Page 30 of Landon (In Safe Hands)
“No,but most of your neighborhood is leveled. Only the kitchen of your home is destroyed.I’m in your office now. Other than broken windows and a little water damage,everything’s good.”
Ilet out a breath. “Can you see what’s blocking the basement door?”
“Landon…man…Ican’t get into your kitchen at all. You know the big house across the streetfrom yours, the one with the red roof? That’s what landed on you. Half thathouse is sitting in your kitchen. It’s going to take them a while to dig youout. Are you sure you two are okay?”
Iswallow the lump trying to form in my throat. “The Simmons live across thestreet. They’re an elderly couple. Do you know if they’re okay?”
“Noidea, sorry. It’s like a war zone out here. I’ve never seen anything like it.They’re trying to dig people out, look for survivors. National Guard is coming,and The Red Cross is setting up.”
“Myneighbors on the right. They need to start there. Monica Wright and her baby.It’s just the two of them.”
“I’lllet them know.”
“Tellthem we’re fine. We have supplies that will last a few days at least. They needto look for the others first.”
“Iunderstand.”
“Jeremy,if it’s daylight when they get to us…”
“Alreadygot you covered. I found your spaceman gear and I’ll make sure they give it toyou first.”
“Thanks,”I breathe. It’s time to explain my condition to Zoe as much as I hate thethought.
“Noproblem. Listen, Frannie’s with me and wants to talk to Zoe. Put it on speaker,will you?”
Icomply, and Zoe grins when Frannie cries, “Are you okay? You scared the ever lovingshit out of me, hussy!”
“Relax,I’m fine,” Zoe laughs, shaking her head. “If you’re going to be trapped, aspoiled rich man’s basement is a great choice,” she teases, poking me in theribs.
Ican’t help but smile at her attempt to cheer me up. She doesn’t know what newsI’ve received, but it’s obviously not good. “Do you have enough water?” Frannieasks.
“Yep.Water, food, a pool table if we get bored.”
Frannielaughs, sounding relieved. “I wish I could do something.”
“Youcan,” Zoe replies. “I can’t get a signal, and Landon’s phone cuts in and out.Call Ethan and let him know I’m fine, but the storms damaged some cell towers,and I’ll call when I can. He’s in Washington D.C. on a school trip. Don’t tellhim what happened. There’s no need to ruin his fun.”
“Yougot it, girl. By the way, the tornado missed your side of town, so don’t worryabout your apartment.”
“Great,thanks.”
Thephone starts cutting out. “We’re losing you, so we’ll call back when we knowmore,” Jeremy promises.
“Don’tdo anything I’d do while you’re trapped in the dark with Mr. Ocean Eyes,” Frannieadds with a giggle before the call drops. Ocean eyes? Zoe’s been talking aboutmy eyes.
Sheturns to me. “What did he tell you? How bad is it?”
“Let’sgo back downstairs and talk,” I reply, taking her hand. We’re buried beneath alandscape of total devastation. How do I sugarcoat that?
ChapterSeven
Zoe
Landon’sexpression is grim as we settle on the couch again. I’m not sure I want toknow, but I still ask, “What did Jeremy tell you?”
Hislarge hands drag through his hair. “The whole neighborhood is destroyed. Copsand volunteers are digging through the rubble, looking for survivors. They knowwe’re here, but since we’re okay, they’ll look for the injured first. We’llprobably be here for a bit.”
“That’sokay. They should help them first.” He nods and grabs me by the waist, scootingme close to him. All the cuddling has been great. I don’t think I’ve ever beenas afraid as I have in the last few hours, and he’s done his best to comfortme. At this moment, it feels like he’s seeking solace as well, so I take hishand and rest my head on his shoulder. “What’s blocking the door? A tree?”
