Page 41 of Carmine

I watched the audience carefully as they offered words of support, and I hoped that those watching had similar sentiments.

“Okay Carmine, now please can you answer this because I’m sure the people want to understand. What was the relationship between you and Carmen, the model?” Lara asked, her eyes gleaming with an unholy light. I got the sense that Lara didn’t like her.

“There wasn’t one. Carmen and I had three public dates. I’ve no idea why she’s carrying on and wailing like I broke her heart. Sheesh, if Carmen honestly feels like that… then hell… bunny boiler vibes! Come on,” Carmine turned to the audience. “If you took someone out for a few meals, would you consider yourself in a relationship?”

Everyone laughed and called out negatives.

“Now let’s talk about the Michaelson Scholarships. This is something you set up with your brothers, Micah and Tye, and sisters Jodie and Serenity. Can you tell me about this project?” Lara questioned.

I snuggled against Carmine as he pulled me even closer to his body and listened as he spoke about the special school he and his siblings had started. By the end of the interview, I knew that Carmine had turned public opinion his way.

Lara asked us to stay and talk to the audience, after filming ended. Graciously, we did for an hour, answering some further questions before taking our leave and heading to our hotel.

Carmine

I glanced at Molly; she was curled up on the seat of the plane, asleep. Her phone had been pinging, and I grabbed and answered it.

“Molly, this is Susan. There’s been a huge increase in quakes, and we need you back soon,” Susan said.

“Hi, Dr Jones-White, it’s Carmine, Molly’s asleep. We are on our way now; we should land within the hour. Would you like us to come straight to the command centre?”

“Yes, please. Carmine, we’re looking at possibly evacuating those in the red zone,” Susan answered, and my stomach knotted.

Whatever was happening was occurring right now.

“Has search and rescue been alerted?” I asked.

“Axel and Chief Howser are currently on site and are informed about the incoming data. I honestly believe we’re going to see a lava flow, but I don’t understand where or how. I have everyone out in the Hills monitoring the possible routes,” Susan said.

“Okay, Doc, we’ll be home soon,” I reassured her.

“Good, because Molly might see something I am missing,” Susan replied, and cut the call.

Gently, I shook Molly awake and informed her what was going on. She immediately dragged up her laptop and logged in to begin reviewing the data.

“I’m positive it’s going to be a laccolith,” Molly said, tapping her chin. “We don’t have signs for a new volcano forming. There’s no ground movement, and there would be. The quakes would also be stronger.”

“You think a laccolith is gonna explode?”

“Not explode, but become active, yes. But I can’t formulate how or when, except it’s imminent. And when I say that, I mean within the next twenty-four hours.”

“Molly, Dr Jones-White is in charge, but I think you are going to have to make the call to evacuate. We’re aware of the paths the lava can take, and the quickest one to civilisation only gives us half an hour evac time.”

“I’d rather not decide. What if I’m wrong?” Molly asked, biting her lip.

“And what if you’re correct? Err on the side of caution, sweet girl,” I urged, believing in her.

Molly studied her data and then, thirty minutes later, picked up her phone.

“Susan, it’s me. I’ve studied the latest meeting, and I’m gonna call it. Evacuate the areas we guessed are in the risk zones. This is going to happen within the next twenty-four hours. That’s my recommendation, and I’ll also email it,” Molly said strongly.

I knew she had doubts, but Molly wasn’t letting them show in her voice, and I was so proud of her.

Molly conversed briefly with Susan before ending the call. “I may have just caused a storm in a teacup,” she murmured.

“Or saved hundreds of lives. Trust the data and your gut,” I soothed.

“Yeah,” Molly replied and looked out the window.

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