Night of Destiny

Shirley felt Zacharias’ lips brushing her forehead. His scent smelled nice, and it filled her with a sense of security. She even felt sleepy.

Meanwhile, in the other car, Imogen replayed the entire failed plan in her mind, convinced she hadn’t shown any vulnerabilities. The only uncertainty was whether the kidnappers betrayed her. She believed they wouldn’t, as it served no purpose and would expose her as part of their group.

Once back at the hotel, Zacharias took Shirley back to the room. In the consistently warm space, Shirley removed her jacket. Then, a hushed voice broke the silence, saying, “Take them all off.”

She froze for a few moments, and she turned around. “Why?”

“I want to check your wounds,” he said seriously. His eyes were clear of any desire. Uncomfortable with the idea of undressing in front of him, Shirley shook her head. “It’s okay. I’ll check them myself in my room.”

Insistent, Zacharias declared, “I want to do it. What, are you still embarrassed?”

She paused briefly. Growing up surrounded by boys, she occasionally trained in just a sports bra. Fine, I’ll do it. She took off her shirt, and only a black bra remained. Her voluptuous chest was revealed to his eyes. He was stunned. He knew she developed well, but they were bigger than he thought.

“Check the wounds closely, Mr. Flintstone,” she said graciously.

Zacharias gulped, thinking, It’d be unbecoming of me if I get lewd thoughts right now. He narrowed his eyes and checked all the way from Shirley’s chest to her back. He saw four bruises, and he pushed down on one gently.

“Ow,” she gasped in pain. She could’ve held on if it were anyone else. Since it was him, she would show her weakness for some reason. She thought to herself, Am I trying to get his pity?

“Is your leg hurt too?” He frowned.

She insisted, “I can deal with the wounds on my leg myself.”

“Take a hot bath. I’ll rub some oil over the injuries,” he said.

She nodded and went for a bath. She was caked in dust all over and looked grimy. After she went for a bath, he made a call. “I want the cops to give me the investigation report. With all the details.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll tell them about it,” Freddie said. Concerned, he asked, “Is Miss Lloyd alright?”

“She is,” Zacharias answered.

Freddie refrained from inquiring further, he didn’t want Zacharias to misconstrue any romantic interest in Shirley.

Imogen knocked on Roy’s door. She came into the room bearing an ice pack. NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

He was surprised to see her. “What is it, Imogen?”

“I got you an ice pack, captain. Let me help you,” she said. She wanted to wheedle some intel out of him.

“Thanks, but I can deal with this myself,” he said. She approached him and said, “Captain, I’m the only lady in the team besides Shirley. You should leave something like this to the ladies.”

He couldn’t refuse someone’s offer to help. He sat back down on the couch. “Thanks, Imogen.”

Imogen put the ice pack on Roy’s bruise and pretended to nonchalantly ask, “Did Shirley tell you how she escaped while you guys were on your way back here?”

After her contribution this time, he wouldn’t suspect her of being in cahoots with the criminals. He said honestly, “She said she knocked out one of the kidnappers and ran away.”

“Good thing she got away, or the vice president would’ve been devastated.” She sighed.

“Miss Lloyd and the vice president share a good relationship.”

“That’s an understatement. Shirley told me she likes the vice president. They’re dating,” Imogen said.