Chapter 1
She frowned impatiently and glanced at her watch, for what felt about the sixteenth time, as the elderly lady in front of her slowly dictated a telegram to the clerk behind the counter. She had a sinking feeling that she was going to be late. Having had a pleasant lunch with a good friend, she suddenly remembered that she had wanted to send a letter to her cousin and having no stamps with her she was forced to join the busy queue at the post office. She had remarked once before on the illogical way the post office staff took their luncheon at the same time that people wanted to conduct a little business during their own lunch times. But it would never do to use the office supplies, even with her employer's permission. Finding it her turn she handed the letter to the pleasantly efficient cashier, along with two-pence for the postage. Business concluded she briskly hurried out into the street, turning in the direction of the office. She collided with a gentleman who was juggling several bags of shopping, as well as the crutch helping him to walk, causing him to drop several items. She stopped to help him gather his fallen belongings, and then continued with her journey. Another glance at her watch forced her to pick up her pace, so she wasn't paying sufficient attention to the pavement. The heel of her shoe slipped into a crack between two slabs, causing her to stumble and lose her footing. As she sat on the ground cursing her bad luck, a car pulled up beside her. A good-natured face appeared at the open car door. "May I be of assistance?"
"The heel of this wretched shoe has broken, that's all. I'll be quite alright in a moment, and my office is very close by. Thank you all the same, but I shouldn't like to inconvenience you."
"Nonsense, I have all the time in the world. Besides, you said you haven't far to go now. I insist on giving you a lift."
She thought for a moment. "Well, if you're sure I won't be delaying you…" She took his proffered hand and climbed into the car. Sitting beside him, she smiled her thanks. But he wasn't smiling back. She felt a sharp sting in the side of her neck and the world melted away.