Secrets Kept In The Dark: Secrets, #1

By Velvet Davis

Tragedy strikes a normal happy family. David's parents were murdered on his 11th birthday. Now, he is 14 years old and the same tragedy will strike again unless he can find out who is behind it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Velvet Davis
• Release date: May 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201210106

Book preview

This book is dedicated to my Son. I love you so much.

Kristen, My best friend. Thank You for all the love and support.

I would also like to dedicate this book to the man that supported me through it all my loving husband TJ. I love you very very much.

I also want to take the time to dedicate this book to the woman that always told me to follow my dreams and that I can be anything I put my mind to. She was always telling me that I was a great writer and I should pursue a career in writing. At the time I was a senior in high school and I didn’t think that dream would ever become reality. Thanks to me me taking the time and doing the research I found a way. It was not easy and I had to give up a lot of my time just to make this happen. The one thing I do know is that she had my back no matter what obstacles I was going to face and I love her very very very much. 

My mother, Betty Joyce Collins. I miss you. You will live in my heart always and forever. Rest In Peace.

There are a lot of people I could list but it would be a couple pages long. Thank you so much to everyone that has heard about my book and encouraged me to write and publish it. I appreciate all of you for your love and support. And for anyone that is an upcoming author my advice to you is take your time and do not give up. Success is not hard to earn if you know what you want. Just stay positive and watch author interviews to help you stay motivated. Staying consistent helps too. Don’t allow negativity to keep you from following your dream and going for what you want in life.

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 One

Mark Johnson was putting his son David to bed when he got a phone call.

He walked over to the phone. Hesitated, and picked it up. He knew it had to be a scam caller because they were constantly calling his phone. He answered in an annoyed voice. I already told you to take my name off your list and stop calling me. The voice on the other end of the phone laughed. His eyes widened. He knew that laugh anywhere. He stood up. Macy? She laughed again. Who are you expecting? How is Sharon doing? He took a deep breath. She is doing great! Where have you been all these years? You disappeared after graduation. She was silent for a moment. I will explain everything, but right now I need your help. He looked at David. I was just putting David to bed. What’s going on? Mark had a crush on Macy since the 9th grade. He never told her. The person he did tell stole her from him. He left David’s room and went downstairs to grab his coat and keys. You can explain everything when I get there ok? She sighed. Thank you David. She hung up the phone. Mark’s heart was leaping in his chest. After all these years he would find out why Macy left town. As he was driving to her house he remembered the last time he had seen her. It was prom night. She was wearing a very beautiful blue gown and blue earrings to match. She looked amazing. That was the last time he had seen her.

When he pulled up to her blue and black house. He also remembered how he used to ring the doorbell just to say hello to her. He parked, cut the engine, got out the car, closed the door, made sure everything was locked and started to make his way to the front door. He didn't know what to expect. She did call him up out of the blue.

He rang the doorbell. The front door opened. Mark’s eyes widened. A boy about 12 years old was staring back at him. The boy rolled his eyes. Can I help you?Mark sighed and smiled at him. Is Macy home? The boy glared at him. Why are you asking for my mother? Mark almost fainted. Mother? Macy appeared in the doorway. Marvin, be nice. Hello Mark. He had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. She was wearing a black shirt over white shorts.  She was still just as beautiful. The boy named Marvin rolled his eyes again.You should wipe that drool from your mouth sir. Macy popped him. I said, ``Be nice. He shakes his head. Whatever. I will finish packing my suitcase. I still don’t understand why I can’t go live with grandma and   grandpa. He ran upstairs. Macy smiled at Mark. Come on in. He stepped inside.  She walked into the kitchen. He followed her. Macy when did you have time to have a kid? She looks down. He’s not just any kid Mark. Steven is his dad Mark. Mark’s face fell. Excuse me? Macy touched his face. I know you were in love with me Mark. I wish you would have asked me out.Mark was so confused. He never knew she felt the same way he did. She treated him like he was her little brother. Why didn’t you say anything Macy? She smiled. I was waiting for you to make the first move. Mark folded his hands. And when I didn’t you choose my brother.? Her smile disappeared. Not exactly. Your evil brother told me you liked me but that I was too into myself to date you. Mark’s mouth dropped. I am going to pound my brother’s face in. Mark stared at her. Does Steven know he has a son? Macy rolled her eyes. No.  Prom night was not so fun for me, Mark. I left as soon as I could get away from Steven.  He will come looking for me and I do not want Marvin involved. I need you to take him with you and keep him safe until I come back for him. Mark laughed. Let me guess, you are leaving again? She looked down. It is safer for Marvin if I am not here. Mark shakes his head. What are you running from Macy? She looked into his eyes. Your brother! A part of Mark still had love for Macy and he would do anything for her. He sighed. I will keep him safe for you. She smiles and kisses Mark on the cheek. "Thank you

so much. He grabs her arm. If anything happens to me or Sharon, Marvin and David will be taken care of by Bob and Deborah. Macy nods her head. Marvin walks into the room. Are you guys done making out yet.?"

Mark smiles. We were not making out Marvin. How old are you? Marvin walks over and stands by Macy. I’m twelve, why? Mark's eyes widened. You were gone for twelve years Macy? She nods. It was the safest thing for us to do. Marvin looks at Macy. What are you talking about mom? She kisses Marvin on the forehead. Nothing. Are you all packed up? Marvin nods and rolls his eyes. I don’t even know Mark. Why can’t I stay with you? Tears fill Macy’s eyes. It is not safe for you to be with me right now. Mark will take care of you. Marvin pulls away and grabs his suitcase. Whatever. Can we go please? Mark looks at Macy. Yes. She hugs him and whispers in his ear. Keep his identity a secret. Mark lets her go and nods in agreement. He walks over to Marvin and takes his suitcase. It is going to snow. We should go. Bye Macy. She blows him a kiss and waves goodbye. He shuts the door. As he made his way to the car and put Marvin’s suitcase in the backseat. He was wondering what happened on prom night. He would never find out the answer. Marvin got into the front seat, closed the door, put on his seatbelt and stared out the window. Mark got into the car, turned on the AC and started the car. He looked over at Marvin, who was wiping a tear from his eye. She loves you Marvin, she is doing what she feels is best for you. Marvin shakes his head. Just drive please. Mark pats Marvin on the shoulder and pulls away from Macy’s house. Mark had a lot of questions but he knew that protecting Macy’s son was more important right now. Marvin was wiping tears from his eyes. Mark stared straight ahead. The snow had started to fall even harder. He had to turn on the wipers. When they pulled up to his house Mark parked the car, got out, closed his door and walked around to Marvins side of the car, Marvin slowly got out of the car and closed the door. It’s freezing. Does it always snow this hard? Mark opened the back door and pulled out Marvin’s suitcase. Yes.  Did you ever go outside? Marvin shook his head and grabbed his suitcase.  My mom kept me inside. Mark closed the door and led Marvin up to the house. Before Mark could unlock the door it swung open. A young boy jumped into his arms. Dad you’re back! Mark smiled. David what are you still doing awake? David shrugs. I missed you. He stares at Marvin. Who is that? Mark put David down. Let’s go inside and get warm. Once inside Mark turned to look at David. This is your brother, Marvin. Marvin glared at Mark. WHAT?! Mark squeezed his shoulder. Yes. You’re brother! Now go upstairs and unpack.  We have a birthday party to plan. David smiles. Yay! Marvin, I will be 11 years old. Will you please come to my party? Marvin rolled his eyes. Sure. I am tired. David walks toward the stairs. You are sharing a room with me. Marvin half smiled. Oh goody! He shoves past Mark and follows David upstairs. Sharon smiles at them and walks downstairs. Mark, are you sure it is a good idea to lie to them? Mark kisses her forehead. Macy asked me to protect Marvin. This is the only way to protect him. Sharon sighs.

Marvin was trying to get along with David. He wasn’t sure why Mark said they were brothers. When he got the chance he was going to have a conversation with his mom. Something wasn’t right and he needed to find out what. David walked over to him. Want to play Double O 7? Marvin raised an eyebrow. If you are ready to lose I am game. David laughed. We shall see. They played until they fell asleep. Marvin had never lost a match in that game before. Oh well at least the brat was asleep. He decided to call his mom. He pulled out his cellphone. Macy answered on the first ring. Marvin what’s going on? Marvin sighed. Mom, I want to come home. She was silent for a minute before answering. Marvin, do not call me again, it is not safe. I love you. The line went dead. Marvin just stared at the phone with tears in his eyes. He had never felt so alone in all his life. He cried himself to sleep. When he woke up the next morning he knew it was not a dream. His mother had dumped him off on a stranger. But why?

A week later was David’s 11th birthday. Mark invited Marvin to  help him pick out a birthday cake. Marvn got into the car and put his seatbelt on. Mark got into the car. Marvin looked at Mark. Why didn’t you tell my mom you were in love with her? Mark almost dropped the keys. Your dad got to her first. He lied to her. Anymore questions, detective? Mark started the car and pulled away from the curb. Marvin shook his head. Yes, why did you say me and David were brother’s? Mark pulled to the side of the road. He took a deep breath and turned to Marvin. I promised to protect you from your father. If I have to lie to do that I will. Marvin rolled his eyes. What secret are you guys keeping? Mark pulled back onto the road. I am just keeping a promise. Your mother is keeping the secrets! Marvin just stared out the window the rest of the trip. When they got back home he stormed up the stairs. Mark ran his hands through his hair. He knew this secret would harm someone. He knew the secret but no one could know he knew. Sharon was very supportive. He loved her so much. He couldn’t tell her the truth. She didn’t need to be involved. Hopefully one day he would get the chance to tell David and Marvin the truth. But for now he would take Macy’s secret to the grave with him. David was going to be upset when he found out the truth but Mark wasn’t going to betray Macy’s trust because a part of him still loved her. Maybe that was crazy.

Later that night they all had cake and ice cream. David opened his presents. He got a desktop computer from his mom. Mark got him another xbox controller. Marvin got him a card that said Happy Birthday Dork. Mark glared at Marvin . He shrugged. The doorbell rang.Sharon sighed. Mark, please tell me you didn't hire a clown again? Mark shook his head. No,’ He walked to the door and opened it. There was a masked man with a gun pointed at him. Move back and don’t make any sudden moves. Mark slowly backed up with his hands in the air. Marvin stood in front of David. Stay behind me. David reached for Mark. DAD! The masked man looked at the boy and back at Mark. You have a family?  He walked up to Mark and whispered in his ear. Mark’s eyes went wide. Stay away from her! The masked man pointed his gun and shot. From upstairs Sharon screamed and tumbled down the stairs. She landed flat on her stomach. Not breathing. David tried to shove Marvin. MOM!" Mark tried to wrestle the gun out of the masked man’s hands. The gun went off. Mark fell to the floor. Marvin picked up the phone and dialed 911. The masked man tried to escape but was shot by Marvin.  David looked at his mom and dad lying limp on the floor and he fainted. Marvin caught him before he hit the floor.  When the police arrived and offered apologies to David and Marvin. David was in shock.

A woman and Man walked over to them. The woman smiled, ``You must be David and Marvin. I’m Deborah and this is my husband Bob. Bob smiled at them. Marvin stood up and shook their hands. David tried to run over to his parents. MOM!  DAD! NO! Let me go. Bob picked David up. David had  fainted again. Marvin wiped a tear from his eyes. They are dead. Deborah placed a hand on his shoulder. We agreed to take you boys in if anything ever happened to them. Come on. She held out her hand. Marvin took it and left with her. When they got to Bob and Deborah’s house Bob took David upstairs. Deborah sighed. I am so very sorry for what you went through tonight. Marvin sat on the couch. How do you know Mark She smiled. We all went to highschool together. You are Macy’s son aren't you? Marvin’s eyes widened. You knew my mother? She nodded. Mark was in love with her. But your dad stole her from him. He was always the jealous type. Marvin sighed. She just dumped me off on Mark. This is all my fault! Deborah hugged him. Do not blame yourself. Your mother did the right thing. Marvin pulled away. I want to go to sleep now.  She smiled. Bob walked downstairs. David will be asleep the rest of the night. Marvin runs up the stairs.

David was whimpering in his sleep. Marvin sat on his bed. I am sorry. I will make it up to you one day. He tucks David in and lays in his bed. After a

while he falls into a deep sleep. When he wakes up David is shaking him. Marvin, you were screaming in your sleep. Marvin sits up and rubs his eyes. What was I screaming? David sighs. You said leave her alone. Marvin shook his head. Weird. Bob taps on the door. Breakfast is ready boys. They went downstairs. Deborah had breakfast waiting for them. She smiled as they walked in. Bob kissed her on the forehead. David rolled his eyes and sat down. Do you guys have to make out in front of us? Bob smiled and sat down. Sorry David. Marvin sat down. Why are we acting like this isn't my fault. Bob, Deborah, and David stared at him. Marvin sighed. I’m sorry but I can’t pretend that they didn’t die because of me. Deborah touched his arm. You can and will get through this Marvin. Your mother will come back for you when it is safe. Marvin pulled away and stood up. What does that even mean? Safe from what? Bob put his newspaper down. We cannot answer that question for you because your mother wants to be the one to tell you when it is time. Marvin shook his head. She dumped me off on Mark and his family. She hasn’t even come to check to see if I am still alive! What makes you think she cares enough to tell me the truth about anything!? Marvin runs upstairs. Bob and Deborah both shake their heads. David eats his breakfast. He drinks orange juice. After wiping his mouth he stands up Marvin is just having a hard time with everything. Bob nods. He needs to stop blaming himself. It won’t help him at all.

Over the next few days Marvin started to calm down and get used to the new family he now had. It wasn’t easy for him to accept that his own mother didn’t want anything to do with him. She called once and told him she would come back and tell him everything but right now it was not safe. When he asked what she meant all she said was he would find out when he was ready for the truth. Marvin did not understand that but he did the best he could with Bob, Deborah, and David. He had a feeling that Bob and Deborah knew a lot more than they were telling him and David. He was going to find out. Everytime he brought it up David would snap at him. How could you even think something like that about Bob and Deborah? They took us in when they didn’t have to. Marvin rolled his eyes. We wouldn’t be here if my mother would have taken me with her. David slapped Marvin. Stop blaming yourself!  My dad kept a promise to your mother and he paid for it with his life. You don’t get to take the blame for that! Marvin slapped him back. Keep your hands to yourself dork! David laughed. Sorry. Everything seemed to be going ok when a police officer arrived at their house to let them know that the guy responsible for David’s parents death tried to escape. Marvin grabbed David’s shoulder. You Ok? David shook his head. No. He is going to get out and when he does he will come finish the job. David runs upstairs. Bob and Deborah thanked the officer for the information. Bob ran his fingers through his hair. Let David calm down before you talk to  him, Marvin. Marvin smiles. Easier said than done. He’s my brother and I need to be there for him. Bob raised an eyebrow. Brother? Marvin nodded and stood up. Mark said we were brothers. Deborah sighed. Marvin looked at them both. What’s going on? Bob walked over to Marvin. You and Mark are not brothers.  Your mother wanted your identity to remain a secret. You and David are cousins. Marvin almost fainted. Cousins! How long have you known? Bob sighs. Mark called us the night he got back with you. At least now you know the truth. Marvin shoved him aside. I cannot believe you kept this from us. Marvin stomps up the stairs. David is on his desktop playing a game. What do you want?’ I’m busy. Marvin closes the door. We need to talk. David rolls his eyes. I like the silence. Marvin walks over and hits the spacebar on the computer. The game pauses. David takes  off his headset. I was on level 5! He walks over to his bed and sits down. Marvin sits next to him. What I have to tell you is more important. David folded his arms. I’m waiting! Marvin sighed. We are not brothers, we are cousins.  David unfolds his arms. Excuse me?! Cousins! Why did my dad say we were brothers? Marvin shakes his head. My mom made him promise to protect my identity. David stands up. You would have been a terrible brother anyways. Marvin laughed. I am starting to  enjoy being an only child. David sighed.  Who told you we were cousins? Marvin looked down. Bob. David threw his shoe against the wall. How many more secrets are they going to keep from us? Marvin shrugged. "At least we

walked over and took the phone. What did she say? Marvin wiped more tears know the truth about each other. David grabs a pillow. So this means I can have a pillow fight and win. Marvin grabs his pillow. In your dreams dork!" They start hitting each other. Bob and Deborah are sitting downstairs listening to the laughter coming from their room. They knew that wasn’t the only secret they were keeping. They would keep their promise to Macy and protect Marvin from his father.

The next morning Marvin  woke up next to David on the floor. They had passed out from the pillow fight. David groaned and rolled over. Marvin slowly got up and covered David with a blanket. He went to take a shower. When he got out he dressed and went downstairs. Bob was on the couch. Good morning Marvin. Marvin nodded and walked over to him. I am sorry for my reaction last night. Thank You for telling me. Why won’t you tell me everything?’ Bob looked at him. Deborah and I made a promise to your mother. Marvin’s eyes went wide. You do know she ditched me right? Why would you do that for her? Bob shrugged. For Mark. He