Yellowstone: Inferno: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (The Yellowstone Series Book 2)

by Bobby Akart

  “Based upon our study of tragedies in the past, most of which occurred many thousands of years ago, pyroclastic flows, poisonous gas, and suffocating ash fallout are all occurring in the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest of our great nation.”

  The president paused, pursed his lips, and leaned forward for emphasis. “It might appear to be a scene from an apocalyptic movie. It might indeed be the apocalypse.

  “Sadly, this is just the beginning. In the past, environmental disasters were measured by damages in terms of dollars. The Yellowstone eruption will be measured by what percentage of us survive.

  “Over the next several weeks and months, the devastating impact of this catastrophic event will be felt worldwide. As the ash fallout drifts around our planet, you will see a volcanic winter set in. Temperatures will lower considerably, causing damage to crops and livestock. True climate change, the type that changes life as we know it, will be upon us.”

  Jake mumbled to Ashby, “For sure, no sugarcoating. He’s gonna scare the wits out of them.”

  The president went on to pledge to the American people he’d do whatever was in his power to lend comfort and aid in the face of the disaster. He went into detail on how FEMA and other government agencies would be helping people with their medical needs, basic sustenance, and transportation out of the part of the country at greatest risk of the initial fallout. He further announced that a series of executive orders would be signed to create public-private partnerships to aid those who needed it, and to enlist volunteers to help where they could.

  After the president wound up his statement, the news reporters took over and proceeded to tell their viewers what the president had just said, from their perspective. Ashby and Jake slipped away from the group and stood near the reception counter. Jake gave his opinion first.

  “All in all, the president seemed empathetic and in control. He gave just the right mixture of sober truth and good old-fashioned American determinism as the way through this.”

  Ashby tucked her hair behind her ears. “Jake, if I had spoken with the president a week earlier, if he could’ve heard the results of my findings, Project Hydro might’ve been shut down and the eruption averted.”

  “Here’s the thing,” said Jake. “Presidents don’t know everything. They have advisers, who give them the facts and recommendations. If he doesn’t know about a problem, he can’t begin to fix it.”

  “That’s true. I believe the potential problems at Yellowstone were suppressed in favor of that ill-conceived project. The president said he had been against it and might have shut it down had he known of the risks they were taking. In the end, it was too late.”

  “Agreed. Now we have to look forward. Unfortunately, I have to deal with the past first. I need to try to reach my family.”

  Chapter 35

  Challis, Idaho

  While everyone in the clinic was preoccupied with the news reports, Jake asked the nurse receptionist if the phones were working. She shrugged and commented that they hadn’t rung in a while, but after picking up the receiver and getting a dial tone, she allowed Jake a phone call.

  The first number he dialed was incorrect. It had been a long time. The area code was two-one-two. He mistakenly dialed two-zero-two, which was Washington. He dialed again. This time someone answered.

  “Wheeler residence. How may I help you?”

  “Um, this is Jake Wheeler. May I speak with my mother, please?”

  “Please hold, Mr. Wheeler.”

  Dead silence, very much like Jake’s relationship with his father and brother. In the past, he’d called them in New York, at least during those first five years after his father moved the family there. Jake had stopped calling after he quit college and for several years thereafter. He was tired of being berated by his father and one-upped by his brother, who was his father’s son. When Jake did pick up the phone, typically around holidays, it was to speak with his mother. She never judged him for his choices about college, career, and a life. Her love was unconditional.

  “Jacob?”

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Oh, thank God you called! We’ve been so worried about you, dear.”

  “I’m fine. We got out of there just in time. This was the soonest I could get to a phone.”

  “Are you all right? Where are you?”

  “We left Yellowstone for the lake house just as the eruptions began, Mom. The helicopter I was riding in got caught up in the blast of ash and we crashed. I’m at a hospital in Idaho while they attend to a friend.”

  “You’re not hurt? You promise?”

  “I’m fine, seriously. Listen, Mom. This eruption is serious business. You need to—”

  “I know. I know. Son, your father purchased a home and property in New Zealand several years ago. We are leaving in the morning.”

  “New Zealand? Why there?”

  “Your father and some of his business associates had concerns about the stability of the country, you know from a societal standpoint. He considered it an investment in our safety.”

  Jake shook his head. His father had made hundreds of millions of dollars when he sold his company, not that Jake saw any of it. For a while, his mother had tried to send money to him via Western Union, but when dear old dad discovered the generosity, with the help of Jake’s turncoat brother, both payments and communications were cut off.

  In a way, it had helped Jake grow up and become self-reliant, a trait that would serve him well in the coming weeks.

  Jake continued. “Well, I guess you have to spend your money somewhere.”

  “Honey, can you get to New York? Maybe I can convince your father to hold the plane until you get here.”

  Jake heard his father’s bellow in the background, “Who is that?” His mother cupped her hand over the receiver and Jake could barely make out the cross words exchanged between them.

  “Give me the phone.” His father’s voice cut deep into Jake’s core. The man was, and still is, a jerk. “Jacob, we are leaving for New Zealand. You are welcome to join us if you can get to New York before we leave tomorrow morning.”

  “Dad, I don’t know how—” began Jake before he was interrupted.

  “Son, I can’t do everything for you. Like I said, tomorrow morning.”

  “Dad, if I can make it, I’ll have a friend with me. She’s a scientist, a volcanologist, in fact. She has nobody, her family died a long time ago, and—”

  As his father delivered the response, Jake held the phone away from his ear. “It’s just you or nobody, son. This is not Jet Blue. Nine a.m. sharp!”

  Just like that, his father was gone, and Jake held the phone away so he could stare at it.

  “Jacob, Jacob, are you still there?”

  Jake wasn’t sure. He returned the phone to his ear. “Yeah, Mom. I’m here.”

  “Oh, honey. I do hope you can make it. Write this down, dear. The airport is called Mattituck Airport on the east end of Long Island. We’ll be leaving shortly for your father’s golf retreat in Shinnecock Hills.”

  Jacob was dejected. He’d reached out to his family to warn them of the dangerous fallout from Yellowstone’s eruption. It was a good deed, in his mind. Instead, he was greeted with hostility from his father and his mother’s obligatory, somewhat insincere, offer of help.

  He looked up from the floor, where he’d crouched to gain some privacy during the conversation. Standing near the glass entrance door, with her arms wrapped around her chest, was Ashby, a woman he’d fallen in love with and who felt the same unconditional love for him. She was all he needed.

  “Well, thanks, Mom, but there’s no way we could make it there in time. You guys have a safe flight.” Then Jake hesitated before he said, “I love you, Mom.”

  “We love you too, dear. We’ll get in touch with you by phone once we get settled in.”

  Click.

  Jake had never typed the words The End after a story, but now he felt the need for that closure. The click of the phone on the other end of the
line most likely meant the end of his relationship with his family.

  Chapter 36

  Challis, Idaho

  Jake returned the phone to the receiver on the nurse’s desk and she gave him a knowing smile. He nodded in return and immediately moved around the desk toward Ashby, who’d come to greet him.

  “How’d it go?” she asked, searching his eyes to understand his emotional state.

  Jake chuckled and let out a sigh. “Unexpectedly expected.”

  “Huh?” Ashby looked puzzled. “I’ve never heard that before.”

  “Come here, I need a hug.”

  Ashby obliged and immediately held him tight. “Well, are you okay?”

  Jake nodded, but didn’t break their embrace. He really did need a hug, from someone who made him feel safe. “Yeah. Honestly, I expected this phone call would be different from the ones I made in years past.”

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered in his ear. Suddenly, she pushed Jake away. “The doctor is waving to us.”

  The two turned in unison toward Dr. Peterkin, who was standing in the middle of the hallway. He was smiling and waving for them to join him outside Dusty’s room. Jake grabbed Ashby’s hand and they hustled down the hall like two kids who’d just noticed the doors to the ice cream shop had opened.

  Dr. Peterkin held one finger to his lips to suggest they tamp down their exuberance. Jake slowed their pace, remembering that the clinic was full of other patients who might not be receiving the good news he was anticipating. They arrived at Dusty’s door and tried to look past the doctor.

  “Okay, Mr. Holder’s awake,” Dr. Peterkin began.

  Ashby hopped slightly, and her smile was so wide the tears of joy were barely noticeable. Jake, who was over the emotional downer resulting from his phone call, joined in the excitement.

  “Can we talk to him? I mean, if it’s okay?”

  “Yes, I think so, but let me caution you. He is still heavily sedated and, for the moment, has very little recollection of the crash. He is coherent enough to answer our basic questions, and based upon my examination, he doesn’t appear to have any brain damage from the trauma.”

  “That’s great news, Doc,” said Jake.

  “Yes, it is, but again, he still needs observation and he needs to remain calm. Do not discuss the accident or anything that might cause him distress. The mind and body have to work together to recover from a beating like the one this young man was administered during the crash. For the time being, he needs to hear words of love and encouragement, nothing negative.”

  Jake and Ashby looked at one another. Without speaking, they both understood there was one topic that would not be discussed with Dusty, even if it meant lying—Rita.

  “We promise,” offered Ashby. “Now can we go in?”

  The doctor grimaced and replied as he glanced toward the waiting room full of people. “Just one more thing, and I’m truly sorry to have to say this. We wish your friend a speedy recovery and will do everything we can to ensure that happens. However, we have limited space here and need to make room for more patients.”

  “What are you saying?” asked Jake.

  “We can assist Mr. Holder overnight, but if he continues to progress in his recovery to where intravenous fluids and oxygen assistance are no longer necessary, you’ll have to make arrangements to move him elsewhere.”

  “What? Like out of the hospital?” asked Ashby.

  “Dr. Donovan, I’m sorry, but you have to remember, this is not a hospital. It’s only a clinic and we’re not suited for this. Once Mr. Holder is cleared by me, and I expect that to be as soon as tomorrow morning, you’re welcome to move him to a local hotel such as the Holiday Lodge across the parking lot. It’s not deluxe accommodations, but the owners are good people and live on site. Plus, you’ll be a few hundred yards away from the clinic in case a situation arises.”

  “But—” Ashby began to protest, but Jake squeezed her hand.

  “We understand, Doctor. We’ll look into it right after we see Dusty. Now can we go in?”

  The doctor stepped aside. “Yes, of course. Remember what I said. Short visit. No stress.”

  “Got it,” said Jake as he tugged at Ashby’s arm and entered Dusty’s room.

  They slowly entered together and Dusty’s eyes were closed. Jake glanced at his monitors and saw that they were in normal ranges. The oxygen mask was still placed over Dusty’s face and the IV lines were still attached. They approached his bedside, where Ashby carefully touched Dusty’s hand.

  “Dusty, are you awake?”

  His eyes opened, and he found the energy to smile. Dusty spoke in a raspy voice. “Hey, Doc. It’s good to see—”

  His sentence was interrupted by coughing and he pointed toward a sippy-cup with a straw the size of a swizzle stick poking out. Jake quickly put the straw in his mouth and Dusty heartily drank the water down.

  Ashby patted his arm. “Don’t talk, Dusty. You need to rest.”

  He nodded and lifted his hand toward Jake. Jake gripped Dusty’s hand and they interlocked their thumbs. “You’re doin’ great, buddy. We’re real proud of you.”

  Dusty smiled and nodded. He tried to lift his head and look around the room but immediately fell back onto the bed. He winced as he mouthed her name—Rita.

  “Don’t you worry about anyone but yourself right now.” Ashby deflected. “Dr. Peterkin wants you to relax and follow his instructions, and if you do, we might be able to spring you from this joint tomorrow. How does that sound?”

  He gave a thumbs-up and tried to respond, “Sounds like a plan.” He broke out into another coughing fit and Jake immediately provided him with water. Dusty raised his hands to indicate he’d had enough, then he added, “Tubes. They put tubes in my throat. Dry.” Then he rolled his eyes.

  “We understand, Dusty,” said Jake. He looked over at Ashby, who planted a kiss on Dusty’s cheek. She rose and allowed Jake to give Dusty’s shoulder a slight squeeze.

  “Sleep, buddy,” said Ashby. “Jake and I are getting a place to stay and loading up on some provisions. You’re in good hands.”

  Dusty grinned, provided another thumbs-up, and closed his eyes. Jake was fairly certain he was asleep before they left the room.

  They walked toward the reception area again, which was now full to capacity. While Jake understood the need to have the examination rooms available for new patients, he questioned whether the doctors and nurse practitioners could see all of these people at once. Dusty had to be their most serious patient, and in Jake’s mind, that warranted a stay in the clinic for more than one night if necessary.

  Be that as it may, they had some errands to run, so he stopped by the reception desk to gain access to their gear. The nurse was quick to assist them, and as she unlocked the door, she whispered to Jake, “Dr. Peterkin had me call the Holiday Lodge across the way. The Hathaways had closed down because of the ash storm, but he convinced them to let a couple of rooms to you folks under the circumstances. I suggest you go over there straight away before they change their minds.”

  “We will,” said Jake. “Thank you so much. We might be gone a few hours. I’d give you my cell phone number so you can call in case there’s any change, but I’m told nobody has service.”

  “That’s okay, sir. I have the number of the motel.”

  Jake and Ashby loaded up their backpacks and weapons before making their way to the front door. As they did, they were approached by Trooper Hastings.

  “How’s your friend?” he asked.

  “Much better, thanks,” replied Jake. “He’s out of the coma, and if he continues to recover, the doctor will release him tomorrow sometime.”

  Trooper Hastings chuckled. “Well, that is good news. I’m fixin’ to get on the road myself.”

  “Sir, I apologize, but we never thought to ask you if you had a family member being treated here.”

  “No, but thanks for asking. I was helping a couple of stranded motorists up Route 93 when the fallout became really
thick. I drove down the highway to Challis as fast as I could before the motor stalled out. The man had burnt his hand while lookin’ under his hood, so I brought them here.”

  “Wow, it’s taken a long time to get them taken care of,” said Jake.

  “Oh, no. They’re long gone. I’m waiting on my new ride to get fixed up down the street at Brett’s place. Well, it’s an old ride, actually.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Ashby. “Are they fixing your car?”

  “Nah, the ash killed it too. Gummed up the works beyond repair, most likely. I went to Salmon River Motors down the street and talked to the owner, Brett. Anyway, he had a couple of options for me.”

  “Aren’t you concerned that this car will suffer the same fate?” asked Ashby.

  “Not according to Brett,” replied Trooper Hastings. “He takes an older model and does some things to prevent the ash from entering the air intake manifold. Say, are y’all interested in a car? He has two or three to choose from, or at least he did this morning.”

  “We are, and I’ll go check him out,” replied Jake.

  Trooper Hastings shook hands with Jake and awkwardly accepted a hug from Ashby. “Now, my missus would whoop me good if she saw a pretty girl like you hug this old country boy. I best head on over there. I’ll mention to Brett you might be stopping by.”

  Trooper Hastings placed his hat on his head and was about to push the door open when Ashby stopped him.

  “Wait.” She pulled her backpack in front of her and rummaged through it until she found what she was looking for. She handed him an N95 mask. “Please don’t go outside without wearing this.”

  Trooper tipped the bill of his hat and thanked her. After he donned his mask, Jake and Ashby did the same as they followed him out the door into near whiteout conditions.

  Chapter 37

  Challis, Idaho

  Jake rang a bell next to the front door of the Holiday Lodge, one of those vintage, fifties-era motels that dotted the landscape of America. Once upon a time, motor court motels like this one provided weary travelers rest and were likely to be the only option in a town as small as Challis. But over time, the big hotel chains built low-budget accommodations that could be sold as franchised units. Eventually, thousands of people named Patel owned two-story hotels with a free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and HBO. Businesses like the Holiday Lodge were a dying breed, usually purchased for demolition, only to be replaced by a 7-Eleven or a used-car lot.