THE STORM
Glande's POV
Another flash of lightning split across the sky.
The lights flickered again.
Then everything went dark.
For a heartbeat, the entire house was swallowed by silence.
Before I could answer, footsteps echoed from downstairs.
Thomas appeared at the foot of the staircase carrying a lantern.
"Mr. Dallas?"
"We're upstairs."
Thomas climbed toward them.
"I'm afraid the storm damaged one of the external power lines."
"How long?"
"The electric company estimates an hour."
Alex nodded calmly.
"And the generator?"
"It started briefly, then shut down again."
"I'll have someone inspect it tomorrow."
Thomas smiled apologetically.
"I've lit several lanterns downstairs."
"Thank you."
As Thomas turned to leave, he looked at me kindly.
"I hope the storm hasn't frigh
