Page 38 of Clear Shot
Instead, I start researching hurricanes and the one headed for South Florida.
Hurricane Katherine.
It’s currently a category 4 hovering over the ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico. From what I’m reading, it’s not a direct hit, which is a good thing since winds can range from 130 to 157 miles per hour. A direct hit could be catastrophic so I can’t believe they’re forecasting a category five to hit Fort Lauderdale.
On paper, it looks scary.
A category 4 can blow out the windows of a high rise and power loss is almost definite. It doesn’t sound like fun at all.
I wish I’d looked at my messages before getting on the plane but I was talking to my grandmother while we were waiting to board and then the WiFi wasn’t working until the plane lifted off. And by then it was too late.
I close my phone again and say a little prayer that Aiden can find us a flight out of South Florida.
Due to inclement weather,my flight is thirty minutes later than expected, and by the time I meet up with Aiden in the baggage claim area, it’s nearly midnight.
“Hey.” He leans over and brushes his lips across my cheek.
“Did you find us a flight?” I ask worriedly.
He shakes his head, regret etching his handsome features. “There’s nothing. Every single flight is overbooked. And depending on what happens overnight, they may be closing the airport tomorrow anyway."
"What do we do?” I ask worriedly.
“We have a few options. The arena is open to all employees and players who want to hunker down there. It’s a huge concrete building with limited windows, and the area underground is well protected. It’s one of the safer places in town but it won’t be that comfortable.”
That doesn’t sound ideal although I won’t be picky if it means staying safe from this storm. “What’s the other option?”
“Mr. Knight’s house. He sent his wife and daughter out of town but he’s staying and opened his home to anyone who wants to ride it out there. He has guest rooms, generators, and top-notch hurricane doors and windows.”
“Mr. Knight? The owner of the team?”
He nods.
“How do you feel about that?”
“I think it’s better than the arena where we’d be stuck resting on exercise mats and shit. Felix and Jordan will be at Mr. Knight’s, along with Jace and Tawny. That was the last I heard. Vaughn, Juliet, Jude, and Chloe will all be at the hospital since Chloe has to work anyway, and they felt a hospital was the best place for a pregnant woman like Juliet.”
“That makes sense.”
“Most of the team left as soon as they announced that it’s likely going to hit Fort Lauderdale. No one wanted to risk it, especially the guys with families.”
This just keeps getting worse.
“Then I guess we go to Mr. Knight’s? As long as you’re comfortable with it.”
“Of course.” He grabs my bag as it comes off the conveyor belt and we start walking toward the exit.
“Do we have time to go home and get our stuff?” I ask. “I don’t have much with me.”
“Oh, yeah. The hurricane won’t hit until tomorrow night, at the earliest. It’s slowed down now because it’s doing a number on Puerto Rico. And it might still turn away from us, but it’s a big one, that’s why so many guys sent their families away.”
I nod slowly. “Hurricanes sound scary. The research I did was terrifying.”
“They can be. But most people can’t afford to leave so there are ways to mitigate the dangers. Especially at Mr. Knight’s house.”
“You could have gone,” I say softly. “I would have found somewhere to be, like the arena or whatever.”
He shakes his head. “I already told you—I’m never going to abandon you when you need me, Hana. That’s not the man I am. I’m not perfect but I protect what’s mine and you’re my wife. Extenuating circumstances or not, we’re married.”
