Despite having four stories, A COLLECTION OF STORIES WHERE NOBODY WINS contains three main characters (the first and last story sharing the same protagonist).
"The Whale" follows Ahab, a private detective investigating a string of murders suspected to be the work of the Geppetto Killer. Down to his last lead, Ahab arrives at the home of Johnathan Blane only to find the prospective informant dead, seemingly having fallen victim to Geppetto. Now, Ahab must scramble to find even the thinnest of threads to follow before his investigation turns colder than John's body.
"On The Line" is a story that picks up in the day-to-day life of a slave named Beyaj. Working the factory line any day is grueling, but after a horrific accident where one of the machines slaughtered a worker, tensions are high. None are eager to take their turn sitting inches away from an earth-shattering ore press. His turn now up, Beyaj must find the mental fortitude to force himself into the maw of the beast. Refusal means punishment, but obedience could mean far worse.
In "Twin-bulations", twin brothers Victor and Simon butt heads over which brother is the true recipient of a birthday present from local sweetheart Abigail, who both the boys are hot for. An agreement must be made over the gift before the brothers tear each other apart in the name of love.
Ending as we began, "The Sinking Ship" takes place after "The Whale" as the story follows the day Ahab confronts who he perceives to be Geppetto. Even if he's right, finding a man like Geppetto is only half the battle. Regardless of his suspect's guilt, Ahab has stepped into a deadly trap built just for him. He'll have to find a way to swallow his pride before his entire life burns to ashes around him.