“It’s too rough to head out on the water,” Sam said and from Penelope’s gentle smile, it was clear they’d had this discussion before.
“I won’t,” she promised. “We’ll focus on the mainland before we check how the islands fared.” She kissed him, and with a wave, she left.
Worry covered Sam’s face. “Penelope knows how to take care of herself,” Gretchen said.
“I know. I’d feel better going with her, but she wants me to check on the Ridge. She’s hoping Georgie will be at work and can update her.”
“Got any gear they might need?” Arthur asked.
Sam nodded, and they headed to his garage to fetch an old tarp and some rope. “We’ll stop by the hardware store on the way out, see if they’ve got any supplies left.”
Sam slowed as the hardware store came into view. The carpark was full and there was a line of people out the door. He kept driving. “No point stopping.”
The store would probably run out of stock before it was their turn to buy anything.
Not far out of town, water ran over the road with the depth gauge showing it was a metre deep. It flowed swiftly, coming from the ranges in the west, and Sam stopped. “Think we can get through?”
“Let’s look.” Arthur and Sam got out of the car and approached the river. Jordan quickly followed.
Gretchen unstrapped herself and moved to the centre seat to watch. She’d seen a lot of water crossings gone wrong videos on the internet thanks to Jordan’s interests.
Sam waded in and stood his ground. That was a good thing. If he could stand the force of the water without being washed off his feet, then the car should.
The men returned and Jordan jumped in first. “We’re giving it a go.”
Sam moved the car slowly, aiming for the right side of the road, probably to give them more space if they got washed off. They hit the water and kept a steady speed as they crossed the river to the other side.
Only three more to go. When they crossed the final bit of flooded road, Gretchen let out a sigh. Sam slowed as he went past the airport, but the damage didn’t look too extensive. Already machines were clearing the runway and shifting planes. There shouldn’t be any trouble flying supplies and volunteers in.
By the time they arrived at the Ridge, Jordan had fallen asleep, face pressed up against the door of the car, the interrupted night catching up on him.
“The sign’s missing,” Sam said, concern on his face. “We’ll have to look for it. Charlie made it. He was the brother who died.”
So the sign had special significance. Gretchen hoped they could find it.
The campgrounds were deserted. All the guests must have headed out of the storm’s path when it was announced.
The shed was missing its roof and one of the ablution blocks leaned drunkenly against a tree. The house appeared in one piece aside from a broken window, which had already been boarded up. Metal panels and other debris were caught in the trees and bushes nearby, and a fence in the horse corral was down, the horses missing. Hopefully they’d sheltered somewhere safe.
As they drove around the side of the house, Gretchen gasped. The roof over the kitchen was missing.
“Shit,” Sam swore. He parked, and they all leapt out.
Amy came out of the house. Her clothes were crinkled and her hair tied back in a messy bun. She looked exhausted. Gretchen hurried to greet her and hugged her. “Is everyone safe?”
“Yes. We sheltered in the cellar. Darcy and Matt have already left to check the sheep and fences. Georgie got called into work and Brandon, Faith, Lara and I are cleaning up this mess.”
“Where are the horses?” Jordan asked.
“In the shearing shed,” Amy answered. “Lara and Faith are down there now, making sure they’re all right.”
Jordan glanced at Gretchen, and she nodded. He ran towards the shed.
“I thought you might need some of these,” Sam said, carrying the tarps from the ute tray.
Amy smiled. “Thank you.”
Arthur stepped closer. “I’m glad you’re all right. We were worried when your phones went straight to voice mail.” He hugged his sister and Amy’s eyes widened and then hugged him back.
