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?.

been placed there on purpose and was waiting for her to Everything about the situation felt off, and she couldn’t

o crash into it.

took pictures of the scene for insurance purposes

was Sam. She remembered she’d accidentally hung up earlier,

be worried about her.

from the brush beyond the guardrail

the door handle as

over the guardrail, slammed his hand

the handle. She

blocking my car door,” Miranda said calmly

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

and slender, almost skeletal. He sneered.

+25 BONUS

apter 0713

something and drive away?

was shorter and plump with a

to the elderly man. As if on cue,

I’ve completely ruined the Langston family legacy. The heirloom–destroyed because of me! How can I ever face my dead parents? I …I might as well

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

a firm grip on the door handle and prevented Miranda from getting