Cold Fire: Book Three of the DMSR Series

By KD Nielson

Set against a cataclysmic earthquake and fire that destroys California ‘Cold Fire’ is the thrilling conclusion of the DMSR Series, which followed Alex and Team Four, along with Sheriff Dandy and the beautiful Congresswomen Redwood, and the enigmatic Vance, as they race to head off an alien threat that would see the end of life on Earth as we know it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KD Nielson
• Release date: Apr 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370257331

KD Nielson

Fantasy Writer Hi all, this is K.D. Nielson ... and welcome to my .... mind. I am a full time writer in search of a publisher, so I have to work at my day job to pay the bills. I have been writing and telling stories now for over 30 years. Since the 11,000+ earthquakes here in Christchurch, I have been free to indulge in my greatest passion, telling stories, while the city starts to get back on its feet. I have drawn on my experiences these past months (seems like years) of awful earthquakes, the years serving as a prison officer, and my time in the US Navy as part of Operation Deep Freeze, making seven deployments to Antarctica. Yes, in spite of everything, I am still sane. I have drawn on my daily experiences in these jobs and the different facets of everyday life, as material for my books. I have a wealth of intrigue, love, betrayal, war and heroic deeds just waiting for an avid reader. I have finished several books in the world I have created. They are just waiting to be discovered by that right someone, hopefully a publisher. All my books are available on Amazon through Kindle, and Createspace's print on demand. I am married to a lovely English girl, a schoolteacher, and we have three sons, one which seems to keep coming back, kind of cramps my style. My wife has donated (sometimes gang pressed might be more like it) hours of her valuable time helping me with editing and reading manuscripts, and being very patient with all my questions, some of them might be, well ... dumb. I have also been working with a like-minded friend who is a fantasy fan and a very good writer in her own right. She is also a renowned artist and in conjunction with another project connected to my books, she is working on sketches of the characters and creatures of my world. For more information on my books go to http://www.theworldsofkdnielson.com Thank you for bearing with me while I rabbit on ... I challenge you, step into my mind ....you might like it so much ... you may not want to leave. KD Nielson

Book preview

Cold Fire

Kevin Nielson

Copyright 2014 K.D. Nielson

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All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Black Lake

Earthquake

San Francisco, thirty six hour earlier

Van Wyse Hotel

Prelude to disaster

Doomsday

Van Wyse Hotel

Forward Rescue Center, Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station

Van Wyse Hotel

Tilt Osprey

Van Wyse Hotel

Monitoring and Tracking Station at Moon Base Alpha

Van Wyse Hotel

California Seismic Institute at San Francisco

Santa Monique

Black Lake

Wendover Utah/Nevada

Santa Monique

Wendover Air Force Base November 27, 2018, 1730

Wendover, Stapleton hangar

Show Time

Epilogue

Author

* * *

Prologue

The car crept slowly across the darkened concrete, when it passed under one of the few lights the word taxi could clearly be seen and slowly drew to a halt outside an old abandoned warehouse.

The driver looked at the passenger with the use of his rear view mirror. Are you sure, miss, this is where you want to go? Especially since it’s after midnight now?

The young woman in the rear was checking her makeup in her hand held mirror by the dome light of the car.

She snapped the compact shut and replaced it in her handbag. I’ll be fine. This isn’t the first time I’ve met my friend here.

The driver nodded. ‘I bet it isn’t,’ he thought as she climbed out and paid for the fare. He watched her walk away, it’s a shame he didn’t make more money.

The car’s headlights came back on and the taxi slowly moved past her and headed for the gate.

Carrie Lynn stood looking at the dark forbidding building in front of her. She hated coming here. Most of the interior was poorly lit and she had to step carefully to avoid the many loose floorboards and the dusty, tottery furniture. The building was actually condemned and three quarters of the place looked it. Her friend had fixed up a small office for the two of them. A light wind blew across the old car park. The woman’s long honey colored hair floated mysteriously about her nicely shaped face. With her narrow waist, her full breasts and firm long supple legs, the short, mid thigh blue skirt, and the tight, light green blouse looked fabulous on her. She shivered in the cool breeze. She carefully picked her way over the weeds and cracked pavement in her high heels, being careful not to fall. Her tanned legs brushed against some of the taller weeds. She looked at her slim banded gold Rolex, on her graceful wrist. It was 12:20am. She hoped this wouldn’t take to long, as she had class at 10:00. Carrie whistled lightly, happy birthday, as she carefully picked her way to the door. She was 21 today and in a few weeks she could finish this distasteful five-year part of her life, as she would graduate from med school.

Carrie stopped near the door, with her hand resting on the rusted lever. Her heart was actually beating faster and the palms were moist with sweat. She chided herself for getting attached. But in spite of herself, she couldn’t help it. She had been seeing him here now for almost five months. Even though he paid her extremely well, he never made any demands on her she wasn’t willing to meet. She thought last week was the finish of their time together. He had said the project he had been working on was finishing up and he would be leaving shortly. Then out of the blue he called and asked to meet her one last time. Carrie jumped at the chance. As was his usual request, she wore the heels and no under clothes. Now, she un-tucked her blouse, and undid the top three buttons, her breasts strained against the few buttons left, and then eased open the squeaking door.

The door opened up to some kind of main floor and there were bits of rusted machinery, broken crates and garbage were scattered around. She jumped and almost screamed as a rat ran from her into the darkness. She hugged herself shivering; she hated rats. Carrie could see the light on in the room they shared and with a smile she hurried forward. She got half way across the floor when she heard movement in the dark. She froze as the fight or flight adrenaline pumped hotly through her system. Then a voice in the darkness called to her.

Carrie, you there?

She relaxed instantly. It was her friend. I'm here, her voice was husky.

Carrie kicked herself; get a hold of yourself girl.

A tall man, with dark hair came out of the shadows. He was wearing black overalls. He was so tall and good-looking, Carrie felt her heart beat faster thinking about what was to come.

I thought we would do something a bit different tonight.

She smiled. Anything you want, she murmured, breathless in anticipation.

She involuntarily looked at her watch.

I know you have classes so this won’t be long.

He came to her and held her close and gently kissed the nape of her neck.

Don’t worry, if I’m late, Jenny will cover for me.

Mr. Smith smiled and took her by the hand and gallantly led her to another part of the warehouse.

There she found an area cleared and two wooden up rights had been built on a small raised platform.

Carrie looked at him curiously. Mr. Smith grinned playfully, Trust me? me murmured.

She couldn’t help but smile. I trust you with my life, but her voice trembled a little.

The woman looked surprised as a flash of anguish swiftly crossed his handsome face.

He led her to the platform and still ever being the gentleman helped her up the stairs.

Carrie could see two bits of satin ties hanging from the wooden post.

So this was going to be one of those nights she thought, but the idea strangely excited her.

The man carefully tied her hands above her head. He kissed her and caressed her body as he secured her with the silk. He stopped in front of her and stared at her for a long time. Carrie’s smile went to a silly grin; something wasn’t right. He was looking at her as if he would never see her again. Carrie looked up guilty as booted steps rang out across the dirty floor. Two more men in black overalls came into the light carrying a heavy container.

Carrie turned to look at Mr. Smith and her grin slipped a bit. You didn’t say there were going to be others.

Smith came closer and reached behind neck and running his fingers lightly between her breasts through her unbuttoned shirt, he then lifted her chin, kissed her gently. I'm sorry, honey.

Carrie could feel a knot growing in her stomach. She looked quickly to the two men who were setting up some kind of machine. Fear quickly turned to panic.

Honey, what going on? her voice cracked. She stood up straightened up and pulled on the silken ties.

This isn’t funny now. Untie me. Fear made her voice sound harsh.

Smith went to help the other men with the equipment.

Has the call been made? one of the men asked.

The other looked at his watch and said, It is being done now even as we speak.

Smith sat back on his heels. Guys, do we have to use her? he asked nodding toward Carrie.

Did she get to you? the first man asked.

Smith nodded slowly.

The second, leered long and hard at Carrie and her amply exposed body. I bet it was really hard screwing that all the time.

Smith flared, It wasn’t like that. He jumped to his feet, fists clenched, breathing heavily.

Easy lover, I didn’t mean a thing, the second man hastily assured him. Smith would be able to tear him limb from limb.

Carrie began to twist and pull at the ties as desperation set in. The ties cut cruelly into her wrists and blood slowly seeped into the satin.

Tears filled her eyes and the cried out, Help me, don’t leave me! Suddenly reality burst in on her. I don’t want to die! she cried out in desperation.

Tears ran unheeded down her face causing her make up to run leaving black streaks down her face.

The second man flipped a switched and stood, We have three minutes. We have to get out.

Smith stood looking at the girl. I can’t leave her like this.

The first man stepped forward quickly grabbing his arm. What are you talking about?

Smith angrily turned on him. I know the powers that be wanted her to be awake, but I’m not going to. It’s bad enough what were doing to her.

Smith stalked up to it he platform.

The first guy moved to stop him but the second grabbed him and shook his head. He’s right. Let him go.

The first man stomped off. The second man left too when Smith stopped in front of the woman.

Carrie hung between outstretched arms, her shoulders hurting cruelly, her head sagging onto her chest. Smith grabbed her head by her hair; and lifted it up so he could see her face she gasped in pain. He had to make the show look good for the watching men. Out of the coroner of his eye the man could see his partners leave.

She looked at him pleadingly. Help me, she whimpered beseechingly.

Smith pretended to do a quick check of the binding and swiftly slipped a small open penknife into her clenched hand.

Forgive me, Carrie, I can’t do as they asked. I never meant to fall in love with you. Wait till I’m gone and then cut yourself free. You’ll have to hurry, you don’t have much time. His voice was insistent, as it was quiet with sorrow.

She looked at him though tear filled eyes. Why?

It’s too hard to explain. Now pretend to be knocked out when I hit you.

He quickly kissed his fingers and then touched her lips, then threw a punch that hit her chin. Then he turned and leaped from the platform and ran for the door.

The second man waited at the door watching the two, and then he too followed Mr. Smith to the front door.

The first man had a drawn gun. Okay, Mr. Smith, what was that all about?

Smith shrugged. It had nothing to do with you.

You bastard, you let her go. The man turned to go back, when Smith grabbed him. The gunman turned and fired all in one motion. Smith clutched his stomach and a look of shocked incomprehension filled his eyes. He slowly sagged to his knees and fell forward.

Carrie looked up from the second tie she had been cutting when she heard the gun shot. She sobbed once and frantically sawed faster. The silk parted, she turned, and kicking off her heels, sprinted for the door she could see along the back wall when suddenly her world fell apart.

* * *

The patrol car stopped in front of the warehouse. The two uniformed officers slowly climbed out surveying the dark quiet place. They put on their peaked caps and slid their battens into the hoop on their belts.

Beats me why kids run away from a warm bed in the middle of a cold night.

The younger of the two reached into the back seat and grabbed his coat. They walked slowly forward scanning the area as they went. The call said a runaway child, but it wouldn’t be the first time that officers had been ambushed in lonely places like this. So they went carefully, while not looking for trouble, ready for it.

What is this place? the officer’s name badge had Anderson engraved on it.

Some king of a storage place for the airlines, his partner muttered, scanning the area his flashlight illuminated.

The passing roar of an airliner taking off seemed to lend credence to the statement.

Jerry, look around back. If the kids are here, we don’t want them bolting.

Anderson nodded and moved off with his flashlight probing ahead.

The older of officer started forward to the main door he could see in his light. The man pulled his hat tighter over the blond graying hair and, like Carrie had done only minutes earlier, moved forward to the front door, his light picking up the rusted lever handle. He turned to look as he heard a car accelerate quickly away, working it way quickly through its gears.

He keyed the mike clipped to his coat. Jerry, can you hear me?

His partner around back stopped and answered his radio. Yeah, Sam, I read you.

A car just left here at a high rate of knots. Be on you guard.

Roger.

Both cops now moved with caution, both had their luger pistols out. They carried them in both hands with the light held under the barrel.

Jerry moved to the rear door and reached for the handle. He jerked his hand back in alarm. The metal was hot, real hot.

He quickly keyed his mike. Sam we have a fire inside.

Sam was kneeling just inside the front door looking at the bloodstain on the warped wooden floor. It was still runny when he toughed it with his finger.

Jerry, hold your position, something is wrong. I just found fresh blood.

Roger.

Sam ran back to his car, his light bobbing erratically over the weed shrouded car park and leaning in grabbed the radio. This is One Adam Twelve, respond a fire unit and ambulance to my location. We have a possible fire and an injured person. Do you copy?

The metallic sounding woman’s voice came back, Roger Adam Twelve, fire and rescuer units are responding to your location. Do you require back up?

Roger, requesting back up, we may have injured to search for.

* * *

Carrie was terrified and totally confused. After the initial explosion, which knocked her off her feet, she was now uncertain was to what to do? She could hear a roaring in the room and the heat was making her sweat. But as she sat with her legs drawn up under her, her arms up trying to shield her face, from what? She could see the trash on the floor blacken and then dissolve. The silk that still dangled from the post was melting, and the wooden post was turning a charred blackened color. She started to cough and her eyes watered. Carrie instinctively drew away from the platform. She scooted across the wooden floor scratching and cutting her bare legs and bottom. The roaring became louder. Screaming in terrified panic, she jumped up and ran. She got ten feet when the lights around the platform blew, plunging the whole warehouse into darkness. She ran into some object that knocked her to the floor cruelly cutting into her knees. She fell hard face down, her feet flew up behind her. Carrie knew her nose was broken. She struggled to her feet holding onto the box for support, her legs were numb, and could hardly support her weight. Blood from her broken nose ran onto her bare chest and the torn and dirty blouse. She moved towards the door that she came in the first time and again stopped in panic as heat forced her back. Her mind cried out, ‘what was happening?’ She stumbled and fell again; her skin was hot, and beginning to redden. The roaring was deafening and the heat was making her light headed. Sweat ran from her matted hair to mix freely with the blood from her nose. She turned and blindly ran the only other way she hadn’t gone yet. Suddenly the room shook and rafters and dirt and debris from the second floor flew in all direction, as a massive explosion shook the building and literally blew the glass from the windows.

She sobbed out loud, Please God, don’t let me die!

Sam hearing Carrie’s screams ran through the front door,