Caught Hard...

                                    

                                          
Chapter one
                          
I was standing at the door of my room...
                          
The mess in front of me nearly made my head spin. Piles of clothes on the bed, books stacked on my study table, papers and pens here and there; I had no idea how I was going to clear this mess. Why the mess? Well, I am a well known, notable author. I write the mystery series Cynthia Walters. I have completed 10 books so far in the series. The books on my table are research materials for the eleventh book.
                          
There was a stacked pile of Nancy Drew books at the corner of the table. Yes, Cynthia Walters is inspired from the Nancy Drew series but the stories and ideas are my own, thank you very much!
                          
Anyway, coming back to the mess in my room, my mind kept telling me there was no way I could clean up the mess and pack stuff for my book signing trip to Los Angeles but my heart kept telling me that it was vital to complete both tasks. I sighed as I knew that what my heart said was right. I was probably one of the most disorganzied author in the society. To add up to this I also happen to have a very forgetful mind.
                          
All of a sudden, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. "Emma! Can I come in?" a voice called out. It was my assistant Katie Matthews. She really acts as my reminder for the most. "Yeah, come in!" I said.
                          
"What's up?"
                          
"Uh, you've got an interview in an hour! If I were you, I'd be panicking right now instead of trying to clear this mess"
                          
"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
                          
"You were the one who said, don't disturb me for a while, and I figured I had to intervene your cleaning session now or I should kiss my job goodbye"
                          
"Ok, thanks for informing me. I will get ready right away" I said in a hurry.
                          
This was bad, really, really bad! I tried my best to get ready in half an hour. I picked my favourite dress, a dark purple high-low and wore my long silver earrings and applied some makeup. My hairdresser managed to give me a good look in a short period of time and I was finally ready to go and Katie also accompanied me.
                          
In half an hour, we are the studio. I quickly apologized to the crew for being late but thankfully, I had five minutes to spare. I made my way into the set and sat across Nathan Oguang, the host of the show.
                          
Soon, the camera man started counting down from ten, and everyone was getting ready. I saw Katie stand on the other side wishing me good luck with her eyes. I silently say thank you and before I know it, Nathan starts speaking, facing the camera.
                          
"Good evening and welcome to Books Times, the only show that updates you about the best books from the authors themselves!" he said with a huge grin on his face.
                          
*************************************
                          
The interview went on for about an hour or so. I finally made it back home and cleared most of my room and started packing. Being a well-accepted author is certainly not easy. I went to my kitchen and made me some coffee to boost my energy. I relaxed on the couch and glanced at the clock; 6 pm.
                          
I decided to start writing as soon as I was done with the coffee. Just then, Katie made her way to the living room and updated me with my schedule for tomorrow. I felt my head spin and my mind was yelling for her to stop. I sure had a busy life. I silently prayed for a few minutes of relaxation and peace. Writing is my passion and I feel grateful that my books are selling, but the negative part of this really rids me of all the energy I have accumulated. In a day, I have to go for at least four press meets, two interviews and four book signings. I even got an offer to guest star as myself in a TV show. I haven't responded to that one yet.
                          
I usually write to relax my mind and not focus on the pressures of life. I started thinking about the plot for the next book in the series. Numerous thoughts run in my head; a mystery in a mysterious town, or a murder mystery?
                          
As thoughts were running in my mind, my phone started ringing. I quickly grabbed my phone;it said anonymous private number. I sat still contemplating whether I should answer the call or not. I finally found this bewilderment ridiculous and answered the call.
                          
"Hello?"
                          
No answer on the other end.
                          
"Hello?" I repeated, this time louder. 
                          
Silence replied to me.
                          
I figured I answered the call too late and the person on the other end had hung up before I could speak but in a few seconds, a loud, screeching, auto-tuned voice spoke on the other end.
                          
"Give up your trip to Los Angeles if you want to live! Go there and you will only have your very life to give!"
                          
I found my heart pumping faster than usual and I felt a rush of adrenaline. I slowly hang up the phone with my mouth wide open. This has never happened to me! Who was this blackmailer? Is this a prank? Public figures tend to be punked a lot, right? Could this be the work of a rivalling author? I couldn't tell and I am an author of a mystery series. Now I have the urge to go to Los Angeles so badly as whovever's behind this, I'm going to find out...
                          
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Author's note:
                          
Hey guys,
                          
Hope you liked the first chapter of the story. The next chapters will be longer(promise). This is my first time writing an actual book so forgive me if I made any mistakes :P 
                          
Thanks,
                          
musicandbooklover99