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Secrets in September (Fern Valley Mystery Book 1)

By Doreen McAvoy

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Chapter 1
Will Abbott dropped his sleeping bag and pillow in his bedroom and trotted downstairs to the kitchen to join his mother and sister.
“Good morning.” Mrs. Abbott smiled, waving him in. “Wendy was just telling me about last night.”
“Yeah, how was Kimberly’s party?” Will looked at his blonde twin.
“Fun. We played Truth or Dare. When it was Lili’s turn, she chose truth.” Wendy turned to her mother. “She told us her deepest wish was to get her ears double pierced for her thirteenth birthday.”
Will recognized the hope in Wendy’s tone—their own thirteenth birthday was only two weeks away. Mrs. Abbott glanced at Wendy. “Well, if Lilianna wants to get her ears double pierced, maybe she should add that to her bedtime prayers. Will, did you have fun at Brandon’s? How is Mrs. Lang feeling? The new baby is due soon.” “Okay, I guess. She watched a movie with us and went to bed. Then we just … hung around.” Will noticed Wendy glaring at him.
“Well, sounds nice. With all those sisters, I bet Brandon hopes for a brother this time.” Mrs. Abbott grabbed her car keys. “I’m off to the grocery store. I hope you’re almost done with your summer reading. School starts next week.” She left without waiting for an answer.
Will settled in a chair across from his sister and tilted his head. “So … what did you choose? Truth or Dare?”
Secrets in September
“Truth—and good thing too. Samantha told me my dare would have been to ring the doorbell of the old Mayfield mansion.”
Will scoffed. “That place has been empty for years. The Mayfields disappeared the night of the fire that destroyed the Jamison house. Some people even say Percy Mayfield started the fire over an old feud—although the rumor was never proven.”
Wendy hugged herself and shuddered. “Still scary, though.” She studied Will. “Are you sure you guys only hung around last night?”
“Yeah, why?” He tried to avoid Wendy’s stare as he got up and walked across the kitchen to pour himself a glass of orange juice.
“There was a loud crash in Kimberly’s yard last night outside the playroom window.” Her green eyes scrutinized him. “It’s funny how you always seem to have a sleepover at Brandon’s whenever I’m at a party.” She waited for an answer, hands on her hips.
Will grinned and stared at his feet.
“And funny how Brandon only lives three houses away from Kim—and likes her.”
“How did you know?”
“Remember last year when he tried to give her a secret valentine, but she recognized his handwriting?” “Oh yeah.” Will chuckled.
“And funny how you, Brandon, and Jack always seem to know our secrets.” Her big, green eyes demanded an answer. Will was thankful when their dog, Buster, barked to announce he needed to pee.
“Gotta take care of Buster.” Will scooted out the back door and escaped his sister’s scrutiny—for the moment.

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