May 13, 5:00 P.M. Wright and Co. Law Offices
Phoenix adjusted the frequency of of his radio to the news station, hoping to learn something new. He heard a tone on the speaker that sounded like a special bulletin.
The anchor said, "Good evening. We have just received news in regards to the Mad Bomber."
The attorney groaned, "Not again!"
"A bomb exploded violently near the Los Angeles Police Department. 85% of the building was destroyed, while 5 surrounding buildings were damaged beyond repair. One of them was home to an Amtrak engineer. Another 3 were restaurants. Specifically, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. The fifth building that was affected was a Walmart superstore."
Phoenix thought, "That was a large bomb. If it can take out a house, three restaurants, and a Walmart, then I'm pretty sure this isn't like the original Mad Bomber. The original Mad Bomber made crude bombs that only injured people. This guy probably has access to military grade explosives."
Suddenly, Maya screamed, "Nick! Come on in here! There's an emergency broadcast on the TV!"
He turned the radio off and sprinted into the bedroom, where he was that an Emergency Alert System message was playing. It read: Civil Authorities have issued a Civil Danger Warning."
After the tones ended, a computerized voice began speaking.
"The following message is transmitted at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department. The detonation of a powerful explosive device has recently occurred. At approximately 5:01 P.M, Pacific Daylight Time, a massive explosion ripped through the center of the city.
The bomb has completely decimated a total of 5 buildings, with heavy casualties. The police department was almost destroyed. At this time, it is unknown who planted the bomb, although it is believed to be the Mad Bomber. Do not leave your homes at this time. Another bomb may detonate.
Due to the severity and frequency of the bombings, an emergency curfew has been put in effect for the city of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. All citizens will be indoors from 7 P.M. to 5 A.M. Anyone seen on the streets during these hours will be subject to..."
That instant, a strange noise was heard on the monitor. The picture faded to black, and the noise got lower and lower in pitch. The words "SIGNAL LOST" appeared. Maya turned off the TV and followed Phoenix to the radio. He pressed the power button, but it wouldn't turn on.
Maya pulled out her cellular phone and attempted to call Phoenix's phone, but it wouldn't connect, and the busy tone was the only thing that would play. Suddenly, Phoenix found a radio that ran on dynamo power. He cranked the handle, and he pushed in in circles.
A radio broadcast began to play. A voice stated, "It seems that the explosion has made the atmosphere electromagnetically charged. In other words, the air is filled with electricity. When the bomb exploded, an electromagnetic pulse was released. That caused all devices that run on electricity to cease functioning. The power may also go out for an extended period of time. Please stay tuned to media outlets for the latest developments."
Phoenix stopped turning the crank and sat down on the office couch.
He thought, "If only the NTSB would finish their investigation so we can figure out who the Mad Bomber is! There's this feeling inside me that the Mad Bomber is the real person who caused the crash. I can feel it..."