“I need you to pay attention."

I rip my eyes away from the windshield.

“When we arrive at the cabin, we're going inside together. I’m going to gather a few things, and I want you to find a place to hide and stay there. Do you understand? Don’t come outside, for any reason.”

I watch his face for any reason I shouldn’t trust him.

“Stay hidden, away from the windows, okay? Hide in a closet or a wardrobe. Or better yet, the bathroom. But whatever you do, do not come to the door and do not open it for anyone. You’ll be safe as long as you’re inside.”

“Who’s out there? Who’s going to come to the door?”

“On second thought, don’t corner yourself in. Just stay hidden, but in the open.”

“But who’s—”

“Here we are. Get ready.”

I turn to look. The trees and brush alongside the car fold away to give space to a clearing. Up ahead, the trail ends. In its place stands a lone wood cabin, its dark features illuminated in the strength of the moonlight. My heart races against my chest.

“Be prepared to run.”

The doctor skids the car to a halt in front of the cabin, just inches from the front deck. Then he shuts the engine. The sharp, bright light from the car headlights disappears, shrouding the front of the cabin in darkness. He turns to me.

“Now.”

Not all diseases are known to the public eye, and perhaps they are better left that way. Some substances have disastrous consequences when mixed with human blood and can cause bizarre infections that bring humans closer to their animalistic side.

Bad Blood (2020), the first installment of the Scientist & Girl Series trilogy, follows a teenage girl and her scientist guardian on their quest to rid the world of such a disease, or die trying.

Which will it be?