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house, and she knew they had only seconds to live unless she
somehow summoned the strength to move.
On his way back from Joyce’s house, Alex noticed the sky glowing
orange just above the blackened tree line on the outskirts of town.
He hadn’t seen that as they drove into town and navigated the
streets to Joyce’s home. Now, however, he frowned as he turned
in that direction. Something in his gut told him that danger lay
ahead, and he debated only an instant before pressing down on
the accelerator.
Josh and Kristen were already sitting up as Katie rolled over. The
ground was perhaps a ten-foot drop from the overhang, but she
had to risk it. They were running out of time. Josh continued to
sob but didn’t protest as Katie quickly explained what was going
to happen next. She seized his arms, trying to keep her voice
steady.
“I’m going to lower you as far as I can, but then you’re going to
have to jump.”
He nodded, seemingly in shock, and she quickly scooted toward
the edge, dragging Josh with her. He moved to the edge and she
grabbed his hand. The overhang was shaking now, fire climbing
up both support columns. Josh climbed over, legs first, holding
on, Katie sliding on her belly toward the edge. Lowering him…
God, the agony in her arms… four feet, no more, she told herself.
He wouldn’t fall far and he would land on his feet.
She let go as the roof shuddered. Kristen crawled toward her,
trembling.
“Okay, baby, your turn,” Katie urged. “Give me your hand.”
She did the same thing with Kristen, holding her breath as she let
go. A moment later, both of them were on their feet, staring up at
her. They were waiting for her.
“Run!” she screamed. “Move back!”