SECRET IDENTITY
IDENTITY SERIES
BOOK 1:
SECRET IDENTITY
by
Linda Mooney
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
Published by
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
Copyright Ó 2012 by Linda Mooney
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-61160-162-6
Credits
Cover Artist: Gemini Judson
Editor: Fran Mathieson
Printed in the United States of America
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE TUB
(Written as Gail Smith)
“The Tub (written as Gail Smith) kept me interested the entire time. There was sex, albeit horrific toward the end, and horror that had me widening my eyes in shock. I don’t want to say too much and give the story away, but all I have to say is when Amanda pulled that head out of the water, I felt my stomach turn. The horror was definitely there, and despite this being a very short tale, it packed quite a punch!”
Manic Readers
“I have to admit this was my first time reading erotic horror and after finishing (The Tub). I’ll definitely be looking for more and more stories by this author. If, like me, you want to try reading erotic horror, this is a good pick.”
Whipped Cream Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
CUT GLASS: JEWELS BOOK 1: DIAMOND
“Cut Glass: Jewels Book 1: Diamond has left me speechless. There are books that once you finish them you can’t find the words to describe what they are and for me Cut Glass: Jewels Book 1: Diamond is one of those.”
Sizzing Hot Book Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
POSSESSION
“As you can guess, I loved Possession. This is not your standard ghost or cop story. And I have to warn you girls, you will need tissues around the end, but there is a HEA ending (I really worried as I got to the end, hope this doesn’t spoil anything for you, but we do expect the HEA when reading romances). Possessionis a great paranormal, and anyone tired of the standard romance will enjoy this unusual twist on a good ‘who-done-it’ idea.”
Sizzing Hot Book Reviews
“Author Linda Mooney has written a new and interesting book. Possession is definitely not the same old thing. This is such a unique storyline with so many unexpected twists and turns, that I recommend once you begin you plan to read it right through to the end.”
Whipped Cream Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
RHEA 41070
TwoLips Reviewer’s Choice Award
“Linda Mooney is one of my top five favorite authors, but occasionally she’ll write a book that I have to, if not struggle through the opening several chapters, keep turning page after page in hopes of getting to the real nitty-gritty of the story, at which time I know the book will take off in leaps and bounds. Rhea 41070 is one of those books. The first three chapters are devoted to extensive world building, setting the scene and flavor of what’s to come, plus extensive character development that you’ll be glad to have a feel for when the real kickass action starts tearing up the pages. Be prepared for some bloody scenes in this book, plus the last few chapters that will dig deep and pull so much emotion from you that you’ll need a box of tissues handy.”
TwoLips Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
A DIFFERENT YESTERDAY
“The author gives outstanding and vivid detail so the reader can feel they are in the story experiencing what the characters experience. I truly enjoyed (A Different Yesterday) and would recommend it anyone needing a great book to curl up with.”
Reviews by Nora
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
FROM OUT OF THE SHADOWS
“This was a very well written novel and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. The love scenes were sensual, erotic and just graphic enough for me to be able to imagine what it would be like to have Croat make love to me. I really enjoyed From Out of the Shadowsand would not hesitate to read another story by the author of such an enchanting story.”
Happily Ever After Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
RUNNER’S MOON SERIES
“Wow! Runner’s Moon: ChallaBook 4 has to be one of the best science fiction romances I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year!”
Coffee Time Romance
“Challa is one of those books you just can’t put down, but of course it is; it’s a Linda Mooney book! Like everything she writes, this story is captivating from beginning to end, but then, frankly I think Ms. Mooney could draw you into a scene about taking out the garbage. She’s just that kind of writer. Her plots are riveting, and she makes you feel her characters, right down to their toenails.”
Two Lips Reviews
Joyfully Recommended
“Fantastic Sci-Fi story is the first thing that comes to mind when I tell people about (Runner’s Moonbook 3) Simolif.”
Joyfully Reviewed
“Go, Ms. Mooney, Go. I am thoroughly intrigued by the species she has invented and am hooked on reading how they adapt to the human race and lifestyles (in Runner’s Moon: Tiron book 2).”
Joyfully Reviewed
“Be warned, though. If you have not read the first book yet, odds are you will want to after reading (Runner’s Moon: Tiron book 2).”
Coffee Time Romance
Top Pick Recommended Read
“Runner’s Moon: Jebaral (book 1)¼is an exciting and passionate romance that leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.”
Romance Reader at Heart
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE THUNDER SERIES
“In this reviewer’s humble opinion, no one writes more touching, heartfelt romances (like Wings of Thunder) than Linda Mooney. She can haul you right into the story and make you feel her characters’ desires, happiness, passion and sadness better than any author I’ve ever read.”
Two Lips Reviews
Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read
“The powerful and sensual sex scenes between Annie and Rion (in Passion of Thunder) add a deep, abounding passion to their devoted relationship. Rion’s commitment to Annie drew me to him more than any fictional hero ever has.”
Fallen Angel Reviews
“I will never look at a thunderstorm quite the same again. Lord of Thunderisn’t just a play on words; it describes the main character of this fascinating new novel by Linda Mooney. A story of strength, determination, and love told with characters as rich as the Montana setting. Raw, intense and satisfying, are words that both describe the story and the romance. Reading Linda’s work is an escape like no other. Reading romance, always a guilty pleasure has now become a real joy!”
Renee’s Book Talk, Blog Talk Radio
Two Lips Reviews Recommended Read
“I devoured this book, alternately smiling and shedding tears along the way. I guarantee that readers will want to read this book over and over again.”
Two Lips Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
MY STRENGTH, MY POWER, MY LOVE
“The premise of this Science Fiction / Romance novel caught me off guard. I was blown away and completely enamored with the idea. Linda Mooney takes you on a beautiful journey to the stars and beyond. She has a wonderful ability for writing stunningly beautiful scenes and the expertise for making an emotional connection through her characters. She is a talented and powerful writer and I highly recommend My Strength, My Power, My Love. It is a necessary read for all lovers of science fiction or romance.”
Renee’s Book Talk, Blog Talk Radio
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
HEARTCRYSTAL
“Linda Mooney has done a top notch job of world building. You get a story that will make you laugh a little but mostly it will twist your heartstrings to pieces. You may want to keep a box of Kleenex nearby while reading (HeartCrystal).”
The Romance Studio
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
HEARTFAST
PNR Reviewer Top Pick
“(HeartFast is) Well worth the time to read—which won’t be too long, as you won’t be able to put it down!”
ParaNormalRomance Reviews
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
SANDEFLAY
Outstanding Read
“(Sandeflay is a) Great book, a definite keeper.”
Simply Romance Reviews
“Sandeflayis an absolutely stunning read by Ms. Mooney.”
Romance Junkies
Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid:
www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
Runner’s Moon Book 1: Jebaral
Runner’s Moon Book 2: Tiron
Runner’s Moon Book 3: Simolif
Runner’s Moon Book 4: Challa
Sandeflay
HeartFast
HeartCrystal
My Strength, My Power, My Love
Lord of Thunder
Passion of Thunder
Wings of Thunder
From Out of the Shadows
Rhea 41070
A Different Yesterday
Possession
The Tub (written as Gail Smith)
Cut Glass: Jewels, Book 1: Diamond
Cut Glass: Jewels, Book 2: Ruby
Deep
Chapter 1
Rescue
“It’s been a long, hard struggle to bring Dobbling Chemicals here to Fullerton. But three years and sixty-eight million dollars later, we’re here to celebrate the grand opening of the industry’s newest and most anticipated member of Dobbling Enterprises.”
“Joining me today is the person everyone credits with this endeavor, Miss Brenda McKay, head of Design and Development for Dobbling. How does it feel, Ms. McKay, to finally see the results after such a hard-fought battle?”
The reporter stuck the microphone in Brenda’s face, narrowly missing hitting her in the nose. Brenda instinctively jerked her head back to avoid it, then wondered how the whole thing looked on national television. Pasting on one of her patented company smiles, she replied, “It’s a dream come true, Karen! Dobbling Chemicals is quickly becoming well-respected and honored for its discovery and manufacturing of seco-resonant plastics.”
“Plastics that are rapidly growing in demand from all sectors of the retail market, as well as for military use, isn’t that correct?”
For military use. The phrase acted like a code word, instantly putting Brenda on full alert. If the reporter was hoping for some juicy tidbits to verify the rumors that Dobbling was being courted by the pentagon, she was going to be sorely disappointed.
“I don’t know about any military purposes,” she smoothly contradicted. “But we have some applications coming up that we feel will completely revolutionize the field of medicine.”
That comment put a sparkle in the reporter’s eyes. It was enough to get the woman off of the topic of the military for at least the next question.
“By medical, are you talking about surgical or preventative, or…”
“Pharmaceutical,” Brenda offered. “Although I can’t say anything more at this time.”
The reporter nodded, taking her mic back and turning to face the camera. “Dobbling Chemicals has already hired sixty new employees from this area, and plans to hire at least sixty more. Which is why the town of Fullerton welcomes them with open arms, as this company pumps fresh blood and dollars into its tired economy. Reporting for Channel Eight Eyewitness News, I’m Karen Fox.”
Brenda stood off to the side to thank the woman once the cameraman had killed the feed. It was always good policy to brown-nose the news media. It helped to keep them as close bedfellows, which in turn kept public opinion swayed toward the positive when it came to big business ventures like Dobbling Enterprises. Joe Common Man off the street had a natural aversion to big businesses, no thanks to huge corporations who squandered billions of dollars in the past, then expected Mr. Common Man to help bail them out. And then, once the bailout came through, basically gave their saviors the shaft as thanks.
Which was why she had the kind of job she had. Behind her pretty girl-next-door face and her home-grown manners, she had a sharp brain and keen eye for dealing with the public.
The reporter raised an eyebrow to see her still standing there. Brenda gave the woman a warm smile. “Thank you again for the interview. If you don’t mind…” She handed the woman her business card. “Send me an email. That way when I’m ready to release more information, I can get in touch with you.”
“Thanks.” The woman accepted the card, barely glancing at it as her cameraman relieved her of her microphone. “Say, is it true you’re from Fullerton?”
“It’s true. Born and raised here. It wasn’t until I graduated from Fullerton High that I finally left town to go to college.”
“Bet you’re especially excited to see this company come in then, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.” Brenda lightly laughed, then glanced at her watch. It was usually a ploy to end the conversation before it went any further, although the reporter didn’t need to know that. But this time it was also the truth. “Oh, my. I lost track of time. I’m late. I’m sorry, but I need to go. Don’t forget to email me!”
With a little wave, Brenda turned to hurry back to where the small crowd was gathered at the front of the main building for the ribbon cutting.
The explosion was unexpected and devastating. Wood slivers and chunks of brick shot outward, filling the air first with dust and particles, then with lethal intent as poison began to fill the sky. People screamed as shrapnel rocketed from the heart of the factory. An instant later, another thunderous boom of released energy destroyed what was left of the walls and windows. The roof literally melted like wet cotton candy.
Pandemonium ensued. Workers ran for their lives, but the caustic gas was faster, and people fell, overcome by the burning fumes which robbed them of breath. Brenda saw the flames ripping through the top of the building, and immediately knew the worst had happened. She turned to race for safety just as the wall of sound and debris swept over her and the rest of the crowd.
Up ahead she caught sight of the news van. The cameraman was about to close the door when he spotted her and frantically waved at her, urging her to hurry. She screamed as her eardrums threatened to burst, and she fell into the open door of the vehicle as a scalding chunk of plaster narrowly missed striking her in the head. Somehow she managed to crawl over the carpeted interior until she was far enough inside as the cameraman gave the door a hard tug. The van’s side cargo hatch smoothly slid shut with a satisfying slam.
Behind her, the reporter wheezed as she fought for air. They all were gasping. Through weeping eyes, Brenda watched as the cameraman hit a swi
tch on a panel, and tried to croak out a plea for help. Something in the fumes was making their throats constrict. She panicked to think they could end up suffocating to death.
Her ears were still ringing from the blast. Shrugging off her jacket, she held it up to her nose, hoping it might help alleviate some of the fumes. Wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her blouse, she rose up until she could peer over the seats in the front of the van, but there was little to see beyond the windshield. The yellowish cloud continued to boil, totally obliterating everything from sight.
“Miss McKay.”
Her head whipped around to stare at the man huddled behind her. The reporter lay unconscious on the carpet next to him. The man’s dark complexion had turned almost ghost white.
“Call me Brenda.” She coughed. “And you are…”
“Alan.”
“Good to meet you, Alan. Sorry it had to be under these conditions.”
The remark earned her a wan smile as the man coughed behind a hand.
“It’s too quiet out there,” he managed to gasp.
The realization froze her blood. Too quiet. He was right. The screaming had stopped. An image of the ground littered with bodies flashed through her mind. Oh, God, no. It was too horrible to even consider, but there was no telling what all had been in those fumes. The air could still be toxic. Oh, God, and it could be heading into town!
“Quick! Can you tell which w-way the wind’s blowing?”
“Hell if I know.”
“Can you drive us out of here?”
“Which way?” the man asked, pointing out the windshield. “That stuff’s like s-soup. You can’t see past two inches out there.”
“Well, we can’t stay here. Can you reach the TV station? Can you broadcast out? Call for help?”
“The blast must’ve taken out the antenna. I can’t even get a signal. We’re stuck here.”
“Don’t say that,” Brenda gasped. Breathing was like trying to suck air through a tiny straw. The harder she tried, the sides of the straw would collapse, blocking the flow. It took great effort to try and make herself calmly inhale. She watched as Alan struggled like her.
“We can’t stay here,” she repeated.
The cameraman held up a hand for silence. He was receiving something through his earpiece. Brenda strained to listen.