Secrets

By Janet Roberts

Peter can well understand why his parents think he's safer in rural France during World War II. What they don't know is that he, and his relatives, get involved with the French Resistance. All their lives are at risk - will any of them survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet Roberts
• Release date: Nov 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466079946

Janet Roberts

In Janet Roberts' books, you’ll often find someone spending a bit of time by a lake, river or ocean somewhere in the world. Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the Great Lakes, she loves an endless view of water for as far as the eye can see. Janet graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. After working as a journalist and later as a paralegal, she obtained her masters in communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Janet began writing fiction and poetry as a child and never let go of her dream of publishing a novel.  Although her current job as a security awareness program lead has meant moving to a variety of cities, she often returns to her Western Pennsylvania roots in her writing.  

Book preview

Secrets

Janet Roberts

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Janet Roberts

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return toSmashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Chapter 1

I’m going to beat you up! shouted Peter, and in a fit of fury hurled his school bag at the unsuspecting François, who was sent sprawling on to the ground.

Oh, my God Peter gasped, and rushed over to his cousin lying prone on the dusty ground.

Are you alright? I didn’t mean to hit you.

Yes, you did, you little bugger. Francois gasped, struggling to rise up on one elbow. You hit me!

I know – but you weren’t meant to fall over! God if your Mum sees she’ll kill me and Peter glanced anxiously over towards the farm house, hoping fervently that his aunt was well away from the kitchen window.

With Peter’s help François struggled to his feet, and both boys set about brushing the dust off his clothing. François breathing was coming in short gasps, and Peter silently pointed to a fallen tree stump where they could sit together until things calmed down.

It’s just that we do everything together – everyone knows that – and now you’ve suddenly gone all secretive and peculiar.

François nodded. He could well understand his cousin’s annoyance. They were like two peas in a pod these two, and he too hated to have a secret.

I thought at first you’d gone all soppy and were meeting some girl when you said we wouldn’t be coming home together. But I followed you…

You did what!

Well – I wanted to know, that’s all. But then it didn’t make sense. You don’t meet girls in old warehouses; at least I don’t think so. What’s going on Fran? You in some sort of trouble? You’ve been odd for days.

François sighed. He could feel his resolve not to tell Peter what was going on draining away. It just took too much effort, and his cousin could be so persistent. For a moment he sat and thought about it. The real question was whether he could trust him to keep his mouth shut, and the more he thought about it, the more certain he was that he could rely on him absolutely. After all they were best mates weren’t they, and you trusted your mate.

Peter gave a somewhat dramatic sigh.

Promise me you’ll not squeal this to anyone.

Cross my heart and hope to die Peter responded immediately, quickly waving his hands across his chest. He leant forward eagerly. Clearly François was going to tell him something very secret, and he could hardly wait.

Well François said, still a little uncertain about the wisdom of divulging something so very secret.

Well – I’ve had an interview to join the Resistance Movement – so there!

Peter gasped. Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought that was what was going on. He was so impressed. Of course he’d heard that there was such a thing, especially now France was occupied by Germany, but he’d never known anyone actually in the Movement. He turned and looked at his cousin with renewed admiration. He’d always thought him terrific, in a buddy sort of way, but this was something completely different. This was about courage, and sacrifice and all that sort of thing.

But it’s dangerous isn’t it? Like what happens if you get captured, being a Resistance Fighter?

François shrugged, and inside felt all grown up and proud. He’d certainly impressed his cousin, and it gave him a warm feeling inside.

Suppose so – but has to be done he mumbled, as casually as he could manage.

Then followed the inevitable question.

Can I join? Anxiously Peter turned and looked at his curly haired cousin.

Don’t be daft. You’re far too young.

I’m not! I’m nearly 12!

You’re not – your birthday’s months away. François couldn’t help grinning, it was such a daft thing to say, but so like Peter. He did so like to get his own way. I could say I’m nearly 16 – and that’s really grown up.

Peter thought frantically for a moment. He could feel this argument slipping away, and it was the last thing he wanted.

But you’re not strong – not like me. What happens in the winter, or when you have an asthma attack? Seeing his cousin looking down on the dusty ground, Peter knew instinctively that he’d hit a delicate point, and it needed to be pushed home. What you need is someone looking out for you, watching your back, like they say. I could do that.

François was silent for a moment. He knew what Peter said was absolutely true. He had worried about what would happen when the weather turned bad and he was wheezing and coughing, or even worse, confined to the house. Who would do whatever was required of a Resistance Fighter then?

Well, François said slowly, I suppose I could mention you to this chap at school who’s the link. But I don’t think they’ll have you – ‘cos you’re too little.

Peter gave his cousin a friendly shove

I’m almost as tall as you and twice as strong and both boys laughed.

I said François rising up from the log having completely recovered from his fall, am about to start a growth spurt

Walking in step they headed back up the track to the familiar farm house.

Next thing is to have a story as to why we’re late home.

Peter nodded. School play rehearsal?

François shook his head.

We’ll be asked what it’s about - could be complicated. How about rehearsing for the Christmas carol concert?

Nothing like starting early – it’s only September and both boys fell about laughing.

How good it was to be friends again – and best friends at that.

Two days later as they passed each other in the school corridor François whispered

Interview after school

Peter was so startled he dropped the books he’d been carrying, and was so busy scrambling around on the floor he didn’t see his cousin disappear. An interview that afternoon! How exciting was that!

Ever since he heard about François’ interview he’d been pestering for more information, but his cousin had, somewhat infuriatingly just shrugged and said he hadn’t been asked much, and anyway he’d rather not discuss it.

Now Peter sat in classroom with his head in a whirl. This very afternoon

Reviews for Secrets

[reviewsbymolly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I first heard of Secrets by S.L. Pierce, I KNEW I had to read it. It sounded like a suspenseful, thrilling novel that was right up my alley. Boy, was I right! S.L. Pierce's characters are believably life-like, her plot line is thrillingly mysterious, and her words instantly pull you in. Fantastic!Gwen Michaels has secrets. She thought those secrets would stay buried in the past.....but, when she sees something she shouldn't have seen, her world is about to be turned upside down, and her secrets are about to rise to the top. Gwen moved to California two years ago to leave those secrets behind. She met Jack, fell in love, and got married. Those secrets, still behind her. Then she decides to hike one day, and she sees something she shouldn't have. Will it get her killed? Or will she have to trust her husband and hope for the best?This is a story that is action filled, told in the first and third parties, and kept me on the edge of my seat. True to the description, this is book is filled with espionage at it's finest and lots of betrayal. I was turning page after page, and had this book finished in no time. The rush of thrills that S.L. Pierce blends in with the awesome characters is jaw dropping.I give this novel a 5 star praise and highest of recommendations. It's not your average mystery novel. It's so much more, with the twists and turns, and heart pounding suspense. If you are a lover of all things secretive and suspenseful, then don't miss out on S.L. Pierce's AWESOME book! I can't wait for another book just like this one, filled to the brim with all these great characters and gripping plot lines!

[tarenn_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

SECRETS by S.L. Pierce is an exciting thriller/suspense set in present day high tech world of computers. Gwen Michaels,(AKA) we never learn her true identity,she an retired assassin.She left the assassination business because she was starting to enjoy it to much.She is happily married until someone tries to kill her.Bad mistake on their part. Jack Michaels,Gwen's husband,doesn't know of her past secrets,but he is about to find out. Gwen is a kick butt kinda girl,who will her answers, and only believes in black and while,no gray areas. While,Jack gets pulled into this secret life of his wife's.To keep him safe until Gwen can find out who and why someone is trying to kill her.It has nothing to do with her past. This is a high octane,action packed,kick butt story with high tech secrets,betrayal,a few killings,a husband who is simply amazed by his wife,and a heroine who is a kick butt girl.I would have liked to have seen Jack more manly,he only sees the good in people and is an all around good person.Overall,this is a good story with an interesting plot...a female retired assassin..you don't read much on them.The characters are interesting.Although,Gwen,does kill a couple of people and doesn't get caught.She worked with high powered people within the government,so all is good. The bottom line is you try to kill Gwen and you don't get to live..This is a good read that will keep you turning the pages.This book was received for the purpose of review from Nurture Virtual Book Tourz and the author and details can be found at My Book Addiction and More.Available at Barnes & Nobles,Amazon, Smashwords.

[jaidisshaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Secrets by S.L. Pierce is an attention grabber from page one. Told mostly from a first person perspective, we meet Gwen Michaels. She is not your average housewife. She has a past, a past that she was starting to enjoy just a little too much and so she did the wise thing and got out when she could. Being part of an elite group of specially trained operatives, Gwen certainly knows how to take care of herself.Opening straight into the action, Gwen finds a man in her house. Not just an ordinary man, but a hired killer, who thought Gwen would be an easy target because she is a woman. Not having time to play around, Gwen quickly finds out the information she can and puts an end to future kills from this man. With her secret identity still intact, Gwen must follow the clues and find out who wants her dead and why.Jack is your stereotypical good guy and happens to be Gwen’s husband. He is a good person and has an even greater heart. Easily able to overlook certain things, he only sees the good in people. This makes him the perfect balancing stone for Gwen and so he is shocked when Gwen is forced to tell him the truth. Gwen’s dark past may just be enough to break his good heart.Secrets was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting because Ms. Pierce grabbed my attention from the start and provided just the right amount of mystery and action to keep me wanting more. I found myself asking the same questions that Gwen was and that made Secrets believable and realistic. Gwen may be a highly trained killer but she still has faults and this makes her a character that is sure to be loved.

[4everbooklove · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book Description: A former government assassin... Two men who weren't supposed to be seen together... A cop who won't let go... High tech industrial espionage.... Deception... Betrayal... Secrets is a fast paced thriller that will keep you guessing to the very end. Gwen Michaels moved to California two years ago to start fresh, hoping her past could stay secret forever. But when a hired killer shows up, she assumes her cover is blown. When it turns out the man knows nothing of her past, the search is on for who wants her dead, and why. My Thoughts: Gwen Michaels is an ex assassin for the U.S. Government living a “normal” life in middle class American with her husband until someone breaks into her home and tries to kill her. The foiled attempt on her life thrusts her into a world filled with secrets ... secrets capable of rivaling her own. Everyone in this story has secrets. You almost feel a bit schizophrenic reading this story because it seems disorganized at times because of the way it diverges to reflect the secrets and motives of the secondary characters. The seconary characters are skillfully integrated into the story and you're just not sure who is responsible for the botched hit on her. Gwen follows the clues as if she were playing a real life version of the board game Clue. Is it Colonel Mustard in the library with the led pipe or Ms. Scarlet in the lounge with the smoking revolver? Of course...not literally Colenel Mustard and Ms. Scarlet...but you get the picture. You discover "who done it" at the very end but even then “reveal” was not as simple as finding the murder weapon in Clue because it was intertwined with the secrets and motives of others. Definitely a very fast paced thriller with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. Brilliant job, Ms. Pierce.