Keeping Secrets
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One day, we found ourselves in the barn together, while Daddy ran to the store to get more nails. Mama had taken the little ones to Grandma’s house, and Lenny strolled over to Jade and me. I’d had it and was going to let him know we weren’t scared of him and would tell if we had to!
“I’m going to tell Mama and Daddy what you do to us, and they won’t think you’re such a big deal then!” I shouted right in his face.
“That would be one big mistake, little girls, if either of you say anything about me! I’ve got my ways, and you’ll be real sorry then. Who knows, maybe you’d even like what I’ve got planned for you. I’m pretty good at what I do.” With that, he yanked my arms behind me, kissed me on the neck in a really mean way, and his face showed me he wasn’t kidding.
“You’re sick, Lenny, and I want you to get your filthy hands off me right now!” I screamed.
In a second, Jade was on him, hitting him as hard as she could on the back with the broom. He yelped in pain, letting go of my hands, and it was then that I took off running as fast as I could to the woods, with Jade right beside me. We left him swearing and shaking the broom at us. It was some sight to see! We laughed, but we were really scared of him, for the first time.
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About the Book
Two young cousins, Jenny O’Shea and Jade Ritchie, share a special bond that goes beyond family and friendship. When that bond is tested by abuse, the two girls come to learn the value of their friendship. They share a powerful, empowering, and emotional journey as they both fight to protect their childhood and their innocence.
When an older cousin arrives, the darkness of his intentions quickly becomes clear, but only to the girls. To the outside world, he is a loving big brother and a protector, but the girls quickly learn that appearances can be deceiving. They know that, unless they can outwit him, they run the risk of becoming prisoners to his sinister plans. His cunning and perverse intentions are a constant threat that they are determined to fight off together.
But just as they are about to launch their own defensive against him, they are separated. Once alone, each girl’s life becomes indescribably more complicated and dangerous. And just when freedom is within sight, an even darker secret is revealed—one that will change their lives forever.
Theirs is a story of resilience and the power of the human spirit.
About the Author
JUNE KELLEY PIERCE, now retired after a teaching career, has a master’s degree in both education and special education. A native of northern New York State, she has lived in the Hudson Valley for more than thirty years. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.