Chris looked at the pile of rubble that was once K and J's Pizza. "The tornado was the strongest at this point." He spoke under his breath. He then went to Dean and leaned in to whisper. "Take as many pictures as possible, but be discrete." Chris gave Dean a knowing look.
Dean nodded. "Sure." Now he understood why Adam took pictures of the damage. It gave a footprint of the tornado.
Shawn stood next to Dolph. "If they are in the cellar, they were protected. Can you show us where the cellar is? The had to get started trying to find any victims in the rubble.
Officer Dolph Ziggler shook himself. He had to do what he could to help Justin and Kofi and any other possible victims. He looked at Shawn.
"Come on, it was at the back. The door to the cellar was in the kitchen." Dolph pointed to the back of what was once K and J's Pizza.
The search and rescue team began the work to clear a path through the debris. Chris finally relented and allowed Seth, Dean and Roman to help. Dean also took pictures as they worked. They were joined by a couple of police officers who'd been helping where they could.
Hunter put his hands on his hips. "This is going to take hours. They may not have that much time. Is there another way down there?" He was frustrated. Not only was there building debris, but broken restaurant furniture was everywhere.
One of the other officers spoke up. "Let's check around back. Dolph, wasn't there an outside entrance that Kofi boarded up? Or am I thinking of Joe's place?" He looked at Dolph, brow arched.
Dolph looked at his fellow officer. "You're right Gary! I helped Kofi and Justin board it up. Why didn't I remember that. Come on!" Dolph went to the alley that ran behind restaurant row. It was the alley used by the trash trucks to pick and empty the many dumpsters of all the eateries on Hobart Street.
The back wall of K and J's Pizza was still standing, but barely. "Look out now, this wall could go at any moment. If I yell, move, then move. Now, where is the cellar?" Hunter spoke sharply. He was in charge of search and rescue, He took that role seriously.
"Is there any way to shore up the wall?" Seth asked as he looked at said wall.
Hunter shook his head. "Not really. We don't have the right equipment. Also, there isn't anything I would trust to anchor it to. We could cause more damage trying to not cause damage. Just be careful. It will fall into the building." He could tell with his scientific mind how it would fall.
"Over here! I found it!" Dolph called out. He was about twenty feet further up the alley. He pointed to a wooden plank that covered the outside door to the basement of the pizza restaurant. The entrance was built up to look like the entrance to an underground bunker.
Hunter went to look at the boarded up entrance. "Damn, we left the tools on the back of Scout. We need a screw driver." He threw his hands up in the air.
Roman stepped up to the entrance and knelt down. He quietly pulled out the tool knife Dean had given him yesterday. He began to work on the screws holding the board in place.
"Roman! You are brilliant." Hunter slapped Roman on the back as the student worked.
Roman kept working, but he spoke. "Thank Dean. This is useful way to break it in."
Dean grinned. "Never thought it would be used for something so important." He was glad the gift he gave Roman was already useful.
Dolph waited with baited breath as Roman worked to remove the board. Gary and Art, his fellow Pampa Police Officers stood next to him in support.
Hunter knelt down and helped Roman where he could. Shawn stood close and prayed a silent prayer. Adam took a few pictures as Dean and Seth shared a bottle of water. Kenny Omega walked around and kept a wary eye on anyone he saw that wasn't part of their group. Morrison could pop up out of nowhere at any time.
As Roman worked on the last few screws in the door, they suddenly heard a voice. "Hello? We're stuck down here! Is there someone there?" The person trapped in the cellar banged on the door.
Dolph rushed to the door and fell onto his knees. "Kofi? Is that you? It's Dolph!" He cupped his hands around his mouth to focus his voice.
"Dolph? Yeah, it's me, Kofi. Help us, Dolph! Justin and Becky are trapped! Hurry, Dolph!" Kofi sounded frantic and he once again banged on the door.
Dolph, hands still cupped around his mouth called back to his soon to be brother-in-law. "We're coming, Kofi. I promise. We have a rescue crew and a nurse with us. Stand back, we may have to break the door in."
"Damn it! The fucking screw broke. Hunter, think you and I can bust the door down?" Roman sat back on his haunches and looked up at Hunter.
Hunter nodded. "Like cardboard. Dolph, tell them to stand back, away from the door. Roman and I are going to break it down." He turned to look at the worry worn police officer.
Dolph gave a nod. He put his hands around his mouth again. "Kofi, get back. The are breaking the door down." He turned and ear to listen.
"Okay, we're clear. Hurry, oh please hurry!" Kofi's voice was further away, but the fear and worry in the tone echoed loudly.
The others stood ready and watched as Roman and Hunter made their plan. There was just enough room for them both to take a run at the door. Both hit the door with their left shoulder. The wood gave way with a resounding "CRACK " Roman kicked twice and the door was down.
Dolph went in first, his flashlight in hand. His light landed on a handsome, young black man. Dolph and Kofi embraced. The rest of the rescue team entered.
Chris and Hunter immediately began to access the damage. Hunter looked at Chris and spoke in a low voice. "This is very unstable. We better get everyone out as quickly as possible." As he spoke, bits of debris rained down on everyone.
Chris spoke in his authoritative tone. "Everyone needs to get out now. Shawn here is a nurse. He and Adam will help you. Is anyone too hurt to walk?" He spoke to the group of frightened people who worked at the restaurant.
"Justin and Becky are trapped! They are under that mess!" Kofi pointed to where the floor above had collapsed to the cellar.
Dolph put his hands on Kofi's shoulders. "We will get them out. You take the others out. Where are the customers?" Dolph tried to sound calm, but his worry for Justin boiled under the surface.
"We closed when the tornado warning was issued. Most people had stayed home anyway. The few that were here, left when they saw the live stream from some storm chase team. Because of that, they had time to get home. Dolph, get Justin and Becky out, please..." Kofi fell into Dolph's embrace. He and Justin were as close as any brothers could be, even though they were adopted.
Dolph managed a smile. "Then, you can rest easy, this is the storm chase team. Go on now, Kofi, Gary and Art are out there. We will get Justin and Becky out. Justin would want to know that you and the others are safe. Bayley, Carmella, Heath and Baron, go with Kofi. You'll be safe." He spoke with a new air of confidence. His training as a police officer automatically took over.
Kofi nodded. "Okay, Dolph. Say, do dad and pops know?" Kofi turned to his crew of workers and motioned for them to get out of the restaurant.
"The Chief knows this area was hit. He is up on Main Street, setting up the mobile command truck. Go up there when you can. He is worried sick about you. I'm sure he called the Sheriff. He is out in the county of course. Kofi, I love him. I will get Justin out. I promise." Dolph ended with a tight hug to Kofi.
Kofi returned Dolph's hug. "I know, Dolph. Justin loves you. We'll go to Main Street." After another hug, Kofi went outside with the others.
In the mean time, Chris sent Adam and Shawn out to help the ones who had been injured. Roman, Seth, Dean and Hunter waited for Dolph to join them. After all, Dolph knew the building lay out.
Chris looked at the three college students. "This is part of the job, as a boss, that I hate. Go out and wait for us. Before you object, I know you can help, I know you want to help. I can't allow it. If anything happened to any of you, I would have a lot to answer to with the University. I promised the committee that you would not be involved in search and rescue. There are things you can do. Roman, your helping us get in here was great, but I can't let you help further. Trust me, I wish you could, we could use your muscle, all three of you. Please, don't argue about it. I am sure Shawn and Adam will put you to work. Now go, we have work to do." Chris gave the students a firm look.
Roman spoke. "We don't like it, but we understand. Do you need anything?"
"Give us time to survey the situation. One of you go up to the mobile command and see if any fire rescue are there. Send them if you can." Dolph took control of the situation.
Seth stepped up. "I'll go, I'm the fastest. Boss, I'll radio back." He turned and quickly left. Dean and Roman also left. They knew Chris was right.
Dolph, Chris and Hunter went to check the area where Justin and Becky were trapped. "Can you hear me? Justin? Becky? It's me, Dolph!" Dolph called out to his fiancé. He waited, breath held for any kind response.
Hunter used his logical mind to analyze the damage. He noted that it was a corner booth, flipped upside down that had fallen to the cellar. It was possible, because of the shape of the booth, it formed a protective barrier over Justin and Becky. It was a matter of figuring out how to move the booth without bringing down the rest of the floor above down on top of them. It wasn't easy.
Dolph knelt down and called out again. He startled when he heard a faint tapping sound. Justin? Is that you?" He closed his eyes to listen.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was actually only a few seconds, more tapping sounds were heard. Chris pricked his ear to the sound.
"Wait… that's Morse code. Ask him again." Chris knelt down next to Dolph.
Hunter's brow arched. "You know Morse code?"
Chris gave a wry chuckle. "It's been a while, but yes, I do. I learned it to get my HAM radio license. It was many years ago. Dolph, ask him again."
"Justin, love. Please tap again, please!" Dolph cried out again. He swallowed hard to keep his emotions in check. Justin was his heart and soul.
Outside, Shawn and Adam, with assistance from Dean and Roman, took care of the four workers of K and J's Pizza.
A young man with shoulder length red hair winced as Shawn cleaned out a cut on his cheek. He told what happened. "… then, all of a sudden, the floor caved in and the booth came down on top of Justin and Becky. Justin pushed Kofi and I out of the way, just in time. Becky was trapped too! She'd shoved Bayley out of the way before she was crushed. Oh… it was awful… just… awful." The young man bit his lip to stop his tears.
Another worker, a handsome young man, reached over and took the redhead's hand in his. "They will be alright, Heath… they just have to be alright."
The two young girls from the restaurant joined their friends. "Sure they will. Baron is right, Heath. Justin and Becky are tough. Right Carmella?" The girl who spoke looked at the blond girl, who had a look of desperation on her face.
Carmella nodded. "Yeah, Bayley. They are both tough. I'm just glad the few customers got out in time. Ever since the west side was wiped out in ninety-nine, people pay attention to the warnings. I was only eight, but I remember that day… my parents were out of town. I stayed with my grandma. We went down to our basement. I hate tornadoes."
Shawn put a bandage on Heath's cheek. "I'm glad people pay attention. That is a big reason why we do what we do. I'm sure the will get Justin and Becky out. Now, is everyone alright? Any wounds we missed?" He gave the crew of K and J's Pizza a warm smile.
"No, Adam patched us up. We were lucky. Only a few cuts and scrapes. Considering how much stuff fell down on top of us." Baron still held Heath's hand as he spoke. He liked the cute redhead.
Adam closed the lid of his first aid kit. He had worked in silence, his mind was on Chris. He worried that the rest of the building would collapse on top of Chris, Hunter and those with them.
"Hey, where is Kenny?" Dean asked when he realized the undercover officer wasn't there.
Shawn responded. "He went with Seth. He knew we were protected, but Seth wasn't. Here, have some water." Shawn gave one bottle to Heath and one to Bayley. They would have to share with Baron and Carmella but, it was alright.
Both Roman and Dean nodded. "Good. I had almost forgotten about Morrison being on the loose. I wonder how Styles is?" Dean spoke with a sigh. He didn't like Styles, but no one deserved to be nearly stabbed to death.
Shawn left the group of restaurant employees and joined Dean and Roman. "Better not talk about it now. I'll call the hospital as soon as I get a chance. Oh, look." Shawn nodded toward the restaurant. Hunter and Chris walked toward them. Their faces were masked with worry.
Adam did a good job of keeping the four young people occupied. Kofi stood with Gary and Art, the two police officers had come to help.
"We might as well tell what we know..." Chris spoke to his team. He then turned to speak to everyone. "Becky and Justin are both alive, but, hurt. We don't know how badly. Justin is able to tap Morse code. As far as I can tell, they are trapped in a corner and can't move. We can't shift the booth without bringing down the rest of the building. We need equipment we don't have, like a crane. We need fire and rescue, quickly. One wrong move will bring it down. Any word from Seth?" Chris explained as honestly as he could, without making everyone panic even more.
"No, not yet. Isn't there anything we can do?" Shawn asked with a worried tone of voice and very crinkled brow.
Hunter gave a nod. "We did manage to get a couple of broken beams wedged up against the flooring to shore it up. I wanted to do more, but it was too risky. Things started creaking and cracking. Just pray it holds till we get some help. Like Chris said, we need a crane or firetruck with a cherry picker. If you kids are able, I think you should go to the mobile command up on the corner of Main Street. No reason for you to stay and be at risk… or in the way. Shawn, Adam I think you and our boys should go too." He knew it was probably pointless, but he wanted Shawn safe.
"Hunt, you know I have to stay. I'm a nurse. I agree that everyone else should go. They need water and food. Dean, Roman I'm putting Bayley, Carmella, Heath and Baron in your hands. They need the help, especially with Bayley and her bruised knee. Tell John, Ken and Kyle what we need. Send Kenny back. As a police officer he has skills we need. You will be safe at the command center." Shawn spoke firmly. He would not leave, his pastor and nursing skills would be needed.
"I'm staying too. If nothing else, to film the rescue for our records. Damage is important too. Besides, I'm a very good nurse's aide." Adam was just as firm as he took his camera case in hand.
Both Hunter and Chris sighed. "Well, I had to try. Dean, Roman go on, you're help is needed." He nodded toward the group of restaurant workers.
Kofi spoke up. "They are right guys, Justin would want you safe and looked after. I'm staying here. I can't leave my brother, I just can't. I promise to stay out of the way. Please?" He looked at Chris with hope filled eyes.
Chris looked at Hunter, Shawn and finally his beautiful blond husband. They gave a nod in near unison. "Alright, I understand. But, keep out of the way. Put this on, you can go in long enough to talk to Justin. Maybe it will help. Hunter take him, but five minutes at the most." Chris put his hardhat on Kofi's head.
"You'd better come too, Chris. If Justin taps, you can decode the message." Hunter spoke with a shrug. Morse code was one thing Hunter didn't know.
Chris gave Adam a kiss and Hunter kissed Shawn. Shawn and Adam watched their husbands take Kofi inside.
Roman spoke up. "Miss Bayley, hop on my back. A bruised knee can be aggravated if you walk on it. Come on Dean, let's get these guys to the command center." Roman turned so Bayley could ride piggyback on him.
"Thanks, it is hurting a bit." Bayley was grateful that Roman offered to carry her.
With a laugh from Heath, the group of young people started walking towards the command center. Dean and Roman were glad to be of help.
Adam and Shawn shared a bottle of water and sat down on a piece of fallen debris. "Hunter is really worried. I hope fire and rescue can help. Adam, it's not… we're only a month in. We still have two more days of May, then June and July. We've already seen more in four weeks, than we've seen in the last two seasons. What's next? Is it getting worse?" Shawn gave a deep sigh and took another sip of water.
Adam shrugged. "I just dunno. We've already said it… and I'll say it again. Its like the storms have the ability to think. One good thing, we've been extremely lucky with the probes. Maybe its just taken Hunter and I awhile to get in sync. It's paying off now, maybe this will finally be the season that gives us some answers to our questions. At least people seem to be paying attention. The live stream was such a good idea. Having three new brains along has been good..." He stopped talking when Chris, Hunter and Kofi came out of the building. Gary and Art went inside to join Dolph.
"They are holding on, but the taps were slower and softer. I'm worried about Justin and Becky getting dehydrated. Any word from Seth?" Chris stood with a sigh and took a sip from his hip flask of water, then passed it to Hunter.
Adam shook his head. "Not yet. Kofi, come sit and have some water." He spoke to the worried young man with a soft voice and smile to match.
Kofi sat on the ground and drank the last few sips from the bottle. "He has to be alright, Becky too. Why is it taking so long..." He stopped when a distant rumble of thunder was heard.
Chris, Hunter, Shawn and Adam all pulled out their cell phones like a well rehearsed chorus. They all went to their NWS radar apps. Had it not been so serious, it would have been funny.
Chris spoke first. "No warnings, just a leftover thunder shower, no power in it. Still, we don't need the rain to make things even more unstable." He pocketed his phone just as his radio crackled.
"Chris, it's Seth. Speak to the Fire Chief. He wants to know what's needed..."
Chris and Hunter got up and walked away from the others. There was no need to let Kofi hear it all again. The man was worried enough as it was.
"Dad will make sure the equipment gets here, pops too. I hope Dolph will be alright…" Kofi's voice trailed off as he got lost in thought.
Shawn laid a hand on Kofi's shoulder when the young man started when another rumble of thunder was heard in the distance.
"I'm sure your parents will do all they can. Dolph seems like a strong person. He's worried about his future husband." Adam also gave Kofi a pat on the shoulder as he spoke.
Kofi looked at the two older men. "You don't understand. See, Dolph was engaged before. It's really sad. The guy he was going to marry was killed by a drunk driver, on the way to the church. It crushed Dolph. It's also what drove him to be in law enforcement. They never caught the drunk that caused the accident. It took Justin a long time to get Dolph, but he was determined. Dolph and Justin were made for each other. I don't think Dolph could handle it if something happened to Justin. I've never seen Justin so happy and content. He had his share of bad luck with love. Nothing as tragic as Dolph, but still, a broken heart is never fun. When ever we had love problems, Justin and I fed each other ice cream and we watched Jerry Lewis movies. He's the best brother in the world." Kofi felt better after he spoke. He just knew Shawn and Adam would listen and not make any judgments or snide remarks.
"I'm going in to tell Dolph. You tell them." Chris gave Hunter a nod, then headed back inside the dilapidated building.
Hunter sat next to Shawn. "They are getting a crane truck from the one of the gas plants. Your dad said it will be here in fifteen minutes or so. Your dad also said your pops is out in the county, but will be here as soon as possible. Your dad is coming with the crane. Your crew is fine. Carmella's parents are coming to pick them up and take them home. Seth, Dean and Roman are helping at the Red Cross truck. People are already dropping off food, water and blankets for victims at the storm shelters. They don't have an update on AJ. The hospital is swamped and no news on the other. Hang in there, Kofi." It was Hunter's turn to give Kofi a hug.
"Thanks, guys. I appreciate how good you've been to me. I am sorry you won't get any Jamaican barbecue. Gosh… I just realized… our restaurant is gone… just… gone. All the work we put in..." Kofi's eyes filled with wet emotion as the reality hit him head on. He'd been so worried about Justin and their crew to realize their restaurant was gone.
Shawn gave Kofi another hug. "It will be alright. You can build up a new restaurant. You'll have the insurance, I'm sure. You might qualify for a government grant too. There is all kinds of help out there, you just have to know where to look. I'll send you list. We've learned over the years where to send people for help in rebuilding after a natural disaster. If you want it, you'll get it. The food your dad brought us was wonderful. I was looking forward to more." Shawn made a note in his little book to send Kofi the information on getting help and grants.
"Thanks, Shawn. If Justin is …. well I am sure we will rebuild. This place was getting too small anyway. We've been talking about moving to a new place with outdoor seating for the barbecue. Maybe things do happen for a reason." Kofi gave shrug. Until Justin and Becky were safe, the restaurant didn't matter.
A few minutes later, Chris joined Hunter, Adam, Shawn and Kofi. He hated to say what he to say when he saw the hopeful look on Kofi's face. He took Adam's hand in his and spoke.
"He didn't answer. It doesn't mean anything has happened. Perhaps Justin is just sleeping. I'm sorry. The crane will be here soon." Chris couldn't lie. He gave a slight smile when Adam gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Kofi swiped his eyes. "Yeah, he probably fell asleep. He does that when he's stressed… Yeah, he just fell asleep." He tried to stay positive.
"Kofi? Son?" The voice of Chief John Layfield called out.
Kofi jumped up. "Dad! I'm here!" He ran to his father and fell into his arms like a small child.
The others watched the little family reunion. Even Hunter gave a sniff and swiped his eyes.
It wasn't long before a crew of firemen and other helpers arrived to access the situation. When Dolph heard the noise, he came out to see what was what.
"Oh Chief, am I glad to see you. We've got to get them out. Justin was tapping Morse code, but, for the last… well, he stopped. He and Becky… please… get them out..." Dolph was on the verge of breakdown, but he held himself together.
John embraced his fellow officer and future son-in-law. Both he and Ron were happy about Dolph and Justin. They looked forward to having him as part of the family.
Hunter and Chris went to speak to the fire Chief and the man who operated the crane. They soon went down into the cellar.
Shawn looked at Adam. "We'd better set up a triage area. Justin and Becky will need help. I wish we had more..." Before he could finish, a fireman approached, he carried a Styrofoam cooler.
"Chief Layfield thought you all might need some water. The ambulance is on the way, but it will be about an hour. There is just so much damage and so many injured people. He said you were a nurse and could handle things till the EMT's get here. If you need anything else, let me know." The fireman set the cooler down with a nod to Shawn.
"Thanks, I will do my best. We could use a few blankets." Shawn asked, brow arched.
The fireman gave another nod. "You got it, be right back." He headed off to get the blankets that were kept in the fire truck.
Kenny Omega came around the corner. "Hey, I am back to help. Sorry it took so long. I wanted to make sure the boys were safe. What do you want me to do?" The man was not his usual self. He was more serious than he'd been before. It was a grim situation and it reflected on his face.
Shawn set Adam and Kenny to spreading out the blankets the fireman brought. He then started getting out the first aid supplies he would need.
Hunter and Chris came to give Shawn and Adam an update on the rescue plan. Chris spoke. "Still no taps but, I am sure they are tired. The crane operator says it's an easy lift, but he's worried about the integrity of the remaining building. They have to move fast once the booth is lifted. All we can do now is wait. The firemen have ordered everyone out. They are giving Dolph and Kofi a few minutes to give encouragement to Justin and Becky. Everything ready out here?" Chris was impressed. Shawn and Adam had created a comfortable area for Justin and Becky.
"Yes, as ready as can be. Come on, time for a prayer circle." Shawn took Hunter's hand in his. Hunter, Chris, Adam and Kenny joined hands. Before Shawn could start, John, Dolph and Kofi joined them.
When the prayer ended, Adam pulled his camera out of its case. "I'm going around front to film the crane. It's only for our archive, but it's important. I will stay out of the way. Call me when you need me." He gave Chris a kiss, then headed off to film.
Kenny looked at Chris. "I'd better go with him. Morrison is still out there, and he's not stupid."
Chris nodded. "I agree. Any word?"
"No, not yet. He's out there, waiting. I can feel it. Hunter, your carrying?" Omega arched his brow at Hunter.
Hunter patted his hidden weapon. "You bet, and so is Shawn. Go with Adam." Kenny gave a nod and followed after Adam.
Kenny had a feeling in his gut that Morrison was close and probably watching them at this very moment. He was usually always right about these things. Morrison unnerved him.
"He's really worried about Morrison. I hope the next chase gets us well away from here." Hunter remarked as he took a sip of water.
Chris nodded. "Me too. I'm glad though, that Kenny will be with us until Morrison is caught. I hope too, that Styles will be alright. I may not like him, but… he did help." He gave a shrug and kicked at a piece of debris.
Shawn turned toward the destroyed restaurant. "Sounds like they are starting." He went to stand with Kofi and Chief Layfield, who watched with breath held.
The sound of the crane doing its job echoed in the air. The thunder had stopped and the rain had held off. It was more humid though. Like everything, the weather changed every five minutes or so it seemed.
John! Kofi?" An extremely deep voice called out over the din of the rescue work that went on.
John went to greet his husband with a kiss and hug. "They are working on getting Justin and Becky out. Hows the county?" The couple went to Kofi. Kofi was swept into the arms of his other father and hugged tightly.
"Considering, not as bad as it is here. This is the hardest hit area. A few farms have damage and lost livestock. No deaths, but a lot of cuts, broken bones and bruises. Kofi, son, are you alright? What about the rest of the crew?" Ron asked as the three stood to watch and wait.
As Kofi told his parents what happened, Shawn and Hunter talked quietly together. Chris looked at his cell phone. Like it or not, the job of storm chasing had to go on.
After what seemed like an eternity, Dolph followed by firemen carrying two stretchers came out of the pile of rubble. As the crane pulled out of the building, another part of the remaining wall collapsed with a rumbling puff of smoke and dust.
The two victims were laid down in Shawn's triage area. Both Justin and Becky were unconscious. They had numerous cuts and bruises and it looked they both had a broken leg. Shawn began to take Justin's vital signs. Adam came around the corner at a run. He fell on his knees and began to help. Kenny followed and had carried Adam's camera case.
Dolph knelt down next to Justin and began to stroke his fiancé's brow. He gently took one of Justin's hands in his. "Justin? Baby? It's me; Dolph. Please baby, wake up." He spoke softly in Justin's ear.
Shawn took a small vial from his first aid kit and cracked it open. He waved the vial under Justin's nose. Sometimes the old ways worked best. Justin began to stir as he tried to escape the foul smell from the vial.
"Adam, do the same. They need to wake up." Shawn nodded for Adam to take vial from his box. Adam gave Shawn Becky's vital signs as he cracked open the vial.
"Good, nothing too serious. Both of them have a bit of low blood pressure, but not unusually dangerous. Both have good steady breaths and their pulses are strong." Shawn spoke to help ease the tension in the air.
Justin's eyes began to flutter. "Oh… oh.. my… leg… hurts..." His voice was dry and filled with the pain he expressed.
"It's okay, baby. I'm here, your dads are here, Kofi is here. You'll be alright… I love you, Just." Dolph leaned in closer and softly kissed Justin's lips.
"Adam, they need hydration. Spike two IV's for me please." Shawn had moved to look at Becky, she too had begun to rouse.
Becky opened her eyes. "My… leg..." She too had a dry, pain filled voice.
One of the firemen spoke. "They were trapped in the open space of the bench, but his left leg and her right were hit by the seat. I would guess they have clean breaks, blow the knee. Do you want our inflatable splints?" He arched a brow at Shawn. He knew the man knew what he was doing.
Shawn nodded. "Yes, please. It's something we don't have yet." He wished they could have a lot more medical equipment, but space and money were an issue at times.
With a nod, the fireman dashed off to get the required splints. John, Ron and Kofi watched, but relief was on their faces. The knew Justin and Becky were in capable hands.
"Is… Justin… okay?" Becky asked as Shawn slid the IV needle into the vein on the back of her right hand.
Shawn smiled. "Yes, he will be alright. Try to keep still. This will help you feel better. You probably have a broken right leg. Do you hurt anywhere else?" He gently began to feel along Becky's torso to check for reactions of pain.
"I feel like… a… tornado… dropped… a booth on me. No… I don't feel… anything… like broken… ribs..." Becky managed to smile at Shawn.
Justin fully opened his eyes. "Dolphin? Am I alive?" The last thing he could clearly remember was the sound of the building falling in around them.
Dolph sniffed deeply. "Yes, love. You are alive and so is Becky. The others are fine too. Kofi, your brother is awake." Dolph gave Justin another kiss. He then moved so Kofi, John and Ron could see Justin.
Before long, both Justin and Becky had inflatable splints on their injured legs. Both sat up a bit and sipped water, closely supervised by Shawn and Adam. The two victims were surrounded by Dolph, Kofi, Ron and John. All they could do now was wait for the ambulance to take Justin and Becky to the hospital.
The Jericho Storm Chase Team felt good that they had been able to help more victims of the storms they chased. However, in the back of their minds, they also knew they were being chased by something even more dangerous than a tornado… a crazy man.