Death by Cake: Lost Secret Series, #1

By Serena Walken

She lost her sister to a slice of cake. She has a medical condition most consider a myth. Will Shari find redemption in a town of innocence?

Shari Kari is in trouble. Her supportive sister tells her to get out of Calibri City and into a small safe town: Lost Secret. Famous for being the one-stop drop town for the rich and famous' children. No crime. Where even adults act like children. She finds a friend in Timothy Varmen, and a semi-happy life, until her special condition gets out of control.

Ezekiel is the town's hero. While acting like a big child himself, he's taken on the extra duty of trying to 'save' the new local resident, whether she likes it or not.

In this town, a man must learn to grow up, and a woman must learn to grow down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serena Walken
• Release date: Jul 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201703325

Serena Walken

Serena Walken likes to write fantasy, sometimes whimsical or sometimes dark. She lives in Kansas with her wonderful daughter. She enjoys writing stories for a more broad-based audience and it's usually romantic but not always. https://www.patreon.com/serenawalken is where you can find more exclusive books and writing of hers. You can also find her on several other sites like Tumblr, Wattpad, Webnovel, and more writing for free and for paid.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Dropped Off Stranger

Lost Secret's sign was clearly written by a child. It's L and E were backwards. Shari Kari expected no less since the town was full of children. No adult on Earth would be found there, except visiting parents, and apparently her.

She heard her sister Tracy mutter a warning, some repeated instructions about where she would reside, then heard the wheels squeal off. Shari saw the suitcase her sister had stood beside her and dragged up a sigh along with it. Shari never had any problems compared to Tracy, but she had just been informed she had a hit on her. Which was the only reason she was in Lost Secret.

Safety.

Tracy said she'd take care of it and refused to tell Shari much. Shari didn't know how to feel about that, as words with Tracy were never what they seemed. The word 'babysitter', 'I love you extra special', and 'just some things' were never sincere. What could 'hit' mean though?

Anyone else could demand an explanation, but Shari had no room to quarrel. Tracy was in charge of her, always. Finances, relationships, career, everything.

One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, a woman chanted, her bosoms moving up and down as she jumped roped with two other women. Shari, at first, almost laughed. Women being goofy or nostalgic happened at certain intervals in their lives. Boys and girls alike rushed by with a cloud of laughter.

Her mouth found itself being tucked upward. Youth. She continued to walk, knowing her new rental property would not be far. After such a strange day she could go for a nap. This hit had to be Tracy's fault, and hopefully it would be cleared up soon.

No, no, leave me alone, a little girl yelled as she ran past Shari. Shari looked back toward a man chasing her. A rugged man in overalls? Before Shari could even think of what to do next, the little girl began laughing. Can’t catch me, Benji, the little girl laughed again as she darted on the other side of Shari.

No fair, the brisk baritone voice spoke as he crossed his arms and stomped his foot like a spoiled child. No fair using people not in the game, Rosa, I’m tellin’!

Telling? At that point, she remembered the women that had been jump roping and acting like children. She turned and examined more of the new town she'd be living in. Children far and wide, played in the trees and in the roads ahead, running from house to house. Lost Secret was nothing but a playground for everyone, she knew that before she came. However, the word everyone actually meant more than just children?

Adults acted like children.

You normal?

Shari jumped as a finger poked in the middle of her back. She turned around and saw a man who didn’t seem to embody the young vibe everyone around him did. He wore a black suit with a red tie. His face was stoic and stood out in the middle of the playing crowd. He had a small and pudgy side to him, but not much more than she did.

You look normal, he said in a gruff manner as his eyes trailed up and down her. His gaze felt more curious than predatory. Well dressed, and no stupid bows in your hair. You’re a visitor, new to Lost Secret.

Yes, Shari admitted. I’m a new resident. Temporary.

The gruff man almost smiled, but not quite. A new resident? There are no new residents that stick around unless you’re under the age of ten. Or if you are leaving sniveling kids behind for me to deal with. He cracked his fingers one at a time as he spoke.

Not a winning attitude. If she had kids, this is the last place they would end up. I’m sorry, who are you? Shari had to ask.

The gruff man stood straight with honor and pleasure peeking through his expression. Timothy Varmen. Only sane person in Lost Secret.

Timmers Varmint, a few of the kids laughed out loud as they pointed at him. Timmers, Timmers.

Varmen, Timothy Varmen, Timothy corrected them as he looked at Shari again. I didn’t see you drop off your kids, so why are you here?

Just arrived and Shari already had a problem. Right now, information was best avoided. I thought this would be a peaceful community.

Then turn back around, Timothy twirled his left index finger in a circle, because you made a mistake. This place is anything but peaceful.

I’m aware of that now, Shari said briefly looking around again. So, Mister Varmen, have you been a longtime resident?

Mister? Timothy chuckled. A strange, unpleasant choking chuckle, like when someone eats and laughs, but gets food caught in their throat. He was clearly not in the best medical shape. His tough stance eased as he answered her question. I grew up here, left, and came back. His nose twitched with disgust. I had hoped things changed, but it’s the same pathetic excuse for a town.

Shari leaned against her cane, her attention focused on Mister Varmen. It seemed someone had agreed with her about how atrocious these dumping grounds had been. I agree Mister Varmen. It isn’t right, and children should have parents around, or adoptive guardians. She wiggled her fingers against her cane, By the way, the adults around here -

Grew up here, never left, Timothy finished. Sad fate, so you should turn back around and leave. This town isn’t fit for normies. Shari cocked her eyebrow up as he continued. Normal people. Temporary kids that are here back and forth are tempies, and the ones who live here forever are permies. Better get used to that lingo.

It's too late, I’ve got a place I’m renting, Shari said, and besides anything’s better than Calibri. A slight upward crook graced her face. At least there won’t be any Adventurers. Mister Varmen gestured toward the middle of the town, where an out-of-place tower resided. She lost the crook in her face. An Adventurer? The last thing she needed was one of those cliché heroes nosing around in her business. She wasn't an Adventurer groupie, someone who sighed and had posters of their buff naked chests hanging in their rooms. Adventurers were worse than rock stars when it came to popularity.

Or modesty.

No, just a Paladin, Timothy said as Shari's grip on her cane became loose in relief. An Adventurer fought considerable danger, saved women and they were even commissioned to save the world. A Paladin stopped people from damaging trees, breaking small laws and polluting rivers. Some were even scientists, trying to find cures for diseases or growing safer crops.

Paladins are well respected, Shari said. Is the Paladin a scientist, or considering the area, a counselor for neglect?

Timothy seemed to gag. No way. Zeke is the one keeping the residents safe. He’s the reason Lost Secret exists in this form. If anything happens to anyone, he’s fired.

Oh, Shari’s mouth twitched up. Even better. His name's Zeke, and he’s just the town babysitter?

"Yes, yes, that’s it, Timothy clapped his hands at her statement. He’s a babysitter. Oh, I am so calling him that next time, I can just see his face, its priceless. Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah. His antics and excitement stopped, most likely from seeing her face. Sorry. Habit-er-handicap. He covered his mouth and cleared his throat. This place is a contagious disease. I don't recommend sticking around."

Shari shrugged, Look, if it’s better than Calibri City and as long as I can get... She leaned off her cane as she tried to cover her mouth with her left hand. ...some rest. She noticed the curious look on his face. No use hiding it. I have a rare condition, so I don't exercise or get out much. I'll leave it at that.

Really? Timothy reached in his pocket and pulled out an asthma inhaler. We have something in common, he said as he twirled the inhaler around his finger. I like you better by the minute.

Shari tried to keep a blush from striking her cheeks, but she felt herself becoming warm. Few men paid much attention in such a way. Shape wise, she was okay, but far from perfect. Well, thank you. Timothy, was it?

Yes. Timothy. He covered his top lip with his bottom. She could tell he was almost as excited as her. Miss, or Mrs.?

Shari Kari, She reached out her hand as if she could grab her mistake. "Oh, Miss Shari Kari."

Oh, well Miss Shari Kari, Timothy chuckled his strange choking laugh again. If you’re stuck here, and insist upon staying, then I welcome you. He placed his inhaler back in its pocket. Perhaps we could even become good companions while you're here?

Companions? Shari placed a hand on her face. He moved even faster than she expected. Well, you see, Mister Varmen, I mean uh, Timothy? I've recently got out of a relationship. That doesn’t mean it's a no forever, but we could start as friends? I usually don't move so fast.

Timothy’s eyebrow rose as he seemed to regard her response. Okay.

Okay. We could meet for a friendly movie, Shari suggested. Timothy. Mister Varmen. I will see you around then. She walked away quickly but politely. That position became quite uncomfortable. She was never right with guys, having never actually dated anyone that she picked out herself.

"OOH, OOH, PASS IT THIS way!"

Shari groaned as she grabbed her pillow and pulled it over her head. It was early in the morning, and the residents were wide awake. Again. After hearing the noise and giddy laughter an extra five minutes, she had to act. She threw off her pillow, pried herself out of bed, grabbed her cane and headed to her door. Women were laughing on the side of the street, two boys were throwing a ball back and forth, four were out on the road playing soccer, and at least three grown men were playing hide and seek!

Shari cleared her throat, making sure her speech would not be muffled. She banged her cane on the ground a couple of times. Kids! Lost Secret, a never-ending game of fun. Kids, ladies, gentleman, please. Can you play elsewhere? For the last two weeks, the permie residents would wake early and play all over Lost Secret making her come out every day and repeat the same thing. The tempies would be out later to play, but it was always the permies playing in the morning.

A polite girl with red hair and pigtails wiped off her hands as she placed them on a fire hydrant. Shari wouldn't be surprised if it were gum. The towhead boy next to her took off his glasses and blew on them, pulling a handkerchief from his pants to clean them. The other two boys in the crowd smiled, each wearing a typical colored shirt. Those were the proper children, but the mouthy one was chewing gum and crossing her arms, blowing a bubble but not saying a word today.

We'll try to be quieter, Shari. The polite redheaded girl of the bunch spoke for the crowd.

When Shari turned around, she knew it would be noisy again, but it wasn’t the children's fault; she was the same way as a child. You couldn’t expect kids to remain quiet. Even the adults, the ones who actually lived there and did not commute, seemed themselves large children who refused to grow up. When she reached the bed, she overheard discussions concerning her and Timothy Varmen. Was it so unusual for relationships to develop around there? Sure, he was gruff, and given his position she didn't blame him for not feeling the best about kids. Shari felt she'd be the same way if she were raised around a town that did nothing but play. With his health too, she knew all too well that watching everyone enjoy life to its fullest when you couldn't do that? It was no fun.

Strangely while thinking of Timothy, she heard his voice at the door. Leaving her bed again, she grabbed her blankets and pillows. Timothy's house was enormous, and once you went toward the middle, the sounds of the outside disappeared. He had invited her to stay the night with him last night, but she refused. Well, she was about to start saying yes to that option. Making herself decent, she opened the door and stared at him as he puffed on his inhaler. There was always something in the air bothering him. If it were cold, he said it hurt to breathe or walk around. If it were sunny, the pollen moved in on him. Most days he stayed in his house. They were so similar in their actions; it was like finding a twin soul.

I know you are up against your will, Timothy said as he glanced back at the permies still in her front yard, again. He held a gentle smile and look in his eyes. Are you sure you don't want to come with me?

How could she say no this time? Shari held her finger up and headed toward her blankets and pillows. A part of her felt nuts for doing what she would do. Sleep in a man's house. Yet Timothy was pleasant, caring, and there was a connection between them. He was starving for someone like him the same way she had been. Thank you, Timothy. She looked back at the permies, still playing in her front yard. You go ahead and play. I’m going to Timothy’s for a while.

At almost three, Shari yawned as she rubbed her eyes. Timothy? If her life could be compared to any animal, she’d be a sloth. As she thought, once she came to his home, he had not pulled one act against her. He even gave her a spare bedroom. I have to say, I haven't had restful sleep in some time. Thanks for the invite. Her apology changed to an outright request as she saw the ice cream he was presenting to her. You really do know me. Shari grabbed a spoon and took a bite of creamy caramel, pecans, and fudge swirl. Timothy knew her sweet tooth was violent. He was trying to take their friendship to a new level, it was easy to see. Was she ready? That’s heaven, Timothy.

I bought it for you, normie friend, Timothy cleared his throat, which seemed higher than usual as he shifted his feet. Who is a charming, intelligent normie friend? And since I’m normie and you're a normie, that together might make us...

Shari chuckled and looked over at Timothy. His heart had been in the right place, and there weren’t a lot of people to choose from in the small town of Lost Secret. Most adults didn’t even tie their shoes. She noticed his exterior; his hands were fidgety. He had something serious to say but couldn't get the words out. Lucky for him, she already knew. Okay, Timothy. Why not, she’d give him a chance. At least he knew how to tie his own shoes. I think I could try a date.

Dating? Timothy stumbled on the words. D-d-dating? Dating. Yes, dating. Dating it is. Really, with me? I wasn't going to ask for someone else, this would be me?

Oh, he wasn't used to dating either it seemed. She bent over and gave him a small kiss; her interest only grew with his stuttering. Call me.

Chapter 2: Champion Paladin Zeke

W hat have I said about running around this tree? Zeke asked as he wrapped gauze around a tempie's leg. His biggest hurdles never came from the permies, only the normies and tempies. As he saw the expression on the normie child, he knew the answer to his own question. I guess never. I'm Zeke, nice to meet you. Don't play around this tree; the branches aren't strong. If you head down Fourth Street, watch out for the small pothole, and if you need any more help, ask one of the permies and they'll find me. He patted the sore leg. Stay off this leg for a few days.

When he moved back, he glanced to his right hearing his name and saw Gregory, one of the permies. There were so many children in Lost Secret, but the only ones he emotionally became attached to were the ones who never left. Zeke wasn't biased, but by the time he learned a tempies name, they would already be leaving Lost Secret. He waved Gregory over. How are you?

Doing great, Zeke. Gregory patted his hands together. Want to play?

I need to take care of some business, Zeke said, but afterwards I'd love to play. Zeke brought his attention back to the tempie he'd helped. You'll be as good as new soon, remember what I said though. The normie reached in his pocket and brought out a sucker to convey his thanks. Zeke felt like gagging, but he plastered a smile on his face and merely waved it off. Sweets aren't good for you. It's best to stay away from them.

Sometimes sweets are the only thing you have.

Zeke heard a strange new voice. The voice was soft, female, and though he'd not met her yet, word spread quickly in Lost Secret. He turned around and saw Shari, the new resident. He dusted his hands off and pushed his tinted shades higher on his nose. Hello. You must be the new resident, Shari Kari. Welcome to Lost Secret. As they shook hands, he noticed how loose the handshake had been. Her cherry red cane wobbled from his handshake, she wasn't strong at all. I’m Zeke, Lost Secret's Champion Paladin.

Yes, Mister Ezekiel, I've heard of you. I’m sure I'll see you around, Shari ducked out of his way and seemed to make a passing glance to Gregory. See you later, too.

Not the friendliest, but he'd seen worse. He was going to talk to the normie until he saw Timothy Varmen wander over. He’d heard another strange rumor, but he wouldn’t risk Timothy becoming naughty and tricking a new resident if it weren’t true. The less time Timothy spent with her, the better. Zeke had slid between Shari and Timothy before Timothy came to her side. He'd grown up right beside Timothy in Lost Secret and had known him better than anyone. Ah, ah, what are you doing, Timmers?

Shari gave Zeke a dirty look that said ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Zeke looked between Shari and Timothy. So, the bizarre rumor was true. You mean he is not after you to start trouble, girl?

No. Timothy shoved him out of the way and marched over to the new resident. Zeke felt out of place as he watched Timothy place his arm around her shoulder in a proud stance. She is my girlfriend. Not my friend who is a girl, but a genuine girlfriend. We are going out, and we have kissed.

Zeke felt his face cringe, but with a quick chuckle, hid it. He had to remember his manners. He was the role model of every adult and child in Lost Secret. There were few around who ever picked up the slack. Oh. My mistake.

So Shari, Timothy said in a powerful voice, wanting to rub in his mistake. Want to come over tomorrow morning again?

It’s nice to get away from everything, Shari nodded, sure.

Timmers jumped up and down as Shari left from view. That guy reveled in being taken as a normie and had aspired to distinguish himself from the town. Looked like he was now going to try that girlfriend thing with the new resident.

Zeke often dissuaded relationships there, but Timothy had gone through the reteaching program, so he had no choice. Good for you, Zeke said as he processed the unexpected news. I guess everyone has someone.

Yes, and don’t get any ideas Z-z-z-eke, Timothy embellished as he poked Zeke's metallic peace medallion. Shari would never go for your tree hugging, stupid, hippie self.  You have no chance. Ha ha, loser. Peace, Timmer teased him as he held his two fingers up in a condescending peace sign as he headed back to his house.

Watch your language, Zeke called out to him. Honestly, stupid? What a horrible word. And a chance of what? Zeke realized he didn’t understand what Timmers was trying to get across. Then again he stopped understanding that guy some time ago.

Stealing his friend, Rebecca said from behind him. Her red hair and overalls spoke the spirit of Lost Secret, even if she hadn't been born there. He’s probably scared you’ll try and get her to play tag or something, Zeke.

That won't happen, Varmint and her were made for each other, said Tina, a cross between a permie and a tempie, chewing her bubble gum and twirling her dark hair. I don’t know why of all guys he would get someone though.

Zeke didn't know either. Who the heck would actually care for a guy like Timothy Varmen? He couldn't openly say that, though everyone followed his every word in Lost Secret. Best to be polite and say something simple then leave. Now, let's be happy for Timmers. It’s not right to think naughty things about people. He waved at the children and strolled away. It was still early and sooner or later he would have another scrape to take care of.

Chapter 3: JNSQ

Shari yawned as she continued her shopping. Lost Secret shopping mall wasn’t the most exciting place in the world, but it was the only thing the town had. Groceries, supplies, post office, everything was located in the mall. The people who ran it seemed to live in different towns around it. She figured it was because there was no one in Lost Secret wanting to do it. Everyone played. All day. How could they afford to live in their homes when they only played? She shrugged and looked at her list. Let’s see, oops!

Oops! I’m sorry. A girl apologized. She had a small basket of groceries that dumped everywhere. Honestly, the girl couldn’t have been much older than ten years old, and she had to shop for herself. Shari bent down and put her cane on the side of her to help the girl with her groceries. Thanks for the help, that’s surprising coming from you, the girl said as she gathered up her groceries once again. I’m glad the eggs didn’t break, Marcus would have been upset. Shari helped pick up groceries while looking at the girl. There were at least a hundred children running around the town, and at least twenty adults, but she had seen this girl more than once. I’m Rebecca, The girl said as she picked her basket back up.

Oh yes, Rebecca. Shari gestured with her finger. I remember now, you loved playing early in the morning by my home. Oh, Timothy lets me stay with him at night now.

We already knew that. Nothing happens in Lost Secret in secret. Rebecca raised her eyes up to her slowly. Why do you want to be with Timothy all day in a house though? Don’t you want to get up with the sun? Rebecca grinned widely. Smell the fresh air and go play?

Shari picked up her cane and steadily pushed herself back up. She couldn’t help but chuckle at Rebecca. She had once been the same as her, oh how lovely life used to be.

I spilled my groceries, and you helped me.  I can’t figure you out, Rebecca said as she seemed to study Shari. Timothy Varmen would have laughed if I spilled groceries in front of him. He'd probably even grab something and take off with it, making me have to run off after him. You got down and helped, and you didn’t have to, but you’re dating Timothy. One of the worst people in town.

Shari shrugged at Rebecca. If she kept on trying to figure her out, she’d end up with a headache. Best to be plain, simple, and out of the way.

Are you going to bring trouble into our town? Rebecca had to ask. Sorry to blurt it out, I know Zeke would say it’s rude, but I want to know. Everyone saw the way you were with Zeke. Are you going to try and change our town, bring in different adults? The ones that don’t play? Are you going to take out the fun?

No, Shari said, I’m not going to stir up anything in this town. She grabbed a box of gelatin and looked at it. Sugar free? She decided to put it back. She needed spice in her life. Salt, cinnamon, sugar, sweets, it was about all she had at times.

But it’s what Timothy lives for, Rebecca complained, he's always being mean to us.

Shari put regular gelatin in her cart as she heard the belly ache continue. She pedaled the cart with the girl trailing behind. Timothy is condescending because he believes the way this town runs is not right. Timothy will never do anything too bad, trust me. She grabbed a piece of already made pie from the freezer section. On the cover was a key lime pie with a fancy top with holes that made it appear all the more delicious. She plopped it in her cart delicately and noticed the look Rebecca was giving her. Are you trying to figure me out still?

Rebecca nodded. You shouldn’t eat too many sweets, Zeke says so. Lost Secret doesn’t have a dentist, and you have to go to a different town for dentistry. It’s annoying, and you don’t want to do it more than you have to, and if you keep eating stuff like that, you’ll have to go three or four times. Zeke says so. He has to make Timmers go five times a year. She touched her chin and tapped it three times. You’re not normal.

Hmph. Zeke fit into the classical Paladin role. I’ll see you later, Rebecca, I need to pick up my prescription. Shari walked over to the pharmacy and knocked on the window. Hello? I’m here to pick up my prescription.

TIMOTHY HELD A CANDY bar up to her mouth. Oh how she wished she could bite into the swirls of caramel and chocolate. No. I can’t, Shari said as she munched on a carrot. Carrots. Disgusting orange things coming out of the dirty ground. The top was all leafy and dry, the same as her taste buds right now. He asked what was wrong, knowing she never turned down any sweet. Shari told him how they couldn't fill her prescription as she stared at the nasty distasteful carrot. The medicine is too dangerous for Lost Secret, she said as she twiddled with her fingers. She didn't know how to say what she had to next, so she blurted out the truth. I can’t stay in Lost Secret anymore, Timothy.

She watched as Timothy stood up, his candy bar left on the side of the couch. Impossible, he said, I will get whatever it is you need.

It’s not worth it, Shari explained, and they won’t accept my insurance, which is the only way I can pay.

Well I'll figure out something, we should be able to get proper paperwork filled out. Timothy grabbed his bar again and held it out to her. Don’t worry about a thing. You are my girlfriend, and I will take care of you. So, would you like a bite?

Timothy, I’m not being mean. Shari curled up her legs on the couch. I can’t eat that, it's too much. The sugar alone could kill me.

Sugar, what? Timothy looked stunned. The little white powder in packets? Are you sure?

Without the medication, I’ll die. If I push myself too hard, I’ll die. If I get stressed out, I’ll die. Shari hated this part, explaining her condition. Most people thought it was fake, and even Timothy had doubts. I have JNSQ and only the medication can save me. I have to leave before I run out. She held up one finger. I only have one week’s worth left, and I'm not wasting one pill while I'm in Lost Secret.

What’s JNSQ? Timothy asked. Never heard of it.

Je Ne Sais Quois. No doctors know what it is, most say it's a myth, but the danger of regular food is enhanced many times over for me. A third of a grilled cheeseburger could give me a heart attack. Sugar becomes like hydrochloric acid to my body. You get the gist? If I don't take my medication and eat pretty much anything, I will die, Shari answered back. I’m sorry, Timothy, even this carrot. She looked at it with distaste. If I ate it all, I might change color from the beta carotene. There's no way around it.

Okay, Timothy said as he took another bite of his candy bar. "I was left this house and a small fortune, so I can