“Any word from Bend?” he asked.
Sim blew out a long breath. “It wasn’t bombed, but it’s a mess. The quakes caused massive destruction and loss of life. Also, from what I’ve heard, the green fog was especially bad there. And Redmond—for those of you from out of state, that’s a town between Bend and Madras—is gone. Not because of bombs, but my friends reported that the entire town was on fire.”
As several people began to ask Sim questions, Stella turned to Mercury. “That’s it. Our cue to leave.”
Mercury tilted her head to Stella’s and whispered. “What? You mean the storm?”
Stella nodded. “Exactly what I mean. We cannot get stuck up here. Time to make our move, like, ASAP.”
“’Kay. Crap. Do we need to figure out how to bring all these people with us?” Mercury’s stomach heaved at the thought. How the hell were they supposed to move all these hurt people?
“No. Or at least I don’t think so. Here’s what I know for sure—you and I and Imani need to go. Now. Before the damn snow hits. If Jenny and Karen want to come—fine.” She paused as Gemma walked past with a handful of bandages. “Well, shit. Gemma needs to come with us too.”
Mercury blew out a long breath. “All right. Is first thing in the morning fine?”
“Not really, but it’ll do. I feel a great sense of urgency to get out of here before the snow starts.”
Mercury turned to meet her best friend’s gaze. “Are we leaving all these people to die?”
Stella brushed her mane of silver-blonde hair back from her face and shook her head. “I don’t know! I hope not. I don’t get a terrible feeling when I think about them staying here. At least not for now I don’t. But I don’t really understand how this shit works. All I can do is tell you what my gut is saying—and it’s screaming loud and clear—get out!”
“Is your gut also telling you where we should go?” Mercury asked.
Stella jerked her chin in the direction of the trucker, who was patiently answering questions. “Madras. But I don’t feel like it’s our final destination. It’s more of a stopover. That’s all I know for sure right now.”
“All right, then. We’ll talk to the rest of our group and see who wants to come with us, and then let Hilary know,” said Mercury.
“I sure as hell hope I’m right,” muttered Stella.
“How often was your gut wrong before the bombs?”
“Almost never,” said Stella.
“I’m gonna believe that’s still true,” said Mercury.