Annihilation (The Seamus Chronicles Book 1) by McAdams K. D

Author:McAdams, K. D. [McAdams, K. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Caveman Worldwide LLC
Published: 2014-01-15T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Liam had been right. The concrete and steel barriers that protect the pump islands from reckless and distracted drivers had the right combination of materials and size to partially survive the fire. Once we began intently surveying the landscape and searching for clues that would indicate a gas station, it seemed obvious when we came to one.

Fortunately we had the pump and hoses from the gas station experience back home. It took awhile to find the covers for the underground tanks, but we were able to find the fuel and eventually get the Escalade filled.

We have been on the road for well over 12 hours now. The sun has fallen out of the sky and darkness is chasing away the dusk quickly. I know Dad does not want to travel at night, but there has been no discussion of stopping.

“Is that a river?” Sofie is pointing out the front window.

“I think I see a tree!” Grace shouts.

“We made it.” Dad lets out a sigh.

“Made what?” Sofie is getting a lesson in Dad’s poor communication.

“The Mississippi river. We’ll stop on the other side,” he answers solemnly.

As we approach the river, the effects of the fire seem to lessen. While I know it isn’t true, I think the fire had intelligence. It saw the river and knew there was no way across. Instead of raging against that barrier and consuming all the fuel right up to the waters edge, it receded and headed east, where it was unfettered until it reached the Atlantic. It burned ruthlessly consuming towns and cities, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. I can’t say for certain, but it feels as if half of the United States was wiped away.

Dad doesn’t stop at the bridge. He rolls right on over it. As if we are desert travelers arriving at an oasis after a day baking in the sun, we cheer when we reach the other side. We’re back to civilization and humanity. There are buildings and billboards, trees and grass. Things are looking up, and I can feel the energy in the car.

While we are still adjusting back to the world we are used to, we see a sign proclaiming “The County’s Top Cadillac Dealer” four miles ahead. The next sign brings more good news: a Holiday Inn at the same exit, complete with Wi-Fi, a restaurant and an indoor pool. There is no way Dad can pass this up. These were put here together, just for us.

“We’ll stay at that Holiday Inn tonight. In the morning, we can get new tires or move into a completely new Escalade.” Dad didn’t let me down.

“Wow, Paddrick Robinson takes the easy route. Mark this day on the calendar.” Sofie is grinning from ear to ear and we all crack up at her jab.

“Oooh, a Cracker Barrel. I love Cracker Barrel,” Grace is caught up in the moment. But we all fade quickly to silence. We survived the fire. The exhilaration of making it to the clean, undamaged, whole side of the river helped us to forget our reality.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.