Storm Rising

by Sara Driscoll

  She looked over at their victim, lying still on the quilt, but with open and alert eyes. In the distance, a siren sounded. Craig had come through for them.

  They would beat death again today.

  CHAPTER 7

  Debrief: A period of time when rescuers rest, share information, and plan future operations.

  Saturday, July 22, 8:57 PM

  Williams Farm Recreation Center

  Virginia Beach, Virginia

  Meg stopped in the doorway of the gymnasium, taking in the noise and chaos inside the packed room.

  Families were crowded together in groups, some parents clutching their children, terrified to let go, some watching from a distance as their sons and daughters played with their new best friends, children they’d met only minutes before. Pets were scattered through the gymnasium, cats in carriers, and dogs in crates or on leashes. Long lines of beds were set up against the far wall, made up with blankets and pillows, many already claimed by children overwhelmed by stress and exhaustion. A number of people milled around a food station at the other end of the room with snacks and drinks.

  “Please keep your dog on his leash.”

  Meg pulled her gaze from the room at the sound of a female voice. Just inside the door, an older woman in a white T-shirt stood holding a clipboard.

  “Sorry?” Meg asked.

  “Please keep your dog on his leash. We have a lot of animals with us and not all of them are trained and we don’t want any fight—” The woman cut off as Hawk stepped forward a pace from beside Meg, revealing his work vest with FBI splashed in capital letters over navy blue. “Oh. I guess I don’t need to give you any advice.” A smile curved her lips and she squatted down to get on Hawk’s level. He enthusiastically wagged his tail at her attention. “Hi, you. You’re a pretty boy. Girl?”

  “Boy. His name is Hawk. We’re search-and-rescue.”

  The woman slowly pushed to her feet. “You’ve had a day then, haven’t you? Successful?” Her guarded eyes spoke of experience and lives lost.

  “We rescued a number of live victims.” Meg left it at that, leaving the dead to memory, not out of disrespect, but a need to manage the grief so she’d be fit to start it all again tomorrow.

  “God bless you both.” The volunteer extended the clipboard. “Would you mind signing in? It’s not really needed for search teams and first responders, but we track the family members seeking shelter in case anyone is looking for them, so it’s only fair to record everyone.”

  “No problem.” Meg juggled her bags enough to free a hand and jotted down her name along with the date and her time of arrival.

  “There are a few more of you down there.” The woman pointed to a cluster of people at the far end of the room. “We kept a corner clear for out-of-town responders, figuring you’d need to get together to compare notes and prep for tomorrow. If you need medical attention, we have doctors and nurses on hand to take care of any concerns, and we have a temporary pharmacy set up for basic prescription needs. We served dinner a few hours ago, but are keeping what’s left over hot, for our late arrivals. It’s just down the hall, so please help yourself. We also have some dog food available.”

  “Thank you, that’s very generous, but I packed for Hawk. We’ll leave your food for the other dogs here who need it.” Meg summoned Hawk, who heeled obediently at her side as she crossed the gymnasium, totally ignoring the shrieks of children, and barely blinking at the large red rubber ball that bounced across his path.

  Meg spotted Lauren first and waved in greeting. Rocco recognized Hawk and barked happily. Meg smiled as Lauren rolled her eyes and laid a hand on Rocco’s head, quieting him. Brian, Scott, and Craig looked up from conversation as Meg approached. Meg lifted a brown paper bag held in one hand.

  Brian’s gaze locked on the bag, instantly sizing it up. “You didn’t.”

  “You deserve it in spades today. So, yes. I certainly did.”

  “How? Where? It’s not like you could make a run to the corner store.”

  “After we got James off to the hospital with the paramedics and split up for the last of our searches for the day, Hawk and I ran into some guy who’d gone back to his house to find his cat. The whole family had left, as ordered, but the cat was spooked and went into hiding and they had to abandon her or risk getting caught by the storm. He said his entire family was a wreck over this cat, so he ignored the existing evac order to come back and search once he thought it was safe. Hawk found the cat, wet and miserable but alive, on top of a wardrobe on the second floor where it must have managed to stay mostly dry until the water receded. The man was beyond grateful to get his cat back. Said it would make him a hero in the eyes of his wife and kids, but personally, I think he’s just as attached as they are. Apparently, he’s a wine aficionado. He insisted I take one of his best bottles as a thank-you.”

  “I’ll drink to that!” Brian caught her up in a hug, bags and all, trapping her full arms against her body. “You’re a miracle. Thank God we’re off the clock tonight.” He pulled back but kept his hands on her shoulders. “You okay?”

  “We’ve had better days, but we’ve also had worse.” She searched his face, looking for signs of strain or pain from an injury. “How about you? You didn’t hurt yourself saving me today, did you?”

  “No, I’m fine. It’s been a hell of a day, but at the end of it I got five minutes with Ryan on the phone.” Brian’s husband was a Smithsonian archivist back home in D.C. “That helped.”

  “I’m sure he was also relieved to hear from you.”

  “Yeah, he worries too much when I’m out on a rescue like this.”

  “Not unfounded worry, as today proved. Now, go find us some cups. We’ve only got one bottle, so we’re going to all get about two tablespoons. Totally worth it though.”

  “You got that right.” Brian looked over her shoulder and dropped his hands. “And now we have to split it one more way.” At her look of confusion, Brian clarified. “Your sexy firefighter just walked in. He looks like he’s probably also had a day that deserves alcohol.”

  “Sexy, huh?”

  Brian flashed her a killer grin. “I’m happily married, not dead. I can still recognize his obvious assets. And don’t you dare tell him that.”

  Meg thrust the wine bottle into his hands, and used her now free hand to mime zipping and locking her lips and then tossing the key over her shoulder. She turned to find Webb striding toward her. He looked exhausted, but gave her a smile that spoke of a successful day.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi. Thanks again for your help with that young mother earlier today. I didn’t want to bother you because you were busy, but I knew you could help in a matter of minutes.”

  “It was no bother. There’s always time to save another life. How’s she doing?”

  “I’ll ask Craig to get us an update, but the paramedics were dosing her with tPA before they were on their way, and were confident she’d make a full recovery.”

  “Good. Here, let me help you with that.” He lifted the bags from her arms. His brows snapped together when she winced and swallowed a small grunt of pain when her wrist caught in a strap, giving her right arm a small tug. “You’re hurt?”

  “Stand down, Mr. Paramedic. I may have tweaked my shoulder a bit, but it’s okay.”

  His gaze dropped to her shoulder as she gave it a subtle roll. “What happened?”

  “Short version, it was me and Brian in a house that partially collapsed while we were still inside. The floor dropped out from under my feet but he caught me, holding on to me by one hand. Shoulder got a bit strained but otherwise it’s okay.” She met his concerned eyes. “Really. If you want to take a look at it later, that’s fine, but if I had concerns I’d tell you. I know I need to be at one hundred percent for tomorrow.”

  “I will look at it later. And I’ve got some anti-inflammatories you should take. Just to make sure you’re in top shape.”

  “Works for me.” She studied his face, taking in the smud
ges under his eyes and the fine lines radiating from the corners. “You look exhausted.”

  “It was a very physical day. No elevators, so we carried patients down the stairs, practically in the dark. It was . . . a challenge.”

  “Did everyone make it?”

  One side of his mouth tipped up, answering her question. “Every one of them. Things were a little touch and go for a while. We had to stop mid-transfer to bring a couple of patients back. The worst was a preemie who went into cardiac arrest and I had to do CPR.” He mimed wrapping his fingers around a tiny torso and doing minute compressions with his two thumbs. “Worked though, and we got him back. Twenty-eight weeks and scrappy as hell.” He grinned, and the exhaustion melted from his face. “I have a good feeling about him. Some preemies, it’s like the body is there, but the spirit hasn’t arrived yet. They’re passive. He’s already a fighter. He’s going to make it.”

  “That calls for wine!”

  Meg and Webb turned to find Brian beside them, holding a stack of disposable paper cups in one hand and the open bottle in the other.

  “Wine?” Webb asked.

  “I . . . um . . . received some as a gift today as a thank-you.” Brian’s gaze shifted briefly toward Meg. “We’re all going to share it. I’ll be your sommelier this evening.”

  “I’m more of a beer guy myself, but this isn’t the time to be picky.” He pinned Meg with a stern look. “You shouldn’t be drinking and taking anti-inflammatories.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll likely only get about four sips’ worth by the time we all split that bottle.”

  “In that case, bottoms up.” Webb hoisted the bags a little higher. “Where are we?”

  “Over here.” Brian led the way over to the rest of the group.

  Webb set Meg’s bags down against the wall and then the next few minutes were spent in greetings. Brian poured and passed out cups of red wine, making a comical sad-clown face when his glass, the final one, took the last drops from the upended bottle.

  Meg tapped the rim of her glass against his. “No complaining. You wanted wine, I got you wine.”

  “Sister, you can get me wine anytime!” He sipped from his cup. “Wow, this guy is an aficionado. This is spectacular. I’m sure it would be better with some breathing time and in a proper goblet, but, somehow, today, it’s perfect anyway.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Meg stifled a yawn behind one hand. “It’s going to be the perfect nightcap before I lose consciousness.”

  “You guys have worked damned hard today, and I’m sure you’re beat.” Craig paused and took a sip of his wine. “Just a quick update then before you hit the rack. We’ve been requested in Norfolk and Portsmouth tomorrow. Because of the combination of large areas of low-lying land, the Hampton Roads harbor, and the Nansemond, Elizabeth, and Lafayette Rivers all running through town, flooding from the storm surge has been significant. Add in a city of two hundred and fifty thousand, the largest navy base in the world, and one of NATO’s strategic command centers, and there may be some unique challenges and possibly security-clearance questions. I’ll have more detailed orders first thing in the morning when local organizers draw up new search plans based on today’s searches.” Craig looked over his shoulder. “I know this won’t be the most peaceful place to bed down for the night, but we don’t have many options. The locals are doing the best they can.”

  “It’s more than enough,” Scott said, his gaze fixed over Craig’s shoulder at the milling crowd beyond. “They have lots to worry about and too many displaced and traumatized people to take care of. We can manage ourselves.” He glanced over at the rows of cots. “Can we just bed down anywhere?”

  “That’s what we were told. The volunteer who signed us in told me that if we wanted to move some of the cots over here for a little privacy, they’d be fine with that.”

  “I brought camping equipment,” Webb said. “I’ll bed down there and save the space for families that need it. People are still arriving, so who knows how many they’ll have by lights-out.”

  “Your equipment is all still out in my SUV,” Meg said. “Let me give you a hand with it.”

  They managed in a single trip to bring in the gear, but by the time they were done, the others had lined up cots at the end of the room, leaving a clear space for them at the end.

  Brian flagged them down as they came closer. “I . . . uh . . . didn’t know how many cots we’d need. Do we need one for you?” he asked Meg.

  Meg sized up the bags Webb balanced. “Do I need one?”

  “Double air mattress. Probably more comfortable than one of those portable cots. Lots of room if you’d care to join me.” One eyebrow arched in invitation.

  Meg turned to Brian. “Looks like I have an offer I can’t refuse.”

  “Good choice.” Brian cocked his head toward the empty space. “Let me give you a hand setting up.”

  “Appreciate it. I have to admit I’m pretty bushed at this point. We’ve been up since two thirty.”

  “Us too. I think it will be an early night all around.” Brian took one of the bags and led the way across the floor.

  Meg’s cell phone rang and she glanced at the screen. “It’s Mom and Dad. I’ll be with you in a minute.” She answered the call, trailing slowly after the men. “Hi, how are you guys?”

  “Hi, honey.” Jake Jennings’s affectionate voice came down the line with the slightly tinny sound that told her he had the call on speaker. “Your mom is here with me. We’re tired and we’ve had some discouraging moments today, but I bet you’ve had the same experience.”

  Meg dropped onto the edge of one of the cots while Brian and Webb unfolded a large air mattress. She didn’t try to hide any of the pain of the day; she was safe with her parents and the friends around her. “Yeah, it’s been pretty bleak at times. A lot of people missing. A lot of people dead. Unspeakable destruction. But even with all that . . . hope.”

  “You saved lives today?”

  “More than I’d have thought.” She gave them a quick recap of a couple of their recoveries. “You would have been proud of us. Hawk even tracked down a family’s lost cat who was hiding in their house and survived the storm. It’s a little thing—”

  “It’s an important thing, as you well know.” Meg’s mother, Eda Jennings, cut her off. “Possessions can be replaced, but family can’t and pets are family.”

  “This one sure was. By now that cat is safely back with her family and may be terrified from the experience and the changes, but she’ll be okay and so will they, because they’re together. How about you guys? And where are you?”

  “We’re at the Chesapeake Animal Rescue,” Jake said. “It’s far enough inland that it only took some external damage, so it’s got lights and water and we’ve been able to house every animal brought in. Right now we’re working with microchip registries, trying to reach families who had their pets chipped. We’ve reunited quite a few recovered animals but have a lot more where we can’t reach anyone, and even more that aren’t chipped.”

  “What about wildlife?”

  “We have our fair share of that too. That’s where we’ll likely step in. They want to keep the domestic pets close in case anyone claims them in the next few weeks, but they have a few animals they’ve asked us to take back to the rescue, including a mother and a litter of endangered Southeastern shrews, a Belted Kingfisher with a broken wing, a pig with an injured shoulder, and a wood turtle with a badly damaged shell. There will likely be more. Your mother and I will be hauling everything back to the rescue in a few days once things lighten up here. Anyway, we’re going to let you go because I can hear how tired you are and you need to get some rest. And we need to call Cara and let her know we’re okay.”

  “Could you tell her I’m okay too? I haven’t had a chance to touch base with her yet. It was on my list of things to do tonight, but if you’re already calling . . .”

  “We’ll take care of it.” It was Eda this time. “When you get clear of this assignm
ent, you give us a call. We want to hear more about your searches, but not now while they’re still fresh. And not when you have to turn around and do it all again tomorrow.”

  It never failed to amaze Meg how much her parents understood her. “Appreciate that. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Yes, you will. Stay safe, Meg, and take care of our boy,” Eda said.

  Meg’s gaze dropped to Hawk, where he and Lacey pushed in between Webb and Brian, curious about what they were doing. “I will. Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad.”

  “Good night, honey,” said her father. “Sleep tight and stay safe.” The line went dead.

  Meg sighed and let the phone drop into her lap.

  Webb looked up from the floor. “Everything okay?”

  She nodded. “They’re worried and trying not to let it show. And they have their own hands full. Everyone is doing what they can. I think I’m just tired and need to call it a night. It’s been a long day on very little sleep.”

  Brian pushed to his feet, looking down at the wide air mattress and the puffy sleeping bags draped over it. “I think you’ll get a good night’s sleep here.” He glanced at the cots. “Probably better than us. Come on Lacey, Hawk, let’s go out one more time tonight and then we’re calling it quits too.”

  “You’re sure you don’t mind?” Meg asked, almost afraid to protest because the thought of taking her dog outside seemed a bit much right now.

  “I’m going anyway, why not take both?” He scooped up Hawk’s leash from the top of Meg’s bag and then went in search of Lacey’s. Finding it, he ambled out with both dogs.

  Webb turned to her. “Let me take a quick look at that shoulder.”

  “I’m telling you it’s okay.” But she turned so that he could probe her shoulder with quick fingers and do a few trial movements rotating her arm. “Does that hurt?”