The Horror Writer's Demise

Val Heartley is half of a company called We Research. She and her partner have been expanding the business but recently, her partner has been slacking off. Val is frustrated, not only with her partner but with finding a three bedroom house so her son and mother can move to Rockleigh. While making appointments to speak to realtors, she sees an article. A group of writers are giving a series of lectures about writing a book. Val laughs.

With a name like hers Valentina Hartley she should write a romance. After a call and chat with her son and mother, she decides to go to the meeting where she meets Dana, a woman her age. They chat and Dana knows of a possible place she can rent. There are three bedrooms though one is in the attic. Val agrees to meet Dana for lunch and visit this house.

Their talk is halted by the lecture on ideas and how to view them. Val leaves the meeting to catch up on work she is sure her partner hasn’t done. The hall, porch and parking lot lights are off. She calls a warning but remembers how she counted steps from the ground to the porch and across the porch to the door, she leaves. Just as the lights come on blinding her, she trips and falls over a body whose neck has been slashed. This event changes her life as she is questioned by Kyle, an attractive detective. Though drawn to him, she’s sure he’s taken.