Gerard’s whole body began to shake as the magnitude of what was happening hit him full force. He edged further back into the darkness away from the doors that were now rattling violently.

The woman moved back, her body colliding with his. He instinctively grabbed her arm to pull her even further away from the doors. The small slit between the doors was the only light and he blinked rapidly trying to see if it was possible to move even further back. The answer to that question came when his back hit the dirt wall.

The minutes that passed seemed like hours. He fully expected the doors to be sucked off the hinges. He didn’t even notice when the woman grabbed his hand to squeeze it tightly.

The roar was so loud his ears were ringing with pain. Then suddenly they were plunged into totally darkness as something crashed against the doors. Both Gerard and the woman jumped in fear.

And then just a quickly as it had began it was over. The silence was equally as terrifying. He felt the woman release his hand and move slightly forward.

“Something’s fallen on the doors.” She said after releasing the latch and trying to push them open. “Help me.”

Slowly he moved forward through the inky darkness. He put out his hand in front of him letting out a cry of surprise when his fingers became tangled in something.

Her voice was shaky. “Down Rex. That’s just my dog.”

“A dog?” He had though they were in the shelter alone. “Shit, sorry.” He muttered. “I can’t see a fuckin’ thing.”

Rex licked his hand causing Gerard to jump again. Panic was starting to build, he needed to get out of the darkness.

She reached out feeling for his hand. When it was in hers she placed it on one of the large wooden doors. “We have to push these open.”

Again he said, “I can’t see anything.”

“That’s why we have to push these open.” Placing her shoulder against the wood she pushed, it budged slightly.

Gerard too was pushing. It took both of their strength and several attempts before the debris outside rolled off the doors.

When the first slice of light became visible they both pushed harder. Finally the doors where open, Gerard let her walk out first, Rex bounded after her.

“Oh shit.” She whispered getting her first look at the destruction. Immediately her head turned, her breath caught, as she looked across at her house. “Thank God” She whispered seeing the structure was still standing.

Gerard’s brain was having trouble processing what his eyes were seeing. The twister had left a path of destruction in its wake the likes of which he’d only seen in photos. He was speechless.

“Shit.” She was now staring at the damaged barn off to the right. “Oh shit.”

He followed her gaze.

She closed her eyes a moment, took a deep breath then spoke. “We were lucky.”

For the first time since the ordeal had begun he got a good look at her. There was dirt on her face, her hair was a tangled mess but incredibly she was smiling.

“Lucky.” He whispered as his mind was finally beginning to function again, as what had just happened became real. “Oh, fuck. My car.” It was gone.

She turned to the spot where his car had been, where she’d pulled him from it and out of the path of the twister. “Sorry.”

He opened his mouth but then snapped it shut as the realization hit him. If this woman hadn’t pulled him from the car he’d be gone too. “Gone.” He whispered his eyes wide.

She looked at him closely fearing he was in shock. “But you’re not.”

For several minutes they stood together surveying the damage. Finally Gerard spoke, his voice rough with emotion. “You saved my life.”

She smiled slightly, “I couldn’t believe it when I saw you drive up. The twister was right across the road. What the hell were you doing?”

“I was gonna turn around. I thought the house was…” He snapped his mouth shut.

“You thought it was deserted.” She glanced back across the yard at her home. “Yeah, it does sorta need some work.”

This was all too much. “I gotta sit down.” Gerard lowered himself to the wet earth as his body shook.

“Take deep breaths.” She said kneeling down next to him. “You’ll be okay.”

He felt like an idiot, here this woman was bravely telling him he’d be okay and he was shaking like a leaf. “I ain’t never been that close to a tornado before.” He said trying to explain his reaction. Beside him Rex too had sat down and was now licking his hand.

“Rex, stop.” She was afraid the dog was bothering this stranger.

Gerard absently stroked the blond Labradors head. “I just can’t believe this.”

She smiled, “Yeah, tornados can be pretty scary. Now just sit right there and I’m gonna get you a glass of water, okay? Rex stay.” She added fearful there could be downed live electrical wires.

He nodded but his eyes were still wide.

When she returned he was beginning to calm down. “Thanks” He said taking the glass she offered him.

“Whisky probably would have been a better choice but I didn’t know if you drink.” Again she lowered herself to the ground but this time sat beside him.

“I can’t believe what happened.” He said slowly. “It took my car?”

She nodded sadly, “Yeah, it’s in the field out back. I saw it from the house.”

“My car is in the field?”

“Unside down, looks pretty squashed.”

“Squashed?”

She nodded. “Sorry.”

“Holy fuck.” He whispered.

“So, you okay now?” She asked.

He nodded, “Uh yeah, I think so.”

She got to her feet. “Okay well I’ve got to see about the barn and the chicken coop. You just sit there.”

“What?”

She sighed, “This storm was just the first. There is a whole line of them. My truck was in the barn and I have to see if it’s damaged. As for the chicken coop I’m hoping my chickens are okay but it looks like part of the roof is gone. I’m gonna have to throw a tarp over it for tonight.”

He couldn’t believe after what they just been through she seemed so calm. “Shouldn’t you call someone?”

“Why?”

“Why?’ He repeated in shock, “Uh, a tornado just tore up your place. Won’t someone be worried?”

She shook her head. “I’m sure everyone for miles around has their own worries. Besides I don’t have a phone.”

“No phone?”

“No, no phone. And no power. The lines are down. Don’t you have a cell phone? In her mind this guy definitely looked like someone who would have a cell phone.

Gerard shook his head, “No, no cell phone.”

“Oh” She sighed, “Well as soon as I take care of things I’ll drive you into Iola. You can call someone from there. I’d take you to the bar but knowing Clyde I’m sure he closed up when the weather turned ugly.

Gerard remembered seeing the bar. “Uh, so that town I drove through, that’s Neosho Falls?”

“Yep. And before you say it, yeah, it’s called a ghost town. But the truth is about 140 people still live here. I sorta figured you might be one of those site seers who came to see a ghost town.” She rolled her eyes and sighed.

He was trying to process the information. “People still live in the town?”

“Well as you saw there really isn’t much of a town left. But yeah people live on farms in the area.”

“What the fuck happened to the town?’

She pulled a rubber band out of her jeans pocked then proceeded to pull her curly, long dark hair into a pony tail. “Really don’t have time to give you a history lesson.” In the distance thunder rumbled. “Storms coming’.” She started to walk away but then turned, “Look, I’m really sorry about your car. As soon as I take care of things I’ll get you to a phone. I’m sure you have insurance, right?”

Slowly his mind was beginning to clear. Yes, of course he had insurance on the car but turning in a claim would end his trip and even after what just happened he wasn’t ready for that to happen. “Uh, yeah.” He said slowly. “I need to see if I can get my stuff out of the car.”

She nodded, “Just be careful of the downed power lines and keep an eye on the weather.” She started to walk in the direction of the barn.


“Wait, I’ll help you.” Gerard said getting to his feet.

She smiled, “I’m Lucinda…Lucy.” She held out her hand.

“Ger…Joe.” He held out his hand. “Thanks for saving my life.” He wondered why her smile had faded.

“No problem.” She started off across the debris covered yard as Gerard tried to keep up. Rex happily bounded along behind them.

As they walked Gerard was trying to formulate a plan in his head. He’d just buy another car for now, just some old junker. That is if he could recover his duffel where he’d placed most of his money after last nights episode he’d decided not to carry all the cash in his wallet.

Lucy stopped at the entrance to the large barn her eyes surveying the damage. “Lost a little bit of the roof but it’s structurally sound.” That was a relief, she didn’t have the money to replace the barn. Then her eyes turned to her truck. Several large timbers had been deposited from the hole in the roof onto its roof.

Gerard followed her as she walked slowly towards it.

“Crap.” She muttered seeing one timber had crashed through the wind shield.

“You have insurance right?” Gerard asked.

“On this old piece of crap?” She shook her head, “Nope only liability.”

Gerard didn’t know anyone who didn’t have full coverage on their vehicles. “Oh, sorry.” He said softly.

By now Lucy was walking around the old 1965 GMC looking for more damage. “Well, it could be worse.” She sighed. “It could have got sucked out the roof and be in the next county.”

“Or it could be squished in the field by my car.”

She glanced over at him and saw he was smiling. “Yeah, she nodded smiling herself, “That’s true.” Brushing her hands on her jeans she knew by the sound of the thunder the next storm was growing closer and she needed to get to work. “Got some tarps stored in the back. Wait here I’ll grab them.”

Gerard frowned, “I can help you.”

Lucy looked him over. “Uh, it’s pretty dirty back there and you’ve already messed up your jeans. Don’t want you ruining your nice leather jacket.”

It was then he realized she must think he was just some moneyed tourist. While a voice in his mind reminded him that wasn’t far from the truth he was still bothered by her words. “Don’t matter.” He said sliding out of the jacket because in truth he was sweating. He tossed it over the hood of the truck showing how much he didn’t care.

Lucy’s eyes narrowed but she remained silent then turned to walk towards the rear of the barn. “Be careful.” She said as they walked further into the dim interior.

“Any animals in here?” He asked nervously looking around. He didn’t want to be startled again.

There was laughter in her voice. “Only Rex.”

Hearing his name the dog’s tail began to wag.

Gerard was walking slowly behind her looking up at the roof. “Sorta unbelievable this place didn’t get trashed.”

She understood his line of thought. “Yeah, it was in the path of the twister but it must have lifted right before it reached here.”

“Fuckin’ weird.” He said still finding it hard to believe the twister that had cut a path of destruction up the driveway and missed this barn located at the end of that driveway.

“That’s how twisters are.” She said as she reached the stored tarps. “I’ve seen them demolish one home only feet from another that gets left in tact.” As she lifted the first tarp she asked, “Uh, so I’m still not sure why you ended up in Neosho Falls.”

“I was on 54.” He explained. “When the storm got worse I saw a sign for the town and thought I could find some shelter.”

“Bet you were pretty shocked when you saw the town?” She handed the tarp to him then turned to lift another.

“You could say that.” He nodded. “Don’t know why I turned up your road but then the storm got worse. Honestly I didn’t know what to do and then I saw you.”

They started back out of the barn. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw your car. I already had Rex in the storm shelter and had gone back in to grab the weather radio but the batteries were dead. As I came out the front door I saw your car and the twister in the field coming towards us.”

Just thinking about it made a chill run down his spine. “Thank God you saw me.” He said as they exited the barn.

Lucy shrugged. “Like I said we were both lucky.”

Gerard too believed it was luck but something more. Something had brought him to this town but for now he didn’t have time to think about that. They had reached the chicken coop.

“Damn.” She muttered seeing the damage up close. “Lost most of the roof.”

Gerard looked around. “Uh, where are the chickens?”

“Hopefully huddled inside.” She answered as she pulled open the door of the coop. “See?” She smiled standing back. “There they are.”

Gerard poked his head in. “Uh yeah.” Chickens always made him nervous.

“Not a fan of the chicken.” Lucy laughed seeing his discomfort.

“Fried and on my plate they’re okay.” He muttered.

Lucy was peering inside again counting the chickens. When they were all accounted for she looked back at him. “Well you’ll not be frying any of these girls. They produce the eggs I sell.”

“Oh.” He began to wonder just what this woman did for a living other than sell eggs but at the moment he wasn’t sure how to get that information from her.

“It’s okay, girls.” Lucy was murmuring to the chickens. “We’re gonna get a temporary roof over your heads.”

“Always talk to your chickens?” Gerard teased.

Before Lucy had time to answer a loud clap of thunder stopped her words. She glanced at the sky. “We gotta get his in place and in a hurry.”

Soon they both were unfolding the tarps. Gerard was amazed when she crawled up the side of the coop using uneven bricks as footing. “Be careful.” He said looking up at her.

“Done this a thousand times.” She laughed. “Now hand me the tarp.”

As he was doing so he asked, “So why don’t we just put them in the barn for now. Most of it is still protected.” To him it was a better idea because the wind was starting to pick up again.

“Don’t have time to move them.” She yelled back down while placing the tarp over what was left of the roof. “We’d have to catch them to move them.”

That idea wasn’t one he cherished. “Oh.” He watched her grab a large piece of wood that was lose then toss it over the tarp.

“Grab me some more wood to keep this in place.”

After a few minutes he’d passed up several larger pieces of wood he found on the ground and she’d secured the tarp. Crawling back down she explained, “That should hold if the wind isn’t too bad.”

Rex who was back from exploring jumped up on Gerard placing his muddy paws in the center of his chest.

“Rex down.” Lucy scolded. “You’re getting the nice man dirty.”

Gerard gave the lovable dog a scratch on the head. “Hey, I’m already a mess besides I love dogs.”

“Yeah, I know.” She nodded.

“You know?”

Lucy grinned, “Rex can tell dog people. If you didn’t like dogs he would have sensed it.”

Just then several large drops of rain hit the earth.

“Come on.” Lucy said starting for the house. “We better check on the weather.”

Gerard rushed to keep up with her. “Thought you said the weather radio was dead?”

“I said the batteries were dead but I’ve got more stashed somewhere. Just got to find them.”

Nightfall was obviously being ushered in early because of the storm. When they reached the back door of the house he had to blink several times once he entered trying to see his surroundings. Now he could see they’d entered through the kitchen door.

“Have a seat at the table.” Lucy said. “I’m going searching for batteries.”

A flash of lightening gave him a brief but better look at the small kitchen. It looked old and tired just as the outside of the house had looked. After a few minutes Lucy returned with the weather radio, a fresh pack of batteries and some candles. First she took a seat at the table then placed the batteries in the radio. When the automated voice started listing the counties and towns in the path of the coming storm she listened a minute then stood. “Got to find some matches.”

Gerard reached into his pocket and produced his lighter. “Here.”

She sat back down. “Oh good.” She lit two of the jar candles then looked back over at him. “You a smoker?”

He nodded, “Yeah”

“Surprised you haven’t lit one up yet.” She smiled. “I know I’ve wanted to.”

It was then, now that the candles were giving off more light, he saw the ash tray on the table. “Here.” He pulled out his almost fresh pack offering it to her.

“Thanks.” Lucy said reaching for it. “Hey, we smoke the same brand.”

Gerard found himself studying her face in the candlelight. It was hard to guess her age and while she wouldn’t be considered beautiful she was damn cute, even with dirt on her face.

“What?” Lucy asked looking up to see him staring at her.

“Still trying to wrap my brain around what’s happened.” He said slowly.

She nodded, “Yeah, it’s been a pretty eventful day.” She held up her hand to let him know she was concentrating on the newest weather bulletin. “Shit, it’s headed for us.” They both listened as the voice droned on about possible large hail and damaging winds.

“We gonna have to go back to the shelter?” He asked nervously.

Lucy took a drag off the cigarette before answering. “So far there isn’t any tornadic activity in the storm so for now, no.”

“That’s good.” He felt relived as he pulled a cigarette from the pack.

Lucy laughed, “Don’t like my storm shelter?”

“I love your storm shelter because it kept me alive but damn that place is creepy.”

“Just a nice hollowed out space under the ground.” She shrugged. “I’m just happy the doors held.”

He leaned back feeling his body start to relax. For a few minutes they both listened to the weather reports then he spoke, “Sounds like it’s gonna be a long night.”

She nodded, “Yeah, it happens. Sorry I can’t get you to a phone but I really don’t want to chance going out.”

“I understand.” Gerard took a deep drag off the cigarette. “So you live here alone?”

Much to his surprise Lucy threw back her head and laughed.

“What?”

“Sorry.” She tried to appear serious. “But it’s just the way you asked that. I mean we’re sitting here in the dark with only candlelight, there is a storm outside and you ask if I live alone. Shit, think about it. It sounds like a horror movie. The woman invites a stranger into her home during the storm only to find out he’s a crazed killer.”

Gerard was glad to see she was smiling. “I ain’t no crazed killer.”

“I know.” She said nodding her head.

His eyes narrowed; did she know who he really was? “How do you know for sure?”

Lucy looked over at the door. “Because Rex likes you.”

Gerard followed her gaze and saw the large dog was sitting just outside with his nose pressed against the screen. “You know because your dog likes me?”

“Yep. Rex wouldn’t like a crazed killer and he likes you.” She said it as if that made perfect sense.

Gerard laughed, “Okay” he said slowly.

Lucy took another puff of the cigarette then slipped off her shoes. “But to answer your question …yes I live here alone. Just me and Rex and the girls.”

“The girls?”

“The chickens.”

Gerard laughed, “Oh yeah, the girls.”

He wondered why this woman lived alone in what was considered a ghost town but couldn’t come up with a way that wouldn’t sound rude to ask the question.

A bright flash of light followed almost instantaneously by a clap of thunder caused Rex to whimper.

“Oh come on big baby.” Lucy said getting to her feet. She crossed to the door then pushed open the screen. Immediately Rex bounded in then moved to sit next to Gerard’s chair.

Lucy took her seat while shaking her head, “I’ve never seen him like a stranger so much before.”

Gerard leaned down to stoke the dogs head. “Hey me and Rex are friends. He knows I mean no harm.”

Lucy sat back down took one final puff of her cigarette then snuffed it out. “Well, it doesn’t look like we’ll be going anywhere tonight.”

Secretly he was pleased. In his mind he still believed some force had brought him here, he just didn’t understand why. “Yeah, guess that’s true.”

“And we both need a shower.”

Gerard blinked, “Uh yeah but my clean clothes are in my squashed car.”

“We have time before the next round of storms.” Lucy said thinking mostly to herself. “You and Rex stay here.” She lifted one of the candles then left the room. While she was gone Gerard gave Rex his undivided attention which pleased the lovable dog.

After about then minutes she was back. “Grab that candle and come with me.”

Gerard did as she commanded. As he followed her through the house he looked around. The place was obviously old but clean and nicely decorated, it looked homey.

Lucy led him up a narrow staircase then down the dark hallway. “Here’s the bathroom she said standing back from the open doorway so he could see. Take a nice candle lit shower. On the back of the stool is a pair of jeans and a shirt that should fit you.” She was watching his face closely, “Oh and a nice clean pair of undies.” As she expected the look on his face caused her to laugh.

“Undies?” Gerard knew she was teasing him and it felt good.

“I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I need a fresh pair. When I saw that twister heading this way I think I pooped a little.”

This woman was full of surprises. First she had explained how she was positive he wasn’t a crazed killer and now she was discussing undies.

“Sorry.” Lucy said softly believing she’d upset him. “I have a weird sense of humor sometimes. Comes from living alone I suppose.”

“Hey.” He said softly. “I like your humor and yeah for sure I pooped a little when I saw that fuckin’ twister. Don’t know anyone who wouldn’t have.”

His words were rewarded with a smile. “Just come back down when you’re done and if the storm isn’t close I’ll take a shower.”

“Sure you don’t want to take one first?”

“You are my guest.” Lucy smiled. “So you get the first shower. I’ll see what I can rustle us up for dinner.” With that she headed back down the hallway.

Gerard took a quick shower realizing she was waiting. As he toweled off his eyes caught sight of the clothes she’d left and he wondered who they belonged to. He was in luck when he pulled them on, the jeans were the right size but the shirt was slightly large on him.

When he returned to the kitchen he saw she was sitting at the table. “God, I feel better.” He hadn’t realized how badly he’d needed that shower. “Uh, got a bag for these?” He asked holding out his dirty clothes.

She pointed to a small room off the kitchen. “Just toss them in there on the washer. Hopefully the power will be back on tomorrow and I can wash them for you.”

He did as directed but said when he returned, “Hey, you don’t need to do my laundry.”

“Pretty sure you’re not gonna want to put them back on unless they are washed.”

She had a point.

“The storms are still moving this way but slowly.” She said standing. “I’m gonna grab a quick shower.”

Gerard nodded as he set his candle down on the kitchen table then pulled out a chair. “Okay, Rex and I’ll keep an ear on the radio.”

She picked up the other candle then started out of the room. Rex parked himself next to Gerard’s chair waiting for some attention. Gerard laughed “Don’t tell me you missed me.”

Rex wagged his tail happily.

“So Rex” He said speaking to the dog once he was sure Lucy was out of ear shot. “Tell me about your owner. What’s her story?”

He didn’t realize Lucy had walked back in to tell him she’d make sandwiches when she returned. “Rex don’t tell secrets.” She said her voice solemn, her face emotionless. She saw Gerard’s startled look then added, “He’d simply tell you I’m Lucy Marteniz, a thirty one year old woman who lives alone because that’s how she chooses to live her life.”

Gerard’s eyes widened, “Marteniz?”

She nodded, “Yeah, Lucinda Marteniz. Came back to tell you I’ll make us some sandwiches after my shower.”

A million thoughts were going through his brain as he watched her walk back out of the room. It couldn’t just be a coincidence, could it, that she had the same last name as the man he’d met last night? But if not then what did it mean? He had come to this place because he believed a ghost had inadvertently led him here. And now he was in the home of a woman who had the same last name as a man who’d offered him advice last night then vanished.

“Oh shit.” He whispered nervously.

Rex, sensing his distress, licked his hand.

“What does it mean?” He asked the dog softly. “Why am I here?”

Again Rex simply licked Gerard’s hand in response.