Deep Shadows by Vannetta Chapman Page A

models should be fine. No one actually knows what a prolonged solar event can do…”
    Bob Bryant shook his head in disgust.
    â€œBut if they’re working now, they’ll probably continue to.”
    â€œThe problem,” Max reminded the mayor, “is they’ll need gasoline, and the pumps won’t work without electricity.”
    â€œThat’s not an issue we have to tackle tonight, but I want someone working on a solution. Maybe we can hook up a generator to one of the gas pumps. Danny, put someone on it.”
    Calvin Green hadn’t spoken, but now he cleared his throat and said, “You are within your purview to declare a state of emergency and martial law. That would allow you to commandeer what supplies are available.”
    â€œMartial law will be a last resort, but it might be necessary to declare the state of emergency. Calvin, I want you to draw up the necessary paperwork for both, just in case. Have it on my desk by morning.”
    â€œWithout a computer?”
    â€œYes. There are electrical typewriters in the basement if I remember correctly. Find one and get someone who remembers how to use it while our generator is still working. As far as I know, there are no manual ones left, though everyone might be on the lookout for one of those as well. We need to conserve every ounce of energy from our generator.”
    â€œI’ll make sure everything is in power-save mode,” Danny said.
    â€œAll right. Now what exactly does our emergency plan suggest?”
    Danny held a folder under his arm. He dropped it on her desk. “It’s not going to be helpful in this situation.”
    Perkins opened the folder and studied the top sheet. “This is the county plan?”
    â€œIt is.”
    â€œMost of this assumes we have communication and can provide basic services, which at this point we can’t.”
    Bob Bryant had been nervously tapping his officer’s belt, which held a myriad of equipment. “We need to be sure about this. Maybe we’ve been attacked, and we don’t know it. Maybe this is a national security issue or even a case of domestic terrorism.”
    Max turned to him and said, “You think a domestic terrorist has caused the aurora borealis to appear in Texas?”
    â€œI don’t know.” Bryant’s face again turned a dark red. “At least I admit I don’t know instead of pretending—”
    â€œThat’s enough,” Perkins said.
    â€œI’m asking that you check this out and confirm that what we think has happened, has in fact happened.”
    Perkins sat back in her chair. “The science teacher should be here any minute. What else would you suggest?”
    â€œSome of the officers have CBs at home. Maybe someone else, someone not in Abney, knows something.”
    â€œGood idea. Set up a rotation schedule. Have someone manning them constantly for at least the next forty-eight hours.”
    â€œWe provide services to the county, not merely the town of Abney.”Bryant motioned toward the outer room. “You have to do something for the people out there on the county roads. You have to at least check on them.”
    Max nodded, surprising Shelby. He actually agreed with Bob Bryant on something?
    â€œWe could send scouts out to check on the surrounding towns.”
    Perkins stood, walked around her desk, and stopped in front of a map of the county. “All of the surrounding communities are within an hour’s drive.”
    â€œAlthough I realize we may be dealing with limited fuel…” She nodded toward Max. “I believe it’s worth it at this point to assess our situation. I don’t want anyone going alone. Teams of two—send them here, here, and here.” She pointed to communities on the map to their north, east, and south. “West is too far, other than Bend.”
    â€œDon’t bother,” Max said. “We drove back from the Bend earlier