for work tomorrow.

It’s a sunny morning; Nick, thankfully, wasn’t working with Mr. Parker today or ever again. He applied for a change of department or assignment of a new boss. This morning he received an email that his complaint has been approved, and he will be working with someone else other than Mr. Parker.

That is one of the best messages of the century for Nick.

Mr. Parker isn’t someone anyone would work with and survive. That’s made work more difficult for him than it should be. Nick never really worked on a weekend in the past, but Mr. Parker would do everything within his power to make sure they were all at work on weekends. Leaving them with little or no time to spend with family and friends.

Nick took off his clothes and turned the shower on, then got into the shower; Stepping under the hot spray, he began to wash his body as his mind started to drift away from the thought of his workplace.

After a few minutes, he got out of the shower, reaching for his towel; he dried his skin a little before wrapping the towel around himself. He took his toothbrush after checking and staring at it for a while.

Damn, I need to get a new set of toothbrushes, he thought to himself. He placed a considerable amount of toothpaste on it and began to brush his teeth. After brushing his teeth, he hesitantly walked to the room. At least he is a bit more relaxed now while preparing for work than when he was working with Mr. Parker.

He grabbed a pair of trousers from his wardrobe; his long-sleeve short was also well-ironed and carefully placed on his bed.

After dressing up and little preparation, Nick was on his way to work; he jumped in his car, tossed his book bag in the passenger seat, strapped on his seatbelt, and headed to work.

Knowing that taking the highway to work usually takes Nick about 10-15 minutes before he is at the company.

It is going to be refreshing to meet a more cheerful and smiling face at the office today. The most important part is not having much to do. Everyone seems to like Mr. Larry Broker. His sense of humor is relatively healthy for a work environment. The only problem is that he is a very big flirt. He would probably hit on any female that walked past him or breathed in his direction. He can’t even help it that even an incredibly ugly girl would stare at his attention and attraction. Nick is having a good time; at least Mr. Larry Broker seems better to work with, unlike Mr. Parker.

Nick noticed his phone buzzing from his pocket; he pulled it out from his pocket only to see that his best friend Patrick Hayes, who is African American, was blowing his phone up with several texts. He couldn’t help but wonder why Patrick was buzzing his phone in such a manner.

He dialed Patrick’s number... after a few seconds of ringing, Patrick finally picked up. Patrick is on the other side of the phone;

Hey man, what’s up Patrick’s voice echoed over the phone.

I’m cool, man, Nick replied.

Did you forget your phone in the bin because I have called you more than a hundred times? Patrick asked sarcastically.

Oh man, I was lost in thought when the phone rang... I just saw a text from you and wondered if I stole something precious from you, Nick yet again replied sarcastically.

Are we still keeping up with our plans for the weekend... Patrick asked but was cut off by Nick.

What plans? A very curious Nick cut Patrick off.

Oh man, don’t tell me you have forgotten so soon, Patrick replied, almost laughing.

On a more serious note, I don’t remember us having any plans for the weekend, Nick said, sounding more serious this time around.

Ugggrrrr! Patrick replied, exhausted.

You need to explain why you’re out of this world in your thoughts. First, you completely shut your ear so that you don’t hear your cell phone ringing. Right now, you don’t remember promising Liz and her friends that we would be coming over to their party this weekend, or did you do that in your dreams? Patrick asked. This time he didn’t have it again.

Oh, now I remember; you mean the two ladies we met at the housewarming party? Nick suddenly remembered what Patrick was talking about.

Exactly, you promised them that you were going to be there at their party, and you gave them my cell number instead of yours, Patrick said, still trying to make Nick remember and understand the whole thing even better.

I’m so sorry, man; you, of all people, should know that I wasn’t serious about attending any party. I can’t seem to get my life together, and here you are talking about a party that has nothing to do with me, Chris tried to reply calmly.

Patrick continued, You made that promise; remember, I didn’t.

Okay, cut the crab, man; I have got serious work at hand and need a lot of time to figure out my life. I am not some teenager who gets excited at the mere mention of a party, Nick replied.

You have always been like this; agree to things you can’t do all because of what Patrick now sounds pissed.

Man, let’s stop talking about the party and talk about some really important stuff, Nick said, not trying to get him pissed.

You wanna come over during the weekend? Nick asked him

Mr. Parker is finally letting you have the weekend to yourself? Patrick said amidst laughter.

Not really; I am no longer working directly with or for him, Nick replied

Great news, we have to celebrate this, Patrick said mockingly

...Nick hears his name from the background...

Ummm, I gotta go... sorry, man, Nick told Patrick.

No problem. Till then, I will let you know, Patrick replied.

Great. Nick hung up and put his phone back in his pocket.

He stood for a while to observe who called his name and almost tripped as he was about to walk out of the door. And he caught himself in perfect timing.

As he successfully walked out of the door, he came face to face with Max.

His face is full of excitement; Nick is kinda envious-about Max, the way he is always happy all the time. He appreciates life as it comes and doesn’t expect much from work; well, that is typically unlike himself, who has a perfect picture of how life should be and gets worried when life isn’t turning out to be that way.

Hey, Nick, Max greeted with a grin on his face.

Hey Max, what up with you Nick replied

What is your plan, Max asked Nick.

Ugh? Chris became lost again, thinking Max was asking about his life plans, not knowing he meant an entirely different thing.

You mean my plan for? Nick continued,

Like your plans for now, like right now... he said, staring at Nick, who wasn’t looking at ease with himself like he lost his mind at the moment.

Oh, so sorry; I have no plans for now, just that I’m kinda hungry, and then after that, I will get back to work, Nick said reluctantly.

Oh, perfect! Everyone is having lunch, Max said excitedly.

Really, Nick said, sounding surprised at his excitement.

Yes, and guess what, Max said, still excited about the whole thing

Oh, you know I’m not good at guessing, Nick replied, getting even more confused about the whole thing.

Just guess this once, Max said, sounding more persuading this time.

You are throwing a party? Nick tried guessing.

No, Max replied.

"So what’s that Nick asked curiously, with his eyebrow raised with surprise,

The company is paying for everyone, Max said, sounding even more excited than before.

Oh, what a relieve, Nick said and let a deep breath out.

Max stared at Nick for some minutes and asked... Why the relief? What news were you expecting?

Bad news, I guess, Nick replied reluctantly.

Oh, sorry to disappoint you, Max said playfully.

I’m excited; instead, you don’t have to say sorry, he smiled at Max

I guess... Max rolled his eyes.

’ So, we can get going, right? Max asked.

Sure, take the lead, Nick replied

So, are you getting off this weekend? Max asked curiously as they walked down

I don’t know yet; what about you, Nick asked Max

Sure, I am, Max replied

I told you how bad Mr. Parker was, and you wouldn’t believe me. No one gets an off day or gets to take a break while working with him, Max laments.

You’ll never imagine all the other stress you have to deal with while working with him, Nick responds.

I can only imagine, Max said while walking to his department

This is not the way to the canteen Nick paused and asked.

Yes, I need to check on some unfinished stuff.... Max pleaded

Alright then I will wait here."

Just then, the alarm bleeped; it was time for the worker to assemble for lunch. This is a routine that is performed once in a while. The manufacturing company pays for everything they eat at the canteen as their lunch.

Nick watched as everyone scrambled to the office canteen.

He scanned the entire place, looking for Max but didn’t see him again. He reluctantly started going in the same direction as the rest, hoping that he would find his way to the place. Then he got a tap on his shoulder, and he immediately turned to see who tapped him.

When he turned to see who it was, it was Max, as he suspected.

Hey Max, I looked for you, Nick said, surprised at what took him so long

Yes, when I came back, you weren’t there; I went to your section to check for you, too, he giggled.

Oh, thanks, man, Nick responded, sending him a playful wink.

They got to the eatery and sat down at the big round table, the menu was a pass to them, and they all placed their order. A few minutes later, the waiter started to bring their orders to them. They were all eating in a very comfortable atmosphere. Everyone was making small talk about random things, like food, business ventures, or their personal life. They were all laughing, and some were getting to know each other too.

Nick looked over at Max, that was busy gulping down his food, one of their co-workers made a joke, and they all laughed. Nick and Max were having fun.

"So, let’s talk about what