When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0713

Miranda’s mind raced as she pieced together what had just happened. She remembered the sudden flash of high beams flooding her vision, which left her momentarily blinded. Instinct took over, and she slammed on the brakes in a panic.

Then, the crash happened. She was certain she’d hit something–an object, not a person. But what was it?

Her headlights had illuminated the road ahead. She was sure it had been clear, and there hadn’t been any obstacles. An accident shouldn’t have happened unless whatever she’d hit had appeared out of nowhere.

If she ruled out something supernatural, there was only one possibility–it had been placed there on

purpose.

Miranda stayed in the car for three minutes and waited to see if anyone would approach. But nobody showed up, and there were no passing vehicles. Frowning, she thought, “Maybe I’m just imagining things.”

After another two minutes of silence, she decided to step out and take a look. Before opening the door, she grabbed her phone. After a moment’s thought, she reached into the glove compartment and took out a small folding knife that fit in her hand.

As she stepped out, she scanned the surroundings. The streetlights overhead were broken, which explained why that part of the road was darker than the rest.

She crouched to check the car’s front end and found a fist–sized scratch on the bumper. Then she looked at the object she’d hit–a rusted, square metal box with welding marks along its edges. It had dents, though someone had clearly tried to hammer them out. The repairs were crude but effective.

Miranda stared at it and looked puzzled. Why would there be a metal box in the middle of the road at night?.

for her to

o crash into it.

insurance

remembered she’d accidentally hung up

be worried about her.

movement from the brush beyond the

and reached for the door

guardrail, slammed his hand

handle. She

my car door,” Miranda said calmly as she met his

look. Three men–two middle–aged and one elderly–all had broad faces and droopy eyes. They looked alike, likely

man holding the door was tall and slender, almost

+25 BONUS

apter 0713

something and drive away? Not

second middle–aged man, who was shorter and plump

glances, then turned to the elderly man. As if on cue, the elderly man suddenly rushed to the front of her car and wailed

box with trembling hands. “Oh, no! I’ve completely ruined the Langston family legacy. The heirloom–destroyed because of me! How

don’t say that! This isn’t your fault! Why should you be the one to blame?” The plump man, Bram Langston, hurried to support his father, who

man, Tobin Langston, kept a firm grip on the door handle and prevented Miranda from getting back