Infernal

Prologue

Professor Henry Preston arrived in London to give a lecture at the University of London, on cultural buildings, such as The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and so on. He arrived the day before, to make sure there were no inconveniences that could prevent him from being at the university on time. The vice-chancellor Gina Rowe at Oxford University, where he taught, had booked him in at the Shangri-La at the Shard, it was very generous of her. He arrived at the hotel and left his luggage when an idea hit him. You could use some fresh air, so he decided on a late-night walk in Hyde Park, after all, he could see both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. This thought cheered him up, and he left the hotel.

***

"How's the recon going, Darren" The distorted voice came out of the Nokia. Darren was walking at a steady pace, he was getting a little chilly even though it was late spring.

"I'm at Trafalgar square, sir. The gallery looks fine. An old woman is looking at me, what should I do?" Darren spoke into the small microphone while looking around at Trafalgar square, and looking up at Lord Nelson. The voice came again,

"Make sure she doesn't remember seeing you" He couldn't help but smile at the news. He approached the old woman asking her for directions for Buckingham Palace, this was a dumb mistake on her part. Darren fumbled around in his jean pocket, picking out a pair of brass knuckles. The woman was still rambling

"... And when you hit Green park, it should be just in front of you" The woman

turned her head looking back at Darren, who held his fist high. Just after there was a shriek, followed by a thump.

***

Henry always enjoyed walking alone at night, the chilly night bit him on his cheeks. He saw a woman walking her dog, which he passes and greeted

"Good day, ma'am" the woman looked ill at him and turned her head the other way.

After walking for a while, he was amazed when he found himself in front of Kensington Palace. He didn't realize he had walked for such a long time. But it was worth it. He had always thought this building was beautiful, not as beautiful, as Buckingham. But all in all pleasing to the eye. Henry heard footsteps behind him, and a low deep voice,

"I've got eyes on a man, what should I do, sir?" this made him slightly uncomfortable, he looked around to see if there were any other than him in sight, there wasn't. He turned around to look at the man.

"You make the call" the man smiled menacingly at him.