An agonizing scream brought him to his feet. As he did so, the whole building began to shake and tremble violently. It sounded as if the roof was being torn off. But what could damage a roof constructed of solid steel beams and framework? A cyclone? An earthquake? The horrible thought crossed his mind that maybe an aircraft had crashed into the building. He eased open the door of his tiny office and peered out. Shock spread through him, numbing his body to the pain which followed. Then he fell limply to the floor. Sadly, he wouldn’t need his small pension next month, after all.
********************
Two miles away, Ben Small was replacing the cover on his typewriter and hoping this one would make the front page.
“Ben? Have you finished with your work yet?”
“Yeah, honey, be with you in a minute.” He went to the bedroom door, turning out the light as he went. Lillian lay there, her long black hair fanned out on the pillow. Ben still found it hard to believe that a girl like her could prefer him, an ordinary reporter, to all the successful, rich guys she had known. He walked over to the bed, bent down, and kissed her.
Lillian looked at him questioningly. “Aren’t you coming to bed?”
“Uh-huh. Just wanted to make sure you’re for real.” He smiled and undressed. As he reached for the lamp switch, he froze. A deafening roar split the silence of the night, followed by a thunderous crash. The earth shook. Still naked, Ben ran to the window.
“Dear God!” His voice was a mere whisper of unbelief.
“Ben, what is it? An explosion… or a bomb?”
Ben scrambled into his clothes as his wife flung her legs over the side of the bed. “Don’t look out there, honey.” He placed shaking hands on her shoulders. His face was pale and strained. “Get dressed quickly. Go to your father. Tell him there’s an emergency at the Complex. He’ll know what to do. Keep your eyes only on the road… and hurry.”
Lillian hastily pulled on her slacks and a sweater. Shoving his bare feet into his shoes, Ben escorted her to the door. He kissed her and made her promise not to look back. He waited until the car was out of sight. Then he grabbed his camera, stuffed some extra film in his pockets, and ran. He would get as close to the Complex as possible without putting himself in danger. Whatever that was out there was worse than a nightmare – and he wasn’t dreaming. He was wide awake and it was real.
********************
The Mackenzie Complex was a raging inferno. Tongues of fire soared up into the sky, while bullet-proof glass cracked and shattered. In the bright light of the flames, a monstrous shape stood out dark and terrifying. Screams pierced the night air – probably from inside the buildings. But there was no way anyone could get close enough to help. All those inside were trapped – doomed to death.
