Page 23 of Through the Storms
“I couldn’t think of an example of something wound tight that wasn’t a cliché, so you’re going to have to take what you get.”
A smile spread across Riley’s face, and light danced in her eyes. “Chloe Crawford, something tells me this is going to be one memorable trip.”
Before Chloe could respond, the door behind them flew open, and Oakley charged into the room. She had a huge grin on her face and radiated enthusiasm. Nothing like the guarded version that had spoken to them earlier. Asher and Britt trailed after her, having a hard time keeping up.
“Are we ready for an adventure?” Oakley called out.
The group answered her with an enthusiastic yes.
“Awesome,” Oakley said as she settled into the front of the room. “I’ve got some exciting news for you. The weather gods, Mother Nature, science, or whatever you believe in is lining up for a potentially interesting week.”
Oakley nodded to Britt, who flipped open the laptop sitting on the table. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, and suddenly, the large screen behind them filled with the logo for KOOK 13.
“In just a minute, we should get the most up-to-date reports from our local weather channel.” Oakley pointed to the screen. “Pay close attention.”
Chloe glanced at Britt as Oakley delivered the line and caught Britt rolling her eyes. Oakley seemed to have seen it too because she playfully elbowed Britt in the side.
KOOK 13?Chloe leaned over to Riley. “Isn’t that—“
“Yep, we’re about to see Lana Monroe, Oakley’s woman.”
“Oh, this should be fun.” Chloe chuckled. “I’m not sure which I want to watch, the screen or Oakley.”
“I was thinking the same.”
“Welcome back,” the anchorman said from the screen. “We have a special treat for you this evening. Our very own Lana Monroe is filling in for Starla Johnston this evening. Lana, would you like to tell us what’s in store for our workweek?”
“Certainly, John,” Lana said as the camera moved to her.
Chloe leaned forward in her chair.Damn.Lana was even more beautiful on the big screen. Her wavy brown hair cascaded around her shoulders in perfect curls. Did someone style herhair that way or was it natural? Her bright blue eyes twinkled as she gazed into the camera and smiled.
Riley leaned over. “I hope someday somebody looks at me that way.” Riley motioned toward Oakley, who stood with a huge grin on her face while she looked up at the screen. Mesmerized was the best word Chloe could find.
“No doubt. I think it’s adorable.”
An unreadable expression crossed Riley’s face before she said, “Adorable? Okay, I was thinking more like smoking.”
Chloe stifled a giggle. She’d been so focused on Oakley that she hadn’t heard anything Lana had said, so she tuned back in.
Lana motioned to the weather map behind her. “As you can see, we have cold air making its way down from Canada and warm jet air moving up from the Gulf. It’s too early to tell where the fronts are likely to meet, but we’re keeping a close eye on them. By midweek, we’ll have a clearer picture.”
“Tornadoes?” John, the anchor, asked.
“It’s too early to tell, but we should prepare for potentially severe weather. Stay informed. If you’re not able to watch television, please stay tuned to local radio.” Lana paused and looked directly into the camera. “We are in tornado season, so it’s imperative to be on the alert and listen, not just listen, but react quickly to warnings issued by the National Weather Service. If you have a basement or a storm shelter, immediately seek shelter there. If you don’t have a basement, take cover in an interior room without windows.”
“Is that as safe as a basement?” John asked.
“While a basement is preferable, an interior room can be very effective. One of the most dangerous things in a tornado is the flying debris. If you’re in an interior room, there are things you can do for extra protection. Many children have bicycle helmets or maybe a baseball helmet, if so, I recommend they wearthem. Also, cover up with a bedspread or comforter, anything to protect yourself.”
“Tornadoes are no joke.” John shook his head. “My mom lives in Moore. She survived the 1999 and 2013 tornadoes that ripped through town.”
“She’s a lucky woman. Moore’s been hit hard.” Lana’s expression grew pensive. “Both tornadoes were EF5s and dished out massive destruction. In fact, the highest wind speed ever recorded—three hundred and two miles per hour—occurred during the 1999 tornado in Moore.”
“Unbelievable.” John let out a sigh. “But you’ll be here all week to keep an eye on things?”
Lana gazed into the camera. Her eyes blazed with intensity. “I will be! Please stay informed and be safe.”
“You heard it here first.” Oakley swept her hand toward the screen as Britt cut the feed. “From the best weather woman in the world.”
