Storytime by Papa D – Eye of the Storm Part 3: The Storm

Eye of the Storm – Part 3: The Storm

As Hurricane Katrina closes in on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hunter Steele finds himself stranded in a city that has already been abandoned.

With emergency personnel ordered to evacuate and businesses boarded shut, Pascagoula has become a ghost town waiting for impact.

Seeking shelter, Hunter arrives at Singing River Hospital, where hundreds of patients and staff prepare to ride out one of the most powerful hurricanes in American history.

Inside the hospital, he meets a small group of security officers, dedicated medical professionals, and a young patient named Tina Collins, whose father has refused to leave his flooded home.

As the winds begin to rise and dark clouds gather over the Gulf, everyone knows the storm is coming.

What no one knows is how much their lives are about to change.

Based on true events.

Storytime by Papa D brings real-life stories, unforgettable characters, and extraordinary moments to life through cinematic storytelling.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

#StorytimeByPapaD #EyeOfTheStorm #HurricaneKatrina #TrueStory #Mississippi #Pascagoula #SingingRiverHospital #StormStories #DisasterSurvival #Podcast #Audiobook #NarrativePodcast #Hurricane #CoastGuard #InspirationalStories

If you want the version I would personally publish today after everything we've discussed, I'd make one small change to increase curiosity:

As Hurricane Katrina closes in on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hunter Steele arrives at a hospital preparing to face the storm alone. Hundreds of patients remain inside. Most of the city has already fled. And before the hurricane is over, lives will be changed forever.

Transcript

SPEAKER_12 0:00

They say you never really know how strong a building is until the storm hits. And sometimes the storm doesn't just destroy homes, sometimes it reveals secrets. Last time, Tina and Liz survived a horrifying crash on Highway 63, just north of Pascagoula, Mississippi. A crash investigators determined it was no accident at all. But the mystery didn't die there. Only days later, Tina barely escaped a devastating apartment fire with her baby Jamie in her arm. And now both she and the FBI have begun to suspect that the two events are connected. Meanwhile, the man at the center of it all, Peter, has not been seen or heard from in over two years. And while the investigators search for answers, something even bigger is approaching the Gulf Coast. At Singen River Hospital, nurses, doctors, security guards, patients, and frightened families are about to find themselves trapped inside a nightmare that no one could stop, and few were prepared for. As Hurricane Katrina closes in, the flood waters rise, the lights begin to fail, and fear spreads faster than the storm itself. Tonight's chapter is called The Storm. Good evening friends. I'm Papa D. Welcome to Story Time by Papa D. The stories you are about to hear are inspired by real life, real people, real experiences, and sometimes pure imagination. Some names, locations, conversations, and details have been changed, both to protect the privacy of real people and allow the stories themselves to unfold in the best possible way. Some parts are remembered exactly as they happen, some parts are reimagined through the lens of storytelling, and some parts belong only to the storyteller. But whether the stories come from truth, memory, history, mystery, adventure, or imagination, each one has something worth discovering. So settle in, relax, and welcome to the world of story time by Papa D. Tonight's story comes from my book, Starley's Legacy, Tragedy to Triumph. It's available on Amazon and through booksellers everywhere. Tina pushed the button on the control, which raised her hospital bed so that she could sit upright. A better position to eat breakfast and watch television. Her appetite had improved, and she was hungry for the first time since she was diagnosed with blood poisoning just a few days earlier. The television was turned to Biloxi's WLOX TV. The news of the day was Hurricane Katrina. The scenes were mostly of New Orleans, but an occasional clip of the Mississippi Gulf Coast would appear as the reporter reported.

SPEAKER_10 4:03

Hurricane Katrina is officially a Category 5, which is as bad as it gets, folks. This is a serious storm, not to be taken lightly. For those of you unfamiliar with hurricanes, the most powerful rating for a hurricane is Category 5.

SPEAKER_12 4:19

Using the remote control, she changed to another channel and then another one. She checked the news out of Mobile, Alabama. But now on the television screen was the mayor of New Orleans giving the most dramatic news conference from a public official that I had ever heard.

SPEAKER_00 4:38

This is the big one that we have always feared. As any New Orleans resident can tell you, this is a city that is below sea level. No hurricane has hit the Crescent City head on in modern times, especially a Category 5 hurricane. As mayor of this great city, I am ordering all citizens to evacuate this city immediately. You must go, because all law enforcement agencies will be evacuating as well. This will be a dangerous place to be if you choose to remain. I urge you not to stay.

SPEAKER_12 5:33

Nearly covered by Katrina's outstretched tentacles. Experts begin making dire predictions to explain what might happen if New Orleans was to take the brunt of a category five, the most biggest and most powerful of all hurricanes.

SPEAKER_03 5:54

New Orleans is actually below sea level. All one has to do is look at a series of satellite photos taken over a period of decades to see that the land south of New Orleans has disappeared at a rapid rate. This is the same land that has protected New Orleans for all these years and made it such a great place to build a city. Now we not only have the biggest of hurricanes threatening a direct hit on the city, but the city is also more vulnerable than ever.

SPEAKER_12 7:08

Tina knew that Pascagoula, at its highest point, was only 14 feet above sea level. Most of Pascagoula is only about four feet above sea level. She knew this was not a good thing. But she was tired of watching this depressing news, so she pressed the call button. Within a few minutes, a nurse entered her room.

SPEAKER_14 7:31

You called for a nurse? I'm Janice. How can I help, sweetie?

SPEAKER_13 7:35

I am sorry to bother you about this, but is there anything else that I can watch on television other than weather reports? It's bad enough that I am going to ride out the storm in the hospital, but I need something to take my mind off what is going on outside that window.

SPEAKER_14 7:51

That's a tough request, honey. There is a VCR connected to your TV, and every now and then someone will bring a movie up here for patients who have been with us for a while. I will be back in a few and let you know what I find out. The only thing that I could find is this.

SPEAKER_13 8:23

You're welcome. I hope that you enjoy this. You are very thoughtful. Tell me your name again, please.

SPEAKER_14 8:30

As I said before, my name is Janice. I will be your nurse for the next several days, as I've decided not to evacuate. I will be here with you until the storm has passed, and it's safe for others to return.

SPEAKER_13 8:43

Thank you, Janice. I'm Tina.

SPEAKER_12 8:49

Tina was relieved for a moment to have something to watch on television other than reports of Hurricane Katrina. Why watch depressing news about an approaching storm when there is nothing that a person can do about it? She couldn't evacuate. So she tried to make the best of it by getting into the television show that was on the screen, and it was an investigative reporter that was telling the story about a wealthy but elderly woman in her 80s who had been conned into marriage by a much younger man in his twenties. Shortly thereafter, the con man convinced his young girlfriend to murder the old lady so that they could live together on her money. The television is screen is filled with mugshots of the young con artist. Tina nearly lost her breath. She recognized that guy on the television screen. It was Peter. Can you imagine how you would feel if you had been her? You're the father of your child, who try who is obviously the one who tried to kill you, and then he convinced a younger woman to murder his elderly wife. I don't know about you, but that would be difficult to wrap my head around. After she recovered, she uh scrambled to get her cell phone out and dialed her father's phone number. She was on the verge of hyperventilating and couldn't hardly get the words out. Paul had been busy preparing his home for the coming storm. Plywood covered all his windows and everything which could be picked up and blown through the air by hurricane winds had already been put away. He put his cell phone in his pocket and and he heard it ring, and when he answ when when he answered, he heard Tina's shaken voice. She was so upset, Paul knew he had to get Liz and rush to the hospital.

SPEAKER_14 11:24

Oh my god, Jamie's father is a murderer.

SPEAKER_09 11:27

Darling, you knew that already. Have you forgotten that he set your apartment on fire and cut your brake line?

SPEAKER_13 11:37

No, I haven't. But I made myself believe that it wasn't true. But now, it is so obvious that he had planned on killing me and Jamie. Please promise, both of you. Promise that Jamie will never know this about his father.

SPEAKER_08 11:53

We promise, and I promise, that you aren't watching television anymore.

SPEAKER_12 12:13

Nestled beneath the twisted limbs of giant Spanish oak trees and Pascagoula stands one of the Gulf Coast's most recognizable historic homes, the Longfellow House. The old home sits across the street from the beach, its white columns and wide porches watching over the city, much as they have for generations. Tucked away behind the house were several small rental cabanas. They weren't fancy, but they sure were comfortable, quiet, and shaded by some of the most beautiful trees on the Gulf Coast, America, in my opinion. Perfect for a young man like Coast Guard Officer Hunter Steele. I know because I lived there one summer when I was about his age. Oh, the memories. And while most people were still watching Hurricane Katrina on television, Hunter had already begun making preparations. Hunter looked across the street to see the choppy waves and white caps in the Pascagoula Bay splashing against a seawall, which was built to protect Beach Boulevard from such storms. But when the seawall was built, people back then could not imagine storms like the one brewing in the Gulf. He looked back at a small apartment and realized it was no match for a tidal wave. If Hurricane Katrina pushed a wall of water directly into his tiny home, he could lose all his worldly possessions. He wasn't concerned though, because he hadn't had time to accumulate a lot of stuff since graduating from the Coast Guard Academy just a few years ago. Wasn't much, but it was all he had. He wasn't as concerned with the possible loss of his belongings as he was the thought of having to find another place to live. Where else could a young man in his early twenties live in such a wonderful place? A home with a view of the gulf. The beach right across the street. A golf course right outside his door. Beautiful Spanish oak trees with moss dripping from them next to a one of the most grand resort-style homes that you'll ever see. And it's affordable. Pascagoula was a hidden gem. Probably still is. The traffic on Highway 90 de Mobile was thick and slow. The trip, which is normally a 30-minute drive, took over two hours for Hunter to get there. Hunter gave his credentials to the guard who opened the gate, allowing him to enter the Coast Guard's property. He parked his car and entered the building where he met with his counterpart. On his return trip to Pascagoula, Hunter tightly gripped the steering wheel to keep the high winds from blowing his Ford F-150 into the oncoming traffic. This was particularly important since all the other lanes directed traffic in the opposite direction, away from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and toward the city of Mobile. You should have been here by now. How much longer before you get here with those supplies?

SPEAKER_02 16:08

Hunter replied, It's hard to say, sir. Under normal circumstances, I would say that I could be there in about 20 minutes. But they have I-10 closed to one lane going toward Pascagoula, and the traffic ahead of me is moving at a snail's pace.

SPEAKER_07 16:24

You need to turn on your blues and do whatever you can to get here within an hour, because the York town has been ordered to evacuate, with or without you.

SPEAKER_02 16:34

Yes, sir. I will get there as quickly as I can. What is the most recent report?

SPEAKER_07 16:40

It's bad. The storm has intensified to Category 5 and has changed course slightly to the east. It is projected to make landfall in a matter of hours, just east of New Orleans. Maybe hit Bay St. Louis dead on. Hurry, son. You don't want to miss the boat.

SPEAKER_12 17:00

Yes, sir. Hunter obeyed his commanding officer by steering his truck onto the shoulder of the highway and turned on its blue lights, passed the stalled traffic and the lanes in front of him, and he went as far as he could go. But then there was this highway patrolman in the parked on the shoulder, stopping all traffic, heading westbound. And the patrolman told him, You're going the wrong way, son. All westbound traffic from this point forward is halted. Hunter explained that this is an emergency, that he must get the Coast Guard station with the supplies as soon as possible. The patrolman told him that's a tough challenge that you have. All lanes from this point forward will have traffic coming toward you, and there are several disabled vehicles on the shoulder preventing you from getting very far. The bridge will be impossible for you to go against traffic. I suggest that you get off the interstate as quickly as you can and take another route. I wish I could escort you, but I have to stay here and turn this traffic around. The only thing I can do for you is to halt traffic long enough for you to get past this point, but after that, you're on your own. Hunter said, I understand. The patrolman wished him good luck. With the patrolman's help, Hunter maneuvered the truck and trailer past the patrolman's car and back onto the interstate shoulder. But just as the patrolman had said, Hunter quickly encountered a disabled car on the shoulder of the highway, preventing him from proceeding. He hopped out of the truck, holding his badge as high as he could, and he stepped in front of oncoming traffic. He instructed the driver of a car to remain put until he could drive around the disabled vehicle and return to the shoulder of the highway. He had to repeat this process three or four times before he was able to even exit the interstate. Each stop cost him valuable time. Traveling Highway 90 to the city was much easier, but he was way behind schedule. The Coast Guard station in Pascagoula was located on Singen River Island, accessible only by a tall bridge. No one was manning the guard house at the base of the bridge as the as was the norm. Hunter dialed his commanding officer's number.

SPEAKER_02 19:33

Sir, I am at the gate, but the gate is locked and there is no one here to unlock it.

SPEAKER_07 19:38

You missed the boat, Lieutenant.

SPEAKER_02 19:41

What do I do now, sir?

SPEAKER_07 19:43

I don't know what to tell you, son.

SPEAKER_02 19:46

Well, I have this trailer full of supplies.

SPEAKER_07 19:49

Yes, we sure could have used those supplies.

SPEAKER_02 19:53

I'm sorry, sir. I did my best to get there in time. Now, what are my orders?

SPEAKER_07 19:59

Your orders are to do whatever you deem prudent. Good luck. Yes, sir.

SPEAKER_15 20:12

What should I do now?

SPEAKER_11 20:13

Hmm.

SPEAKER_15 20:14

Let's check the latest report.

SPEAKER_11 20:15

This is Governor Haley Barber. I am issuing a mandatory evacuation order for all Mississippi Gulf Coast counties. I repeat, this is a mandatory evacuation. Hurricane Katrina is an extremely dangerous storm and poses a serious threat to life and property. All residents are urged to leave immediately. Emergency personnel, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and rescue workers, have also been ordered to evacuate. If you choose to remain, you should understand that emergency assistance may not be available. Once conditions deteriorate, you may be completely on your own. This storm is expected to produce catastrophic storm surge and widespread destruction along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Forecasters believe Katrina could be more devastating than Hurricane Camille. Do not take this storm lightly. Please protect yourself and your family. Evacuate now.

SPEAKER_12 21:28

Hunter's fuel gauge says a quarter of a tank. It had taken almost an entire tank just to get from Mobile to Pascagoula hauling his trailer. Those of us who live or have lived in that area know that Mobile is a 30-minute drive and shouldn't have taken anywhere near that much fuel, but he was hauling a big cargo. Thinking fuel should be his first priority right now. He turned and headed for the nearest gas station. Closed, so was the next one, and the one after that. By now, Pascagoula felt like a ghost town. The streets were nearly empty, businesses were boarded up, and most of the people were already gone. With nowhere to refuel and nowhere else to go, Hunter decided his best option was Singen River Hospital. The hospital sits atop one of the few hills in Pascagoula. In fact, it's a man-made hill. That's how desperate they are for hills in Pascagoula. Overlooking the duck pine that serves the one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. When Hunter arrived, he found the main entrance had been boarded shut with plywood. A sign directed all traffic to the emergency entrance around to the side of the building. After parking, he removed his gun belt and holster. It seemed best to enter the hospital unarmed. As Hunter approached the emergency room entrance, he saw a security guard and a policeman standing guard. They greeted him, and Hunter explained his circumstances to the pair. The policeman introduced himself as Jay Abair, and he explained that that they were actually the unofficial law enforcement since uh everybody else had been ordered to evacuate.

SPEAKER_04 23:31

I just couldn't leave this town, this hospital, unprotected without any law enforcement at all. Not with all these patients in here, and the hospital staff, too.

SPEAKER_06 23:42

Same here. I've been working with these fine people for years. There was no way that I wasn't going to stay behind and help these folks. I'm Jerome Bassard, but call me Jerome.

SPEAKER_02 23:56

How many other guards remain to protect the hospital?

SPEAKER_06 23:59

There are four more of us.

SPEAKER_02 24:01

I see that you aren't carrying a firearm. Are any of the other guards armed?

SPEAKER_06 24:06

No, sir. The hospital policy is no firearms inside.

SPEAKER_02 24:10

Officer A Bear has a firearm. Are you going to tell him that he can't take his gun inside?

SPEAKER_06 24:16

No, sir. I ain't telling nobody with a gun that they can't do nothing.

SPEAKER_02 24:20

The reason that I ask is that I have a firearm in my truck and would feel a lot better wearing it if we are the only law in town protecting this hospital.

SPEAKER_05 24:33

Yes, by all means, get it. I want all the backup that I can get when the lights go out. It's going to be like the zombie apocalypse around here.

SPEAKER_06 24:43

Nobody's gonna stop you here.

SPEAKER_02 24:46

There's something else. That trailer that I'm towing behind my truck, it is filled with valuable items which will be useful after the storm. Generators and such. But there is also a cache of weapons and ammunition. It's locked up good, but I need to store it in a safe place. Out of sight.

SPEAKER_06 25:07

I know just the place.

SPEAKER_02 25:09

I see that you aren't armed. I have an extra firearm and holster that you can borrow until the storm passes.

SPEAKER_05 25:17

No, thank you. I don't think that I should.

SPEAKER_06 25:21

I can handle a firearm, used to be a cop, but it's against hospital policy, and I don't want to lose my job.

SPEAKER_12 25:28

Hunter backed the trailer into the hospital parking garage and positioned it so that no one could remove it without moving the truck first. Let me show you something, he told Broussard. He unlocked the trailer and swung open one of the doors. Mounted securely along one wall were several long guns and side arms, along with cases of ammunition and other emergency supplies. Hunter pointed toward them. I hope we never need any of this, he said, but if things get bad enough, you'll know where to find it. He showed Broussard where everything was stored, then closed and locked the trailer. The key stayed with him. Only then did Broussard lead him through the employee entrance and into the hospital. If you're going to help protect this place, he said, you need to know your way around. Inside the emergency department, things seemed surprisingly normal. Patients filled the waiting rooms, nurses moved briskly through the halls, doctors continued their work. The rest of the hospital told a different story. The main entrance stood deserted. The gift shop was closed, the florist shop was dark, sheets of plywood covered windows and doors throughout the building. Nearly 300 patients remained inside, along with roughly 100 doctors, nurses, and support staff who had volunteered to stay through the storm. As they walked, Broussard introduced Hunter to the security team. There was Chandra, small in stature, but clearly not someone to underestimate. Kelly was younger, athletic, and carried herself with quiet confidence. Kent appeared older and slower than the others, but experience often counts for more than speed. Then there was Tony, broad-shouldered and powerful, the kind of man whose presence alone could calm a tense situation. Bruce Art also introduced Hunter to key hospital administrators, several physicians, and a number of nurses, including a fourth floor nurse named Janice.

SPEAKER_14 27:44

Hi, Lieutenant Steele. I'm Janice. We are pleased to have you with us, but hopefully the circumstances won't be too uncomfortable for you.

SPEAKER_15 27:53

Please, just Hunter.

SPEAKER_14 27:54

Ah, okay, if you insist. Hunter.

SPEAKER_12 27:59

By the end of the tour, Hunter knew the layout of the building and the people who would soon be facing Hurricane Katrina together. Hunter walked outside to see what changes had taken place in the local weather. A gust of wind nearly knocked him over. Trees bent under the pressure of high winds. A stop sign could be seen in the distance, swiveling at such a high speed that Hunter expected it to take flight at any second. The sky had grown dark and downright scary. The clouds from earlier had merged into a solid wall of gray stretching from horizon to horizon. Hunter stood outside the hospital studying the weather. When Bruussard stepped out behind him, it was obvious to both men that the waiting was almost over. Inside the hospital, the security team was already beginning to think ahead. Kent suggested that everyone should try to get some rest while they still had the opportunity. It was good advice. Bruussard quickly organized a rotating schedule so that at least part of the team would always be rested and ready if condition worsened during the night, and they expected the worst. Hunter remembered that he needed to check in periodically with his Coast Guard crew aboard the Cutter Yorktown. If communications remained operational, he wanted to know how they were faring offshore. As the plans came together, Bruceard pointed out something that everybody immediately recognized as common sense. Hunter and Officer J. Abear were the only two men in the hospital equipped to handle serious security problems if they arose. Because of that, they agreed that one of them would remain awake and alert at all times while the other rested. The hospital provided them with an unused room on the fourth floor. Officer Abair turned in first. Hunter remained awake for several more hours before finally getting a little sleep of his own. When his cell phone alarm sounded the next morning, the storm had already changed history. Hunter sat upright in the hospital bed and reached for the television remote. The news was everywhere. During the night, Hurricane Katrina had come ashore just east of New Orleans. But that wasn't what had captured the nation's attention. A levy in New Orleans had failed. Water was pouring into the city. And with every passing minute, it was becoming clear that this disaster was going to be far worse than anyone had imagined. There was a knock on the door, followed by a familiar woman's voice.

SPEAKER_14 30:45

Hello, are you awake?

SPEAKER_02 30:49

Yes. Come in.

SPEAKER_14 30:52

I would not have bothered you if I had not heard your alarm go off and the television come on. Can I get anything for you? Coffee, breakfast?

SPEAKER_02 31:00

That is very thoughtful of you. I am hungry, but I don't want to impose.

SPEAKER_14 31:05

You aren't imposing. I asked you if you wanted something. Besides, you are an unpaid volunteer here to protect us. The least the hospital can do is to feed you. Now, what would you like?

SPEAKER_12 31:17

After taking Hunter's breakfast order, Janice crossed the hallway and checked on the patient in the room opposite his. Tina was having a better morning than the day before, though her conditions still seemed to come and go without warning. One moment she felt fine. The next, she felt exhausted and weak. Janice encouraged her to eat something, but Tina's mind was elsewhere. She was worried about her father. While she remained in the hospital, he had chosen to stay behind in Pascagoula rather than evacuating. Outside, Hurricane Katrina continued to strengthen. Wind-driven rain rattled the hospital windows, and distant thunder rolled across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A short time later, Janice returned to Hunter's room carrying his breakfast tray.

SPEAKER_14 32:11

Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

SPEAKER_02 32:14

No, ask away.

SPEAKER_14 32:16

I don't see a ring on your finger.

SPEAKER_02 32:18

No wife, no girlfriend. Why do you ask?

SPEAKER_14 32:21

Because there's a really sweet girl across the hall who's about your age.

SPEAKER_02 32:25

Is that right?

SPEAKER_14 32:26

It is.

SPEAKER_02 32:27

What's wrong with her?

SPEAKER_14 32:29

Nothing contagious, if that's what you're worried about. She's expected to make a full recovery.

SPEAKER_02 32:35

Good.

SPEAKER_14 32:35

She's mostly worried about her father. He stayed behind because he didn't want to leave town while she was in the hospital.

SPEAKER_02 32:42

That sounds like something my father would have done.

SPEAKER_14 32:44

Well, maybe when you get a chance, you should stop by and say hello.

SPEAKER_02 32:49

Yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_12 32:50

Hunter smiled and continued eating his breakfast. At the time, he had no idea that the young woman across the hall would soon become one of the most important people in his life. Hunter's curiosity finally got the better of him. After breakfast, he showered, got dressed, and walked across the hall to Tina's room. He knocked on the door softly. Come in. Tina wasn't expecting company. She hadn't seen a mirror in days. Her hair was a mess, and she felt about as far from glamorous as a person could feel. Then the door opened. And in walked Hunter Steele.

SPEAKER_02 33:38

Hi. I hope I'm not disturbing you. Nurse Janice suggested I check in on you.

SPEAKER_13 33:44

No, you're not disturbing me. But who are you?

SPEAKER_02 33:48

My name is Hunter Steele. You could say I'm helping hospital security for the storm, but I'm also in the Coast Guard.

SPEAKER_12 33:55

Hunter extended his hand, but Tana shook it.

SPEAKER_02 33:59

I understand your father didn't evacuate.

SPEAKER_13 34:02

Nope. My dad is stubborn. He didn't want to leave town while I was here in the hospital.

SPEAKER_02 34:08

He should come here. Have you talked to him?

SPEAKER_13 34:11

Just a little while ago. His yard is flooded, and now he's convinced he needs to stay there and protect his property.

SPEAKER_02 34:17

Can you give me his address? I'll check on him if I get the chance.

SPEAKER_13 34:21

Really? That would mean a lot.

SPEAKER_12 34:24

Tina's eyes lit up.

SPEAKER_02 34:26

Write down the address and his phone number.

SPEAKER_12 34:30

Tina grabbed a notepad from the bedside table and quickly wrote everything down.

SPEAKER_02 34:35

You better put your number on there, too.

SPEAKER_12 34:38

A smile spread across Tina's face. She added her number beneath her father's. And then, just for good measure, she drew a little smiley face.

SPEAKER_02 34:49

So, what's got you stuck in here?

SPEAKER_13 34:51

Blood poisoning, and I am more than ready to escape this place.

SPEAKER_02 34:56

Need me to bring you anything?

SPEAKER_13 34:58

How about a ladder?

SPEAKER_02 34:59

I'll see what I can do.

SPEAKER_13 35:01

Seriously, if you can get my dad here, I'd be forever grateful.

SPEAKER_02 35:06

I'll see what I can do. No promises.

SPEAKER_12 35:10

Hunter slipped a note into his pocket and headed back down the hallway. Across the Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina was still gathering strength. Inside of Singen River Hospital, patients settled into their rooms, nurses continued their rounds, and the security team prepared for a long night. For the moment, everything seemed calm, but by this time tomorrow, nothing would ever be the same. Next time on Storytime by Papa D, Hurricane Katrina. Thank you so much for watching Storytime by Papa D. If you enjoyed this episode of Eye of the Storm and would like to read the full novel, Starley's Legacy, you can visit my Amazon author page at the address shown on your screen, order it online, or ask for it at your favorite bookstore. You can also listen to Papa D's Corner and Storytime by Papa D on podcast platforms everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. And if you'd like to help grow this channel and support future stories like this one, please take a moment to subscribe, like this video, and especially leave a comment below. Those simple actions really do help more people discover this channel and allow me to continue creating meaningful stories for you. Until next time, I'm Papa D.

SPEAKER_08 36:49

Good night, and God bless.