Taken by Storm

“It’s very, unusual to have a Hurricane in February but because of the warmer waters of the sea this system formed quickly and gained momentum. Hurricane Anita has barreled its way across the ocean and will make landfall in the Florida Keys and Miami coastline as a category five hurricane. The National Guard has been activated and is working in conjunction with law enforcement to get as many people inland and in shelters as quickly as possible. Evacuations are mandatory, so to anyone listening to this broadcast that is in the path of this hurricane,get to high ground. Find a safe shelter since flooding will be a major concern.”

Sergeant Devin McKay turned the radio in his Humvee off and drove through the wind and rain into the dark night. These were only the outer bands of the hurricane and already signs were being ripped off metal poles. Trees bent low to the ground as the gale-force winds robbed them of their leaves and palm fronds. Being a native of Florida, Devin knew many would snap before the long night was through. They expected the storm to actually make landfall by three in the morning and batter the coast for the entire next day. He was making his last run looking for evacuees before he heading back to the National Guard command center where he heading up the search. This was the final grid and then they would try their best to help residents weather the storm.

“Hello? Is anyone out there?”

Devin frowned as he heard the static-filled message come over his radio. He tried to adjust the radio to see if he could get a better signal.

“If anyone is picking this up, I’m on channel eighteen of my radio. I’m Calliope LaRue and I run the Starlight Bed and Breakfast. I got all my guests out but I’m in need of help for myself and my dog.”

He could hear the fear and nervousness in her voice. He flicked the dial to her channel and picked up his radio microphone. “This is Sergeant McKay, United States National Guard, do you copy?”

“Yes, yes I do,” she said excitedly. “Oh thank God. It’s good to hear someone’s voice.”

“Ma’am, where are you located? I’ll come evacuate you to a safe location,” Devin replied.

“I’m in Key Largo.”

Shit, she was in an area already evacuated and that was right in the direct path of the hurricane. His impatience came across in his voice. “Your area has been evacuated since yesterday. What the hell are you still doing there?”

“I don’t know you but you don’t take a tone with me,” she snapped. Devin couldn’t help but smile. “I had to get my guests to safety first and my animals had to be boarded. Was I supposed to leave it and run on the first bus screaming?”

“I didn’t say that, ma’am...” Devin began. “Quit calling me ma’am. I’m not in my golden years.

Can you get someone out here to get me?” she asked.

“I should be there in an hour or so. Have what you need ready to go,” Devin answered. “Does it have to be you? You don’t sound so nice,” she replied.

“I’m it, let me call in. And remember, one bag with necessities only,” he said.

“I know the drill, Sergeant McKay. Been hearing it all week.” Her tone was frosty. “I’ll expect you in an hour.”

Devin shook his head and turned back to the communications channel to let his second in command know he would be going out to Key Largo.

“Sarge, that area is already getting winds of over eighty miles per hour.” Corporal Kirkland said. “You might not be able to get back out if the roads get blocked.”

Devin sighed and rubbed his hand across his tired face. He hadn’t slept since they were activated to help with evacuations. His stomach grumbled because the last thing he had was some so-so coffee and an egg sandwich that morning. It was well after nine at night and he had to make some decisions fast in case he couldn’t get back to the command center.

“Kirk, if you don’t hear from me by midnight, everything goes through you until I get back.” Devin ordered. “Don’t let anyone take a piss without your say so. Update the police of what’s happening and where I’m heading. And if worse comes to worse send a rescue my way as soon as the weather clears.”

“Roger that, Big Sarge,” Corporal Kirkland said. Devin broke communication and drove onward to the Starlight Bed and Breakfast. He hoped they could make it out before Hurricane Anita made landfall. He certainly didn’t think being stuck in the midst of her fury with a frightened female would be fun filled. He assumed her rudeness on the phone was because she was scared. One could only hope that a snippety female was not waiting for him through the storm.

* * * *

Callie sighed and rested her head against the desk in

her office for just a moment while the winds howled outside. She heard a loud bang and knew that she had to move no matter how exhausted she was. The storm shutters for the upstairs balcony rooms needed to be secured. The last few days were spent in a bustle of getting her guests to safety. Her animals were boarded safely at a place inland that took horses. Then it was the long task of covering her antique furniture with plastic and boxing others to keep them safe from water damage. Getting everything to the storage area out back that would keep them dry in case of flooding was the last thing she did. She gave a mental cheer that she had the good sense to build the storage unit out of concrete and raise it six feet off the ground. But in all the activity she never regretted her choice to buy the old colonial house and turn it into a bed and breakfast. It had been her dream since she was a child and now she was living it.

Upstairs she had to step out on the balcony and in a second the rain had her soaked. It took all her energy to pull the heavy, board shutters across the French doors and get them locked. Two more to go, she thought mournfully. The house boasted three guest suites that were a honeymoon favorite. It now stood empty because she was not taking a chance with the expensive antique beds and armoires. The cost of hiring a moving team to haul everything into storage was well worth it. When everything was secure as it could get, she stood downstairs in the empty dining room and looked around while holding a florescent lantern. Everything seemed to be holding but with the power of the storm outside it looked like the walls breathed each time the wind blew. Please let it stay intact, she prayed silently. This was her life and it terrified her to think of it being destroyed.

Callie turned and went back other office. There she had her bag waiting and the large crate for her dog, Tiny. He was an English Mastiff and her friend Danni thought it was funny to name him as a puppy. He pushed his head against the bars and whined and she put her fingers for him to lick.