Extracts

Arrival at the Compound

The Joyrider screeched to a grinding halt on the edge of the compound with a second bike a moment later kicking up a thick whirlwind of dust and stopping beside it. Two riders climbed off each, boys on one, girls on the other, the lead riders wearing jet black outfits with mirrored visors, the two passengers dull, undistinguished, probably borrowed gear. The boy in the black suit removed his helmet and looked around with contempt at the dismal scene and a moment later the black suited girl did the same, shaking loose a thick tangle of dark hair to reveal a stunningly beautiful face spoiled only by a trace of something resembling cruelty. Although only seventeen, she had an expression that seemed to know it all and was as contemptuous of the compound as the boy, grimacing at the unpleasant smells and turning up her collar as if it might afford some protection from the dust, dirt and decay.

Mason Suspicious

Mason had the oddest feeling that there was something loose in his world and out of control. He liked to think he controlled all the Houses, just like Prime Ministers did before the Houses of Parliament became Parliament House. He thought the School System was sound and stable, but here was his dark haired beauty and his own bloodline involved in a bizarre killing spree! He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that something was out there – a monster that could eat him whole and spit out his bones.
He looked closely at Nathan, wondering if it was possible that Sharlot preferred him, that she’d swapped sides but, couldn’t believe it. His arrogance wouldn’t let him.
“What are you thinking?” Nathan asked.
“You know what I’m thinking,” said Mason, “that you’ve fouled things up.”

Aziz and the Greyhair

“There’s been a murder,” said the Greyhair.
Again, Aziz was taken by surprise. Crimes were dealt with by Security Prefects, normally in short, sharp, on-the-spot justice. They were generally kids being stupid, but serious crimes had been the province of Greyhairs who were now, supposedly, safely out of harm’s way.
“Who?” Aziz asked.
“Who was murdered or who did it?” asked the Greyhair.
“Both,” Aziz replied.
“The victims – there were two,” said the Greyhair, “were friends of mine. We live in the same compound. A couple. Private people. Like me.”
“And you saw the murder?”
“No, not exactly. I saw the murderers take off, but I recognised two of them.”

Sweethearts

Anyone who reached the dizzy heights of Head of House had to have more than beauty and goodness, and so it was with Kim Sun of Retro House, although she had her fair share of both.
“How the devil did he make it, Nathan?”
Nathan shrugged, innocently. He hoped, in fact he knew, he was being persuasive. The thing to do was believe the story yourself, make the lie real.
“I don’t know, but he did it. The thing wasn’t human.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. I wouldn’t make up something like that. I couldn’t.”
They’d been together for months. Kim saw Nathan as a way into Head Girl territory whilst he saw her as a pawn in his own little game.

Subarbaria

Early dawn and they woke, tired, stiff, shivering and miserable.
They ate a little and set off again, unhappy, uncomfortable and for the most part in silence. Blisters formed on Mree’s feet and burned her each step she took. Every few metres felt like a mile and every mile felt like ten. They’d never walked so much and the terrain was impossible, blocked, blasted and blown across the ancient roads. It rained and they were drenched. Shelter was sporadic and never safe.
After four days they still couldn’t see an end to the rubble and the ruin. They calculated that they’d covered about twelve to fifteen miles a day. The skin on their feet was ripped, their muscles tightened and they drifted into silent suffering.
Each night they found a secluded spot and tried to sleep in alternate shifts so that one of them could keep watch.

Write Away!

RIGHT Click HERE to visit the Write Away! review. You might leave the Hawkwood site or the page might open in a new browser tab…this is all part and parcel of the wonderful world of computers.

Google Book Search

Click below to read more about The Secret