Fourth of July Read Online Free PDF

random act of violence, an accident? The last two possibilities seemed highly unlikely. He heard a familiar buzzing and realized his cell phone was ringing. He pulled it out.
    “Dylan! Where are you?” Chris demanded, “I’ve been calling and looking for you and Rach. I thought, well I was afraid...”
    “Chris, you won’t believe this. There was an explosion at the parade, a float, or a car bomb, or something.” The words flew out. Dylan realized he wasn’t making sense. “I can’t begin to describe it. The lives lost, the destruction, the injured people.”
    Dylan felt a tear cresting his eyelid. He rubbed his hand across his face. His hand was streaked with blood. Whose blood? He couldn’t match a body with the smear. There had been too many.
    “I know.” Chris’ voice penetrated his thoughts. “I’m here. I came downtown as soon as I got the call. I was worried about you and your family. I can’t believe I didn’t see you.”
    “We were on the west side of the explosion. Where are you?”
    “On the east.” Chris exhaled. “How close were you to the detonation?”
    “Too close,” Dylan said, unable to elaborate further.
    “Rachel and the kids are okay?”
    “Yeah, they’re fine. I sent them to the car,” Dylan paused. He needed to find his family, needed to be there for them. “At least I think they’re okay.”
    “Dylan,” Chris’s voice broke into his thoughts again. “They hit parades in eight different cities across the country.”
    Dylan didn’t need to ask who “they” were. Leaning against a pockmarked Mercedes, he felt his world turn black. How could someone inflict such anguish on other human beings? Why? Dylan knew the answer. He knew the evil some people were capable of, the brainwashing and the religious fanaticism.
    “How bad?” he asked, terrified of the answer, yet needing to know.
    “We don’t have any numbers yet. They’re estimating over two thousand casualties, and triple that number wounded,” Chris said, his voice low and guarded.
    Dylan dug his short fingernails into his palm. “Do you know which cities?”
    “No. The agent who I spoke with didn’t specify locations.”
    “Is anyone claiming responsibility?”
    “Not yet,” Chris said. “Look. I hate to ask this. I know Rachel needs you, but...”
    “I know. I’ll meet you at the office as soon as I can.”
    “Thanks, I don’t think I can face this alone.” Chris paused, exhaling loudly. “Dylan?”
    “Yes?”
    “I’m glad you, Rach, and the kids are all right. I was worried. I’m just, grateful you’re okay.”
    “Thanks.” Chris’ humble concern elicited more tears. “I’ll see you in an hour or two.”
    Dylan pushed end on his phone and made another furtive swipe at the wetness and grime streaking his cheeks. He couldn’t do anymore here. The rescue workers were in control of the situation and it was past time he found his family. Rachel was probably frantic, sitting in a sweltering car for over two hours worrying about him.
    Pushing away from the car, he spent his remaining energy running toward his family. Nearing their Camry, he could see Rachel grasping their children firmly in her arms. He gazed at his little family, his heart softening. How could one man be so blessed?
    Thank you, Lord, for protecting my family .
    “Rachel,” his voice caught, her name released as a sob when he unlatched the car door.
    Rachel leaped from the car into his waiting arms, squeezing the children between them.
    “You’re okay.” She glanced over him. “Are you okay?”
    He nodded. He must look a mess. “Yes, I’m okay.” He crushed her to him, never wanting to leave her embrace.
    “Ouch, Daddy,” Madison cried out. “Not so much love!”
    They both smiled at a typical Madison response. She squirmed from their arms. Tyler remained attached to Rachel’s side. Dylan leaned down, kissing the toddler’s soft cheek.
    Dylan couldn’t release Rachel. He held on to his lifeline, his hands