Quickly, I tie my shoelace and brush the dirt off my knees. “Hurry up, Tanner!” Harley moans and I roll my eyes. When I reach the ladder, I climb up into the space we made for ourselves. There are lots of other boys here too, maybe twenty. Some come and go, but others stay until they’re grown up enough to work.

Light blue eyes and a warm smile peak up into the cubby house. “A little birdie told me it’s somebody’s tenth birthday today.” Turning her attention to me, she slides a small package my way. “Keep this between us, oh — another little birdie told me there were cupcakes hidden in your wardrobe too.” And with a wink, she disappears again.

My eyes spring open, I remember where I’ve seen her before.

Louise worked at Darcel House.

Harley’s Book

The Boys of Darcel House. We were family by choice, not by blood; but blood was something we were willing to spill for each other. We all had two things in common — our families abandoned us, and the women of Darcel House tried to corrupt us.

I was the oldest; it was my job to protect us kids. When I saw an opportunity for one of us to be adopted into the wealthiest family in the country, you could bet your bottom dollar I made sure it happened. The others didn’t understand, but they didn’t need to. I did what needed to be done. But that was ten years ago. I didn’t think the ghosts from that house would still be haunting us, yet here we are, all of us running from something.

It’s time we flip the script.

Need to debrief?!

Come and join other readers in the Facebook Group ‘Secrets of Darcel House’ HERE

Please refrain from posting spoilers to the main page of the group. There will be a spoilers chat where you can go and vent, chat and swap theories.

Once again, THANKYOU for reading my debut novel and I hope you enjoyed Kinsley’s story.