ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"Since your parents are already in bed, my place." When Emma glared at him, Seth continued, "If somebody got in once, they can again. Your choice is, I sleep on your couch, or you come with me. I have a spare bedroom and a couch. It's your choice."'

"How will it look?"

"I'd rather deal with gossip than you being a victim."

"But it's my reputation."

His eyes widened. "And mine. I'm the police chief." He paused. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Then pack, get that thing you call a dog, and let's go."

TODAY'S POST

Chapter 6

Around nine o'clock Thursday morning, Jake and Seth arrived at the bakery. When Emma greeted them, Jake hugged her.

Seth pointed at the door. "Do you have a minute to step outside so we can talk privately?"

"Sure." She walked through the door Seth held open. "What's this about?"

Handing her two keys, Seth said, "I've changed your locks. These keys are the same. They'll work on all your outside doors."

Emma nodded. "Do you have a spare?"

"Two. One will be on me, and I'll keep one in my office; in case you need it and I'm not around. Day or night you can get into my office. I'll show you later where it's hidden."

"Okay." Emma avoided eye contact.

Jake studied her. "Pumpkin, I know you well enough to know there's something else. Out with it."

She faced Seth. "Since you have numerous keys to my place, do I get a key to yours?"

Seth nodded. "If it'll make you feel safer, yes. If there's a problem and I'm not home, you're always welcome. I'll get it when I bring you home today."

Emma exhaled. "You're shaking your head again."

"I am." Seth faced the police station.

"Don't leave! I have something for you." Emma hurried inside.

Seth and Jake followed and watched.

Emma returned with two large coffees, a peach Danish for Jake, and for Seth a couple of beignets.

Jake grinned. "Why do I only get one?"

"Because beignets are smaller. I hope you both enjoy."

From behind somebody touched Emma's arm and she turned. "Ms. Sadie! You snuck in on me."

After hugging, Ms. Sadie pointed to her feet and smiled. "I have on my dancing shoes."

"Great! Let's do this." Emma led Ms. Sadie to the edge of the tables and called, "Dad, Ms. Sadie has on her dancing shoes. Everyone, please join us."

As the music started, the patrons lined up along the outside of the tables. Emma moved closer to Jake and Seth. "Join in. You're not sitting out this time."

Seth shook his head. "Common occurrence now Emma's home."

Jake started dancing. "I know. I've been here before." He grinned as Seth joined.

The music continued through two line dances.

After Jake and Seth went back to their table, Seth glanced at his watch. "I need to get to the office. You coming?"

Jake took a drink of coffee. He raised his cup and mouthed to Emma, "Can I get a to-go cup?"

Emma came over with two to-go cups filled with black coffee. "Thank you for joining in. Ms. Sadie loves to dance." Her eyes met Seth's. "You're pretty good. I expect to see you out there again."

"We'll see. I need to run. Once the two pastors show up, I'll text you."

"Thank you."

*****
When Emma arrived at Seth's office Pastor Mike met her with a hug. After all the welcoming discussions were completed, the purpose for the visit began.

Seth showed Pastor Mike the man's sketch that had been generated from Emma's description. After he studied it for a few moments, he said, "Yes, that's the man. It's a good resemblance."

"I know you tried to speak with him. Did you get any information?" asked Emma.

"Not really. He identified himself as Ted Casey. I'm not sure it's his real name. I notified campus security, but they couldn't do anything."

Emma glanced at Seth as he googled the name given. "Any luck?"

"No. It's probably fake." Seth answered his ringing phone and chuckled. "Sure Keith." He faced Emma. "Your dad says you're needed. Two of the waitresses are leaving."

"Probably Marge and Patty. Late this afternoon it's supposed to rain, and they don't like driving in it." She smiled at each pastor. "Please come by the bakery."

Pastor Pat hugged her. "You don't need to ask twice. I'm sure Mike feels the same."

"We'll be there as soon as we're finished," added Pastor Mike.

*****
Most of the patrons had left when Keith came from his office. "Emma, I'm sure you were happy visiting with Pastor Mike."

"I was. We had a good church there." She shuddered at a gust of wind banging against the building.

"This storm's building. Will you help board-up the windows? Flying objects could break them."

"Sure, Dad."

After the plywood was up, they both sat in front of the computer and watched the storm heading their direction.

Emma answered her ringing phone. "Chief Carter?" She listened and then hung up. "Dad, you and Mom need to go home. I'll close up. Chief Carter said he'll bring me home within fifteen minutes. He said the state patrol has reported the areas the storm's hit have a lot of wind damage. It's still building strength."

"Emma, you need to come with us. We have a shelter."

"Dad, I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions."

Minutes after she said goodbye to her parents, Seth walked in. "Ready?"

She handed him a cup of coffee and a sack holding a steak sandwich. "I just need to lock the doors."

He held up the sack. "Thank you. You didn't need to."

"You're welcome. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night."

"You're probably right."

*****
The wind whipped around as Seth parked the police cruiser in front of his house. He faced Emma. "You're not going to like this, but you're staying here." When she started to protest, he continued, "There's an F-3 or F-4 tornado headed this direction. I have a storm shelter under the laundry room. Your dad and I agreed you don't get a choice. Let's get inside and see what trouble your fur ball got into."

Molly met them at the door as Seth held it open. "Ace, make sure she returns." He watched both dogs leave.

Emma plopped on the couch. "I'm pretty sure you're getting tired of me being around."

Seth chuckled. "You're far from boring." He paused, listened, and then looked outside. "It's hailing. I need to finish getting prepared. If we need to go to the shelter, please use the bathroom first."

She tilted her head. "Duh!" Hesitating, she said, "Chief Carter, there's dead silence."

He grabbed his NOAA weather alert radio and a few other items. "Do what you need to do. We're going underground." He studied the greenish sky. "Hurry!"

When Emma returned from the bathroom, she followed Seth to the laundry room. He moved a laundry basket, opened a floor door, and handed her a flashlight. "There's no railing. Be careful. The steps are steep." He paused. "Come on you two." Realizing the steps were too far apart for Molly, he carried her.

Seth closed the door, followed everyone down and set Molly on the cement floor. "I know it's not perfect, but you'll be safe." He pointed. "There's a seat against that wall."

"Mom and Dad have one in the backyard. We've only used it maybe two or three times that I can remember."

After Emma sat on a two-seat wood bench with cushions, she drew her legs close to her chest and hugged her knees. Seth sat in another chair.

Ace stood next to Seth. "Buddy, why aren't you on the pillow?" He glanced at it and saw Molly curled up in the center. He picked up Molly. "Ace, lie down." After he did, he placed the small dog next to Ace. "You'll have to share."

"Thank you." When Emma released a deep breath as the sound of a train surrounded them, Seth grabbed a blanket, covered her, and sat beside her. "It's scary, isn't it?" After she nodded, he put his arm around her. "I hope you don't mind. It might help."

Emma swallowed and whispered, "It does." She leaned her head against Seth's chest.

"It's okay to be scared."

"I doubt you are."

"Not necessarily scared, but nervous or cautious, knowing the possible ramifications." When he turned off his flashlight, he nodded when Emma did the same. "Thank you. We don't know how long we'll be here."

"I know."

The winds died, and Emma exhaled. "Is it over?"

"Not sure." Seth flipped on the flashlight, grabbed the NOAA radio, and listened. After the report was given, he said, "I want you to stay here, until," he pointed, "this red light on the radio goes off."

"Where you going?" interrupted Emma.

"To check the town and see if anybody needs help. After that light goes off, it should be safe for you to go upstairs, but don't go outside. Help yourself to whatever you need. I'll return as soon as possible." He studied Ace. "I want to leave him, but I might need his services."

"I understand. I'll be okay."

Seth made a group call. "I hope you and your families are safe. We need to get going. Tony, man the phones. Those of you who walk the beat check stores and residences. The rest hit the streets. Assist wherever you're needed. Be cautious of downed wires and trees. When you see them, notify Tony. He'll contact the correct agency. I'm on my way."

"Chief Carter, please be safe."

He nodded, "I will," and left the shelter.


Thank you, YouTube for Tornadoes 101, " National Geographic





*****
Character List:

Police Chief Seth Carter - hero and Beaverton's Police Chief

Emma Winters - heroine and waitress at her parents' bakery and bookstore, but just graduated college with a teaching degree.

Carl Jones - Seth's good friend and right-hand man

Susan and Keith Winters - Emma's parents and owners of Winters' Family Bakery and Bookstore

Molly - Emma's almost four-pound Pomeranian

Ace - Seth's German shepherd, a trained K-9

Pastor Pat - Pastor of the Church and Emma's Godfather

Jake Baker - Seth's mentor and Winters' family friend

Ray Hudson - Works at the bakery

Peggy Barton - High School friend, has her eyes on Seth

Pastor Mike - Emma's Pastor from college