Chapter 26: Close Call!Almost Got Him. 

Seven years later, Evelyn Vance was back behind the wheel of the Eclipse.A jolt, electric and exhilarating, coursed through her veins, synchronizing with the engine’s ferocious roar.Her body trembled; she could feel her heart hammering against her ribs.She felt…alive again. Shane sat beside her in the passenger seat, relishing the raw power of the speeding car. This Eclipse was different; in Evelyn’s hands, it had been reborn. 

“Speeding tickets are on me,” Shane said, a grin playing on his lips. 

velyn fought back a surge of adrenaline. “Nah, if we get caught, it’s my license on the line.” 

The Eclipse howled down the highway, its presence drawing stares from onlookers. “Did something just fly by?” a woman shouted from a sidewalk cafe. 

“A bird?It zipped right past me!” a man replied. 

“Birds in this weather? I think I saw a ghost!“Their murmurs followed the car. 

Evelyn’s ride brought her face–to–face with a pack of spoiled rich kids in their souped–up cars -blinged–out muscle cars, blasting obnoxious music, their neon lights flashing against the twilight. The Eclipse weaved through the chaotic, lawless traffic with balletic grace, instantly leaving the spoiled brats in its dust. 

“Holy crap! What was THAT?!” one of the kids screamed. 

Someone frantically checked their dashcam. 

irst woman from the States to make the 

at’s her car!” 

“That was an Eclipse! No way! I saw a real Eclipse! top three in the International Rally Championsh Excitement crackled in the air. Phones were already out. Find the car’s plates!I need to know where that Eclipse is going!” 

Theard the original owner sold it seven years ago for seven hundred million–a Stateside buyer, naturally.” 

my 

“That speed? That was pro driver, for sure.Anyone else would’ve wrecked.” life!” “I gotta meet the owner!Let me just touch the Eclipse! It would be the highlight of “Dude, I saw the Eclipse!It’s real! I didn’t get a clear look, but the dashcam got it!“A frantic call was placed to someone named “Nash.” 

Kindergarten Parking Lot: 

Ducky and Nash were perched in the back of a Maybach, the kind usually seen only at charity galas.Ducky fiddled with a miniature crossbow. 

Nash was on the phone.“Are you serious?You’re drunk, man. You’re seeing things!” Her own custom motorcycle was also called an Eclipse, a tribute to the legendary American racer’s machine.Seven years ago, that Eclipse was auctioned off, presumed to be a collector’s item, gathering dust in some garage.Seeing it on the road again was 

There are a million fake Eclipses in this city. You’re mistaken!” 

shock. 

Before Nash finished her sentence, sleek black sports car glided into view. 

Chapter 26 Close Call’Almost Got Hu 

Amidst the various vehicles, the black car reversed into a parking space with effortless precision. 

‘An Eclipse?” Nash breathed. 

“Whoa, that’s a hot ride!” 

Ducky, previously engrossed in his crossbow, shot upright, his eyes fixated on the car. The car door hissed open, revealing a scissor–like movement. 

Evelyn and Shane emerged. 

“Mommy?!” Ducky shricked. Nash’s face paled. 

Mommy’s got the coolest car EVER!” 

“You’re wrong! It’s not her!” Nash insisted. “Cars like that are imported, the driver’s seat is on the right.” 

Nash’s 

eyes 

narrowed; Evelyn getting 

out 

of Shane’s car 

“I wanna see that car!” Ducky insisted, attempting to get out. 

was unsettling. 

I’m best buds with the owner! You can see it anytime,” Nash said smoothly, her mind racing. “Ducky, it’s getting late. Want to use your crossbow to hunt some mice? Be a hero!” “Yes!” Ducky eagerly nodded. 

Nash steered him away from the Eclipse. 

Evelyn headed straight for the school building. A phal classroom door.Caleb stood at the bottom of the authority. He looked down at Lance as if he were “Zoey, come on, let’s 

of bodyguards surrounded Lance at the 

s, radiating an aura of intimidating 

insect. 

on, let’s go home,” Caleb commanded, his patience wearing thin. 

Zoey shook her head, refusing.“I want to go home with Uncle Lance.” 

Caleb let out a cold laugh.“Where will he take you? He doesn’t even have a place to live. Zoey, you’ll be living on the streets with him!” 

“Zoey!” Evelyn’s voice cut through the tension. 

Zoey’s face lit up as she spotted her mother.But the guards surrounded her and Lance, preventing her from approaching Evelyn. 

“Mommy!” 

Guilt gnawed at Evelyn.“Mommy got held up, sweetie. I’m so sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.” 

Zoey, with surprising maturity, said, “I know,,Mommy. You had something important to do, something that could change your life! I won’t hold. 

to 

be 

away 

from 

you 

back.” 

Caleb twisted Zoey’s words. What could be more important than picking up her daughter? What required her 

could change Evelyn’s life? Zoey? What Caleb’s gaze fixed on Evelyn’s rear. Shane was here too? 

Caleb. 

Shane arriving Evelyn and 

he roared.“You’re divorced yet!” 

Rage swelled 

within 

“Evelyn, 

we’re 

not 

“I’m eager for 

eager, 

late… together. 

aren’t 

you?” 

you to get out of my life, Caleb! We’re divorced, act like it!“He was about to derail 

her chances at a prestigious math competition. 

“So you found yourself a new guy, huh?” Caleb taunted. 

“Of Course 

did,” Evelyn responded, “And you’ll leave 

my daughter alone.” 

Did he think by kicking her and Zoey out of his mansion they would be homeless? Plenty of hotels are scattered around town. 

Caleb’s eyes widened, the temperature around him plummeting. 

The sight of Evelyn and Shane standing together was infuriating. 

et her!” he ordered his bodyguards. “Bring my daughter back!” 

The bodyguards swarmed. 

“Don’t touch Zoey!” Evelyn cried, realizing that if Lance tried to protect Zoey, Caleb would have him arrested. 

“Zoey, come on! You’re capable of handling this!” Evelyn shouted. 

Zoey, small but tenacious, charged into the pack, knocking down an off–balance bodyguard. The bodyguards hesitated, unable to hurt Zoey. 

“What’s going on here?” 

Ducky saw the bodyguards attacking Zoey.Nash stood behind him, a wicked grin spreading across her face. 

“Ducky, if yo 

you 

subdue Zoey, your 

but then faltered. 

“Zoey’s too strong! I can’t handle her!” 

Ducky’s eyes lit up, 

father will be 

so proud,” she whispered. 

“But 

you 

have 

your 

crossbow, my 

little sharpshooter!” Nash’s heart pounded with anticipation. 

Ducky raised the crossbow, squinting one eye. He’d never been able to overpower Zoey before. But this was different. 

“Zoey! Watch out!” 

Ducky squeezed the trigger. The bolt flew. 

Evelyn, focused on Zoey, felt a sudden chill on her neck. She whirled around to see Ducky with 

the crossbow. Then, she saw Shane, clutching Zoey, crumpling to the ground. The metal bolt was lodged in Shane’s back, the fletching sticking out. 

Shane’s face drained of color, his brow furrowed in pain.. 

So close…so very close to hitting him…