Night of Destiny Novel by Vanessa K

Zacharias was met with nothing but ruins. All the houses had been destroyed. If Shirley were really here, she’d be buried six feet under.

“Shirley? Shirley!” he shouted, his voice filled with despair. As he fell to his knees, his mind became a blank canvas.

Imogen had come down as well. She stood around, watching, her heart filled with delight. She rejoiced in her heart, muttering, Finally, the woman I hate the most is dead, and I killed all the kidnappers. There’s nothing to worry about anymore. However, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. “Zacharias.”

That voice was salvation for Zacharias. He turned and spotted a slender figure emerging through the smoke-filled surroundings-it was Shirley. She had survived. Tears welled up in his eyes, and the sight of her resurrected his cold, lifeless heart. “Shir!” He hurried toward her.

Shirley, too, ran to meet him, and amidst the swirling smoke, they embraced. Imogen watched, her eyes wide. She couldn’t believe Shirley had escaped instead of dying in the explosion.

I was worried sick!” Zacharias ruffled Shirley’s hair, and he kissed her dust-covered cheek. Only her warmth could affirm that everything around him was still real. She

this time,

her involvement, she wondered, Could she have found out I was involved too? Anxious,

sensed Zacharias’ love. Observing his tears, she thought, He must have believed I was gone. Look at him, crying. They say men only cry when their hearts are shattered. When she had seen him earlier, kneeling and crying, she couldn’t help but empathize with him. She made a silent vow never to cause

“This isn’t the best place to linger, sir. We should head

releasing her from the hug, Zacharias held onto her hand

swollen cheek. Concerned, she said, “Mr. Barlowe, you’re

“It’s nothing. I

I punched him.” Zacharias

looked at him, surprised. “What? Why’d you do that

for locking him

in and save you. I had no choice but to lock him in the car. I

cannot hit him the next