Page 53 of Through the Storms

“Hey, Oak,” Britt called. “The educational lessons are great, but do you think you can look at the radar? The idiots in the black vans just went careening down a side road up ahead.”

“Duty calls.” Oakley swiveled in her chair and tapped the computer screen. “Holy shit. CAPE levels are up to 3500.”

“Any clue what a CAPE level is?” Riley asked Chloe.

“I don’t remember, but the number seems to have them excited,” Chloe answered.

Chloe was right. Britt took a hard left, a little faster than maybe was advised and quickly picked up speed. Riley glanced out the back window. Asher’s van wasn’t far behind. With the frenzied activity, Riley’s pulse raced.

“Maybe we’ll see our firstrealtornado.“ Chloe’s dark brown eyes danced, and her gaze darted from the front window to theside. “Look. It’s getting darker over there. How close do you think we are?”

It was certainly getting darker to the northwest. “Maybe five miles.”

“I think it’s a little closer.” Chloe nodded toward Britt. “I’m pretty sure we’re exceeding the speed limit. Plus, the storm is moving toward us.”

“Good point. I get the adrenaline rush now.” Riley put her hand on her chest. “My heart’s going to thump out of my chest.”

When Chloe held out her hand, it trembled. “And I can’t stop shaking. I’m not used to this kind of adrenaline. But you must be.”

“Yeah, it comes with the territory in my job, but this feels different.”

“How so?”

“I’m not in control.”

It was the last thing Riley said as a large lightning bolt split the sky followed by booming thunder that shook the windows of the van.

Oakley blinked several times, hoping the spots would go away. The lightning had been blinding, but it was the thunderclap that had been unnerving. It was so loud that it sounded as if it were in the van with them.

At least two of the passengers had screamed. Oakley was used to storms, but even she’d flinched.

She kept her focus split between the road ahead and the radar. They were getting close. “I think we should think about pulling off soon.”

“Are you sure?” Britt asked, but she didn’t turn to look at Oakley. “Our friends in the black vans are still going.”

“Let them. What about up there about half a mile? Get us past this farm.” Oakley glanced out the window at the large red barn. “We don’t need a farmer getting pissed that we’re too close.”

When Britt slowed, Oakley threw off her seat belt and jumped to her feet. “Everyone, we’re stopping here, but I want you to stay within twenty feet of the van. We could get some hail from this storm, and none of you wants to get clunked on the head.”

Peggy rose to her feet, but Sandy remained seated and met Oakley’s gaze. “Can we watch from inside the van?”

“Absolutely,” Oakley said.

“I don’t want to slow the others down if we need to get back in fast.” Sandy twisted the raincoat in her hands.

“Do you want to go out?” Riley asked.

Sandy shrugged. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Chloe stood and approached Sandy. She put a hand on the older woman’s shoulder. Before she could speak, the newlyweds pushed past her, so Chloe had to sidestep to give them room. Once they exited, she put her hand back on Sandy’s shoulder. “Do you want to come with?”

Peggy moved up beside her sister. “Come on, ya old fart. We can stand near the door.” Peggy glanced over her shoulder at Riley. “Our favorite EMT will get you back into the van.” She met Riley’s gaze. “Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Riley answered. “It’d be my pleasure.”

Sandy smiled.

“That settled?” Oakley asked. “If so, let’s roll.”