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?.

it had been placed there on purpose and was waiting for her to Everything about the situation felt off, and she

o crash into it.

for insurance purposes and turned

rang–it was Sam. She remembered she’d accidentally hung

be worried about her.

about to answer, movement from the brush beyond

and reached for the door handle as she tried to get

were faster. One leaped over the guardrail, slammed his hand against her door, and shoved it

on the handle. She pulled hard, but he

my car door,” Miranda said calmly as

were closer, she got a better look. Three men–two middle–aged and one elderly–all

door was tall and slender, almost skeletal.

+25 BONUS

apter 0713

and drive away?

second middle–aged man, who was shorter

on cue, the elderly man suddenly rushed to the front of

trembling hands. “Oh, no! I’ve completely ruined the Langston family legacy. The

the one to blame?” The plump man, Bram Langston, hurried to support his father, who seemed

firm grip on the door handle and prevented Miranda from getting back inside the