Page 51 of Through the Storms

The group laughed.

Britt turned to Oakley. “And that, my friend, is how it’s done.”

Oakley smiled. “I’ll text Lana, so she’ll know the plans have changed.”

CHAPTER 21

Riley peeled off herraincoat and shook it out. Drops flew in all directions. She looked up at the sky. A hint of sun peeked out behind the last of the clouds. It was unbelievable how quickly the rain had come and gone.

“That was a bust,” Chloe said beside her. “As dark as it got, I was sure we’d see something.”

“Hey, gang,” Oakley called out. “Back to the van. I’ve got a lead on a supercell forming about twenty miles west of here.”

“Let’s go.” Britt broke into a trot as she headed for the vehicle.

“Us old ladies can’t move as fast as you young’uns,” Peggy said. She’d just taken off her raincoat and was swinging it around like a bullfighter. She turned to Sandy. “You better get your coat shook out.”

“We ain’t got time.” Sandy started toward the van.

“If you ladies wouldn’t mind, I can dry off your coats while you get yourselves to the van,” Riley said. “I’ll shake them out and catch up with you.”

“Such manners.” Peggy beamed at Riley as she handed over her jacket.

Chloe moved beside Sandy and helped her pull her arm from her coat sleeve.

Once freed, Sandy motioned to Peggy. “Scoot. And stop flirting.” Sandy shook her head at Riley. “Good thing you ain’t wearing your uniform. She’s always had a thing for men in uniforms, and I’m beginning to think she wouldn’t mind a woman in uniform, either.” Sandy winked at Riley before she scurried toward the bus.

Riley vigorously shook the jackets. She didn’t mind the water pelting her in the face since it cooled the heat that rose in her cheeks. The sisters had a knack for embarrassing her.

Chloe laughed. “Those two have your number.”

“Stop harassing me. We have a van to catch.”

Chloe chuckled as they sprinted toward the van with the coats billowing in the wind. Riley slowed as she approached the door and veered off to the right.

Chloe skidded to a stop next to Riley. “What’s wrong? Why’d you stop?”

Riley motioned toward the open door. “I wanted to make sure you got on first.”

A puzzled look crossed Chloe’s face before she smiled. “Thank you. I think the sisters are right about you.” Chloe winked and climbed into the van.

Damn it.Riley’s face warmedagain.Why did she have to blush so easily? She shook the jackets one last time before she entered.

Riley had barely sat when Britt pulled from the side of the road and accelerated. Oakley talked excitedly into the radio to Asher. Riley was having trouble making out Oakley’s words because they were coming out in such a rush.

Riley glanced at her watch and then leaned over toward Chloe. “Hey, it’s three o’clock.”

“Okay?” Chloe’s brow furrowed.

“Oakley said that the best times for tornadoes are between three and nine. We’re in the sweet spot.”

Chloe smiled. “Do you think this could be the big one?”

Riley nodded toward the front seat. “If they’re any indication, I’d say it’s possible.”

“They do seem hyped.” Chloe pointed at a side road up to their left. “Looks like the storm is attracting attention.”

Three black vans kicked up dust as they sped down what must have been a gravel road. “I don’t think they’re obeying the speed limit.” Movement from the other side of the van caught Riley’s eye. “Shit. There’s more coming from that way.”