Page 120 of Through the Storms

“Hey,” Asher said. “Looks like a group of volunteers over there. Call Oak and see where they’re at.”

Before Lana could take her phone from her purse it rang. “Hi, Oakley, we’re here.”

“I see you,” Oakley said. “I’m waving my arms.”

“There she is.” Asher pointed across the expanse. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to drive much closer.”

“Tell Ash to take the next right,” Oakley said. “There’s a path that’ll get you within fifty yards of us.”

Lana relayed the instructions. “Have you found Mia?”

“No. Chloe’s getting more agitated. We’ve got Britt with her.”

“Britt?”

“She was our only choice. Climbing over all this shit is physical, so they needed me.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

Asher hadn’t stopped the car before Lana threw open the door.

“Whoa, I don’t need you falling out and hurting yourself.”

Lana smiled at him but proceeded to step out of the car as it rolled to a stop. “Do you need my help with the equipment?”

“Go,” he said.

He didn’t have to tell her twice. Lana ran down the street toward Oakley, dodging broken glass, nails, and shards of metal. The only sound she heard was the buzzing of chain saws as the rescuers cut through the debris.

Riley and Oakley were helping an elderly woman who clutched her tiny poodle in her arms. The woman and her dog appeared to be okay, just a little shell-shocked. Lana slowed and was about to stop when she noticed Britt and Chloe farther down the road. Lana gave Oakley a quick wave and jogged past.

Britt normally talked with her hands, but her gestures were more exaggerated. That couldn’t be good. Lana picked up her pace and ran toward the pair.

Chloe looked up, and relief washed over her. When Britt turned to see what had drawn Chloe’s attention, relief filled her eyes as well. If the situation wasn’t so dire, their reactions would have been comical. Apparently, both were ready for Lana to take over.

“Chloe,” Lana called as she jogged the last several yards.

Before Lana had stopped, Chloe opened her arms and moved toward Lana. Their bodies collided, and it nearly knocked the wind out of Lana, but Chloe didn’t seem to notice.

Britt gave Lana a thumbs up and rushed off. Lana turned her attention to Chloe and hugged her tighter.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” Chloe said. “I’m about to lose my mind.”

They parted, and Lana took Chloe’s hand. “Tell me what’s happening.”

Chloe waved her hand at the destruction. “It’s so torn up. They’re having trouble figuring out where we are. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. Every time I think we’re in the right area, it turns out we’re not. I’m making Riley crazy because she’s trying to do things methodically, and I keep thinking I’ve figured it out, but it’s another dead end.” Tears welled in Chloe’seyes. “The street signs are all gone. I tried using my GPS, but the signal seems to be all messed up.”

Lana took Chloe’s other hand and stood in front of her. “I’m going to ask you to do something.”

Chloe nodded.

“You’re rattled. Rightfully so, but I find most times once I calm down, I can think more clearly. Let’s get you centered.”

Chloe sighed. “I know you’re right. What do I need to do?”

“Close your eyes and breathe with me.”

Chloe closed her eyes and tightened her grip on Lana’s hands.