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Prologue

With whatever I can fit in my bag except the copy of my book, I sprint to the subway always checking my watch in fear of getting late.

       I quickly put my mask on before entering the train once I see the mass of people inside. Some are wearing a mask, others don't but most of them do.

       Back in the States I hardly remember anyone putting on the damn thing. It's different in London. People are more willing to follow rules. I'm not saying I'm perfectly myself. I admit there are plenty of times I haven't used a mask because I either forgot to bring one or it's a lot less crowded.

Although I've been in London for a few months I feel like I'm home. Maybe it's the culture or the rain. I love rain. We rarely got any rain in sunny Florida where I come from. Even the smell of the wet pavements is addictive to me.

But rain isn't the reason why I moved to London. After a series of unsuccessful deals with publishing houses back home, I got a hopeful email from a publisher here in London that might be my last chance to finally publish my book.

From what I've been told, it's good, well written and quite engaging but not something people would be interested to read at the moment. Since when are people not interested in horror? Basically every single person told me the same thing.

“Have you considered writing a romance novel? As a young woman it would be easier for you to do so.”

To be honest I think this is where the problem lies. It's the fact that I am a woman in my mid twenties that makes them think I should be writing romance novels.
   Mary Shelley was getting told the same thing I keep hearing all the time and look at her now.
Everyone knows her name. Only she's dead but still. Being a woman never stopped her from doing what others didn't want for her.

All the rumbling in my head doesn't allow me to notice two blue eyes pinned on me from the end of the train. I only catch them for a split second before I get off to my destination. I wish I had time for these charming orbs of ocean right now but my career comes first.

The address I was given is a few minutes by foot from the subway and considering I've arrived early, I grab a coffee from a small coffee shop right next to the publishing company. I gulp it down and pop a mint in my mouth. I don't want my breath to smell. I already brushed my teeth for ten minutes in the morning.

I had already picked my outfit since last night. A simple cotton dress in emerald green with black pantyhose and boots. I didn't want to seem boring, wearing a typical skirt and shirt.

       As I'm checking for the time once more I hear the television volume getting turned up. Bright red letters appear on the lower screen.

LOCKDOWN STARTING TOMORROW. SHOPS, SCHOOLS AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL SHUT DOWN.

Immediately I hear people reacting to the news. Most of them complain about how the economy is going to get affected but none seems surprised. We had been warned for at least a month now. At least I managed to make it to my appointment before the entire country shut down for God knows how long.

I grab my coat, making my way to the building. A secretary greets me politely.

“I have an appointment with Mr. Garret. My name is Liberty Asher.” I let her know.

     She checks for my name on her computer and nods.

“Take the lift to the third floor. I'll let Mr. Garret know of your arrival but just to let you know you might have to wait a little longer than we scheduled. Mr. Garret is seeing a client at the moment.” She informs me with a sweet English accent I would die to have.