Page 26 of Echoes of Fear
“I don’t need a science lesson, kid,” Ghost says. “To the office, everyone. The meeting table is heavy as fuck and is our best bet at protection.”
Everyone heads that way, but Knox doesn’t move a finger.
“We have to go,” I warn. “We need to get you to safety.”
“Did you know that tornadoes can form in just a matter of minutes? It’s like they can suddenly appear out of nowhere, which is why it’s so crucial to stay weather-aware, especially during stormy seasons.”
“We have to go, Knox,” I shout. The sound of the tornado is almost deafening at this point. It sounds like a damn freight train is headed right for us.
“I can’t,” he says. I can’t hear his voice but I read his lips just fine.
The sound of hail joins the whirring of the tornado when suddenly the lights go out.
And he still doesn’t move.
Fuck it.
I pick the shaking man up and run towards the office.
“Get the hell under here,” Steel yells.
They have the table pressed against the wall farthest from the windows. Crouching, I hand Knox to Steel and climb under.
“Put him in the middle,” I yell, shoving Knox under my body the second I reach him. The men surround us on all ends.
“It’s okay, baby boy,” I say into his ear. “Everything is going to be okay. I’ve got you.”
The sound around us is so loud that I can’t hear my own voice. I just hope that Knox can.
Wood splatters, and wind reaches beneath the table. I wrap Knox as tight as I can in our crouched position.
“Papa’s here, baby,” I shout, hoping he can hear me. “I’ve got you.”
My heart is pounding as the wind increases and darkness surrounds us. Closing my eyes, I do something I don’t think I’ve done a single time in my entire life. I pray.
I don’t know if anyone is listening. But, if there is, I beg of you, please don’t let anything happen to this man. He needs to survive. This world needs him to survive… I… I need him to survive.
Everything around us is in chaos. I can feel the building being ripped apart.
Then, just as fast as it started, everything stops. The wind stops. The rain stops. The hail stops. The sound stops.
“Holy shit,” Jax whispers.
Slowly, the men around us back away until Knox and I are the only ones remaining.
“Come on, baby boy,” I whisper.
“Fucking table saved our lives,” I hear Blaze say.
Knowing Knox isn’t going to move, I drag both of us out and keep him tucked against my body as I stand.
“Are the walls gone?” Knox asks with his face buried in my chest.
I look around me, then to Blaze, Steel, Ghost, and Jax, who are all looking at my bundle with concern.
I have never in my life wanted to lie to someone as much as I do right now.
“Fuck,” Steel mutters under his breath, echoing the tension in each of us.