by H. R. Moore
‘Would you like me to put that on the record?’ asked Mila, calmly meeting her furious gaze. ‘I’m pretty sure every robot in here will have recorded it, but just in case, we could take an official statement if you’d like.’
‘Fuck off, you bitch,’ she said, spinning aggressively away and making her exit.
Everyone in the office had stopped what they’d been doing and watched, open-mouthed at the exchange between Iva and Mila. ‘In case you hadn’t gathered from Iva’s parting speech,’ said Mila confidently, ‘she’s been suspended, pending a full investigation into her conduct. I’m sure, for those of you who have worked with Iva over a prolonged period, this won’t come as too much of a surprise. I’ve been appointed as interim senior investigator in the meantime.’
She paused, unable to suppress the smile creeping to her lips as she took in the sea of open mouths that hadn’t yet closed. ‘Jeffries and Smith, you’re with me. We’re going to Oxford to find out more about this mural. Everyone else, keep going with whatever you’re working on. We’ll have a full review of current projects when I get back, so please be ready.’
Mila waited for a few moments, and when nobody moved, said, ‘I meant today, please.’ The office snapped back to life. Jeffries and Smith rushed to get their coats.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The genesis of In the Gleaming Light can be traced back to one specific conversation, whilst on a post lunch stroll across a stubble field with my friend Abbie. She introduced me to the concept of Universal Basic Income, and I couldn't shake the need to explore the topic further. If it hadn't been for that walk, I'm not sure this book would exist, so thank you!
There are, of course, a number of people I'd like to thank, who have helped bring this book to life:
My sister, Alice, for being my constant cheerleader, helping run my Instagram account, reading early drafts, and drumming up support for my books everywhere she goes. My other sister, Georgina, for providing more measured critique, and helping with knowledge of the east coast of Africa. My long-suffering husband, Chris, for dealing with my endless list of technical requirements, helping with everything from website development, to providing practical feedback on futuristic tech. My editor, Jeff Deck, for not pulling any punches - this book is better because of it.
Charlotte and Stephanie, who share my taste in books, and who (aside from providing the BEST book recommendations) read early drafts and provided encouragement.
Charles Radclyffe for reading an early version and for the honest feedback and discussion. The numerous other friends, family, colleagues, and ex-teachers, who have supported my books, shared on social media, and generally been in my corner - I am eternally grateful.
My wonderful, supportive, surprisingly sassy Instagram followers, who love books as much as I do, and all the bloggers, vloggers, and book reviewers who have helped promote my work.
And lastly, and most importantly, anyone who's ever picked up one of my books - thank you. There's an unbelievable amount of competition out there and I have to pinch myself every time someone chooses one of mine.
A NOTE ABOUT INFLATION
Some of you may be wondering about the worth of financial amounts mentioned in In the Gleaming Light, given the effect of inflation. For ease of reading, I've ignored inflation and the time value of money, so readers can assume that a two hundred and fifty thousand pound salary in 2048 would be equivalent to a two hundred and fifty thousand pound salary in 2019.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harriet was born in Germany in 1987, the family returning to the UK, to Dorset shortly afterwards. She lived there until she was 5, her grandfather teaching her the basics of cheating at cards and swindling chocolate, her mother starting to instil a (some would argue) unhealthy relationship with cake, and the neighbours demonstrating that some people don't understand cherry blossom is there to be picked, mixed with mint and water and sold as perfume.
Then there was Scotland; stealthy guinea pig breeding, riding horses, advanced cards, more cake, then to Devon and school in Exeter. She loved maths in the early years, but by the time she got to A Level, Sociology was her favourite subject, opening her eyes to things she'd never before considered, namely, nobody is really right, nobody is really normal and primary socialisation has a lot to answer for.
At the age of about 12, Harriet started rowing for Exeter Rowing Club. This quickly took over her life and before too long she was clad in lycra, training 6 days a week and competing at events around the country.
After finishing her A Levels, Harriet went to university in St Andrews, studying Philosophy for two years, then switching to Management. She was particularly interested in the change elements of her course and especially the areas concerning how people create and react to change. After four very civilised years by the sea, she ventured to London, to foray into the strange world of insurance (surprisingly, more interesting than you might think). She worked as a Project Manager on large change programmes before founding her own consultancy in 2015.
Harriet has since worked on a number of insurance related projects that helped influence and inspire In the Gleaming Light, specifically around the use of connected devices in the home, data collection and utilisation within financial services, and how automation can both reduce costs, and significantly improve vast swathes of tiresome, long-winded processes.
Harriet now lives in New Hampshire with her husband Chris and two young daughters. When she isn't writing, editing, eating, running around after her kids, or imagining how much better life would be with the addition of a springer spaniel, she occasionally finds the time to make hats.
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DISCOVER OTHER TITLES BY HR MOORE
The Relic Trilogy, available on Amazon:
Legacy of the Mind
Origin of the Body
Design of the Spirit