Page 33 of Through the Storms

“Um, yeah.” Riley’s face reddened. “I took a bunch of notes today while you were talking, so we figured we better study them.”

Oakley turned to Asher and waggled her finger. “You aren’t stealing any of my people. I’ve got serious storm chasers.”

Riley’s smile broadened.

“Maybe I can help you with some of the things you’re not clear on,” Oakley said.

“Wait.” Chloe held up her hand. “Aren’t you going to tell us more about Timmer?”

Britt and Asher groaned at the same time.

Oakley didn’t give them the satisfaction of a dirty look. “Just the best storm chaser—ever!”

“And the craziest,” Britt said.

“Hmph, one man’s insanity is another man’s genius.” Oakley glared at Britt. “And Reed Timmer is a genius when it comes to storms. He lives for the chase. He’s brought a lot of attention to storm chasing.”

“He’s a risk taker,” Britt said. “He skates a little too close to the edge for my liking.”

“But ironically and sadly, it was Tim Samaras that died in a storm,” Oakley said.

Chloe’s swallowed hard. “Storm chasers die?” Riley put her hand on Chloe’s back.

“It’s rare.”Hmm.Oakley’s earlier assessment about the pair might be right. Riley had a definite protectiveness when it came to Chloe.

“Tim was one of the good ones. A consummate professional and usually cautious,” Asher said.

Chloe twisted a napkin in her hands. “But yet he…uh…he—”

Oakley jumped in. “He and his son and another crew member died in the El Reno tornado in 2013. It was a huge wedge tornado.”

“The widest ever recorded,” Britt offered.

Oakley nodded. “Over two and a half miles wide.”

“How wide are they normally?” Riley asked.

“It’s rare to have one more than a mile across.” Oakley shook her head. “So two and a half miles is unheard of.”

“Plus, it tied the record for the highest winds ever recorded,” Britt said. “Three hundred and two miles per hour.”

“Their car was tossed around like a tin can.” A chill ran through Oakley’s body, and she shuddered. She hoped the others hadn’t noticed, but when she glanced at Chloe, there was no doubt Chloe had seen it.

“The storm acted erratic,” Asher said. “Reports say it took a sharp turn.”

“That’s horrible.” Chole clutched her stomach.

“It was. It is.” Oakley met Chloe’s gaze. “It was a reminder to all of us. We need to respect the power of nature and never forget how deadly tornadoes can be.”

“Well, kids,” Asher said. “I don’t mean to break up this party, but the waitress just circled the table again. She probably wants us out of here.”

“He’s right.” Oakley glanced at him and said out of the corner of her mouth, “For once.”

“Bummer,” Sandy said. “This was getting interesting.”

“Don’t worry.” Oakley smiled. “We’re going to spend a lot of time together. So much that you’ll likely get tired of hearing all my stories.”

“Doubtful,” Riley said.