Snowy London, a few days before Christmas, and a civil servant realises she has a chance for revenge.

Kendra has spent her whole life struggling against the Etonian powers-that-be, so when she realises her boss is up to no good, she turns whistleblower, calling a journalist who is looking for a way to fight back himself.

Jack Parlabane is a hack who will go to desperate lengths for a good story, and these days desperate is the word.

Reduced to peddling PR puff pieces, Parlabane is delighted when Kendra''s information threatens to blow up a national corruption case at the highest levels. But as he follows the threads and others get wind of his investigation, Parlabane realises this story might prove dangerous to both of them.

This is one Christmas present Parlabane might regret opening.

Suspense, conspiracy and Jack Parlabane - a journalist who doesn''t know what''s good for him - lie within this superb short story prequel to the forthcoming novel Dead Girl Walking.

Snowy London, a few days before Christmas, and a civil servant realises she has a chance for revenge.

Kendra has spent her whole life struggling against the Etonian powers-that-be, so when she realises her boss is up to no good, she turns whistleblower, calling a journalist who is looking for a way to fight back himself.

Jack Parlabane is a hack who will go to desperate lengths for a good story, and these days desperate is the word.

Reduced to peddling PR puff pieces, Parlabane is delighted when Kendra''s information threatens to blow up a national corruption case at the highest levels. But as he follows the threads and others get wind of his investigation, Parlabane realises this story might prove dangerous to both of them.

This is one Christmas present Parlabane might regret opening.

Suspense, conspiracy and Jack Parlabane - a journalist who doesn''t know what''s good for him - lie within this superb short story prequel to the forthcoming novel Dead Girl Walking.