TuckerLate August - A Year Later"I normally wouldn't be running this meeting, but FEMA has requested that we be on call for the potentially devastating event in the Gulf this week." Mason looks out at all of us. Today, he looks older than normal, almost like he believes all the reports that have been coming in. A Category Five Hurricane is barreling toward the Florida Panhandle and the Gulf Coast.He pulls up a weather map. The storm looks even nastier than it has the past few times we've gotten an update, if that's even possible. With my left hand, I reach over, grabbing Karsyn's hand in mine. I smile slightly as I feel her do what she's done since she slipped the ring on my finger. She caresses it, playing with the symbol of our devotion to one another."Long-term impact has it making landfall at Pensacola. As big as this hurricane is, I don't have to tell you what that means for the Alabama Gulf Coast, as well. We'll need the K-9's." He looks out at me. "Sorry to take y

Cutter"Have you ever been in a hurricane?"Tucker looks over at me. We're in a hotel, about ten miles inland. Close enough to help, but far enough away to be safe from the storm surge. The Weather Channel has been on non-stop, and I'm starting to recognize the names on the screen. One thing I am sure of? If Jim Cantore is where you are, shit's about to get real. Jim Cantore is ten miles from where we are. To say I'm nervous would be an understatement, but those of us in roles like myself and Tucker are in aren't supposed to show it. Instead we're expected to sit in this small hotel room, with our two queen beds, and pretend it doesn't feel like the world's about to end. Already, I'm beginning to think about what it's going to look like once the storm passes, how many people are we going to help? What will the situation be like as far as what access we'll have to materials?"I was in Katrina." He rubs at Major's head slowly. He drops this bomb like it's nothing."No shit?" T

CutterThis woman beside me, walking into what could equate to the belly of the beast, doesn't look like she's prepared for it. Rowan, such a regal name for such a small lady. Glasses cover her hazel eyes. Dark hair is up in some sort of knot on top of her head. She barely comes to my collarbone, doesn't look like she weighs much either, I could probably pick her up and put her over my shoulder. Not that I'm going to do it, but I'm trying to make a point.The silence, it's killing me. "Are you from here?" I ask as we trudge through sticks, leaves, and who knows what else."Born and raised," she answers. "First situation I've ever been through like this, though. You?""I came down from Laurel Springs with the LSERT as part of the mutual aid team." I point to the insignia on my shirt."Thank you for coming, obviously we need all the help we can get."I don't like the way she says these words. It's almost as if she's thanking me for doing something big. This isn't big, i

RowanMy alarm goes off way earlier than I'm prepared for it to. For the duration of whatever this state of emergency is, we'll be working twelve-hours on and twelve-hours off, even with the help we're receiving from the LSERT. As I turn over, my body protests. It isn't used to the level of physicality I pushed it to participate in last night. Be honest, Ro, I chide myself. It's been a few years since you would have been sore for any other reason anyway. A person hasn't touched me other than to give me a hug since it happened and when I gave into my now-ex-husband one more time. But that's neither here nor there right now.Reaching out, I gasp; even my arm is sore. Probably from where Cutter lifted me up onto the tree. He's strong, and so damn sure of himself. I envy it and wish I was as sure of myself as he had been.Cutter. That name again. That man. I close my eyes, seeing his face clearly.I've never met someone like him. Never known someone to be as tattooed as he

RowanThere's not much open in town right now. Most of the stores and restaurants will take months, maybe even years to recover, if they even do. One place that always weathers the storm is Shucker's, a family-owned barbecue joint.It started as a little roadside spot, and in times of uncertainty, they revert back. It allows them to get food to people who need it, while still putting money into the community by paying others to work for them.The parking lot is packed as I slow down, finding an empty space on the outskirts of the gravel. Grabbing my wallet and cellphone, I get out of the car, lock my doors, and go to where the line is extended. Looks like many people had the same idea I did.The group standing in line looks around as they wait. My high school English teacher sees me, and throws back a wave. "Hi Ro, thank you so much for helping at the apartment building. One of my fellow teachers was there and said how much they appreciated you."I grin, happy to hear we were