Page 10 of Carmine

“It means that the magma is pushing back, and the plates are pushing against the magma, which is causing earthquakes. And they will get stronger,” I answered.

“And EROS isn’t studying this?” Phoenix questioned in disbelief.

“No, because South Dakota has no active volcanoes here.”

“How long, Doc?” Axel demanded. He’d been silent all meeting, but I saw his brain working behind his eyes.

“A week, no more than two,” I mumbled.

A heaviness fell upon the room.

“Where do you guess it will erupt?” Axel asked.

I pulled up another diagram. “The activity seems centred around Buzzards Roost. The magma will escape there.”

“That’s three miles from downtown Rapid City!” Drake exclaimed.

“Maybe it’ll flow the other way?” Klutz said and then shook his head. “No, Aurora’s visions show it running through the streets.”

“I can get you a meeting with EROS and the people in power tomorrow. Can you prepare a presentation with the necessary evidence by then?” Phoenix asked me.

“I have the presentation from three years ago, and I just need to update the information,” I replied.

“Do it, and I’ll get everyone together in the council chambers in city hall. Be there for nine o’clock, Dr Balfour-Cherlyn,” Phoenix said.

I began laughing. “They aren’t going to come. Nobody believed me then and won’t now.”

Phoenix stared at me.

“A donation of a few million dollars will bring anyone running. The condition is they listen to your presentation. Doc, money speaks, and people like cash. They’ll be there; you be sure to be ready,” Phoenix replied.

“Carmine, you and Klutz help the Doc. Aurora-Victoria, I can’t boss you around…” Drake said as Aurora laughed.

“Yeah, if you say so, Drake. I’ll stay because these visions are killing me. Now that they’ve been vindicated, they might ease, which would be wonderful. The last one put me on my back,” she replied ruefully.

Drake spoke to me. “Be ready for tomorrow morning, Doc. The prospects are at your command. If you need anything, tell them and they’ll fetch it.”

“Okay,” I replied, unsure of what else to say.

“And I’ll make sure you eat and drink.” Aurora smiled.

“I’m used to working alone if you all have better things to do—”

“Ain’t nothing more important for this. This vision has been haunting Aurora since she came back to Rapid City. I want it gone. Even if those two fetch you coffee and food and massage your feet, I don’t care. They’ll do what it takes for you to put the presentation together and make those in charge hear you out,” Drake replied.

“Thank you,” I said with a sense of relief running through me. Someone finally believed me. And that gave me all themotivation I needed. Even if they only listened because of Aurora.

Chapter Three.

Molly

After the others took their leave, I was left staring at those who remained. Aurora broke the awkward silence first.

“Right, if I know these guys, they’re hungry. And I bet you haven’t eaten Dr Balfour-Cherlyn. I’ll go make some lunch and get coffee on,” Aurora suggested, smiling.

“Please call me Molly. You say that name, and I look for my mother. I’d rather not have that nightmare. Um, I’m not sure what food I have. Honestly, I tend to eat rations when out in the field and only have basic dinners at home,” I responded.

Aurora offered a horrified stare and scarpered up the stairs.

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