“Call dispatch and tell Lois I want everyone on standby. If things look dicey at the station, she needs to take cover down in the jail.”

“Got it.”

“Glock, do you and LaShonda have a basement?”

“Got it covered, Chief. I’ve got a weather radio down there. And a Wii for the kids.”

“Good.” I look over at the picnic table to see Tomasetti standing, his head cocked, looking at me intently. “Look, I’m at my brother’s farm, and we’re about nine miles east of town. Can you give me a hand and help me get the word out?”

“I’ll take the west side and go door to door. Sheriff’s got some deputies out, too.”

“Thanks. Do me a favor and stay safe, will you?”

“You, too.”

I hit END and stride back to the table. “There’s a tornado on the ground west of here and heading this way.”

“I thought it looked bad,” Irene says, getting to her feet.

Jacob rises. “How close?”

“You’ve got fifteen minutes to get the animals turned out and everyone in the basement.”

William leaves the table and starts toward the buggy where his horse is hitched. “I’m going to turn my gelding out, too.”

“I’ll help.” Jacob starts after him. “Probably ought to put the buggy in the barn.”

Tomasetti leans close. “Saved by the tornado,” he mutters, but he’s already reaching for his smartphone to check radar.

Sarah has snatched up several serving dishes, still mounded with food, and stacked them haphazardly in her arms. Looking harried, Irene herds my niece and nephews toward the back porch. I know there’s a door off the kitchen that will take them to the stairs. The basement is a damp, dark room, but it’s their best protection against debris if the storm passes over or near the house.

I address Sarah: “Leave the food. You’ve only got a few minutes. Gather up the kids and get everyone in the basement.”

I turn my attention to William and Jacob twenty yards away, already working in tandem to unhitch the horse. “Ten minutes!” I call out to them.

Jacob waves to let me know they’re cognizant of the urgency of the situation.

In the few minutes since I received the call, the wind has kicked up. The sky to the west roils with black clouds tinged with an odd shade of green. The tablecloth whips up. A bag of chips flies off. Holding my niece, my sister goes after it, but I call out and stop her.

“Leave it! Take Hannah inside and get into the basement. Now.” I glance toward the barn to see Jacob and William leading the horse toward the gate. “I’ve got to go.”

Surprising me, Sarah trots over, steps close, and presses her cheek against mine. “Be careful, sister.”

I give her my best smile. “You, too.”

“Kate!”

I glance to my right to see that Tomasetti is already in the Tahoe. Window down, he’s turned the vehicle around and is waiting for me. “We’ve got to go!”