Chapter 205: Emergency Evacuation

Her heart pounding, Anna glanced to her right at Simone in the front passenger seat of the enormous fifteen-passenger van. Simone’s jaw was tight, and her eyes were squeezed shut as she exhaled slowly and deliberately. Beyond Simone out the window, the dark night sky was marred by an eerie reddish-orange glow. Thankfully, the flames were still far from the road, but Anna couldn’t bring herself to think about what might be happening at the ranch.

One crisis at a time, she thought to herself, as behind her, the guests murmured in hushed tones, no doubt seeing the same scene she did. Anna caught worried eyes in the rearview mirror. “No worries, folks, evacuating is really just a precaution. We’ll definitely be safe and sound in Eagleton, and we’ll wait and see what the daylight brings. In the meantime, we’ll rustle up some snacks and drinks while we wait for word from the emergency officials.”