By the time Briony finally made it back to the studio, dawn was already breaking. Utterly exhausted, she changed into pajamas and collapsed into bed, falling

asleep almost instantly.

She had no idea how long she'd been out when a frantic knocking at the door jolted her awake.

Her eyes flew open and she stared at the familiar ceiling, breath coming quick and shallow. It took her a moment to gather her wits.

She'd been dreaming.

In the dream, she was standing above a river of blood, so vivid it made her shudder. Somewhere in the distance, an infant's cries echoed in her ears...

From outside the room, Hannah's voice rang out. "Briony? Are you awake?"

Her lashes fluttered. Briony pushed herself up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

The room spun as she stood, her body heavy and unsteady.

"Briony? Briony..." Hannah's voice grew more anxious.

"I'm coming," Briony croaked, forcing herself upright and shuffling to the door.

the door swung open,

to death. It's ten

had

nothing if not a creature of habit;

though, she

fine," she rasped,

her a once-over. "You

a hand to her forehead.

just been overworked lately," she said. "A few days of rest and I'll be

Hannah insisted, placing a hand on Briony's forehead. "You've got a

take something for the fever and

don't want to go to the

I just need some more

barely able to stand, Briony retreated to

unconvinced. "There's a nasty flu going around. You

in advance— cover twelve months-and give each person a year-end bonus of, say, twenty thousand. We'll start our holiday tomorrow, and won't reopen until after the New

shock. "That's

but with those numbers, the total payout would be nearly

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255