6 parts Complete MatureA prequel to the screenplay, "The Blue Herring", written by myself in 2018. However, this short story can also stand on its own. (I recommend reading the screenplay first.)
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18 y/o Lionel Enright, having recently graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class, is self-considered a misfit of sorts. However, he has never been let down by his incredible intellect. Others know this as well--including the members of his town's skillfully concealed criminal alliance, Decadent. Being a young, clever lad whose name is scarcely known in his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, he is the perfect contender for induction. In other words, their ideal new recruit.
For all of his life, Lionel has never been a trouble-maker; not once a delinquent, a hot-head, or a player of any kind. However, Decadent has been known to change people--to change their paradigm and how they view themselves and the world around them. It has also been known that after a while, those members who were hesitant will no longer want to leave.
In other words, as time carries on, they eventually come to enjoy the thrill of it all.