Chapter Twenty-One

The underground bunker wasn’t a bad place to wait, but the suspense was eating a hole in Annabelle’s stomach. She had no idea where Kellan was or what was going on. After his initial text, she hadn’t heard from him again, not that she expected to since he was obviously occupied. If anyone knew what was transpiring topside, they weren’t telling her. She tried to stick close to BeBe, figuring that she’d be the first to know, but BeBe looked worried, too.

At least six separate hallways fed into the main room. There were comfortable couches and chairs spread around the space, as well as padded beds for the dogs to bunk down. Bookshelves held games and books and several tables were available to work puzzles or play cards. There were even vintage arcade games against one wall. A variety of food and drinks could be found in the kitchenette and television screens hung on the walls. There were smaller TV’s where you could binge watch your favorite Netflix shows, if so inclined. It was like a fancy clubhouse.

Right after they arrived, she worried when she didn’t see Jade or Taylor or any of the families, but BeBe told her that all the houses had safe rooms and everyone on site had checked in already. She was glad to know they were all safe.

Amelia had been unable to sit still. After hearing the explosions, she wanted to be on the scene, helping anyone who might need medical attention, but she was ordered to stay put until further notice, much to her consternation.

Gabe had been pacing around like a caged animal, too. Annabelle wasn’t sure if he was upset that he wasn’t included in whatever was happening, or if he was worried about his father. Probably both. At one time, he’d taken off down a corridor, but she’d followed. She didn’t want him to be alone. He hadn’t heard from his father and she was afraid he’d try to go to him. It wasn’t safe for him to leave so she coaxed him back to the main room.

BeBe’s phone rang and Annabelle swung her gaze to the other woman, who had a look of relief on her face. “She’s here,” BeBe said into the phone and glanced in her direction. Were they talking about her? Had something happened to Kellan? “I’ll send her up.”

Annabelle jumped to her feet, ready to run to Kellan’s side but BeBe waved her off. “Amelia, they need you topside. The immediate threat is over but the rest of us have been ordered to stay here until further notice.”

Annabelle plopped back down to the couch, watching as Amelia sprinted down the hallway that led to the offices.

Another phone rang, this time Gabe’s. His brows narrowed as he read the screen. He stepped away to answer. As she watched him, his face reddened and the hand not holding the phone clenched into a fist. He looked troubled as he hung up.

She stood and walked over to her friend. “Is everything okay?”

He jumped at her voice. “Oh, uh, yes. I mean no. My uh, my father had a heart attack. It’s serious. They had to rush him to the emergency room.”

She clutched his arm. “Oh, Gabe, I’m so sorry.”

He looked around as if he didn’t know where he was. “I need to get to the hospital.”

“He’s here in town?”

“Yes.” His troubled gaze met hers, then tears filled his eyes. “I hate to ask this, but will you go with me? I’m scared.”

BeBe said the initial threat was over, so it should be safe to leave for a legitimate emergency. Besides, it would be better than sitting around, worrying herself sick over Kellan. “I’ll go with you.”

Gabe closed his eyes and swallowed heavily. “Thank you, Annabelle. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I don’t think I’m able to drive.”

“What about the dogs?”

“Riley will take care of them.”

She turned to tell BeBe where they were going, but she didn’t see the other woman. She thought about calling Kellan, but he was otherwise engaged. She didn’t want to be the reason he was distracted for even a moment.

She started down the hallway that led to the training facility, but Gabe stopped her and motioned to the one that led to the apartments. “My truck is this way.”

The corridor ended at an elevator. “Where will this take us?”

“I have no idea,” Gabe admitted. “No one ever told me about the bunkers.”

“Really?”

He shook his head. “This was the first I’d heard about them.”

She hadn’t known about them either, but then, she hadn’t been here as long as Gabe, nor was she a permanent resident. The ride up the elevator was quick and when the door slid open, they were in a small alcove that ended up being beside the stairwell in the apartment building. She’d noticed the door but had no idea where it led. Now she knew.

She smelled the smoke before she stepped outside. The entire area was blanketed with dark gray clouds. Instead of heading to the parking lot, she rounded the apartments and jolted to a stop, staring in horror at the devastation around her. The fire department was shooting a thick arc of water into the office building through a gaping hole. Had anyone been hurt?

“Annabelle, I need to go.”

She forced herself to look away. Gabe needed her. She’d drop him off to be with his father and then head back to see if there was anything she could do. She turned and followed her friend to his vehicle.

“Do you mind driving? I don’t think I’m in any condition.”

“Of course.” She took Gabe’s keys and unlocked the door. She drove slowly by the office, gasping when she realized BeBe’s brand new aquarium had been destroyed. More fire engines were parked further down the compound shooting water over another structure. She wasn’t sure, but she thought it might be the day-care center. She prayed everyone had gotten out. The booth that usually housed Tucker Nash was reduced to a pile of smoldering rubble.

“What the hell happened?” she murmured.

“It looks like Armageddon,” Gabe agreed.

A police car with flashing lights blocked the exit, but there wasn’t a cop in sight.

“Go around it,” Gabe instructed her. “You won’t damage the truck.”

She drove off the pavement and into the grass to avoid the cruiser. Once she was clear, she returned to the road but jumped when Gabe banged his hand against his cell.

“Dammit, my battery’s dead. Can I borrow yours?”

“Sure.” Annabelle dug in her pocket and handed it to him.

“Thanks.” Gabe took it from her, pushed the button to lower the window and tossed both phones outside.

She slammed on the brakes. “Hey, what did you do that for?”

“Drive, Annabelle. Now.”

“But my phone—” The words died in her throat when she spotted the gun in Gabe’s hand.

“Gabe, what are you doing?”

He ignored her question. “I said drive, bitch.”

She faced forward and pressed the accelerator. The automatic gate stood open, probably for the emergency vehicles that were still arriving.

“Turn right.”

“But the hospital is to the left.”

“Turn right, Annabelle.”

“Gabe, don’t—”

“I said turn right! And keep your damn mouth shut. Do what I say or face the consequences.” The sound of a hammer being cocked echoed in the confined space.