That explained the ache in Nates knee.
Joy and rapture, Dana groaned.
Amy knew what had triggered the sarcastic remark. Ah, yes. The barometric pressure drops and pregnant women near their term go into labor. Remember the storm that hit Courage Bay a couple months back? We delivered three babies in the E.R. that night.
Nate remembered it well. Hed brought in one of the mothers whod gone into premature labor. Mitchs white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel warned Nate that their temporary boss didnt find Amys story amusing.
I hope to hell youre wrong about that, the fire chief muttered.
Mitch turned onto a wide road aptly named Main Street. Though it was nearly deserted at this hour of the morning, the number of businessesin brand-new buildings as well as remodeled historic structures from the early 1900sindicated this was the towns commercial hub. A few of the storefront windows had been boarded up, but more had been left uncovered in defiance of the hurricane.
Or, in spite of Mitchs gloomy prediction, in the belief that Damon would stay true to his predicted course and blow past this sleepy little town.
They passed a tiny, stone-walled library and redbrick post office. Then Mitch pointed to a two-story, whitewashed building with a Closed sign hanging in the window. Thats our clinic. Generally, our maternity cases go into Alice or Kingsville. Or, if there are complications, we fly them up to Corpus Christi. But I dont have an ambulance or driver to spare to take anyone anywhere right now. And nobodys flying north. Nobodys flying anywhere once the heavy rains hit. So no babies, got it?
Well tell the mothers to cross their legs until the storm blows over, okay? Even Mitch smiled at Danas ludicrous suggestion.
As they stopped at a crossroads near the center of town, Nate turned the conversation back to practical information about the hurricane. He was feeling more responsible by the minute for his teams response. When you say heavy rains, how much are we talking about?
The light turned green and Mitch drove on toward the half brick, half vinyl-sided building with lettering that read Turning Point Fire Department. Six to ten inches, on average, from the outer bands or leading edge of the storm. Sometimes thunderstorms or even tornadoes spin off inland along the storms track as well.
Mitch pulled into the parking lot in front of the building. He pointed out the garage doors marking the three bays where Turning Points emergency vehicles were stored. Weve got one ambulance and two engines, all fully-equipped. But most of our volunteers use their own vehicles when responding to a call. Ill make sure youre partnered up with someone who knows the area. Or Ill let you use the Suburban and give you directions if its here in town.
Parking by the front door, Mitch killed the engine. The first ominous drop of water plopped onto the windshield with a portentous splash. All five of them stared at the tiny puddle for an endless moment.
The storm was on its way.
Nate wondered if he should trust the dull throb in his rebuilt leg the way Mitch seemed to trust his instincts. If that was the case, he had a feeling this was going to be one very long, very wet day.
The second raindrop hit. Then the third. Soon there were too many to count. Like an alarm bell, the sudden change in weather spurred the five travelers into action.
Nate adjusted the bill of his cap low on his forehead and opened the door. The cleansing scent of ozone filled his nostrils as he inhaled a deep, recharging breath and mentally prepared himself for the anything and everything Mitch had warned them about.
He circled to the back of the Suburban and met Mitch, whod opened the doors to start unloading supplies. A splash of rain hit the bill of Nates cap and dampened his cheek. The light shower seemed deceptively gentle. Looks like things are pretty dry around here. I imagine a heavy rain could lead to some flooding?
Mitch nodded, balancing three crates against his stocky chest. The Agua Dulce River flows south of town, straight into the Gulf, so we might get some back-flow from the storm surge. Plus, weve got a web of lakes, creek beds and man-made irrigation ditches crisscrossing the farmland and ranches west of here. Im expecting a few road washouts, especially in the countryside.
Is there high ground we should direct people to?
These are the flat, Texas coastal plains. High ground around here is the back of a horse or a rooftop.
Nate was beginning to understand Mitchs skepticism about Corpus Christi sending its evacuees to Turning Point. He grabbed three more crates and followed the chief inside, past the front office and dispatch room. Things werent improving. Both rooms stood dark and empty. Where was Mitchs crew? This had to be the craziest disaster preparedness setup hed ever seen.
Mitch flipped on a light switch as they entered a large room, which appeared to be a general meeting area. Cabinets, shelves and a small kitchenette lined one wall, and tables and chairs were scattered about the room. Following Mitchs direction, Nate set the crates down on one of the countertops and followed the chief back outside, passing Dana, Cheryl and Amy in the hall along the way. Each carried equipment and supplies.
I can read the doubt in your eyes. Mitch might be a blustery worrywart, but Nate had already realized he possessed a lot more depth than his good-ol boy facade let on. Youre thinking were some backwash little town with more heart than common sense.
I didnt say
Ill have you know weve got an ample supply of both.
Mitch shoved a couple of paramedic kits into Nates hands. We arent as slick an operation as Dan runs back in California. We dont have the resources or the personnel that youre used to. And, yeah, Im worried. This is my town and these are my people who are at risk.
He picked up the last kit himself and closed the vehicle doors. When Mitch stopped to look him in the eye, Nate realized the barrel-chested man stood as tall as his own six feet. But make no mistake. Were tough here in Turning Point. Resourceful. My staff might not have your formal training or wear a uniform or keep a regular schedule. But when the chips are down, you can rely on em.
The pride and certainty in Mitchs tone and posture brooked no argument. Whatever doubts this man had about the stormabout the next several hours of this dull, drizzly dayhe had none regarding the people of his community.
Nate wasnt sure if the chiefs remarks had been a dressing-down or a pep talk, but he got the idea.
Maybe he should have a little faith, too.
All right. He nodded his head in lieu of a salute. I promise Ill keep an open mind about the way you run things here in Texas.
Just do your job, Kellison. Mitchs gruff expression eased into a grin as he headed for the station door. Just do your job.
Not a problem.
The splash of tires over wet pavement ended the discussion. Nate turned at the sound of two quick honks of a horn and saw a dark green, extended cab pickup truck zip into the parking lot. The driver of the pickup spun into a space opposite Mitchs Suburban and jolted to a stop.
Nate admired the brawny truck while bemoaning the merciless treatment of its shocks. Looks like your first volunteer.
Oh, no. Mitch didnt sound nearly as relieved as a man in dire need of help should be when the cavalry started to arrive. No, no. Not today, baby.