Page 49 of The Lineman

That meant staying local. Working shifts before, during, and immediately after the worst of the outer bands passed. Of the three jobs, it was likely the easiest.

“If you’re on the statewide crew, you’ll be deployed across Georgia as soon as roads are clear, reinforcing crews where needed.”

That meant driving into the hardest-hit areas in the state, likely spending weeks away from home, hopping from town to town.

“And if you’re on the interstate deployment list, you’ll be part of the first wave heading into Florida once we get the green light.”

That meant packing a bag and living out of a truck, working sixteen-hour days in destroyed neighborhoods where power might not return for weeks. That one sucked. Seriously.

Aemon clicked again, pulling up the assignment list.

I braced myself.

My name was exactly where I expected it.

Elliot Hart – Interstate Deployment

I sighed, running a hand over my jaw. I had a bad feeling about this one.

Aemon cleared his throat. “For those of you assigned to Florida, be ready to roll within twelve hours of landfall. That means bags packed, gear prepped, and mentally ready for at least two to three weeks on the road. Landfall is projected in six days.”

No one complained.

This was the job.

This was what we signed up for.

Aemon nodded, flipping through his notes. “For now, stay on call, keep an eye on the storm track, and get your home situation in order. Oh, try to get a little extra rest. We’ll be working till we drop once this thing hits.”

He paused, scanning the room. “Questions?”

Silence.

No one ever had questions.

Aemon gave a firm nod. “All right. Dismissed.”

As waves of burly men filtered out of the room, my phone buzzed. I fished it out of my pocket to find an odd text message.

Sisi: You’ve been holding out on us.

Oh, God. First a hurricane, now a real storm, one named Sierra.

Me: Oh?

Sisi: You had a date with that teacher and never reported back to the committee. We demand information.

Me: Demand? Feeling a little full of yourself today?

Sisi: Don’t start with me or I will add Matty to this text chain.

Me: I surrender! Take my house, my car, whatever you want.

Sisi: I’ll take details about this date. Did you get some ass?

Me: What is with you women? Mrs. H was all up my ass, asking about sexual positions I doubted she even understood.

Sisi: Oh, you’re in so much trouble. You told that old woman about your date but not us?

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