Time Bomb: Chapters 37–49

A nasal female voice filled the room.
“...uncertain as to the location of the bomber, and after the last explosion, which we are told was detonated remotely, there is debate about how to proceed with the rescue mission..."

“FBI and Homeland Security believe this to be an act of domestic terrorism, since no international group has thus far taken credit, but they are investigating all leads and working with local authorities to determine if it is safe for first responders to enter the building or if the threat of additional explosive devices is still credible.”

“FBI and Homeland Security believe this to be an act of domestic terrorism, since no international group has thus far taken credit, but they are investigating all leads and working with local authorities to determine if it is safe for first responders to enter the building or if the threat of additional explosive devices is still credible.”

So when she finally decided she wanted to break free of her perfect mold, he was the ideal choice.

It would make for a poignant moment of television.

“Maybe you heard me being stressed when I talked to Frankie,” Diana deflected.

“...Members of the senator’s staff have suggested that the target of today’s ongoing attack is Senator Sanford’s daughter, Diana. While authorities will not confirm that speculation, Senator Sanford has been under attack from many who believe his Safety Through Education bill will usher in what has been called a new version of McCarthyism.”

“It’s not like he made the bombs that blew up this place.” Tad jumped into the fray.

After a second, he yelled, “She’s stopped breathing. Help me!” Only he didn’t wait for anyone before climbing up on the table and straddling Kaitlin. He put his hands on her chest and started pushing against her again and again and again.

The compressions were slowing.

The senator, his wife, and several of his staff members are currently holding vigil outside with members of the other families who have loved ones trapped inside the school.

“He’s the one who’s talking to the cameras right now, acting all humane and probably telling everyone that if his law was passed, this kind of thing wouldn’t happen. Pretty great deal for him. Don’t you think, Princess? If you died, you’d probably guarantee his election to the White House.”

There were several eight-foot extension cords like the one in his hands, along with a small stepladder, several sizes of PVC pipes, twine, some small rolls of wire, a box of Bunsen burners, another box with rags, and a whole lot of other long sticks, glass tubes, laminated posters, and various odds and ends.

“I know I was off, and I should have asked you about the phone call instead of just making assumptions. I was scared and I was stupid, and I would totally understand if you don’t forgive me. Hell, I don’t know if I'd forgive me.”

Despite breathing through the paper towel, Tad tasted char and smoke.

“You can’t really expect us to go out that window on a rope made of braided twine like we’re deranged superheroes.”

He was so unassuming, it was easy to forget he was there.

Tears welled up, and she shook her head to ward them off.

Z looked at the terrifyingly slight, almost imperceptible, rise and fall of Kaitlin’s chest.

Everyone outside was probably also assuming he was the bomber after that report. A Muslim with a family from Palestine. Of course he must be radicalized.

“It’s crazy that some people think suicide bombing is a noble thing that will change the world. All it does is kill people. Killing doesn’t change minds. It doesn’t change the Koran or the teaching of Allah that taught me to be kind to all people and humble in all things. It just kills.”

“It’s crazy that some people think suicide bombing is a noble thing that will change the world. All it does is kill people. Killing doesn’t change minds. It doesn’t change the Koran or the teaching of Allah that taught me to be kind to all people and humble in all things. It just kills.”

He bit his lip as he reached down and grabbed hold of the thin, metal spike protruding from his leg.

They saw only what everyone saw, because it was all they wanted her to be—the popular girl from a wealthy, influential family.

“Tad,” Frankie cried, hobbling forward.

...it had been her idea to demonstrate how vital the Safety Through Education law was.

Cas was getting that smile a lot nowadays, but it was better than the manic one that tried to pretend everything was normal.

Homeschooling would mean no kids to face. No repercussions for the rules she’d broken. She could just forget that it and everything else she was running from had ever happened.

His eyes were firmly fixed on the building where their lives had changed, so he didn’t see her watching him—studying how gingerly he was walking.

It was amazing how fast brick and mortar that had appeared so sturdy could be taken apart and how quickly the process of putting it together again began.