Endless Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Four) Read Online Free PDF Page B

know?” Maxie whispered, still in somewhat shock of what this meant for their future. A supervolcano? That was supposed to be apocalyptic in nature. She’d seen documentaries on the subject years ago, but had never thought in a million years this day would come. So how had Berke? “How did you know to make a call into the USGS and talk to your friend?”
    Berke didn’t answer right away as he continued to listen to what the President had to say. She wanted to focus on the directives as well, but something wasn’t adding up and she wasn’t one to let go of something when it could have significance. That’s when she remembered the woman who had been here months and months ago studying the fracking that had been occurring in the area. Hell, it might have been closer to a year and everyone had known about the fling between the two. What was her name? Pam? Paula? Paige. That was it, but Berke hadn’t said that she’d called him. It had been the other way around.
    “Berke, what made you call the USGS?” Maxie asked after clearing her throat so he couldn’t mistake her question.
    “My old Gunny is what you might call a prepper,” Berke responded vaguely, reaching over and taking the remote from her hand. He turned the volume up even more. “I made the call to ease his mind and came away with something entirely different.”
    “…prepare to be on their own for approximately thirty days, if not longer—this includes canned goods, bottled water, first aid kits, and any survival items you deem necessary. For those closer to the affected area, we ask that you immediately vacate to the East Coast or as far as you can travel before visibility is impossible. Unfortunately, a large-scale evacuation within the time parameters allowed will be impossible. Emergency assistance will not be available until the ash cloud has settled and we are left to evaluate the damage. Know this—we will not abandon you. We will send help.”
    “Damn, Berke,” Sheriff Ross stated with a cross between remorse and apprehension. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. I—”
    “It doesn’t matter anymore.” Berke handed Maxie back the remote and she found herself looking between him and the television. Why was this happening now? She’d been worried about becoming a mother and now she was not only responsible for seeing that Jacob made it to adulthood…but she had to make sure he lived to see tomorrow morning. “All that counts is you warn the residents. It’s a large county, but try to assemble groups. There will be safety in numbers. You can have whatever firearms and ammo you need from the store. Make sure someone is armed in each of the groups.”
    “…provisions of the Federal Emergency Management Act, I hereby declare martial law. Anyone caught looting or acting contrary to the common good order and discipline of the community will be summarily arrested and imprisoned until such time as…”
    “Jean, get on the radio with Boyega and tell him to get back to the station ASAP,” Sheriff Ross said, pulling out his phone and most likely calling his wife. It was always easier to concentrate on one’s job when your personal life was in order. “Honey, have you seen the news?”
    “…leave you with this…love thy neighbor. Do not panic, do not prey on one another, and do not give up hope. We will come for you. We are American citizens. Our nation remains…”
    Maxie was at a loss when Jean quickly made her way to the front of the station where she could radio Deputy Boyega back to headquarters in order to help with notifying the residents. Sheriff Ross walked into his office while Berke finally left her side and started for the exit. Something wasn’t making sense with what he’d said earlier, so she went to follow him when what she saw was something that would forever haunt her dreams.
    The television monitor had been split in two, with one feed focused on Yellowstone and what Maxie assumed was Old Faithful…but the historic