Page 5 of After the Knockout
“Are you guys safe? Did you make it?” Her voice sailed through the speakers.
“TT Nia!” Dae-Dae perked up.
“Hey, baby! Are y’all safe?”
“Not quite?—”
“Lyrius. You told me you were going to drive up to Valdosta.”
I exhaled. “I’m trying, but traffic is so backed up. They’ve shut down all the northbound highways.”
“On the news, it says they’re telling people to park and walk to shelter.”
I took a deep breath. My heart was already pounding. There was no way I was about to walk in this weather with my son. Hell, there was no way I was about to stay in Azalea.
“I’m not dragging a five-year-old six blocks in hurricane bands.”
“Where are you?” she asked.
“Azalea County.”
“Azalea County?” she barked. “That’s only six hours up the highway. They’re still in the hurricane’s path, Lyrius.”
“I know.” I sighed.
“Mama, is this where Daddy lives?” Dae-Dae asked. “That show we watched said he lived in Azalea.” The air left my chest. Dakoda knew who his father was. I’d never lied about that. He’d seen pictures and watched clips of Kos’ fights with me. That was how he knew he was from Azalea County.
“Sit back, baby.” I swallowed. I couldn’t handle that question right now.
“When I begged you to evacuate Shoreline, I didn’t think you’d get stuck in traffic. Oh my God! What are you going to do?”
That, I didn’t know. I was starting to wish I’d just sheltered in place at home. I glanced out the window at the crowded streets, surveying my options, trying to figure out my next move. Up ahead, an officer came into view. He was waving cars toward the shoulder.
“Highway’s closed!” he shouted. “Flooding ahead. Park and walk to the shelter!”
“Mama?” Dae-Dae called as I turned off the engine. “Are we sleeping in the car?” he asked.
“No,” I said quickly. “Not if I can help it.”
“Lyrius, listen to me,” she said. “Get somewhere dry and high. I don’t care if it’s temporary. You do not stay in that car. You hear me?”
“I hear you.”
“I’m gonna stay on the phone. I can look up shelters. Just tell me where you are.” She sounded worried. I took a deep breath as I glanced at the time on my radio. The storm was going to hit in less than three hours.
“The police are leading the way to the shelter. I think we’ll be fine. I’ll call you back when we get somewhere,” I said. “I need to move.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
“Okay. Call me the second you’re inside somewhere safe.”
“I will.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
