Hidden Flames by Kennedy Layne Read Free Book Online

should stay here. He’s saying the East Coast is where we should be while telling those that aren’t to head here immediately.”
    Owen had heard that as well, but if Ernie Yates was instructing them to go back to Lost Summit and said it was their best chance of survival…then that’s what they were going to do. Prue didn’t know Ernie and the guys like he did, but she would if they could make it there before Yellowstone erupted.
    “…so what we are dealing with is apocalyptic in nature and unlike anything we have ever had to deal with in our lifetime. Under the 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 a trial can be arranged. However, your right to a speedy trial is suspended due to the nature of this catastrophe. Governors in the affected states are empowered to immediately use all federal and state assets, including the National Guard, to secure whatever shelter they need to maintain their local government. I 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 united. Godspeed and God bless.”
    “We need to stick with our plan.” Owen waited for Prue to look at him, needing her to see that there was no other alternative. A volcanic winter would inevitably lead into an ice age, which in turn would be an environmental paradigm shift of monumental proportions. Ernie had a bunker that could allow them to sustain a relatively small group of people up to ten years underground if need be and he had the supplies and survival knowledge to go along with it. “There are provisions where we’re heading that can get us through the worst of this. I heard what you said about trust earlier, but I really need you to try and give me that consideration now. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to get us and your sister to Lost Summit safely.”
    Prue finally tore her gaze away from the screen, her brown eyes filled with concern, although he wasn’t so certain it was about herself. It was hard to believe he’d known her for over a year and she was still a virtual stranger. Prue had a sister who didn’t even know that she existed. She had a bachelor’s degree and hadn’t mentioned it. What else didn’t he know about her?
    “What if Rosa has a family?” Prue threw out as if she were testing his abilities. Owen didn’t know how old her sister was and the likelihood of Rosa having a family was nil if she were anything like Prue. Still, he didn’t take her question as an insult, but more of a challenge. It was more than apparent she hadn’t been around military personnel or she would know that he would do whatever it took to not only get Prue and her sister to safety, but anyone else willing to pull their own weight and add their strengths to a group. He also wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate any threats to their band of travelers, but now wasn’t the time to add to her fears. She only knew him as her easy-going boss and not the predator he’d been once upon a time in the service. “What if—”
    “It’s pointless to throw out what ifs when we don’t know the real circumstances.” Owen lifted a hand and tucked a flyaway strand that had snuck out of her cap. Prue didn’t pull away, but she did tense. He swore to himself that there would come a day when she not only accepted his touch, but actually initiated it. He’d been taught patience as well. “We will deal with whatever is thrown our way. Were you able to get the filters installed? We—”
    Vibrations began to shimmer underneath Owen’s boots, cutting off his words. The intensity wasn’t severe, but his gut told him that this was it. This was the big one and their trip west wasn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows. They both