By seven in the morning, on Friday, May 20th, the Jericho storm chase team was up, showered, dressed, fed and ready for their daily meeting.
Seth was on his computer, while Chris went old school with his hand forecast. It was Seth's idea. He wanted to further tweak his program based on Chris' hand forecasting. Seth knew a computer was only as smart as the one that programmed it. He wanted his forecasting program to be just like Doctor Christopher Jericho.
"Can you tell me exactly what the formula is?" Seth asked as Chris finished drawing an outline of the US.
Chris chuckled. "It's a combination of maths, of differential equations. I base it on laws of physics, detailed fluid motion, thermodynamics, radioactive transfer and some chemistry. Then for each area, I have to factor winds, heat transfer, solar radiation, relative humidity, phase changes of the water and the hydrology on the surface. Then I combine all that to calculate the atmospheric properties in the next few hours. It's just that simple." He gave Seth a wink.
Hunter spoke up. "He also uses parameterization. That helps him to calculate all the variables. See, because the cold fronts come down over the Rocky Mountains, he has to parameterize the atmospheric drag as well. Every thing factors in, soil types, vegetation and soil moisture. Maybe, just maybe, the flap of a butterflies wing can mean the difference between a tornado or not."
Adam rolled his eyes. "Argh! These conversations always make me feel like a true dumb blond. Dean, you are going to do the live feed. Your camera is better suited for it. My auto focus is too slow. I am going to upgrade it, but that's next year." He wanted Dean to be able to shine.
Dean grinned. "Okay, thanks. Oh by the way, we forgot an important element. We have Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but no You Tube channel. So I made one last night." Dean pulled up the new channel on Adam's laptop.
Dean continued as they all looked at Adam's computer. "Also Chris, if you could let me film you announcing the live feeds, I will post it on all our social media. We may not get a lot of views at first, but, word will quickly spread, especially when we start a live feed. So, it just needs a quick thirty second announcement. I wrote up a script." He handed Chris a sheet of paper.
Chris took the paper. "Dean, great job and thanks for this, we didn't even think of having to set a channel up. Get your camera ready and I'll do it." He was pleased with Dean's quick but accurate work.
While Chris went to primp, Adam showed Dean how to use a sheet to make an impromptu "studio."
"So, if you hang a white sheet over the door, and um… Roman, Seth can you please stand behind the door and pull the sheet as tight as possible… then…" Adam took one of the bedside lamps and took the shade off. Luckily, it wasn't bolted down, so he could put it on the floor.
"Now, when Chris sits, I'll frame up my camera and move the light till it is just right. That's great guys. Now, once we start, try not to move the sheet. Chris, we are ready." Adam called out to his husband.
Chris came out of the bathroom, with a leather jacket in one hand, a necktie in the other. "Old Jericho or Doctor Jericho?" He looked to Adam for advice.
"Leather jacket, it's more relatable. The tie is too serious. I know the goal is to be serious, but, people know leather jacket Jericho, and will listen to him more. At least that's my opinion." Dean spoke honestly.
Adam patted Dean on the back. "Couldn't have said it better myself. People remember how you were from the old TV special. They aren't used to Doctor Jericho. This will introduce them." He framed up the camera and adjusted the light. "Okay, Seth, Roman, please don't move. Dean, film it. This is your project. You are the first person besides me, to use my camera, do her proud.
"Are you sure? I mean… she is sacred." Dean was in awe that Adam would let him use his beloved camera.
"Dean, just do it, my nose is itching!" Roman called out from behind the door in an anxious tone of voice.
Everyone laughed. Dean stepped up to the camera and shouldered it. He framed Chris in. He gave Chris a nod to start talking.
"Welcome to the Jericho Storm Chase, Inc. You Tube Channel. We will be going live during storm chases. We hope this will give you even more time to take shelter, especially if you are away from home. You will see what we see, as we take you to the edge of the storm. We will also do our best to educate you on what storms are all about. Take the time now to turn on all your social media alerts for the Jericho Storm chase live feed. We chase so you can be safe. Thank you." Chris' look and voice were warm and he put excitement in the word. However, he was still serious enough so that people would watch, listen and take cover when warned to do so.
"Perfect. I'll get the video on line right away. Okay Ro, you can scratch now." Dean spoke with a laugh, as the sheet began to "wave" as Roman scratched.
Hunter clapped. "That was perfect. Chris, just enough of cocky Jericho to draw them, but serious enough for people to want to pay attention. Dean, you wrote that?"
Dean flushed a bit. "Yes, sir. Like you said, I wanted to make it entertaining, but taken seriously. Adam, I need the camera just long enough to put the video on my laptop, please." He carefully set the camera on the table. It almost felt like he handled something "holy".
Adam nodded as he picked up the lamp. "Of course, don't rush. Your script was excellent. Chris, you did perfect too. Reminds me of our very first night together, and the photo session you did." He smiled softly at the memory.
Chris got up and took off his leather jacket. "Yeah, I remember it; very well. Dean, that script was really good. You're going to be great in the newsroom. Okay Seth, we need to finish up, then get on the road."
Shawn slipped in and took over helping Roman fold the sheet. Housekeeping could make the bed back later. "Thanks, Shawn." Seth smiled as he went back to work with Chris.
Adam watched as Dean downloaded the video. While it rendered, Dean wrote a text for each of their social media accounts. Ten minutes later, there were already over a hundred responses on Twitter. All of the people commented that it was about time, and that they looked forward to the live streams. Several also stated they were glad the entire live stream would be free. A lot of chasers showed just enough free stream to people interested, then the chaser would switch the stream so that only paid patrons could watch the actual tornado chase.
Just as Chris was about to announce the plan for the day, Dean stated the video was ready. The team took the time to watch. Dean beamed with pride.
When the video ended, everyone applauded like they had watched an award winning movie. "Dean, that was great. Post the link and add a statement to be watching for our first live stream sometime today." Chris hugged Dean. He was extremely proud of the postgraduate student.
"Okay, here is the plan. We're going about thirty miles south of Wichita. It's good, open fields. But, there are lot of small housing developments around. Roman, no lightening rods today. We will be too busy moving, but still concentrate on your study. I would rather work on getting probes up. Dean, I want you with Hunter and Adam. I want to try to get a live stream of a probe shot. So Shawn, Roman will be with you in Scout. I can handle moving ROW if needed. Alright, we will load up. I want to be in place within the hour. Help Shawn ice up the coolers, please. Seth you and I are going to the ROW. Any questions?"
"None from us. Sounds like a good plan." Hunter gave his and Shawn's approval.
Roman shook his head. "Yeah, I gotta figure out a better way to do the rods. Baby, remember to set the alarms. Hunter and I will take care of the approaching vehicle ones."
"Nope, no questions either. I am anxious for Dean to live stream. " Adam spoke up. He'd just finished packing up all his cameras and gear. He was ready to go.
Roman, Dean, Hunter and Shawn loaded six coolers with ice and drinks. Shawn also put in some lunch meat. He also had bread, fruit and cheese in a cooler bag. Each vehicle got two coolers. Shawn had prepared for a long chase day.
At the ROW, Shawn led his prayer for guidance and protection. All the lovers exchanged kisses and I love yous. They mounted up, with Roman driving the ROW in the lead. They would break into their teams once they arrived at the meeting point.
Shawn laughed when he read a text message from Kevin Nash. "Live stream, huh? Now I will be able to Tank the right storm. Good luck, all the best, KN. I really hope he can get that final shot. I just pray his tank can take a direct hit from a tornado." Shawn pocketed his phone again.
"I do too. Kevin has worked on this film for seven years. Well, if something goes wrong… he will go out doing what he love. We know the risks of this job. I am just glad Chris isn't a daredevil any more." Hunter spoke thoughtfully. Both he and Shawn had come to peace about something happening. Helping people was worth the risk.
Shawn sighed softly. "True..." He was interrupted when Hunter pulled to a stop behind the ROW. They had arrived at their observation point.
Roman stabilized the ROW and set the anchors. He switched over to generator power. Seth unlocked the radar and fired it up. Hunter and Roman each set one of the sensor alarms a thousand yards from either end of the ROW. It also helped that they were on a small rise. Seth and Chris would be well warned if another vehicle approached.
Dean set the last of the security GoPros in place. Seth directed Dean's focus of the camera from the I-Pad for security. When everything was set, Seth and Chris were safe.
Chris climbed to the top of the ROW, he had a fist full of dirt in his hand. He slowly watched the way the dirt fell from his hand and blew in the wind. He could see the approaching storm front. Some thunderhead towers were already building.
Seth and others always watched Chris' Native American "forecasting" with a bit of wonder and awe. Seth was getting better at being able to "read" the dirt as it fluttered away, but he had a lot left to learn. Seth also knew, he wold never be able to write a computer program that could replicate the "Native American dirt test". However, he knew he would have fun trying when he had the time.
"What's the verdict, Doc?" Hunter asked with a laugh as Chris rubbed his hands together.
Chris stayed on the roof of the Row. "There will be a tornado today. I just can't tell what size. The warm winds are blowing directly towards the cold front. Roman, Shawn it will be a great storm for the FLIR. Adam, do your thing and Dean you are in charge of the live stream and social media. Hunter, probes, of course. It will be the usual. Scout thirty to the southwest, Rover thirty to the northeast. Seth, we will start monitoring. There is some time before you have to move out. So, there it is." He climbed down from the roof.
Shawn looked at Chris. "Any objections to the awning and fans till we move out?"
"No, not at all, I was just about to suggest it. Sorry there are no trees this time. Kitten, a sandwich and root beer, please?" Chris asked with an over dramatic tone of voice and batting of his eyelashes.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Yes, my lord. Anything you ask, my lord. Would you like your root beer in a gold cup, my lord?" Adam teased as he began to help Shawn, Hunter, Roman and Dean unload coolers and set up the "picnic" area.
"Yes, servant. A gold cup would be just fine, with extra ice." Chris teased back as he and Seth went into the office.
Shawn chuckled. "You two are just too precious sometimes. Oh wait! Adam, come with me. I just remembered something!" He hurried to the red Scout truck.
Adam hurried behind Shawn. Shawn pulled the club cab seat forward and pulled out a small box. "I used to use these on picnics. I'd almost forgotten they were still here." Shawn reached in and pulled out a gold colored metal cup. It was like the ones that were popular in the 1960's.
Adam nearly squealed. "Oh Shawn, that is perfect. Chris will die!" He quietly took the cup and filled it with ice and root beer. Adam also made his husband a ham and cheese sandwich. He made one for himself and opened his own can of root beer.
"Chris, lunch is ready, can you come out?" I know you don't like too much food and drink around when the radar is on." Adam called out. He'd put up two chairs under the awning. With the fans on, it was quite pleasant.
"Seth, let's go eat. We will hear the alert if something happens in the next half hour or so." Chris stood and turned up the radio. He went out to join Adam and the others.
"Sounds good, boss. When that front blows, it's gonna go." Seth followed Chris out. He burst out in laughter. Adam was down on one knee and held up a gold colored metal cup for Chris to take.
Chris nearly fell down laughing, as did the others. He took the cup. "Thank you… oh… I can't stand it… how did you do that?" He helped Adam to his feet, then the couple sat down to eat their lunch.
Adam explained about Shawn and the cup. "… so, it was just too good to pass up. Now, seriously, are we going to get a tornado?" He took a huge bite of his sandwich.
Chris took a sip of root beer to wash down his bite of food. "I'd be money on it..." The words had no more left his mouth when the EMS alert warning sounded on the radio.
Both Seth and Chris jumped up and went into the office. The radio gave a long lit of counties under a tornado watch. One of the counties was Sedgewick, where they and Wichita were located.
The moment the watch announcement ended, the warning alert echoed out again. "A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for southwestern Barber County in southwestern Kansas, this includes the city of Medicine Lodge. The storm is moving to the north, northeast at twenty-five miles per hour..." The announcement went on to report the usual, then repeated.
Hunter had unrolled the map of Kansas onto the table under the awning. While he liked GPS and Google maps, nothing beat a good Rand McNally paper road map. He bought new ones every year for each state in their chase area. Shawn pressed them flat, then laminated them. Hunter rolled them to keep them neat. The plastic cover also meant he could write on it with a wax pencil.
While Hunter and Roman studied the map, Shawn, Adam and Dean packed everything away.
Dean took the moment to speak to Adam. "Listen, I've been thinking about something. Wouldn't actually be better if I went with the Scout? They see the storm first, and that would be better for the live feed. Then we follow the storm. If I am with you, we would miss a lot of the storm on the live feed. Isn't more important to follow the storm? I know how Doctor Jericho can get. I don't want him to think I'm being a smart assed kid." He looked at Adam, real worry clouded his eyes.
Adam laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "You're absolutely right. Well, this is new to us, about the live feed. It is important, to follow the storm. Yes, I know how Chris can be, but lets tell him now, before things get too out of hand. Dean, I am really proud of you. You're always thinking about what's best, not only for the team, but the people in danger as well. I'd be proud to have you in my foxhole any time, any where." He beamed like a proud parent and lead Dean towards the ROW.
Adam gently pushed Dean to the steps. "Go ahead. I am right behind you, Padawan." Adam wanted Dean to tell Chris, after all it was his idea.
Dean took a deep breath, swallowed hard and went up the steps. He tapped on the door frame. "Chris, a word please?" Dean smiled when Seth glanced at him.
Chris spun in his chair. He wasn't mad, but he didn't like disruption once warnings had been issued. Still, he nodded at Dean. "Two minutes."
Dean quickly explained to Chris exactly what he'd told Adam. "… So, I could film the live stream while Roman drives." Dean finished with another hard swallow.
Chris rubbed the bridge of his nose, his glassed wobbled with the movement "I didn't think it out very well, did I? You are absolutely right. You go with Roman and Shawn. Remember, when you speak, stay calm. People will panic if you get overly excited. Good thinking. Tell Hunter about the change, and that I approved it. I'll be sending you out soon, storm is headed our way." He gave Dean a nod and turned back to his computer. Seth gave Dean a wink and an air kiss, then he too returned to his work.
"Thank you, sir." Dean said as he went back down the stairs. Adam stood there, a look of pride still on his face.
"Better tell Hunter." Adam gave a nod to the science teacher by the Scout truck with Shawn and Roman.
Dean chuckled. "Yes, Obi-Wan. Adam, thanks for believing in me. I'd be proud to be in a foxhole with you." He spoke as they walked to the Scout.
When Dean told Hunter, he was praised again for his quick thinking. It was almost more than Dean could take, but he felt good about himself, something that didn't happen often, but happened more and more the longer he was with the Jericho storm chase team.
Hunter and Roman had picked their points they go to when Chris gave the word. There was a good network of county roads. Hunter had high hopes for both ground and rocket probes.
"Well, coolers are packed. Remember to stay hydrated. Water is best." Shawn spoke as the team nurse in a serious tone of voice. As the two teams gathered one last time before departing.
They could see the storm cloud towers in the far distance. The winds blew, but they were hot, just like the day. Everyone had a bead of sweat on their brows from the humidity.
Shawn made everyone sit under the awning with the fans and water. It was 101 degrees, 115 with the humidity factored in.
"Sometimes, the heat prevents the storm caps from breaking if the cold front is weak. Maybe the heat will die off a bit." Hunter felt that the day was going to be a bust. Still, anything could happen.
Chris stuck his head out of the ROW. "Second thunderstorm warning, for extreme northwestern Harper county and southern Kingman county. It is headed right for us. Strong winds and golf ball sized hail has been reported, along with heavy rain. Move out in twenty. Dean, is the change set? You're with Scout?" Chris issued his orders with conviction.
Just as Chris finished, a strong blast of cooler air blew through the "camp." A few seconds later, a blast of hot air blew in.
Hunter laughed. "I take it back. We will see something today. Yes, Dean is with Scout. He was right, the live feed should be from there. We will be ready to pull out on your word, boss." He gave Chris a nod.
"Good. We may have another rogue on our hands. Shawn, start the FLIR as soon as you get there, I want to see the mix of warm and cold as they meet." Chris was serious as he spoke.
Adam looked at his husband. "You have it, don't you? The tornado twitch?" His brow arched. He had learned over the years, to pay attention when Chris had that twitch.
Chris looked at Adam. "Yeah, I do; big time. So keep your eyes open. Get ready to head out." He smiled at his team and went back inside the ROW.
"Never doubt the twitch. We'd better get ready. Say your goodbyes. I'll send Seth out." Adam stood and headed up the steps to the ROW office.
The two couples and the trio said their goodbyes and shared kisses, except Dean and Roman as they would be together in the Scout truck. Still, they both kissed Seth. Seth and Chris waved goodbye as Scout and Rover left. They smiled, Shawn and Hunter had taken care of the awning, fans, tables and chairs. Now Chris could drive the ROW away if the need arose. The last thing Seth did was to activate their security alarms.
Roman, Shawn and Dean headed thirty miles to the southwest, toward the storm. Hunter and Adam headed the same distance to the northeast, away from the storm. It felt good to be back to work.
Seth fine tuned the radar toward the storm. "No rotation, but the hail core is narrowing. We will be able to tell better when Shawn sends the FLIR stream."
Chris got up and went to the door. He looked toward the towers of storm clouds to the south, southwest. As he looked at the storm in the distance, his tornado twitch grew stronger. He went back to his chair.
"Why, Seth? Why is this year so active already? You weren't with us last year, but, we barely had anything to study. We only had four tornadoes the entire season. Look, I want to compare data from last year. What is different this year. Nearly every storm has produced a tornado of some kind. Why? We may even have go back two or three seasons..." He was interrupted by the NWS radio.
The National Weather Service gave a repeat announcement of the current thunderstorm warning, only now, Sedgewick county was included. The winds had also picked up, and the air pressure had begun to change, it had gotten heavier over the last hour.
Seth made notes in a small notebook. He wanted to be sure to ready the previous data Chris wanted to study. Chris' weather lab back at the University had thousands of data discs to go through.
"It might take a week or so, but when we get back to the lab, I'll gather the data. Maybe there is something to the Chaos Theory and the weather." Seth was getting very interested in the Chaos Theory idea.
Chris nodded. "Thanks. There has to be a reason why some seasons are more active than others..." He was once again interrupted, only this time it was Shawn.
"ROW this is Scout. We are in position. No rotation yet, caps haven't broken. There could be a slight beaver tail trying to form. Going to start FLIR feed. Dean will start the live stream when it gets more active. Scout, out." Shawn gave his report, then started using the FLIR camera and sent the feed to ROW.
Seth pushed a few buttons and Shawn's FLIR feed came up on the computer screen. As Seth worked, Chris responded to Shawn.
"Scout this is ROW. Got it. Tell Dean to use his discretion on when to start the stream. We want to catch as much as possible, without boring anyone. Don't want to lose viewers when they should be watching. We will work out the kinks as we go. Good FLIR feed, Shawn. ROW, out." Chris ended the call, then began to study the FLIR feed closer.
Chris leaned in closer. "Wow, look at that! The warm air and cold air are just lying next to each other, but aren't mixing. That is… odd." He had a very confused tone to his voice and on his face.
"We saw that before, but not to this extent. Last time they began to mix quickly. I wonder if it's like lightening? Roman said lightening has either a positive or negative charge, like a battery. Maybe… let's say that cold air is negative and warm air is positive, and they can't mix until something discharges them. But, what could that thing be?" Seth spoke in a thought filled tone.
Chris looked at Seth with a bit of surprise on his face. "So, you aren't just about computers and programs. That is a very interesting idea. Why don't you work with Roman on the theory. You could be on to something. Let's see what happens when they do start to mix." Chris' eyes were glued to the FLIR feed, as were Seth's. Both actually jumped when Adam called in.
"ROW this is Rover. We are in position. Storm is too far away at the moment, but towers continue to grow. Caps are still on tight. Will up date as needed. Rover, out." Adam ended the call with something that sounded like he kissed the mic.
Chris chuckled. "ROW to Rover. Kisses to you too. Keep your eyes open." He to ended his call with a kiss sound.
Seth snickered. "You know, it's nice to see how much you and Adam love each other, Shawn and Hunter too. We weren't quite sure how you all would react to a three-way relationship. Most find it weird, you guys just accepted it. That means a lot to us… hey… look at this." Seth's attention went back to his computer. Just as he spoke, Roman called on the radio.
"ROW, this is Scout. The fists are coming up, caps will break soon. Scout, out." Roman gave his simple but important report.
"Scout, ROW. Roger that. Tell Shawn to keep the FLIR going, we are getting some very interesting data. ROW, out." Chris responded as he kept his eye on the FLIR feed.
"Just look at that, Chris. I am going to bet that column of air will match where the caps break. Wait… wait..." Seth keyed his radio mic. "Scout, ROW. Did a cap just break?" He too watched the computer very carefully.
"ROW, Scout. Yes, just now. Was just going to call you. The anvils are starting to flatten out and the beaver tail is trying to form. Could be the start of rotation in the mid-levels." Roman replied.
Seth keyed his mic again. "Got it. Thanks, ROW out." His eyes never once left the computer screen.
Chris was amazed. "When the cap broke, it pulled the warm air up with it. It caught the mid-level horizontal spin. Then it caused the cold air to start mixing with the warm air. That all matched what Roman reported. This is absolutely amazing. Whatever you do, do not lose this data." He gave Seth an anxious look.
"Don't worry, boss. Recording everything and it auto saves every sixty seconds. Then I will master save everything to a disc…" Seth was halted by an NWS alert.
Seth listened through his headset, so Chris could hear the field radios. "Tornado warning for Kingman county and southern Sedgewick. Funnel cloud reported." He relayed the warning to Chris, and pointed to a radar image on the screen.
"ROW, Scout. Funnel cloud trying to form. Dean has begun our first live stream. Scout out." Roman radioed in the report.
At the Rover, Adam looked toward Hunter. "Hunter, funnel cloud trying to form." Adam called out. He stood on a rise a bit of a distance from the Range Rover.
Hunter called back to Adam. "Yep. It's tornado warned Roman reported to ROW. Dean has begun the first live stream. We just have to wait and see."
"Okay, Hunt. If this thing goes, it's going to be big." Adam kept his camera on the developing storm.
At the Scout, Dean had started the live stream. "So folks, the funnel is trying to form. I'll keep focused on the wall cloud. The storm is tornado warned. The reason for this is the formation of a funnel cloud…" Dean became silent. He didn't want to constantly talk, instead he wanted people to hear the storm.
At the ROW, Chris watched and listened to Dean's live stream. "He's good. Just enough talk, but not enough to drive you insane. When AJ is on his live feed, he never shuts up. People can't hear the storm or the warnings in the background. Radio Roman, tell them to make sure Dean picks up the NWS warnings on Scout's radio, then explains it." Chris sounded duly impressed.
Seth relayed Chris' message to Roman. Roman agreed to pass it on to Dean. Dean was calmly explaining how the funnel cloud was growing and lowering even more.
Roman wrote out Chris' instructions so he wouldn't interrupt Dean. Dean read the note. He moved a few steps back, closer to the Scout truck so the radio could be heard on his camera. He stopped talking as the tornado warning repeated.
At the Rover, Hunter chuckled. He too watched the live stream on his cell phone. He also read comments from viewers. "Adam, listen to this. Why did it take you so long to go live. You are million times better than red car jerk. There are a lot of people that say much the same. Styles is gonna be pissed." He showed Adam the comments.
Adam laughed. "Yes, he will. Dean keeps surprising me. He has a wonderful speaking voice and he is calm, but his inflection makes you listen. If the Weather Channel doesn't snatch him up, they are stupid." He focused his camera back on the growing storm.
Shawn sat in the Scout truck and rested his arm on the window to keep the FLIR on the storm. Roman stood on the foot rail of the driver's side and filmed the lightening. Dean continued with the live stream and would until the storm ended.
As the chasers watched, the storm exploded with a brilliant flash of lightening and a rolling rumble of thunder. The funnel stretched toward the ground like a spinning finger. The skies darkened and the clouds took on shades of green and purple, with red from the sun. It had gone from nothing, to sheer evil in minutes.
All the storm warning alarms went off in all three chase vehicles. The warning started off with the usual information, then became more specific. "...The tornado is moving to the northeast and thirty five miles per hour. The tornado will pas to the west of Wichita, but outlying communities should take cover now..." The announcer went on to state the usual precautions then repeated the information several times.
Hunter stood on the small rise next to Adam. "I've never seen so many colors at once in the clouds. This is going to get mean." He watched the distant storm and listened to Shawn on the radio with the ROW.
"… looks to be an EF two, inflow winds are picking up. We'll track it in when it's closer. It seems to also be moving straight, no wobbles so far. Scout, out." Shawn finished the report.
At the ROW, Chris responded. "Scout, ROW. Ten-four. Use your judgment on tracking it in. Keep up the live stream. What I have managed to watch is brilliant. ROW, out."
"Ten-four, ROW. Scout, out." Shawn signed off.
Meanwhile, back in Guymon, Oklahoma, AJ Styles seethed. He and John Morrison were in the waiting area of the Guymon Police Department. As they waited, AJ had checked his Twitter.
AJ read tweets that had been posted from an hour ago, till now. All them were asking why he wasn't doing a live stream of the tornado near Wichita, Kansas. AJ also learned that Jericho Storm Chase, Inc. was doing their first live stream, and had nearly a thousand viewers.
AJ went to You Tube and began to watch the Jericho live stream. The live chat from viewers was full of praise for the stream. A few even commented how much better the Jericho stream was over his.
"Get so tired of Styles' mouth and ego." "Maybe that red shoe will eventually get sucked up and his ego with it." I'd pay money to see that. The guy narrating Jericho stream knows what he is talking about. Styles can't tell a funnel from scud." The comments went on in much the same fashion.
JoMo grew concerned as he watched AJ. He needed AJ to be fully concentrated on him, not Jericho or the weather. He had to think of something and quick. They would be called into Sargent Miller's office shortly. He knew the best way to get AJ's attention.
JoMo buried his head in his hands. He deftly poked his eyes with his nails to bring on the tears. He let out a slight sob. The sound drew AJ's attention; but only just.
AJ put his phone in his pocket. "Hey now, don't cry, my pet. It's going to be alright." He pulled JoMo into his arms.
JoMo sniffed. "You care more about that stupid Jericho than me. You promised to help me… but."
AJ stopped JoMo with a kiss. "You're right, my pet. Forget those jerks for now. You do come first, and I am going to help you. You're gonna walk out of here as a free man. Then I will deal with them. I promise. Now, wipe those tears and smile. You are so pretty when you smile." He gave JoMo another kiss.
"Mister Styles, Mister Morrison, Detective Sargent Miller will see you now." Officer Carrie Reynolds called the two men into the office. She had a look of disdain on her face. She just hoped Sargent Miller saw what she saw. John Morrison was a liar of the first water.
Would JoMo walk away? Where was the storm going to hit?