Page 128 of Through the Storms

Riley chattered at Mia, telling her ridiculous stories as they walked. Hearing Mia’s laughter was the best sound in the world.

Chloe glanced up at the blue sky.Odd.It looked like a normal day. There wasn’t a hint of the tornado that had torn through. That wasn’t true. There was no indication in the sky, butglancing around at the wreckage, there would likely be evidence for years to come.

As they approached the car, Riley pretended to be exhausted and panted. “What did you eat for breakfast, lead?”

Mia laughed. “I thought EMTs were supposed to be tough.”

Riley grinned.

Chloe’s heart warmed, seeing the playful camaraderie they’d developed in such a short time. What was the old saying about bonds forged in fire? When they arrived at the car, the volunteers moved in and secured Mia into the front seat.

“I’ll drive,” Riley said to Britt.

Chloe put her hand on Riley’s arm. “You were telling me the truth when you said it was just an ankle, weren’t you?”

“Of course.” Riley’s eyebrows drew in. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“Then you need to stay here.”

Riley’s face dropped. Then she nodded and turned away.

Chloe grabbed her arm. “God, I didn’t mean it that way.”

Riley’s hurt eyes bore into Chloe, but she didn’t speak.

Chloe held Riley’s gaze for several beats. “As much as I want you with us…with me…you’re needed here.”

The pain in Riley’s eyes receded, but still she kept silent.

“If there’s someone else’s child out here needing help, I can’t be selfish.” Chloe glanced around at the volunteers who continued to pull people from the wreckage. Chloe squeezed Riley’s arm. “Do you understand?”

“I do.” Riley gave her a weak smile. “I’m trained for this, so I can’t leave.”

Chloe threw her arms around Riley. “The life of a hero.”

Riley chuckled. “I wouldn’t exactly call me a hero.”

“I would,” Chloe said against Riley’s neck.

CHAPTER 47

Oakley stepped down, andher foot broke through the drywall. She stumbled and lost her balance. “Fuck,” she said as she fell forward. The flashlight flew from her grasp, and she caught herself with her hand. Her palm pounded into the pile of rubble, and a sharp pain ran up her arm to her shoulder. “Shit.”

Lana’s flashlight nearly blinded Oakley as Lana ran toward her. “Are you okay?”

“Hell if I know.” Oakley tried to pull her trapped leg out of the hole with little success. “My foot’s caught.”

“Jesus, what happened?” A figure ran toward them.

“Riley?” Lana said.

“Yeah, it’s me.” Riley slowed and walked the last few yards to them. “I was grabbing a drink over there, and I saw Oakley go down.”

“Um, do you think you can pull me out of here?”

“Is anything hurt?”

“My ego,” Oakley said without hesitation.