Rachel translated softly. “He always said if the heat couldn’t rise safely, it would force its own path. Through rock. Through towns.” She met Helen’s gaze. “He’s saying it’s happening now.” Helen thought of the recent tremor, the rising data, and the expanding neighborhoods. Something heavy settled in her chest.
With the detective’s help, they contacted the Bureau of Geological Safety. An emergency meeting was scheduled. Helen arrived with Rachel and the detective, carrying the drive and the recovered maps sealed in evidence sleeves. At first, the officials listened politely, bored. Then the first seismic overlay appeared on the screen.