As Zara now shook from head to toe, she knew that all the time this evil-looking fucker was still standing, she was at risk. It was at that point she saw the knife in his hand, and her blood ran cold. In sheer terror, she dropped her phone, and although she couldn’t take up her Shotokan stance with two hands, she could still use the one she had, and she did. A single open-handed strike to his throat was enough to paralyse him. Instantly, she saw the knife leave his grip, and his eyes bulged in disbelief. He couldn’t breathe as she’d crushed his windpipe. Still afraid, she struck him again, and this time, he fell like a toppling tin soldier. He desperately gasped for breath, but it was no use – his lips were turning purple and then blue. He was choking to death.

Trembling, Zara picked up her phone, dropped it into her bag, and ran towards the petrol station. Her mind was trying to process what had just happened. By the time she was inside, she felt safe. Her fast breathing slowly settled. All at once, as if time had stood still, something changed inside her.

For five years, she’d been brainwashed to feel weak and insignificant, with no way out, and the time spent as a prisoner had naturally affected her. Her confidence had been shattered because she’d become vulnerable and untrusting towards nearly everyone she knew. Right now, she felt, only the Lanigans were on her side.

So, although that fight with the two men may have initially shat the life out of her, she knew from this point onward she still had it in her. Her father had made sure she could fight. She’d mastered martial arts, winning medals and trophies from a young age. She suddenly thought about her father, as she often did, and this time, instead of asking for his help, she thanked him. All those times she’d prayed for him. It wasn’t that she believed in God per se, but she still felt that there was a connection between them both, and she fervently believed that this was one of those moments when, somehow, he was there for her and willing her on to use the skills he’d taught her. Today, he’d answered her prayers, and she’d mustered the strength inside to let rip.

The cab pulled into the garage, and as Zara stepped inside, she could hear the ambulances and police cars in the distance. A satisfied smile adorned her face. They just shouldn’t have fucked with her. Never.

Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

Ricky tilted his head to the side as he looked at his father’s sad expression. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind me going with Pops to the sales room?’