Ruka flips every switch we have on the dashboard.
The radar and GPS fill the large screen, and I point where there will be a rotation. “That’s what Reina was talking about. This will definitely give us something. Let’s go!”
Ruka slams the gas, ripping out of the parking lot. Peeking in the rearview to see Millie right behind us. A buzzing sound has me turning my head to the left to see Jessica’s drone.
“Nari?” The radio crackles with Millie’s voice.
Snagging the receiver off the radio, I press the button to speak into it. “What’s up, Reina?”
“Trackers are behind us.”
I shut my eyes and take a deep breath, not wanting to lose focus. Evan has been a pain in my ass for so long, you’d think I’d be used to his behavior by now. Every time I see him, I only become more enraged.
“That’s fine. Let them. That’s all they are good for is following.”
Reina giggles. “You’re going to want to take the next left, and then we will only be a few minutes away.”
Ruka takes the turn at a sharp angle, the tires skidding on the pavement.
“First one of the season. Are you ready?” Ruka asks as we gain on the storm.
“I’m always ready.” Unhooking my camera from the strap, I take pictures of the supercell above us.
She’s beautiful.
“Take the next right!” Reina shouts through the radio.
“Whoa.” I’m jostled in my seat as Ruka takes another hard turn, and I have to steady myself by placing my hand on the window.
Rain pellets against the windshield, followed by skittle-sized hail. I aim my camera at the supercell, watching the beginnings of cloud rotation. I squeal, slapping Ruka’s arm over and over again.
“Do you see it? Look! Look! Look!”
“That’s our mesocyclone. She’ll give us something. Where do you want to park it?” he asks.
“I think this one can be a good attempt at seeing the inside of a funnel.”
He whips his head to me. “You’re sure?”
“Yeah. I’m sure. This one won’t produce a strong tornado. It’s perfect.” I snag the receiver. “Jessica. Let Dusty rip. Hang back. Ruka and I are going in.”
“Sounds good, and be careful.”
Their headlights become dimmer as they slow down. Dusty flies above the clouds to get as much data as we can on this storm. It’s in the middle of nowhere with a few homes in sight, but depending on the strength and where the supercellheads, every piece of information we receive goes to the weather station, so they are informed.
“Shit. I think this is private property, Nari.” He points to the left where we need to go.
“Punch it, Ruka. We aren’t losing this. I don’t see a sign anywhere. Look, there’s a gate. I’ll open it.” He turns, the tires squelching in the mud.
Opening the door, the wind rushes against my face, the chain on the gate rattling from the force. I slip in the mud, the rain bearing down with so much force that it feels like I’m being stung by bees.
Water soaks me, the small pieces of hail causing me to hiss. I tug on the chain, groaning when I find it locked.
Not for long.
I’m getting into the field. I don’t care what I have to do.
Rushing back to the car, I slam the door and rub the water off my face. “Punch it. The gate is locked.”
