Page 103 of Airborne
“When did they take the vaccine?”
“During the previous flu season, which was seven to nine months ago. Heather received the vaccination under five months. The quadrivalent flu vaccine being a factor is a stretch, but in our context, it may be the breakthrough we needed. We need tests and confirmation, but I can’t discount the data. We may be on our way to either a cure or treatment for H9N15. Some patients have recovered better than others, and not all those who have improved were vaccinated. They are lucky to have strong bodies.”
“I hate to sound optimistic,” Chad said. “But I am.”
“Hold on to your thoughts,” Jordan said. “I’m requesting further testing now. Researchers are busy seven days a week. If this supports our theory, every person subjected to the virus should receive the quadrivalent vaccine as soon as possible. It may not affect all those who are in serious condition. However, it may lessen the symptoms. These people and their families need hope. Chad, thanks. This is progress.”
“I just made a suggestion. Heather terms hope as the God factor. Maybe she’s right.”
“Good to hear you haven’t discounted God’s hand. I don’t want to announce our theory until I discuss it with the team. I’ll keep you updated. Wish I had time to talk, but I have a meeting in five.”
“And my attorney is scheduled to call.”
“Be careful. From what happened to you in New York, you’ve upset the wrong people.”
“If I fail, I’ll leave a positive legacy for my son.”
“He’d rather have his dad.”
“Good point. When this is over, I may need you to give me a few pointers on fatherhood.”
“Deal. Talk to you later, buddy.”
Jordan had summoned Heather to his office. He said the matter was urgent. Each step brought a different question, and none of them had answers.
Seated in his office behind a closed door, she scrutinized the ever-deepening worry line in his face. “What’s happened?”
“Bad news. Tatum passed.”
A sharp inhale meant to stop the tears failed.
“I’m sorry. I know you two had become friends in the short time here. Her parents have been notified.”
She nodded. A hint of speaking would plummet her emotions. “Can I have their contact information?”
“I knew you’d ask.” He handed her a folded piece of paper. “I’m meeting Catherine in the cafeteria. Stay here for as long as you like.”
She unfolded the contact information with shaking fingers and stared at her phone. Tatum, the young woman with dreams of serving God. Dead. Would this misery ever end?
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
CHAD HAD BECOMEthe master of disguise since being accused of an atrocious crime. Finding alternate ways to change his looks had become a game. Andy brought him wigs, weird hats, and a variety of sunglasses, and they laughed with each wild look. If only Chad could snap his fingers and disguise his BMW with a new paint job. Taxis and Ubers worked when Andy wasn’t available. But tonight he trekked out on his own. He exited the rear of his apartment building dressed in faded jeans, a T-shirt, Walmart readers, a braid that scratched his neck, and an Astros cap. No one approached as he hurried to covered parking. Maybe the media had moved on to something else. Who was he kidding?
He drove to Andy’s apartment and kept his distance until the kid left. Andy needed to replace his twelve-year-old Chevy if he expected to impress a woman. Except Chad had the geek mind-set, too. The tail was a little tricky in his BMW, but Chad managed. The kid parked in front of a high-end specialty store while Chad circled the area and parked about a hundredfeet away.
His burner phone rang—Andy.
“Didn’t trust me, huh?” the kid said.
Chad chuckled. “I’d make a lousy PI. But I’m here, and I’m staying. Want me to come inside?”
“Nope. I got this.”
“Okay. Have a good time.” Chad clicked off and turned on the latest news.
Five minutes before the store closed, a white van pulled up. The passenger and side doors opened, and two men exited wearing black masks. Each carried what looked like high-powered rifles.No, this can’t be happening.
The driver reversed and whipped the van around so the passenger side faced the entrance of the store. Chad memorized the license plate number. He grabbed his phone, dropped it on the floorboard, and snatched it again. The men rushed the front door. Two shots cracked from inside the store.
