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.

were you? 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 smiled. “I’m sorry for worrying you.

hugged her tightly, and this time, he would not

her gaze at Imogen, panic seized Imogen. Unsure if the kidnappers had exposed her involvement, she wondered, Could she have found out I was involved too? Anxious, Imogen

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

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

Zacharias held onto her hand tightly, unwilling to

Roy’s swollen cheek. Concerned, she said, “Mr. Barlowe,

explained, “It’s

punched him.”

“What? Why’d

he deserved it,” Zacharias snapped. He almost wanted to kill Roy for locking him in the car. One punch

little aggrieved, Roy said, “The vice president wanted a gun. He wanted to come in and save

hit him the next time he