Brian Newell is an average young man, working in a coffee shop. That is, until he learns he’s the sole heir to his grandfather Alistair's fortune. A grandfather he didn't even know he had. There is a proviso, however. He has to live in his grandfather's house for one year, and take care of his macaw, before he can inherit anything.<br><br>Conley Finnegan was close friends with Alistair, cataloguing his book collection and tending to his yard. He’s less than happy when he meets Brian, or so it seems. But that isn't quite the truth. Conley has a deep secret, and part of it requires Brian in his life -- but only as a friend. <br><br>However, his wishes to the contrary, Conley falls in love with Brian, and vice versa. That small problem, as Conley thinks of it, will impact their lives in ways neither can imagine.

A Secret to Die For

“You bet. Who knows where we’ll end up, but it could be fun finding out.”


The road twisted and turned for a mile or more before they saw an even narrower one veering to the right. Conley turned and pulled the car to a stop at the side of the road.


“Now let’s hope we can find it again,” Brian said as they took off on foot into the trees. Walking wasn’t too hard as they were going up a reasonably gentle slope. At the top, they came upon massive boulders. “I say we climb to the top of them. I bet the view is great.”


It was, so Brian immediately went to work, filling several pages of his drawing pad.


“Look,” Conley whispered a while later, pointing into the trees.


It took Brian a moment to see what he meant. Then he rapidly did a sketch of a doe and her fawns before they vanished. “Now if a bear or mountain lion showed up, I’d be a happy camper,” he said.


“I’d be running hell-bent for the car,” Conley replied with a laugh.


Chapter 18