Tunnel of Love?
As soon as Grant passed Paul's message down to Daniel, the young man hurried to tell Perry.
"Thanks Daniel." Even the news that his best friend was here and trying to help could not alleviate his fears for Della. It seemed she was slipping away from him.
Seeing the great man so sad, Daniel tried to comfort him."It'll be soon. She'll make it."
Perry gave the young officer a slight smile. "Yes, she will. She's strong."
"I'd better get back and see how our rescue is coming along." Daniel turned and hurried back, hoping the lady really was strong enough.
Perry gazed down at Della, so pale and still. "Della, if you can hear me, there's some good news. Paul's here. They're getting a rescue ready and we should be out of here soon. Della, you need to hold on just a little longer. Sweetheart, hold on for me please. Don't you dare leave me alone now. I need you. I can't live without you. You need to know that." He bent a kissed her. "Della, I love you."
Those beautiful hazel eyes gazed up at him. "And I love you too, Perry. But could you please tell Paul to hurry."
Perry smiled at her and kissed her again. "I'm sure he's trying. Just stay with me a little while longer."
Della nodded and closed her eyes again. Perry certainly hoped Paul was hurrying.
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Grant and the chief engineer had come up with a plan of sorts. They decided to carefully enlarge the opening the radio had been put through. If they could make it large enough without collapsing the entire mound, then a Stokes litter could be lowered to start bringing people out.
The only danger was the more times the litter was raised and lowered, the greater the risk of collapse. But it was agreed by all concerned that it was the only quick solution.
Grant was instructed to get everyone back as far as possible, just in case. But Della could not be moved and Perry wouldn't leave her.
After they had all moved as far back as they could, Grant radioed the engineer.
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Tragg and Paul watched anxiously as the trackhoe moved into place. They had been moved back in the event the debris collapsed outward. As they waited for the shovel to pull the first section away, a police vehicle pulled to a stop. Tragg turned to see Hamilton Burger climb out of the front.
"Hamilton, what on earth?"
"I called your office and they told me what happened and that Perry and Della might be in there. Want to fill me in."
As Tragg brought Hamilton up to date, Paul watched nervously as the shovel had began to carefully move the debris. With every pull, more of the mound came away. But just when it seemed that the plan was working, everything stopped.
The tremor started very slowly but grew in intensity. The trackhoe driver tried to pull away as chunks of concrete started slamming down on his equipment, but the shaking earth prevented the big machine from moving.
Suddenly Captain Sheridan yelled through the bullhorn. "Get back! It's collapsing!"
They all watched in horror as the debris mound fell inward.
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When Perry felt the tremor start, he pulled Della closer, putting his body over hers. He heard the rumble and knew the debris mound was collapsing. He prayed that the makeshift barrier would hold. But if not, he was with the only person he knew he'd die for.
When he felt Della stir, he bent his head next to hers. "It's okay Sweetheart. We're going to be fine. Just remember, I love you Della and I'll never leave you."
It was then the falling debris hit the slab that had formed the barrier. Perry felt the two cars moving, and suddenly the slab fell on top the cars, crushing them, the slab breaking apart, showering Perry in pieces of debris. But luckily because the cars were sideways and Perry was by the front end of the second car, most of the debris went over and to the side. Then it was silent. Perry looked down into Della's eyes, but there was no fear in them. She struggled to reach her hand up to caress his jaw. "I love you." Then her hand dropped and her eyes closed. The single word came from Perry's soul, a cry that echoed around the tunnel. "NO!"