The Dream Job

By Kiersten Modglin

From million-copy bestselling author Kiersten Modglin...

 

Autumn Sanderson goes by Lark now.
No one in her new life can know who she was.
No one from her old life can know where she is now.

Drowning in debt, Lark is desperate to land a job—any job. When she finds herself at an interview for a mysterious company offering her an exorbitant salary, she jumps at the chance.
But things aren't quite what they seem...

She soon learns of the company's peculiar hiring process. Locked in a luxury cabin with five strangers who go only by their code names, Lark begins to question exactly what it is she signed up for. The company, riddled with secrets and led by a cryptic boss known only as Mr. X, has strange rules and even stranger challenges for their candidates. After each day's competition, the candidates gather around the dinner table to eat, drink, and spill their darkest secrets.

When Lark sees something she shouldn't, she begins to ask questions, but soon gets a warning to stop. It's obvious she's in danger, but why? What does the company want? How much can she trust the others in the house?

Trapped in the remote house with no technology allowed, Lark realizes she must take drastic measures to find out the truth.

The job of her dreams may cost her life...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kiersten Modglin
• Release date: May 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223573357

Kiersten Modglin

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is an Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over a million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Tick, tock.

The audiobook narrator droned on through the lone earbud in my ear, but I couldn’t follow a single word as my heart pounded in my chest. I checked the ticking clock on the wall again, anxious for what was to come, and caught the unimpressed stare of the blonde sitting across from me. The ticket in my hand was wet from my sweaty palms, and I kept glancing down at it, lest I should forget the number I’d repeated in my head a minimum of twenty thousand times since my arrival. They would call my number when it was my turn, they’d told me, but that was all I knew.

I had no idea where I was, no idea why I was qualified to come there. The others waiting seemed much less nervous and much more qualified than I was. The room where we sat was gray and white with windows that ran from floor to ceiling, giving an impressive view of the Manhattan skyline. The people there were impressive, too. The woman who sat directly across from me was long-legged and beautiful, her hair cut short so it rested below her chin, the ends flipped under just enough that it seemed natural. She had looked at me a few times, her startling gray eyes drilling into me as if she, too, knew I didn’t belong. She was one of the many—much prettier, much more qualified than I was. She watched me as if I were a puzzle piece that was shoved too tightly in a place it would never fit.

Number sixteen? I jerked my head at the sound of my number being called, half-convinced I’d imagined it, then looked toward the door of one of the offices as it opened and an African American woman popped her head out. Each time the door had opened so far, eight times that I’d seen, it had been someone different greeting us. I wondered how many people they had crammed into the tiny office.

I stood and shoved the ticket in my pocket as the candidate I was replacing in the interview room walked past me. She was likely a few years older than me, with wispy copper hair and light freckles. Despite the crazed worry I felt, her face appeared calm. Confident. I wished I had an ounce of her peace.

Turning my attention to my next task, I smiled at the woman waiting for me. She was around my height, her black hair pulled back in a bun. She was beautiful, like the rest of the room of candidates, but her beauty was more intimidating than theirs. She’d already gotten the job. She wasn’t my competition. She was my judge.

Hi there, she said politely, ushering me into the room. Her smile grew as I held out my hand to shake hers in an awkward exchange as I walked through the door. I’m Tanya. She gestured toward the room behind me. When I turned around, I realized the office was much larger than I’d expected. In the center of the room, surrounded by white light from the large windows on every exterior wall, was a silver-edged glass table. It was long, taking up half the room, and behind it sat five other people. Each of them held a piece of paper—my resume, I assumed.

Hi. I’m Autumn Sanderson, I announced, making my way down the table as I shook their hands.

Nice to meet you, Autumn. I’m Denise, the first woman at the table said, her curly black hair a stark contrast to her green eyes.

I’m Paul, the man next to her said. He was tall, even sitting down, and wore a navy tie with green anchors on it. How was I ever going to remember their names?

Evie, the next woman said. With her light brown hair and simple features, she was the plainest of the group, which made me feel better for being so ordinary myself. Still, by most standards, she was breathtaking. They wore high-dollar suits and dresses. Clothes that cost more than I’d make at my old job in a year. I was positive they’d taken one look at my Target blazer and slacks and written me off. The rest of the interview was a formality.

I’m James, said the next man, his thick, dark hair sticking up as if he’d walked through a windstorm. Somehow, the wild hair only complemented his classically handsome face.

I’m Starla, the last girl said. She was another thin blonde, with hair a shade lighter than mine. They all smiled at me, and as Tanya took her seat, so did I.

So, Tanya said, looking over the paper she was holding, Autumn, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself.

I tucked my shaking fists into my lap. I’d never been good at interviews. I didn’t do well with pressure, and I tended to overthink everything, a deadly combination in most social situations.

I, um, well, I grinned before clearing my throat, I have an MBA in finance— With a mountain of student loan debt. I graduated from Northwestern University. Barely. And, well, I recently moved to New York, I love the city, and I’m excited about all that I can offer your company.

Their warm expressions were reassuring as they jotted down a few notes in unison. When they looked back up, it was Navy Tie Guy who spoke next. I’d already forgotten his name. An MBA is impressive. Tell us about your experience since graduating. Where have you worked? What brought you to New York?

I’d dreaded these questions, though I expected they were coming. How was I supposed to tell them that, since graduating, I’d only worked as a waitress and part-time in my county’s library? That I’d made no use of my degree whatsoever? That we only left Chicago because my mom’s doctors were in New York, and she needed the very best. That my dad left us years ago and her aggressive cancer treatments had fallen squarely on my shoulders, financially and emotionally. Those weren’t the kinds of things you brought up in an interview, no matter how true they were.

I sucked in a breath and tried to keep my expression calm and composed, hoping I could work my way around the line of questioning with grace. New York has always been a place I was interested in living. There’s something magical about this city, isn’t there? When I graduated, I continued working at the restaurant where I’d worked to put myself through college. I wanted to make sure that wherever I started my career was the place I’d want to end it. So, I guess I’ve been picky. I smiled shyly, hoping they wouldn’t see through the lie. No one has called me. I thought I’d be choosing from multiple job offers by now, raking in over six figures, but I can’t even get a job as an assistant at a wealth management firm because I bomb all my interviews. I always knew New York was an option, so I took a leap when nothing in Chicago stuck out to me. When I signed up with a staffing agency and they told me about this position, I was intrigued. I was bluffing. It was a total politician’s answer. I’d applied to three other places since I arrived two weeks before, and this company was the first place to call me. In truth, I had no idea what I was even applying for. The agency who referred me couldn’t give me any information other than that my resume looked like a match. What I knew was that I couldn’t keep putting my creditors off. If the company made me an offer, I’d take it. Judging by their skeptical expressions, I was sure that wouldn’t be happening.

And how would you describe yourself given three words? asked the plain woman, giving me an encouraging nod.

I thought for a moment. I should’ve known that answer. I’m dependable. I held my finger up to show that was the first word, in case they couldn’t count. Reliable. Hardworking. Two more fingers. Three words, two that meant practically the same thing. I mentally face-palmed myself. What I’d told them: I could count, but I wasn’t able to think on my feet.

Great answer, said the blonde woman. I couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic. She went on, Would you describe yourself as being…trustworthy?

Oh, of course.

What about discreet? she asked, leaning forward like she was going to tell me a secret.

My eyes darted down the line. They were all watching me closely, as if it were the most important question I’d been asked. I’m, sure, I’m discreet. Yeah, I mean, I can be. When necessary.

The girl nodded and wrote something down. I held my breath, waiting for the next question. When it came, it was from Tanya, down at the end. I looked in her direction.

Autumn, what do you know about our company?

Not even the name, actually. When I didn’t answer right away, grins and knowing eyes were passed around the table. She nodded, letting me know I’d given the nonanswer she expected. Our employer values discretion above all else. We only staff with top-tier employment firms, and we go through several rounds of interviews to make sure the candidate we select is a perfect fit for our team.

It doesn’t seem like you’re that candidate. I waited for it, knowing it was coming.

Instead, she said, Do you have any questions for us? We’ll try to answer what we can.

Could you…I mean, what can you tell me about the company? What I’ll be expected to do here?

Tie Guy’s eyebrows bounced up in amusement as he ran a finger across his nose, but Tanya remained serious. I’m afraid we can’t tell you too much right now. Not yet, anyway. What I can say is that our employer is a powerful man who values his team above all else. Those of us lucky enough to have been selected love our jobs. We’re very well taken care of here. She smiled, and it seemed sincere enough. Our employer runs various operations throughout the country and leads or advises many different businesses. We each wear many different hats for him depending on his current needs. Do you consider yourself to be flexible?

Definitely, I said right away. That one, at least, wasn’t a lie.

Could you drop everything as soon as he calls you? Jump on a plane and head to Boston? Or Denver? Or Miami?

I, well— I had to think of my mom then. If I were somewhere else, what would she do? I was her only caretaker.

"Let me be frank here, Autumn, as I hope you’ll be with us. This opportunity is not one for anyone with a family. We aren’t able to work around doctor’s appointments or school field trips. It sounds harsh, but it’s reality. If you have children, a husband, this is likely not going to work out for you and we want to be upfront about that from the beginning. We need someone entirely committed to our cause, and our team. Is that someone you?"

Were they actually considering me? I thought of the room full of hopefuls outside. Some of them looked like they might have families, young children. For the first time, I was feeling optimistic about my odds, even if they were only thanks to my horrible love life. Still, I had to be realistic. I don’t have a family—not kids or a husband, at least. So, that would be no problem. I paused. It’s…I take care of my mother. She’s ill. I couldn’t bring myself to say the word cancer without breaking down, which wasn’t an option here. I’m the one who takes care of her.

To my surprise, Tanya’s lips upturned to a smile. Oh.

But I should maybe be able to find someone to help with her. I could hire… Who was I kidding? I had no one to ask for help and no money to hire anyone. I frowned, trying to come up with a miracle on the spot.

"Well, actually, if you were chosen, we might be able to help with that."

I raised my brows. What do you mean?

She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the glass tabletop out in front of her. This position starts out at five hundred thousand dollars a year. She leaned back, bomb dropped, and I knew she could read the dumbfounded expression on my face.

It was more money than I’d even dreamed of. I hoped for one hundred, but would’ve gladly settled for less. Half a million dollars a year was…unfathomable. What would I do with that kind of money?

Then another, darker thought crossed my mind: what would I have to do for that kind of money?

Yeah, I muttered, my voice breathless, that would certainly help.

CHAPTER TWO

Leaving the interview room, walking past the room lined with sharply-dressed candidates, I wasn’t sure how to feel. I suspected the position wasn’t right for me, and that it might even be sketchier than they let on, what with all the talk of discretion, but I won’t deny how enticing the money was.

Two weeks went by without a word from Tanya, and I had to assume I wasn’t selected to move forward. Still, as the days passed, I spent my time thinking of all the ways I could put a salary like that to use. First on the list was paying off the mountain of debt I was currently buried under. It would take a few years to make that happen, at least. After that, I’d get Mom and me in a better apartment, one where we could each have our own bedrooms. I’d hire her a nurse, one who could stay with her when I couldn’t, maybe even find one to live with us. Three bedrooms in the city would be costly, but with my new salary, I’d likely be able to afford it. After the practical stuff, I thought of my clothes, the new wardrobe that would fill my closet, matching shoes and jewelry for every outfit. I’d be able to have my hair done professionally for the first time in my life, rather than by the cosmetology department at a local technical college. The world would be at my leisure, I could see it so clearly, but as each day passed with no phone call, I grew more and more convinced I’d gotten my hopes up too fast.

Back to reality, I darted across the street as soon as the light changed from the orange hand to the stick figure walking, practically running to keep up with the crowd. My interview that day had gone well. It was with a small financial firm that needed to hire an analyst. I’d start at the bottom, but they seemed impressed by my degree. The hiring manager went to Northwestern, too, which seemed to give me a leg up. The salary was modest in comparison to the startling half a million that I now had bouncing around my mind, only eighty thousand, but I would’ve taken anything offered at that point.

In fact, I was kicking myself for ever going to that interview with the mysterious firm and its gargantuan salary. Who was I kidding? They were obviously looking for someone with experience, someone who was okay with their shady dealings. That someone was not me. I had integrity.

No money, four hundred square feet to live in, and crushing debt, but…integrity.

My phone rang, and I glanced down at it. The screen showed a New York City number, one I didn’t recognize, and I realized right away it must be the offer coming in from my interview earlier that day. I considered not answering, letting it go to voicemail, but changed my mind at the last minute, trying to sound happier than I felt.

Hello, this is Autumn Sanderson.

Autumn, great that I caught you. This is Tanya, from the interview a few weeks back. Is this a good time?

I stopped dead in the street, causing a man behind me to shove into my back. Watch it, dumbass! he shouted, his nose in his phone as he hurried past me.

I couldn’t be bothered by his rudeness. Instead, I poked my forefinger in my ear, trying to drown out the noise of the street. I’m sorry, yes. Yes, this is a great time.

Perfect, she purred. Listen, I was calling to let you know you’ll be moving forward with the next phase of the interview process if you’re still interested. She paused. Are you? Or have you already accepted a position somewhere else?

No, no, I haven’t. I’m definitely interested. I was practically jumping for joy. Integrity be damned!

Great! Okay, so I’m going to email you over some information about the next round. Do you have any plans next week?

An interview Tuesday and Wednesday. Nope, none at all. Would you like me to come in then?

Actually, the next phase is a little different. Our employer likes to get to know his candidates on a more intimate scale. In your email, you’ll find the date and time your driver will pick you up. You’ll need to make sure you’re ready at the exact time. Mr. X values punctuality.

Mr. X?

She chuckled. Sorry, our employer. It’s what he insists we call him during this phase, until he’s hired one of you. None of the candidates are allowed to know his true identity. There was a pause and she added, It’s all odd, I know, but I hope you won’t let it scare you away.

Not at all, I said, though I was chewing my nails with worry. There was definitely something sketchy about this company. So, you said a driver will pick me up? Will I be meeting him, er, Mr. X?

It’ll all be explained in the email, but no, you won’t meet Mr. X yet. You will eventually. For now, you and the five other candidates who have been selected to move forward will be taken to a cabin in the Finger Lakes where you’ll stay for the next five nights, six days.

Whoa, a cabin in the Finger Lakes? A six-day trip? Surely there was a catch. I was starting to wonder if this was one of those timeshare opportunities. How could they scam me when I had no money to spare?

I didn’t want to tell her I couldn’t afford to make the trip; it was too embarrassing. Instead, I stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue.

While you’re there, you and the other candidates will be put through a series of tests and challenges so we can determine which of you will be the best fit for our team.

Tests? I asked, my stomach knotting at the idea.

"Challenges is a better word. We’ll be seeing how well you think on your feet, work with a team, and problem solve. Each day will bring its own set of challenges, but there will also be a lot of time to relax and get to know the others joining you on the trip. I encourage you to look at this as an all-expenses paid vacation with the added perk of a potential job opportunity at the end of it. For five of you, you’ll end the week feeling rested with nothing lost, but for one of you, you’ll be starting a whole new adventure with us. She paused. Anyway, I know it’s a lot to take in, but like I said, I’ve put it all into an email and I’m sending it your way as soon as we get off the phone. Does that all sound okay?"

Yeah, great. Thank you so much. No, I’m terrified. What is even happening?

Perfect. Well, listen, Autumn, I wanted to wish you the best of luck and I hope we’ll be in touch soon. Have a great trip. I mumbled goodbye, still trying to work through all she’d said, and heard the line go silent. She’d ended the call.

I stared down at the screen. Could I do it?

With the salary ringing in my head, I was practically salivating. How could I afford not to?

CHAPTER THREE

The email came in less than ten minutes later, letting me know that a car would arrive for me the following morning at eight fifteen. The email said I should prepare to be away for the next six days, a full week of tests. For some, I imagined it might be a dream come true—an all-expenses paid trip to what the email described as a luxury getaway , but for me, it was a nightmare. A week-long interview in front of my competitors. I couldn’t think of much else that would be worse.

When I got home two hours later, I was trying to figure out how to break the news to Mom. She was sitting in our living-slash-bedroom, propped up in