“Yep. And the giant freakin’ mountain. That too.”
“Shit.”
“And what’s up with the green sky?”
I snap my head up, knowing he’s doing the same.
It looks more sea green at the moment. Has it changed shade? Maybe the way I’d perceived it earlier was just my head still spinning and struggling to make sense of it.
“Radiation?” It’s clear I’m clueless.
“No way is that radiation.” My nephew legit scoffs, a sound too light and carefree, considering neither of us knows what the hell is going on.
“How would you know, wise-arse?”
“We did a project on it in science last term. That’s not what radiation looks like.”
“So, what are you thinking?” I glance at Jamie, my heart squeezing at the contemplative expression forming on his face. God, I love this kid. And thank Christ he’s not freaking out.
He shrugs. “It kinda looks like some of the video games I play.”
I quirk an eyebrow at him. “Uh-huh. That’s helpful.”
He shrugs and meets my gaze. “I’m not saying I think we’re in a video game, but nothing about this is right.”
“True that.” He’s dead set got it in one. Nothing about this is right.
While our homes are still here, as are part of the road and a section of Liam and Nancy’s neighbouring property, beyond that—from the sky to the very ground—nothing is as it should be.
It’s like a section of our world’s been cut out and stitched into somewhere “other.” And just thinking that makes me want to roll my eyes and knock back a bottle of whiskey.
Geralt snorts and paws the ground. I tighten my grip on his reins. He shakes his head, eyes wide, almost frantic.
“Uncle Jack.”
The hitch in Jamie’s voice captures my attention completely. But his whole focus is on the direction of the plume of sand. I follow his gaze, my heart jolting so hard, my chest feels bruised.
It’s no longer a speck I can mistake for an SUV.
“Seriously, what is that?”
At the panic in his voice, the hair on the back of my neck rises. Horror floods my system, but more importantly, I agree with my nephew: What the fuck is that?
“We need to move. Get the saddle on Ridge.” I thrust Geralt’s reins at Jamie and charge into the barn, knowing I can get Ridge ready for riding faster than my nephew can. “Get the key for the gun safe,” I holler as I tug the leather saddle from its mount.
Hearing Jamie moving, I focus on saddling Ridge, my pulse pounding a frantic beat in my ears.
We need to get out of here. Fast.
Whatever the hell that thing is outside, it’s not a vehicle.
With shaky hands, I get the saddle fastened and put on the bridle. I can’t think about what I saw. If I do, it’s likely I’ll hesitate. Stumble. Lose my fucking mind.
“Got the keys.”
I nod as I secure the reins. “Get your popsy’s gun sling.” It’s one Dad gifted Jamie a few years back even though it would take some time for him to grow into.
“Okay.”
