Hidden Flames by Kennedy Layne Read Free Book Online Page A

heard what sounded like a sonic boom from one of the rockets at Kennedy Space Center when it entered the atmosphere, but it became apparent that wasn’t what had made the noise. The live feed on the television that had switched to Yellowstone National Park became nothing but static. The apocalypse had started in spite of them.
    “Fuck,” Prue whispered, reminding Owen of their many days at the shop. They had many more ahead of them, if he were to have anything to do with it. Her eyes were wide as she glanced toward the TV as well. He could just imagine the damage caused in Wyoming and the surrounding states if they had been able to feel the effects in their current location. The local television station was trying very hard to get a visual of what was taking place at Yellowstone, but they didn’t have time to waste. “All of those people…gone.”
    Owen understood that Prue was focusing on all the lives lost. Thousands and thousands of people had just been incinerated. It wasn’t on a scale that the human brain could comprehend and still be able to make clear and concise decisions. He stood, bringing her up with him. Her movements were more automatic, but that would change once he put her to work. There would be time to grieve for those lives lost at a later time. It was a difficult prospect to grasp and, though it sounded cynical and harsh, they were still here with the ability to carry on.
    “Prue, you need to go finish installing those air filters,” Owen instructed, not giving her time to think of anything else. He figured they had roughly twenty-four hours before the ash cloud hit the majority of Texas—coinciding with the time it would take them to get that far on the bikes if they drove straight through. That meant they needed those filters put in pronto, along with other survival items that were essential to their trip. “I’ll be out in ten minutes with the rest of our supplies.”
    Prue sucked in some air and then adjusted the cap on her head. The square styled military cap reminded him of his days in the military and it was that specific training that would carry them through the next week. It was a damn good thing that each of the guys in their group had decided to maintain a small emergency stash of equipment in their houses or apartments. Ernie had told them the best things to have in their bug-out bags. He would need an extra bag with additional supplies for Prue that she could fasten to the backseat of her bike, because these added items were critical to their survival in the harsh conditions they would have to endure.
    “I can be done in five,” Prue announced, walking quickly to the door. She glanced over her shoulder. “Be out in six.”
    Owen breathed a sigh of relief at Prue’s attitude, but he wasn’t really surprised. She would have made a damn fine Marine herself and he was lucky to have her by his side during this dangerous time. She closed the door behind her, which prompted him into action. He returned to his bedroom and finished packing what he’d need, ensuring he added warm clothing. Once the ash cloud diminished the sun’s rays, the temperatures would start to plummet. He packed just the essential items, leaving enough space so that he would have room for supplemental rations and water for his plus one.
    He hoisted the custom bags and made his way out of the bedroom through the house and into his office, which was toward the back. The windows overlooked a conservation area where black bears, armadillos, and raccoons liked to make an appearance every now and then. He set his bag on his somewhat messy desk, catching sight of a bank statement. Money wouldn’t come into play later down the line, but it sure as hell might make a difference now. He added the bank on as another pit stop in addition to the gas station.
    Turning toward the wide two-door closet that held emergency supplies, Owen pulled it open and visually took inventory. One could never take enough precaution when