He Saved Lives, but Lost Her

Audrey Vance was alone at a prenatal checkup when a massive earthquake struck, trapping her and another pregnant woman inside the exam room. A heavy piece of medical equipment crashed down on Audrey's abdomen. The pain nearly made her black out. In the darkness, the other woman spoke. "I'm Brielle Hart. Hang in there. We'll get through this. Someone will come for us." The pain had sapped Audrey's strength, and her voice came out weak and halting. "Call... my husband. He's in charge of the rescue team." With some effort, Brielle retrieved Audrey's phone from under the bed and called the number saved under "Hubby." Nine calls. No answer. Then the phone died. "Don't be scared," Brielle said. "My husband works for the Search and Rescue Unit too. He'll come for me." She pulled out her own phone and put the call on speaker. It connected after just one ring. "Honey, help me!" Brielle let out a single sob, and the man immediately tried to reassure her. "Don't be scared. I'm on my way." The rumble of heavy rescue equipment filled the call as crews rushed toward the hospital. Audrey felt her blood run cold. The deep voice coming through the speaker sounded exactly like her husband, Everett Shaw.