by S G D Singh
Acknowledgements
My second daughter demanded a zombie story at least once a week for two years, but it wasn't until news of ancient microscopic organisms being reintroduced into our oceans from tragically melting glaciers that In the Heart of Babylon was born. I hope you enjoyed it.
This book—like the five before it—would not have been possible if not for my astoundingly wonderful husband, Sukhwinder Singh. Gratitude doesn't even begin to describe what I feel for all you've done for me and so many others around the world. A quarter century with you went by like a day!
Sensitivity readers were essential for this project, and I cannot thank my friends of African descent enough, starting with the mind-bogglingly-gorgeous-inside-and-out LeTresa Payne. You didn't hesitate to take time out of your busy life and writing schedule to read my mess of a manuscript, LeTresa, and your kindness and generosity is something I will never forget. Your loving words of encouragement were there when I needed them most, and they meant the world to me. Everyone needs to check out your books today!
My brother, LakhmiChand Khalsa, is cool, spiritual Zen personified. Yinka Adeniji is patient beyond superhuman capacity. And the righteous and honorable Sean Peters and the divinely strong entrepreneur extraordinaire Alita Hall… you saying yes means more than you guys can imagine. Hugs.
Tami Sachse, you could cheer up even the most dispirited and dejected author on the planet, and I love you for it! Endless thanks for your awesome support.
My daughter SatKartar is always ready with well-organized and savage feedback that's worth its weight in gold. Love you forever. I promise to try harder not to embarrass you in public, but you make it way too much fun!
Candace Robinson, Positivity Perfected, fellow writer and monster-enthusiast: you are an invaluable cheerleader to an unknown author, and I appreciate your friendship more than you could ever know. Check out her books, too—you won't regret it!
I have to thank the most Wunderschön Raphaela Kahlert for helping me with Kevin and Mike's German—no other language comes close in hilarious terms of endearment, and I'm here for it!
And last but never, ever least: every writer needs a squad, and I have the best, most largehearted squad of faithful and loyal book-loving friends of them all. These fantabulous, ferocious humans have contributed their talents to my scribblings from the beginning, offering words of wisdom and encouragement any hour of the day or night, and I can never, ever, express my full gratitude to these beautiful heroes enough.
Hayley Roe, you absolutely blow my mind with your tireless benevolence! Your willingness to read draft after draft after draft is humbling in the very best way. Your kindness, your comfort, and your inexhaustible enthusiasm is unparalleled in this world. Infinite thanks.
Amber Hodges, you fight for authors no matter how much life demands of you, selflessly giving of your precious time with a radiant smile through it all. You are a champion amongst champions, and you deserve all the fine fluffy-feathered friends your enormous heart desires. Someday we'll get to Bali, I swear it.
My favorite niece, Niranjan Khalsa. I am grateful to have known you all my life, and I am lucky beyond imagining that you are always ready to scour my manuscript for embarrassing typos and willing to lend me your genius with love and unparalleled magnanimity every time.
My sister from another mother, Lakshmi Khalsa, thank you for staying up late to read this book at the last possible minute, sacrificing sleep and sharing any and all points of confusion with me. You are a priceless treasure!
Kasey Leigh Miller, the best of the best amongst us. You are Mother supreme and a shining example of a child of Christ. Your kind generosity and loving nature are beyond description, and I am honored to call you my friend.
The best editor in the universe is on my team, and no one will ever convince me otherwise. Beth Jusino, thank you times a million trillion. Looking forward to the next one already.
Rick Schroeppel, you are a joy to work with, and I deeply apologize for being so picky, ignorant, and annoying. But you're stuck with me, because I love this cover even more than the five gorgeous ones before it, and I can't wait to work with you on the next one!
And finally, as always, I thank you, dear beloved reader. Of all the countless books in the world, you chose to read this one. And that, to me, is a beautiful miracle.
About the Author
SiriGuruDev Singh lives in New Mexico and Punjab with her husband, two daughters, and various extended relatives and animals. She's the author of The Infernal Guard series and the novels Exiled to Freedom and Dracula Retold.
You can visit her at
www.sgdsingh.com or http://www.facebook.com/sgdsingh
Table of Contents
In the Heart of Babylon
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Acknowledgements
About the Author