Page 110 of Through the Storms

“A couple minutes.”

“Okay. Is there a basement?”

“Yes, but the door’s locked.”

Oakley looked at Chloe. “Do you know where he keeps the key?”

Chloe shook her head.

“I tried to pry the door open with a screwdriver, but it wouldn’t budge,” Mia yelled.

“It’s okay,” Oakley said in a soothing voice.

Chloe’s heart raced, and her hands trembled. Riley moved closer, and Chloe grabbed her hand.

Riley gently squeezed it and put her other hand over Chloe’s.

“Does your dad have any helmets in the house?”

“No,” Mia said.

“What about his motorcycle helmet?” Chloe asked.

“Yeah, I forgot. I think it’s in the closet.”

“Mia, I need you to hurry. Get it and put it on.”

“I’m going.” Without Mia’s voice coming through the phone, the siren filled the van. Chloe shuddered.

“Chloe,” Oakley said, pulling her out of her panic. “I need to know what the house looks like. Is there an interior bathroom?”

Chloe closed her eyes, trying to visualize the house from the brief time she’d been in it. Chloe nodded. “I think so.”

“Is it close to the bedroom?”

“Yeah, right across from Mia’s.”

“I’ve got the helmet on,” Mia’s voice came through the phone.

“I need you to hurry now,” Oakley said, but her voice was calm. Grab the blankets off your bed and take them into the bathroom.”

There was rustling on the other end of the phone, and Chloe thought she heard another voice. Probably interference because of the storm.Oh, god.What if the call dropped? She squeezed Riley’s hand tighter.

“We…um…I’m in the bathtub.”

“All right, get under the blankets.”

More rustling came through the phone line. “I’m under.” Mia’s voice came out muffled.

“You’re doing great,” Oakley said. “Now I’m going to need you to stay like that until we give you the all-clear.”

“What if a tornado comes?” Mia’s voice was full of panic.

Chloe’s heart ached. She felt so helpless. A mom’s worst nightmare. “Sweetie, it’s Mom. I know you’re scared, but Oakley knows all about tornadoes, so she has you in the safest place in the house.”

“I love you, Mom.”

Mia’s words ripped at Chloe’s heart. “I love you, too. More than anything. Some birthday, huh?” Chloe said, hoping to distract Mia from her fears.