First Chapter ~ First Paragraph (November 7)

Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

This week my opener comes from Anything You Do Say by Gillian McAllister that I chose because earlier this year I enjoyed Everything But The Truth by the same author. I enjoyed it so much that this book has a place on my header. I am hoping to be confronted with another devilish moral dilemma to wrestle with in this, her second book.

Blurb

‘I could run, or I could stay and call him an ambulance. Now it is decision time . . . ‘
It’s the end of the night. You’re walking home on your own.
Then you hear the sound every woman dreads. Footsteps. Behind you. Coming fast.
You’re sure it’s him – the man from the bar who wouldn’t leave you alone.
You make a snap decision. You turn. You push. Your pursuer tumbles down the steps. He lies motionless, face-down on the floor.

Now What?
Call 999

Wait for the police to arrive. For judgement, for justice, whatever that may be. You just hope you husband, family and friends, everyone you love, will stand by you.
OR:
Run

Stay silent. You didn’t mean to do it. You were scared, you panicked. And no one saw. No one will ever know. If you leave now. If you keep quiet. Forever.
Which is it to be?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph ~ Intro

1

It starts with a selfie. He is a random; we are not even sure of his name. We are always meeting them whenever we go out. Laura says it’s because I look friendly. I think it’s because I am always daydreaming, making up lies for people as I stare at them, and they think I’m inviting them over for a chat.
In the frame of his phone screen – camera facing forwards, to us – his teeth are white and slightly crooked, his nose hooked.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Contemporary books are always best when they reflect modern life, and what is more ubiquitous than the good old selfie?

What do you think? Would you keep reading?