Page 6 of Firestorm

She grabbed the soap and scrubbed her skin. Growing up she’d heard about the dangers of nuclear weapons both in the present and long term. Sarah had no idea what effects it would have on her.

After she’d thoroughly washed her hair and scrubbed her skin to the point of it hurting, she dried and slipped into the set of clothes left for her which consisted of jeans that were a size too big and a sweatshirt that enveloped her tall frame.

Sarah left her soiled clothes where they were and slipped into a pair of boots before she left the restroom and opened another door that led into the building itself. It appeared to be some type of hangar, because three helicopters were parked within the vast space. Along one wall, a bench held different types of tools and power equipment.

A small room with a window appeared to house a desk and some file cabinets. Sarah clasped her hands together to stop them from shaking. As much as she wanted to trust Jeb and Kirk, she didn’t. After watching her brother being forced from their home at gunpoint, the warning he’d yelled out to her still rang in her ears. Trust no one but James.

Sounds coming from the direction of a huge roll-up door had Sarah swinging toward it. Jeb, Kirk, and a third man entered the building through a smaller door.

More than ever, she needed God’s wisdom and protection. One wrong decision could end her life.

Please let me be able to trust these men.

The prayer slipped through her frantic mind as she waited for the men to reach her. Both Jeb and Kirk had been in full hazmat suits when she saw them last. Now, all were dressed in normal clothing.

One of the men smiled and stuck out his hand. Rail thin, he appeared to be in his fifties. His steel-gray hair was sparce in places. “It’s nice to meet you in person, Sarah. I’m Jeb Hatfield, and this young one is Kirk George. The “young one” he introduced was probably in his forties and as opposite to Jeb as night and day.

Kirk George was definitely former military. Sarah recognized the way he carried himself. He shook her hand and called her ma’am.

“That’s Holden Timmons.” Kirk crooked a thumb at the third man. “This is his place.”

“Nice to meet you, Sarah.” Holden Timmons was the youngest of the three. She guessed in his early to mid-thirties and clearly fond of the two men at his side. His military training was evident from the way he stood tall and proud.

“You’ve spoken to James?” She blurted the words out. Her brain was working overtime. It was the only question she could think of asking.

Holden confirmed with a nod. “I have through the radio. While cell service is fine here, at ground zero the EMP is probably playing havoc with the signal.”

He waited for her to respond, but Sarah couldn’t manage an answer.

“We’ve been in communication with Cooper and have come up with an escape plan to get the members of Strike Force out of the mine before the people responsible for the attack come searching for them.” He glanced back at the helicopters stowed there. “In fact, we’re about to fly these birds to the rendezvous near the mountain.”

“I’m coming with you.” She had to speak to James face-to-face.

“That’s not a good idea. The radiation levels are going to be high even though the mountain will be between us and the blast site.”

She knew the risks. This was important. “I’m going.”

Holden locked eyes with her for a long moment. “All right. I’ll find you a suit.” He shifted toward Jeb. “Maya, Eli, and Noah should be here soon. Maya is flying her chopper. They’ve gathered as many supplies as they could muster. Hopefully, we’ll have enough hazmat suits for everyone.”

As if on cue, a faint noise outside grew stronger—helicopter blades slicing the thin mountain air.

“That’s them. Let’s get these birds ready to fly.” Holden hurried to the massive roll-up door and opened it before stepping out into the night. Both Jeb and Kirk followed as did Sarah.

“I know you guys want to help,” Holden said to his friends. “But space is going to be limited and a lot of people need evacuating. Can I ask you to monitor the operation from the ground?”

Both soldiers appeared crestfallen, clearly wanting to be part of the mission, but they nodded their agreement.

Outside a helicopter hovered low above the trees before slowly descending. Both Jeb and Kirk went back inside to prep the machines.

Dust and leaves scattered amidst the chopper’s spinning blades. Sarah shielded her eyes as the three people inside ducked low and ran over to where they waited. All wore hazmat suits.

“We managed to piece together fifty additional suits and as many weapons as we could gather,” the female of the group announced. “Thanks to Eli’s old man, who owns an army surplus store.”

“I appreciate it, and thank you all for coming. This is going to happen fast, and it will be dangerous. Whoever was responsible for launching that nuke is going to want to make sure they accomplished what they set out to do,” Holden told them. “This is Sarah Hancock. She will be flying with me. Sarah, meet Eli, Noah, and Maya.” Holden pointed to each. “Maya, do you have the coordinates?” The woman confirmed. “Good, let’s get the rest of the choppers out.”

In a matter of minutes, the remaining helicopters were free of the building.

Maya returned to her aircraft to lead the mission. Soon, three of the crafts were airborne.

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