Evacuation (The Seamus Chronicles Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

time. Blank.
    If we lose power, it will hurt me on so many levels. While I had run a number of long-term simulation models, this is the first real-world test of my reactors’ longevity. If it fails, I am a failure. Even the investigation of the issue will be arduous and take time away from figuring out if leaving the planet is our only chance for survival. We could build a new reactor in maybe three days, but I would need help from Cassandra.
    “Morning sleepyhead,” Sofie says from where she stands in my doorway.
    “Good morning.” I feel a broad smile across my face.
    “I unplugged your alarm last night.” She’s returning my smile. “I talked with your Dad and he agreed that you needed the sleep. Please don’t be mad.”
    Mad? How can I be mad at her? In the few days that I have been doing my chores, I have seen much more of Sofie. It’s still in passing, but we exchange a few words and have an easy repartee. I really like her. Her personality, her sense of humor, her intelligence, and yes, her looks. Very much her looks. We would have hit it off when we met no matter what the circumstances.
    “I’m not mad.” Still can’t lose my goofy smile. “Thank you, actually. I guess I did need the sleep.”
    “I brought you coffee,” she says and crosses the room to sit down on my bed.
    The intimacy of having her on my bed while I am in it causes a physical reaction. As a kid I would go to my room to read, think and sometimes listen to music. When I wanted to be safe, I got in my bed. If I were scared of monsters or bad guys at night, I would pull up my covers and trust that the cotton and polyester would protect me from all harm. Sofie is nearly in my last refuge.
    “Wow. What did I do to deserve this?” My surprise is genuine and I’m starting to get a little confused.
    “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but please hear me out,” she says. Her smile is not goofy, but is maybe optimistic. “I want you to come to the beach with me today.”
    I feel the smile drain from my face. “I really would love that. But-”
    “Wait. Your dad helped me load a ton of files on an iPad and Liam put a ton more on a Bluetooth portable drive.” She’s talking fast. “You can come with me and still read though the database. You don’t have to stop working. Unless you want to.”
    “I don’t know.” I cannot go with her. There is work to be done and it is not trivial. Can you imagine getting to heaven and having everyone look at you and say, ‘That’s the guy that went to the beach instead of saving the human race?’ But Dad and Liam at least are onboard. I wonder why she isn’t taking Liam to the beach. “Why don’t you see if Liam wants to go?”
    “Seamus, I love Liam.” She is serious now and this may not work out in my favor. “He is thoughtful and kind and funny. But he’s basically my brother. I thought you and I had a special connection,” she says.
    “What the hell? Let’s go to the beach!” I pronounce. I’ve always been irresponsible, but not this way. I feel like I’m going to regret this. The quote ‘Live like you were dying’ comes to mind; maybe we are all just going to die.
    “Yeah!” She gives a little clap and hops up. “I’ll go pull a car around. Meet me downstairs in five.”
    The door closes behind her and I get out of bed. I cross to my dresser and pull out some jeans and a   t-shirt. Probably should bring a bathing suit, but I’ll have to find it first. It’s hard to believe this is happening. A girl asked me on a date and I am passing up research to go to the beach. I wonder if Dad and Liam have a bet about whether I go or not. I slide on my flip-flops and head for the door.
    Just as I hit the sidewalk Sofie pulls up in a white Jeep with the top down. It is loaded with a cooler, umbrella and radio. This was not a spur-of-the-moment idea. I wonder if she involved everyone else in her plan?
    “Hop in!” she says. I am seeing a new side of Sofie now.
    The ride to the