Secrets: The Dimensions, #1

By Barbara Joan Russell

Secrets (Book 1)

Raven, Montana is a small town where nothing exciting ever happens. But high school senior, Jessica Riley has never felt like she lacked anything. Well, that is, except for that one special boy who can make her life complete.

When she meets Steve Montgomery, the newcomer, the void she always experienced with her past boyfriends is finally filled. With Steve, she has everything she's ever wanted.

There's just one small problem…

Steve didn't come to Raven to fall in love. He came to escape a dark past, something that didn't originate in this world but has a definite hold on it…and on him. As much as he longs to be free from it, it's followed him, and it's about to threaten anyone who gets close to him.

And unfortunately for Jessica, he cares about her a little too much.

Don't Miss Any of the Books in The Dimensions Series!

Book 1: Secrets

Book 2: Stalker

Book 3: Showdown

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Joan Russell
• Release date: Mar 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386416845

Barbara Joan Russell

Barbara Joan Russell lives in Montana with her husband and four sons. She loves writing Young Adult Thrillers/Suspense and Fantasies. Usually, there is a romance somewhere in her tales.

Book preview

The Dimensions Trilogy: Book One

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Secrets

Barbara Joan Russell

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. This was originally published under Ruth Ann Nordin. Barbara Joan Russell is her pen name for YA fiction.

The Dimensions Trilogy

Book One: Secrets

All Rights Reserved.

Cover Photo Images Copyright Dreamstime. All rights reserved – used with permission. ID 49008893 © Dragoscondrea | Dreamstime.com, ID 13550434 © Lamica | Dreamstime.com, and ID 15354927 © Viktoriia Kulish | Dreamstime.com

Interior Photo Image Copyright Dreamstime. All rights reserved – used with permission.

Cover made by Stephannie Beman

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without expressed written consent of the publisher/author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

More Books by Barbara Joan Russell

Chapter One

‘When she looked into his eyes, she knew that he was the one she had been waiting for. She was home,’ Ann Tailer read the last two sentences of her short story. She put her notebook in her lap and fidgeted on the bean bag. Looking at her best friend, she asked, What do you think?

It’s really good, Jessica Riley replied from where she sat on her bed. That’s your best one yet.

Do you mean it? Do you really think it’s good? Ann asked, perking up in excitement.

Yes. Yes! I mean it! Jessica laughed and threw a pillow at her.

Ann dodged it and stuck her tongue out at her.

Jessica got off her bed and walked to her bedroom mirror. Her green eyes were thoughtful as she picked up her brush from the oak dresser and unconsciously brushed her shiny blonde hair. The soft locks fell gently to her shoulders.

Love. Passionate love. The kind Ann enjoyed writing about. Was it real? Could a girl look into a boy’s eyes and just simply know she was meant to be with him? Could she actually feel a magical spark when she kissed him? Or had Ann made it all up?

What are you thinking? Ann asked, her brown eyes seeming to penetrate into Jessica’s soul.

She hesitated. What if Ann thought she was being stupid?

Come on, Jess. Let it out, Ann patiently urged. She stood up and walked over to her friend.

Concentrating on the bristles of her brush, she shrugged. I don’t know. It’s just... Well... Do you think love is really like that? You know, all tingly and exciting?

With the right person, yes. She narrowed her eyes. Hey, what’s up? Have you lost interest in Alec?

At the mention of her boyfriend’s name, Jessica’s cheeks grew warm. Of course not. She quickly smiled. Almost too quickly. Before Ann could pick up on her uncertainty, she added, I wondered if you believed in it, that’s all.

I certainly do. Why? Don’t you?

Yes, she lied.

The truth was, she wasn’t sure anymore. At one time, she had believed that love could be as electrifying as Ann made it seem. But now she was seventeen, and nothing like that had ever happened to her. Not with Rick in the ninth grade. Not with Jason in the tenth grade. Not with Zack in the eleventh grade. And not with Alec McCoy, now, in the twelfth grade.

She’d been with Alec for almost six months, and she had never felt any sparks with him. All her exes and Alec made her feel was a calm, gentle current. Nothing spectacular. They were like friends—friends she kissed. And they bored her because they weren’t exciting.

Maybe something was wrong with her.

Ann, she slowly began, does the electric feeling automatically come or does it come after some time?

Alec isn’t the one for you, is he?

She groaned. He has to be. Everyone says we’re perfect together. We get along great. We look good together.

But the feeling isn’t there. You can’t force yourself to love him.

I do love him, but I love him like a brother, not the way your characters love each other. And he is perfect. He’s handsome, smart, popular, funny, sensitive, understanding... She sighed and threw her brush on the dresser, ignoring the clank it made against her jewelry box.

But he’s not thrilling.

What’s wrong with me, Ann? He’s an excellent catch. He’d do anything for me.

Maybe it’s time for you to move on and find the right guy.

I don’t know. What if the right guy isn’t out there?

So you’re going to stay with him? Ann asked.

He’s good to me. I’ll be stupid if I let him slip away.

The music from Jessica’s iPhone made her jump. She grabbed it from her purse and looked at the caller ID. It was Alec. She accepted the call and greeted him.

Todd and I are bored, he said. Would you and Ann like to join us at the Burger Rave M in fifteen minutes?

Since Ann was done reading her short story, Jessica saw no reason to say no. Sure. We’ll see you soon.

She hung up, and glad for the distraction from her whirling emotions, she and Ann got ready to meet the guys at their favorite fast food place.

***

Raven, Montana was beautiful in January. There was only a dust of snow on the ground, but the mountains in the distance were covered in it. It looked like something from a postcard. It was a smaller town, too, so it was easy to get lost in a place like this.

Steven Montgomery was sure what brought him here, except it felt right to be here. He would finish his senior year at Raven High School. Far from Oakland High School in Ohio. He pushed aside the memories that threatened to ruin his good mood. This was a new start. A chance to do things right.

Don’t think about why you ran away. Just think about getting an apartment and a job.

He drove his old Ford Pinto into an apartment parking lot. His money supply wouldn’t last forever, but he had more than enough for now. He didn’t regret stealing it. His father owed it to him after what he did...

He shook his head to push back the memories.

This was a new life. A better life.

Yes, Raven, Montana was his new home.

***

Who’s ready for tomorrow’s Physics test? Todd West asked before he plopped a French fry into his mouth.

His three friends groaned.

Please, I’m trying to eat, Alec joked.

Todd and Ann sat across from Jessica and Alec in the booth. She was directly across from Ann, and both girls were sitting next to the window. At the moment, Alec had his arm around her shoulders. As much as Jessica tried to get excited about that, she couldn’t. She didn’t have any brothers or sisters, but this was the way she imagined being touched by her brother would feel like. Nice but not romantic.

She turned her gaze to the others in the fast food joint. Most of the people there were other teenagers, but a handful of families were eating here, too. Jessica and her friends loved this place. They made it a habit of eating here every weekend, if not more often. Besides, in a community whose only claims to fame were a small community college and a sculpture of the world’s largest raven, it was a hot spot.

Ann’s gasp brought Jessica’s attention back to her. The Winter Dance is coming up in two weeks, and I still haven’t found a date.

Todd also gasped in mock horror. Oh no! The world is coming to an end. We must find her a date before the apocalypse comes upon us.

Jessica resisted the urge to chuckle as Ann nudged him in the side. Don’t be a dork, Ann told him.

Maybe you should ask someone to the dance, Jessica suggested. It’s not like girls have to wait for the boys to ask them out anymore. We’re not stuck in our parents’ generation.

I never had to do that before, Ann replied. Am I losing my touch or something? Am I losing my looks? She turned to the window and studied her reflection, taking a moment to toss her long straight brown hair over her shoulder.

Todd dodged the onslaught of her hair. You’ve dated most of the guys at school already. There’s not much left for you to choose from.

Unable to resist the urge to tease them both, Jessica said, Maybe you should take her, Todd.

It’d be too weird. I’ve known her all of my life, he replied.

It’s a small town. We’ve known each other for most of our lives, Jessica countered. You should take her. It’s not like you have to kiss her. All you have to do is escort her to the dance. I’m sure once the boys see her, they’ll be forming a line to dance with her.

Ann grimaced. If I go with Todd, I’ll look desperate.

Hey! Any girl would be lucky to have me. It would be an honor if I escorted you to the dance.

Oh, please. She rolled her eyes. I can’t recall a time when girls were fighting over who got to date you.

He raised an eyebrow at her. Unlike you, I only date people I care about.

Then you have only cared about one girl in your entire life because you’ve only been on one date.

That’s because I’m picky. I won’t date just anyone.

Are you implying that I’ll take anyone who comes along?

He shrugged, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Well...

It’s so much easier to deal with dances when you’re in a committed relationship, Alec commented as smiled at Jessica.

Jessica returned his smile, but she couldn’t help but feel like she was betraying him somehow because it dawned on her that she wasn’t excited about going with him.

Alec removed his arm from her shoulders. I think I’ll apply for a job here. I could use the extra money for college.

I haven’t even applied to college yet, Todd replied. You’re so on top of things.

Alec chuckled as he stood up. Yeah, right. I guess that means I’ll get an A on that test tomorrow when I haven’t even looked at the book.

They watched him as he went to the counter.

Jessica turned back to her friends. So, who would you like to go to the dance with, Ann?

Ann thought for a few seconds before a smile lit up her face. Tyler Davis. He’s gorgeous. Dark brown, muscular build—

Todd snorted. I have brown hair, too.

But you don’t have a lot of muscles, Ann replied.

Muscles are overrated. Personality is a lot more important.

She patted him on the head. If that makes you feel better, keep on believing it.

Jessica took a sip of her soda and laughed. You two are hilarious. Ann, the dance is two weeks away. A lot can happen in that time.

In Raven? Ann asked. "Nothing