Page 118 of Through the Storms

Several times, someone would scream at the van as it passed, yelling for help. Oakley braced herself and called out to the people. “There’s volunteers right behind us, they’ll help you.”

Oakley’s stomach churned each time she saw the frightened looks on the injured people’s faces as they drove past. The only thing that kept her from leaping from the van to help was the thought that Chloe’s daughter was all alone only a mile away and more crews of volunteers were right behind them.

As they continued to drive, one by one, the other vehicles joined and then peeled off to help the injured, until it was only one pickup and the skid steer that continued with them.

Britt slowed as she approached a metal arch that was twisted like a paper clip and blocked the road. “We’re gonna have to go down the bike path.” Britt drove over the low curb and bounced across the grass onto the paved bike path.

Oakley peered out the window at what must have been a park and ball diamonds but now looked more like the site of a ticker tape parade.Fuck.The entire subdivision was in ruins. It had been reduced to rubble. The tornado must have been an EF4 or EF5.

Chloe gasped behind her. Oakley steeled herself before she swiveled to face Chloe.

Chloe’s eyes reflected the horror they were driving into. Her lips trembled, and her body shook. Riley put an arm around her and talked softly to her. Seeing that Riley was handling the situation, Oakley turned back to the front.Coward.She couldn’t bear to see Chloe’s pain.

When Britt came to a dead end, she turned to the east. She went as far as she could until the road became impassable from downed trees, entire roofs, and parts of walls, blocking their progress.

“We’re going to have to go on foot from here,” Riley said as she took charge of the group.

CHAPTER 43

Lana tapped her fingersagainst the steering wheel. She’d tried to enter Summerton from two different points, but she’d been stopped at each location. Her press credentials had been of no use. She pulled to the side of the road about a mile from the roadblock and tried Oakley’s number again. So far, all she’d gotten was dead air.

“Lana,” Oakley said on the first ring.

“Did you find her?” Lana asked.

“Not yet.” Oakley’s voice was strained. “There’s so many people needing help, and it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between the houses or even where we are.”

“How’s Chloe?”

“Hanging in there. I wouldn’t say she’s doing well, but she’s trying to keep it together. She hasn’t been able to reach Mia on the phone. We thought we could find the house right away, but the subdivision is so torn up, it’s disorienting.” Oakley sighed.“Poor Riley’s trying to lead the search, but she’s distracted since she’s so worried about Chloe.”

“I can’t get in,” Lana said.

“Get in?” Oakley sounded confused. “Did they close the airport?”

“No, into Summerton.”

“You’re not in L.A.?”

“No, that’s what I was trying to tell you earlier, I decided not to go.”

Oakley let out a loud exhale.

Lana decided not to comment on Oakley’s reaction. Instead, she said, “I want to help, but they won’t let me through.”

“Where are you?”

“North of town.”

“Perfect. Asher’s on his way with the guys from the National Weather Service. They should be able to get you in.”

“Oakley,” Lana heard a male voice call. “We’re about ready to start the next grid walk.”

“Shit, Lana, I have to go.”

“Go. I’ll call Asher.”

“I love you.”