An Impossible Secret Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  An Impossible Secret

  J.B. Leigh

  COPYRIGHT NOTICE

  © 2013 J.B. Leigh, all rights reserved, worldwide. No part of this ebook may be reproduced, uploaded to the Internet or copied without the author's permission.

  DISCLAIMER

  The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, dead or alive, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

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  http://www.JBLeigh.com

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  Chapter 1

  “What's wrong with you?” Jimmy said.

  Brice shrugged.

  “Didn't you notice how Jeannie was looking at you?” Jimmy was craning his neck to look back at the girl they'd left standing at the lockers.

  “I thought she was just being friendly.”

  “She was definitely being friendly. Those three open buttons on her top were ultra-friendly. You do realise she dropped that book on the floor for your benefit?”

  Brice shook his head. He had no interest in Jeannie Moore. She was pretty enough—beautiful even, but she was vacuous. Her conversation—if you could call it that—was punctuated with 'likes' and 'inits'. Her favourite and, as far as Brice could tell, only topic of conversation was 'celebrities'.

  “I’m not interested,” Brice said.

  “Couldn't you at least pretend to be—for my sake? That way, I get a chance to make a move.”

  “You don't have any moves.” Brice grinned.

  “Hey, I have plenty of moves. I just need someone to break the ice for me. That's where you come in.”

  Brice shrugged. He’d had this same conversation with Jimmy a hundred times. “Come on. I'm starving. Let's go to Barry's.”

  Barry's Pizza Emporium was the pizza outlet of choice for the majority of those studying at Westchester University—mainly because it was the closest and the cheapest. Barry’s did a delivery service, but the moped riders were so slow, you’d better enjoy your pizza cold.

  “I thought you were meant to be in training,” Jimmy said.

  “I can still have the occasional pizza. Anyway, I'm in good shape. I can't say the same about you.”

  Jimmy patted his stomach. He'd put on almost a stone since he started at university—nine months ago. He wouldn't have felt quite so out of shape if he hadn't been standing next to the super-fit, super-toned Brice West. They made an unlikely pair. Brice was the ultimate sportsman while Jimmy struggled with anything more energetic than running for the bus. By rights, they should never have been friends, but Brice wasn't your average jock. He detested the term, and didn't take kindly to anyone who tried to label him with it. He had little in common with most of the other 'jocks', and had nothing to do with them outside training and matches. Brice and Jimmy had shared a table in the cafeteria on their first day at university. They'd hit it off immediately, and had remained firm friends ever since. Jimmy had hoped his befriending Brice would lead to good things with the ladies of Westchester University. Trust him to find the only jock in the whole university who had 'standards'.

  The pizza was delicious as always, but the service left much to be desired. Barry, the owner, needed a crash course in customer service. He was a man of few words, and appeared to hold all of his customers in contempt.

  Brice didn't notice Alec Weston until he was almost on top of him.

  “Hey, Brice. Why do you waste your time with that loser?”

  “Shut up,” Brice said, as he squared up to Weston and his entourage.

  “He's a worm.” Weston nodded towards Jimmy, who was staring at the floor. The three guys at Weston's shoulder laughed as though their leader had told a hilarious joke.

  “Come on.” Brice put his hand on Jimmy's shoulder. “Let's go.”

  “That guy's a total tosser,” Jimmy said, once he was sure they were out of earshot.

  “Ignore him. Let's get out of here.”

  “Hi, Brice.” Carla Jones beamed.

  “Hi.” Brice nodded, but barely managed a smile.

  “Hello, Carla.” Jimmy sounded much more enthusiastic.

  “Oh? Hi—?” She turned to Jimmy, but there was no sign of recognition in her eyes.

  “Jimmy,” he prompted.

  “Jimmy? Right.” She turned back to Brice. “Are you going to the seventies night?” Carla brushed her teeth across her bottom lip. Brice had noticed a lot of girls did that, but he'd never been sure why. Maybe it was all the lipstick they wore.

  “No. Not my thing.”

  “I might go,” Jimmy said.

  Carla stepped closer to Brice. “Pity. You'd enjoy it. I'm going to be there.”

  “Great. I hope you have a good time.” Brice stepped past her.

  “You've done it again,” Jimmy complained.

  “What?”

  “Blown off a beautiful girl. What's wrong with you?”

  “I've been out with Carla before. Don't you remember?”

  “Only once.”

  “That was enough. She talked about clothes and shoes all night.”

  “She might not be the world's best conversationalist, but she does have other things going for her. Two in particular.”

  “Why don’t you go back, and tell her you'll go to the seventies night with her,” Brice suggested.

  “Like that would work.” Jimmy glanced at his watch. “Shit—I've got a lecture in ten minutes. I'll see you later.”

  “Later.” Brice had a free afternoon, so intended to work in the library. He was behind on the notes for his last three lectures.

  Chapter 2

  The university library occupied over half the second floor of the Gordon Building. Kerry always tried to grab one of the tables at the far end of the huge L-shaped room. That particular section housed books on theology and politics—neither of which wer
e hugely popular at Westchester. She spent a lot of time in there—it was her refuge whenever she didn't have lectures or classes. It was the one place where sitting alone didn't mark her out as odd.

  Kerry enjoyed her studies, but found the course remarkably easy. She'd hoped university would challenge her, but so far, it had failed to do so. Ironically, she'd worried she might not be able to keep up. Having been home-educated, she'd had no way of knowing how she'd fare against students who had come through the conventional schooling system. It turned out many of them were struggling with the demands of the course—either because they found it too difficult or because they weren't prepared to put in the work.

  She had no more classes or lectures that day, but was in no hurry to go home. Her mum had been Kerry's teacher until the age of sixteen. After GCSEs, Kerry had more or less been self-taught. She'd refused to let her mum play any part in her A' level studies. Kerry's A' level results had been stellar, and she would have had a good shot at an Oxbridge place if she'd applied to either of the country's elite universities. Instead, she'd opted for her local university. That was partly because she'd been scared by the idea of living away from home, and partly to appease her mum.

  Kerry spent a lot of time watching the other students. So many years of isolation had left her out of touch with people her own age. Most of the time, she felt like an alien living amongst them. She couldn't imagine ever feeling as at ease as they did with one another. Everyone seemed to know instinctively what to say and do. Everyone, except her.

  A couple were standing behind a bookcase close to Kerry.

  “Get off me, Dazz!” The girl brushed the boy's hand away from her bottom.

  Kerry averted her eyes; she didn't want them to know she'd seen them.

  “Dazz! Stop it!” The girl with the lime green hair noticed Kerry. Until then, they'd obviously thought they were the only people in that quiet corner of the library.

  “Hi!” Dazz called to Kerry.

  Kerry stared at her book—hoping they'd leave her alone.

  “Hey!” he said a little louder. “I'm talking to you.”

  Kerry looked up.

  “You don't mind if we make out do you?”

  Kerry blushed, shook her head and then went back to her book.

  “See! She doesn't mind.” Dazz put his hand back on the girl's bottom.

  “Leave it, Dazz!” The girl pulled away and started back towards the door.

  Kerry waited until she was sure they'd gone before looking up. She found it difficult being around all of the students, but much more so around the boys. She'd never had a boyfriend. In fact, she hadn't even had a boy as a friend. The few friends she'd had when she was much younger had all been girls. She'd long since lost touch with them. She'd hoped she might make friends when she started university, but so far it hadn't happened.

  Kerry had no idea what his name was, but he was by far the most handsome boy she'd ever laid eyes on. She'd hoped she might see him today—it was another reason she hadn't gone straight home after her last lecture. He often came to the library. Just like her, he was often alone. In his case, it must have been by choice. He looked like an athlete, but he didn't hang around with the other 'jocks'. Kerry had noticed how the other girls stared at him—some tried to engage him in conversation, but he never talked to any of them for more than a few minutes. Instead, he usually found a quiet corner where he could study. Some days, that quiet corner was close to where she was seated.

  He was heading towards the table next to hers—her heart began to beat a little faster. She knew it was silly. Just like everyone else, he didn't know she existed. She was invisible. It took her a split second to realise his gaze was on her. He must have known she'd been looking at him. For the second time that morning, her cheeks blushed red. Averting her eyes, she focussed on her book, but the words swam across the page. Was he still staring at her? She daren't look up.

  Chapter 3

  “Hi, Brice.” Courtney Jerome always sounded as though she’d just inhaled Helium.

  “Hi.” Brice had perfected the false smile.

  “Me and Chrissy are going to Toppers after uni,” Courtney squeaked. “Do you want to come with us?”

  “Thanks, I can't. I've got a lot of work.”

  “You work too hard. You should have more fun.”

  “Maybe another time.” Brice squeezed past her. Jimmy would kill him if he knew he'd turned down Courtney Jerome and Chrissy Slade.

  He made his way over to the far side of the library where it was usually quiet. One table was free, and on the next sat the petite blonde girl who was always by herself. He'd sat near to her on a few occasions, but she'd never spoken or even acknowledged him. As he got closer to her table, he noticed she was looking straight at him, but before he could say 'hi', she looked away. Brice took a seat at the next table, and began to unpack the books from his bag. As he did, he stole the occasional glance at the girl. She was pretty, but so much different from the girls he usually encountered. Everything about her was understated. Her clothes were plain and modest. Her make-up, if she was actually wearing any, was very subtle.

  So many students considered studies to be an interruption of their social life. Brice had fought hard to get a place at university, and was determined to get the best degree he could. He didn't want to end up in a dead-end job; he wanted a career. Some students seemed to breeze through their course—not Brice. He'd never found it easy—the only way he would get a good degree would be to work twice as hard as everyone else. He didn't mind. If that's what it took, he was up to the challenge.

  “Are you completely insane?” Jimmy slid onto the seat next to Brice.

  “I'm busy.” Brice said.

  “Courtney told me she asked you to go to Toppers.” Jimmy's volume level made no concession to library etiquette.

  “So?”

  “You said no!”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Brice thought he saw the girl at the next table look across at them, but when he turned his head, she was deep in study.

  “I know what I said.”

  “But it's Courtney,” Jimmy protested.

  “So?”

  “And Chrissy.”

  “Is there a point to any of this?”

  “The point is—you and me could have been with those two.”

  “Jimmy.”

  “What?”

  “Go away.”

  “But—” Jimmy shook his head.

  “Leave!” Brice spoke quietly, but left Jimmy in no doubt that it was time for him to leave. Brice watched his friend walk away, then turned to the girl.

  “Sorry about that.”

  The girl looked up, nodded and then returned to her book.

  Chapter 4

  Kerry would usually walk home from university unless it was raining, snowing or simply too cold. On foot, it normally took her thirty five minutes. As usual, her mum was at the window—waiting. She always wore the same worried expression, as if expecting bad news.

  “How was it today?” her mum said.

  “Okay.” Kerry squeezed past.

  “No problems?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She faced the same interrogation every day when she arrived home.

  “I'm sure. I have homework. I'm going to my room.”

  “You're certain everything's okay?”

  Kerry, who was already halfway up the stairs, pretended she hadn't heard.

  Once inside her bedroom Kerry closed the door, dropped her bag onto the floor, and sat on the bed. It was only a respite. Over dinner, she'd have to face further questioning. She understood why her mum worried, but it was still wearing.

  As she stared out of the window, her mind went back to the library. His name was Brice, and he'd spoken to her. She'd wanted to tell him she knew his friend's interruption hadn't been his fault. The words hadn't come; all she'd managed was a nod.

  During Kerry's first week at university, a girl named Cindy had as
ked if she wanted to join her and a couple of other freshers on a night out. Kerry had thanked her for the invitation, but politely declined. No one had asked her to go out since. Before she'd started at university, Kerry had assumed everyone there would want to immerse themselves in their studies. It hadn't taken long for her to realise that was anything but the case. Students routinely skipped classes and lectures, either because they were hung-over, or simply couldn't be bothered.

  Over dinner, her mum asked the usual questions; Kerry gave the usual answers. Afterwards, Kerry went back to her bedroom. Her mum wanted her to stay downstairs, but Kerry said she had work to do. It was a lie. They didn't have the Internet. They didn't have TV. Her mum even refused to let her have a mobile phone. Kerry spent the evening reading—her favourite pastime. She loved to lose herself in stories which transported her out of those four walls, and into other lands—into other worlds.

  Chapter 5

  Lizzie stared at Kerry's house. Why had Kerry frozen her out of her life? They'd been together for as long as she could remember.

  Now Kerry thought she was all that. She thought she was 'oh so smart'—just because she was at university. They used to be close. They used to share everything, but since Kerry started university, she hadn't told Lizzie anything. It was like she'd forgotten all about her. Kerry had thought she'd make a load of new friends at university, but Lizzie hadn't seen any sign of them. Kerry would realise soon enough that no one wanted to be her friend and, when she did, she'd come grovelling back to Lizzie.

  Lizzie knew about the guy—the one in the library. Kerry could be such an idiot. As if a guy like that would give her a second look. That kind of guy only wanted one thing.

  Chapter 6

  “You can't go to the library again today,” Jimmy said.