Death by Sweet Tarts: Lost Secret Series, #3

By Serena Walken

The world becomes plagued. Violet is lost. Lost Secret is shut down. How will anything be saved?

It all starts with a family meal, and ends in tragic blood. Pat becomes a carrier for the Rogue Plague, a disease that brings vicious death to those who eat junk food. The world searches desperately for the cure, and something  is found in Violet. Positively charged, Violet and Zeke work to help find a cure. However, this isn't a simple mission. Violet must be lost, Zeke must confront his worst nightmare, and the world? Will be calling for blood.

 

Death by Sweet Tart is the last book in the Lost Secret Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serena Walken
• Release date: Aug 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201082987

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 One: Wait

L ost Secret. Elon cracked his knuckles as he stared out his window. Finished, mark it as finished. His hands reached for his collar and fixed it, in a gesture of confidence. If Shari Kari had given in, he wouldn't have made it so grim. As long as she had yanked him along though? As much time as that stupid Kiddie had taken keeping her hidden away? They both had to pay.

Besides, Kiddie nor Violet would ever do anything. They were soft, not real heroes. They were closer to the babysitters of Lost Secret. There was nothing to fear except maybe a little jail time. 

There were no signs of the plan working yet, Stanley Wabashaw had been like his father: Careful. No matter how careful the boy was though, the inevitable would happen. 

All the protection and security of Lost Secret would shatter.

The relationship between Shari Kari and Kiddie would be finished.

Elon picked up his martini and stirred it as he listened to the radio. News was boring and the usual. Some petty crime here and there, nothing significant. Patience, it would show up.

Patience.

He brought the martini to his mouth envisioning his next step. The nickname Delostean would be forgotten forever, as his new expert position would put him over everything: Even his mother and father's reputation would be overshadowed.

The news would come, Shari Kari would come, and even Kiddie would not be able to stay away. They would all come, but he would wait.

All he had to do was wait.

Chapter Two: A Dessert to Die For

Pat was a permie, but he never felt so permanent until now. He knew his parents didn't want him living forever in Lost Secret. In fact, they had taken him away from all of this. To learn the business, to grow up and become the next in line after his father. That had been his future. Well, that future was gone.

The name Stanley, it was gone. He was Pat. Short for Patsy. Forever.

So, drawings. Yeah, it was all he had.

Pat started with a simple picture of a boy kicking a ball. Then he went and drew pictures of kids playing outside. Eventually, he found himself drawing what he used to: him in the future.

What he thought had been his future at least. Dressed up in a black vest with a green tie and business shoes. Growing up, running a large company. It was just a joke now. He looked over his shoulder, sensing Violet nearby. Do you mind?

Sorry, room was open, Violet apologized from behind him. In her usual purple and goofy Adventurer Sidekick uniform, she joined him on the bed. Nice drawings.

Pat shrugged his shoulders. At least they aren't girly. He jumped off the bed and hung one near the bedside wall. Violet handed him some tape as he hung it up.

I'm sure we can help redecorate, Violet offered. Maybe Zeke has something he could lend you? 

Pat shrugged his shoulders again as he picked up another picture. He drew his arm back and stuck his finger in his mouth after the strike. Paper cut.

I know how that feels, Violet said. Need a Band-Aid?

No. Pat took the finger out of his mouth. It stung, but he didn't need a little Band-Aid. He was getting babied enough by Violet. Aren't there any other kids who need bandaged up? Newbies needing to learn the rules?

Always. Violet stood up. I get the hint. Just tell me if you need something, okay? Anything at all.

Pat nodded and watched her leave as he hung his art up on the wall. It didn't improve the room, but decorating it wasn't his main concern today anyway. There was nothing left to be concerned about. He left his room and headed outside. Seeing two tempies passing a ball back and forth, he headed to the middle of the road and watched them play. Tempies. They would always have a place to go. Pat stuck his hands in unfamiliar pockets. Zeke had picked him up some tempie wear. Pants and shirts used for kids who were dropped off with nothing. His clothes had been confiscated along with everything else of his families.

Watch it. Pat caught the tempies' ball as it sailed to him. Ouch, it had even hit his new paper cut. 

Time to go. The tempies parent grabbed the ball out of Pat's hands without a thank you. Come on, Matt and Terry. He threw the ball into the back seat with his sons.

You're supposed to see Zeke before- Pat didn't bother finishing as the man closed his car door. That was a pet peeve to Zeke, parents picking up without warning. It wouldn't be long before-yep, Zeke was right in front of the car, asking the driver to come out. A few minutes later they left, and Zeke walked over to him.

Pat, how are you today?

I am fine, Pat simply said. Don't worry.

I'm sure Violet worries for the both of us. Zeke patted him softly. Are you playing tag this afternoon?

I don't know. Maybe. Pat didn't say anything else as he walked away. 

LOST SECRET WAS AWESOME! Matt said to his dad as he sat down for supper. Can we come back when you guys have your next vacation?

I don't know, it was expensive, and the Guardian was a pain in the ass. You're my kids, if I want you out, I should be able to pull you out. Testy. Matt's dad stretched as he and Terrence shoved each other in the back. 

Ah. Be good or none of you get dessert. Their mother scolded them as she dished out some chicken.

Any pie? Terrence asked.

Any cake? Matt added. 

I made tarts, and don't complain. The cook doesn't come back until next week. Until then, I am cooking. Their mother grinned. I used to cook when I was younger. I think it will be great.

Used to. It's been years since I've been able to enjoy your cooking. Their father cleared his throat as he looked at the chicken. You did check the temperature?

Yes, they are fully cooked. She hmphed as she began to take off. Eat or there won't be any dessert.

That might be a good thing, he said under his breath as he began eating the chicken along with some mashed potatoes and gravy.

It's not that bad, Matt said. Not that good, but not that bad.

What do you mean not that good? Their mother dropped a plate of tarts on the table. Jerks. That is real cooking, not chef cooking. You're lucky I can even cook because your father doesn't know a thing about food. She sat down and began to eat her food. One each.

Do we have to have one? Terrence said, looking at the plate of tarts. 

They are homemade, his mother said. They'll be delicious, I spent all day on them.

Matt took a bite and laughed. Funny, it tastes like those crescent rolls out of a can. Did you make the filling or is it out of a can too?

His mother slapped down his napkin. Technically, they are homemade. At least I tried.

Honey. They were joking? Matt's father looked at him. Still a little frozen, but you shouldn't have done that. He groaned as he looked at the plate of tarts. Dig in, boys.

Matt's mother sighed as she waited in her room. It was difficult enough not having her cook there, he was still on his own vacation. She used to be able to make passable food, and it had tasted acceptable to her. It was terrible that they couldn't respect it. If they hadn't been born with silver spoons in their mouths, maybe her kids would understand better. She spent an hour in her room, waiting for one of them to apologize. After another fifteen minutes, she left her room. How dare they not apologize, it's not easy to prepare dinner. She stomped her way to the dining room and opened the door.

The last thing she had witnessed at the gruesome scene in front of her before she fainted was one lone sweet tart on the floor, covered in blood.

Chapter Three: Not Worth the Pay

Watch your step. Watch for any sign of sickness. Leonard, Elon's scientist, walked toward Lost Secret's funny sign, written by the residents years ago. As he passed the wall and came into the community, he watched healthy kids playing to and fro. Leonard wished he at least had gloves as he walked into the town. He scanned his eyes for Stanley Wabashaw. He spotted the rewot, the safety home of the heroes, way up high above him. He smiled and waved, hoping a friendly gesture would keep the Guardians of Lost Secret from coming to see him. He continued to move around, before finally spotting one of his targets. Stanley Wabashaw. The boy was playing ball.

Ball. One slip. One cut. Leonard kept his distance as he watched the boy. He didn't kick it extremely hard, did not take as many risks. The ball went flying to another boy and the game continued. Leonard grew closer to Stanley, slowly. On his arm, his original cut had healed of course. 

He needed to start it. If he didn't, he was dead. He couldn't go back and say, 'it worked but it doesn't'. Elon would kill him. There were a couple cases that could be linked. Icer the Guardian. Two boys and their father. None were in Lost Secret though. No confirmation. Delorean needed confirmation, there was no room for failure. It was them or him. 

Now how would he get them distracted?

Hey.

Leonard turned around and saw a Champion Adventurer, standing right beside him.

Welcome to Lost Secret. Can I help you with something?

No. No, browsing. I was thinking of bringing my kids out here, Leonard lied. He scoped out the appearance, looking for the tie dye uniform and freckles of Zeke, but nothing showed. This person was not the Adventurer Ezekiel. I'm doing some research though. I want to make sure my kids get the best. Any sickness? Unexplained death or occurrences? Accidents? Are you the original Guardian?

Lost Secret is a weird place, and it does have risk. The Adventurer smiled at him, but something in his smile showed he didn't quite believe him. I’m Bring the Thunder, filling in. The regular guy isn’t here right now, he and his sidey are on a mission, but there is rarely a real medical emergency, Mister...?

Leonard. Well, good to know. Leonard tried to smile back. So how is your health? Health of a Guardian is always supposed to be good. Have you been feeling well? Ooh. Oops. Bring the Thunder’s smile was fading, he moved too fast. Looking for the best for my son, that's all.

What is your son's name? Bring the Thunder asked.

Trevor, Leonard said. Trevor M...Mitchell? Sorry, um, I divorced his mother, and she changed his name, but I-I got custody back. 

Oh. Well. Bring the Thunder set his hand upon Leonard's shoulder. Why don't you come up to my rewot then? We could talk about the town, contact the real Guardian, take care of some issues?

No, really, that's uh-

No, really. Bring the Thunder placed both hands on his shoulders. I insist.

HANG ON TIGHTER, VIOLET! Zeke shouted against the dam that he and Violet were helping to hold up. They had been called out on another helper mission, to assist in the small areas while villains tried to take over the world. They were never involved in anything big, or with the direct enemy. Right now, all they were doing was keeping a dam from dropping that wanted to crumble. Great Fire Monger was a villain trying to demolish a city below with raging amounts of lava flowing through. Other Champion Adventurers with water, ice, and wind powers were keeping the lava back. The dam was still damaged though, and until an Adventurer could melt, cool off, and reattach it the town was still in danger.

I’d rather be playing outside, Violet complained next to Zeke. This is almost as distressing as last month’s emergency to the legendary water city. I can’t believe they just covered it up after all we did to help.

They prefer to be left alone, Zeke said. Hold her steady. His cell phone rang. Oh, not now. 

Answer it, it could be important, Violet insisted.

It's Bring the Thunder. Zeke answered it right away, holding up the dam with one hand. Hello?

Hey Zeke, you’ve got a strange visitor in your town today. His name is Leonard, and he says he wants his son in the town. Guy seems suspicious though, sweating all over. I want to take him in, but I got to get direct permission from you.

If it were any other time, he’d ask for more details. Go ahead and take him in. See if you can dig out any more information before you do. Be gentle too.

Aye, aye, Dude.

BRING THE THUNDER LEANED against the elevator in the rewot as the scrawny man stood in front of him. Sensing nervousness, lying, and fear it was clear this was no mere man looking at Lost Secret for his son. Okay, Leonard, let’s have a talk. Why are you here? Can the bullshit too, I can smell it a mile wide.

Actually, umm, I'm here to . . . Leonard sighed. Examine.

Examine. Examine, you aren’t even going to attempt to lie? Bring the Thunder almost laughed. What are you examining?

I'm only a scientist, I don't involve myself usually in these matters. Leonard hoped that would lessen the hurt he would receive. Mister Delorean said I had to come down and look at some things.

Okay, but it won't do you any good to lie, Bring the Thunder patted him on the back. Like a large percentage of Champion Adventurers, I’ve got a sixth sense.

Yes, I figured I didn't have a chance against you. Leonard rubbed his hands back and forth. This is part of the salary though, and the pay is generous, but serving the Delorean’s doesn't always turn out well.

I understand, Bring the Thunder said. You might be sent to jail, depending on what you have to say. You made the wrong choice in employer. 

Leonard sniffed and rubbed his nose. It's a tough job. Not everyone can do this, but the money's too great and with the fate of the economy? He looked over at Bring the Thunder once. How is everyone's health?

Fine, Bring the Thunder said. Why?

Leonard looked at his watch. I think my health is about to go down. My original mission for being here, I don't think matters. I think I was duped. Elon would have warned me of this, and when I say what you undoubtedly will make me reveal? His head was sweating. I'm not going to get out in time. That son of a bitch, he wants me dead, after everything I did for him?

Whatever Elon's trying to do he won't get away with it, Bring the Thunder warned him. So, tell me. He brought out a pair of handcuffs, getting ready to get the confession to take the man to jail. It wouldn't be that large of a deal. I'm waiting. He watched the man pat his head more. There is nothing to worry about, only jail. I get you’re a small timer.

No. Leonard cleared his throat. It's thrilling to live. It's fantastic that I get to live, and I have the utmost confidence in you. He cleared his throat again. "This is clearly a business thing, it's not personal. Okay? It's business. Champion Adventurer. Business. That means that my involvement is not to hurt anyone, but not not to hurt a-anyone."

I don’t like the way you’re acting, Bring the Thunder warned him. I will hold you on this rewot until you explain yourself. Bring the Thunder’s voice wasn't pleasant. Leonard knew something so powerful that he was even trying to get on his good side. You telling me the truth can only help lessen some pain. He looked outside the rewot. Everything looked fine below. Nothing out of the ordinary. Looks fine. He looked over at Leonard. No more stalling.

Once again, this is business. Leonard said once more. Just business. Only research, it was only research. He closed his eyes again, bracing himself for impact.

ALMOST THERE, ZEKE groaned as he looked over at Violet. Got your end still? Violet didn’t get a chance to answer as his cell rang again. Do I really need to bring this out for everything?

Yes, Violet warned him. Answer it.

Hello? Zeke answered. Bring the Thunder, we are almost done for you. How is my town doing?

Zeke, I’ve got some weird news I don’t understand.

Well, what is it?

That little suspicious guy, he said ‘Stanley Wabashaw's blood is a carrier of Je Ne Sais Quoi. Skin contact begins contagion.' Under the circumstances, do you want me to come get you?

Chapter Four: Hanging With the Heroes

Pat kept his eye on the ball as it came at him. The last ball he had missed and a random tempie took it. That was the trouble with lots of kids, sometimes being able to kick a ball wasn't as easy. He began to bend his knee, readying for the strike. 

His foot didn't connect with the ball as he felt immense pain. He screamed and fell down, a large slice on the back of his leg bringing him down.

Pat, what happened? Gregory ran over first along with a couple of small tempies.

I don't know, but it hurts! Pat tried to get up and hobble but tumbled down again. 

Nobody touch him! 

Zeke's voice rang so loud that almost every kid in the nearby area stopped playing. He raced over to Pat. Don't. Move.

Zeke, my leg, Pat continued to cry. It hurts, I don't know what it was. I was kicking a ball.

I know. Zeke looked over at Gregory. I need towels, a water pail and a mop bucket. He looked around and spread his arms out. "No one gets anywhere near him. Don't touch the blood. Did anyone touch the blood?" He looked from kid to kid, but no one stepped forward.

Ha ha, you can't catch me!

Before Zeke could yell fast enough.

That was the thing about children. Full of youth, full of energy, and so full of life. Lost Secret was a giant playground and kids played everywhere. There were no boundaries. He couldn't blame the tow head pigtailed girl that ran right on top of the blood, running for a game of tag.

Zeke knew he had to react fast as she continued to run. He quickly picked the girl up, yanked her shoes off and put her back down. Don't move, don't touch any blood. No one touch anything. He kept the shoes near him while spreading out his hands, signaling everyone back all the way across the bloody running shoes trail. He moved closer to Pat as Gregory brought over the towels. 

Zeke? Pat watched Zeke clean him up in a less than caring manner. He cleaned him as if he had been contagious. Zeke, I thought you were gone today?

Almost done, Pat. Zeke cleaned him up as he wrapped his leg in gauze. Now don't move. He picked up the pail and water, cleaning the streets. Listen up. He gestured to all the children. No one will play on this corner. This area is off limits. Repeat. He watched the children. Repeat!

No one will play on this corner, many of the children mumbled.

Zeke helped Pat up. You're coming to the rewot, Pat.

The rewot? You mean, like your sacred lair? Pat repeated as Zeke picked him up. Am I allowed?

VIOLET WATCHED THE stranger as she heard the elevator. She turned and saw Pat. Is he okay?

Zeke nodded for him. We made it back in the nick of time.

Violet looked over at Pat. Sorry, Pat. Did Zeke tell you anything?

Pat looked over at Zeke, then back over at Violet. No.

Violet went over to Pat and bent down on one knee. Pat, those wicked men who took you some time ago made you a carrier of JNSQ. That is what Zeke and I have. You yourself don't have it, but something has happened to your blood. Anyone who touches it might develop it. Or so we've been told, I don't genuinely want proof.

I'm contagious? Pat looked over at Zeke. That sounds scientifically impossible.

How is it possible that heroes have superpowers? Zeke put his hand on Pat's shoulder. We need to be smart about this.

Oh. Pat looked at Zeke's hand on his shoulder. Does that mean I can't play anymore with the other kids, Zeke?

Not right now, Zeke answered. We'll get it reversed, but until then, you need to stay here. 

Zeke took care of the details below the rewot, while Violet watched Pat.

Is this it then? Am I not allowed to play anymore? Pat asked again.

Like Zeke said, we'll figure it out. It's too dangerous right now. If anyone touches you, it could turn sour. We don't even know if it's true yet. Violet patted his hand. It's okay though. You can stay on the rewot, Zeke and I both have JNSQ. You'll be fine.

Zeke spent time trying to find a loophole for Pat. He could keep quiet for Sammy who only stayed a few days in the rewot, but Pat would not be a short or easy case. Zeke needed a reason that Violet and he could keep the boy up there. Even though he was in charge of Pat, he wasn't in charge of the law on the rewot. One person finding out and he could be suspended.

Letting Pat stay below in Lost Secret was not an option. 

So, Z, what is it this time? Violet asked as she looked over his shoulder. Lie again?

We didn't lie, we just didn't make a big deal out of it last time, Zeke said.

Oh, does that make your conscience feel better? Violet chuckled as she hit him on the shoulder. Silly little boy, Z.

Am not.

Are too.

Am not.

Are too.

At least I don't have to date villains to feel wanted, Zeke teased her as he raised his voice in a mocking manner. Oh, Timothy, never mind all your faults, you brought me roses.

Violet pursed her lips together in a pout. That's not true.

Sure, Honey, Zeke continued to mock her, and then we'll go see that show tomorrow, but I have to stop you drawing faces on the kids with a marker right now.

He's never done that, Violet said.

Yes, he did, he did. Zeke pulled up some charts in his computer profile. See? Right there.

Oh geez, Timothy did that? Violet blinked as Zeke tickled her side. Hey!

That's what horses eat. Zeke grinned at her, large and toothy, then went back to the computer. There should be something here, V. I don't get it.

Wait. Violet placed her hand on the computer screen.

You can't push a button on a computer screen, Zeke teased again.

I know that. Do I look like I don't know that? Violet said as she gestured to the computer again.

What? Zeke asked innocently.

Do you need real glasses, Zeke? Violet covered the send button on the screen. An email explaining that Pat has a contagion, that both of us share, so we can keep him safe. That is what you're about to send?

We need to tell them something, Zeke said. Move your finger.

I don't think you should, I think they'd rather send him somewhere else. Violet looked back at Pat. It's not a smart idea, Zeke.

What else can we say? Zeke backtracked on his email message.

He can't stay down there because he could infect someone. He needs to be up here. We could keep it quiet for a little while. By the time they know, we'll have something figured out. Satisfied that Zeke would probably take her way, she smiled and watched Zeke's phone vibrate. Someone's calling you. 

Zeke reached for his phone next to the computer. Zeke? Hello?

Hi Hippie Hottie, is my sister there? Are you still trying to screw her over, or just screw her yet?

Zeke groaned to Violet. This is yours. Change your cover, it matches mine again.

I got my cover first, Violet said. 

Zeke held the phone tighter, then talked back into it. I don’t know if Violet is here right now.

Wait, who is that? Violet reached for the phone, but Zeke kept it out of her grasp. That’s my phone.

You change your color. You are Violet, make your phone violet too, Zeke complained as he finally let Violet have the phone.

I don’t know why you want pink, Violet said as she picked the phone.

It’s not pink, it’s light red.

It’s pink.

Is not.

Is too.

Is not.

Is too.

Violet, hello?!

Tracy? Violet bonked Zeke’s hand lightly. Why didn’t you tell me that it was my sister?

You didn’t say I had to. Zeke stuck his tongue out at her.

Violet stuck her tongue out at him. Hey Tracy, how have you been?

Oh, random, you know. Wabashaw took me for everything I had before he croaked. I live in a miniature apartment, and I’m stripping to make ends meet for Sammy, Tracy said. Did you hear that? I’m a stripper! Zeke backed away from Violet some. I show off my boobs for strangers now for good money! Tracy yelled in the phone. Did your Hippie Hottie hear that? I hope so. Is he uncomfortable?

Violet scooted further away from Zeke too. What do you want, Tracy?

Well, if me showing off my body and losing everything isn’t enough, then I don’t know. Maybe our lives? There’s some kind of monster plague going round. I mean monster, Violet. I watched a man literally melt to death in front of me during a lap dance!

Melt? Violet’s nose and eyes squinted.

I’m not asking for much, just a little help. I did try and get you out of everything. I did many admirable things for you over the years. At the very least, take Sammy out of Calibri. No one knows what is going on, and I don’t want to lose her to some mysterious disease. Not like we lost our sister.

Violet groaned. Tracy. She looked over at Zeke. Come down to Lost Secret, and we’ll talk about it. Zeke mouthed something to her in surprise, but she ignored it. Better hurry. I get off work soon, and you’ll need to talk to Timothy with me.

Violet, I know I don’t often say it, but thanks. We’ll be right down.

Violet took the cover off the phone and handed it to Zeke. Extra cover?

Change of heart? Zeke smiled back at her. "Because of what?"

Buttering him up wouldn’t do any good, he already knew. Tracy’s coming down. We might be housing Sammy again. Temporarily.

Zeke moved closer. This is a mean joke, right?

You heard her, I know you did, Violet said as she wiggled the phone. She’s a strip-

Yeah, I heard, and you need to turn the level on your phone down, Zeke complained. "Is there any way you could tell Tracy not to be a terrible person while she is down here?"

I know, I know. Violet knocked the phone against her head. After everything she’s done? What do you think?

I think she is your sister. He waved his hand casually through the air. Just because she made children lie and say I hurt them to put me on probation, that's not much, he said sarcastically. Being homeless, no, that was an adventure. Making me give up my dream job.

We still protect the town?

"If it weren’t for you making sidekick, for you having powers that you didn’t know about? I wouldn’t