Homecoming by Alers Rochelle

Author:Alers, Rochelle [Alers, Rochelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781583142714
Publisher: Rochelle Alers
Published: 2002-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

Twelve

Dana and Tyler became aware of the silence and stillness simultaneously. She scrambled off his body, coming to her feet.

“It’s gone.” Her dulcet voice was calm, thankful.

Tyler stood up and walked over to the wooden ladder. “I’m going up to take a look.”

Inhaling deeply, he mentally prepared himself for the worst, expecting property damage; what he was not prepared for was the loss of human life. As soon as he lifted the concrete slab he heard the sirens. They were a long way off, but they still could be heard in Hillsboro. It was apparent the tornado had touched down—where was the question.

Hands splayed on his hips, he surveyed his property, whispering a silent prayer of thanks. Except for a few downed tree limbs, everything was still intact. He’d been spared.

He returned to the tunnel, holding the lantern aloft while Dana climbed the ladder. Waiting until she reached the top, he turned off the lantern, left it near the entrance, and then retraced his steps, placing the covering over the opening.

Dana stared up at the heavens. The rain had stopped, the sky had brightened, and watery rays of sunlight peeked through fluffy white clouds. Large hailstones were melting quickly in the suffocating heat. The sound of the wailing sirens chilled her, and she curbed the urge to place her hands over her ears as she’d done as a child.

The compact cellular phone clipped to Tyler’s waist rang. Vertical lines furrowed his forehead when he stared at the display. It was the county hospital. Depressing the TALK button, he said, “Dr. Cole.”

He listened to the authoritative voice coming through the tiny earpiece telling him the twister had hit Calico, and the governor had declared a county-wide emergency. Civilians were not permitted on any county roads, a six P.M. curfew was in effect, and all medical personnel were ordered to report to Calico to assist the injured. It was nearly five-thirty, and the curfew was scheduled to go into effect within half an hour.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He ended the call, and then turned to Dana, taking her hand. “I have to go to Calico. But first I’m going to shower and change my clothes.” Taking long, determined strides, he headed toward the house, pulling her along with him. “I want you to stay here until I get back.”

Dana quickened her pace to keep up with him. She was practically running. “Can’t you drop me off home? I need to wash and change my clothes.”

“No. There’s a county emergency, which means civilians aren’t allowed on the roads. Besides, there’s also a six o’clock curfew.”

“But I’m going to stay indoors.”

“I’m not willing to risk you getting arrested, Dana. Give me the keys to your place, and if I can I’ll pick up something for you.” There was a thread of steel in his voice she’d never heard before.

Waiting for him to unlock the front door to his house, she stared at his profile. His mouth was set in a tight grim line, while a muscle quivered in his lean jaw.

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