Page 28 of Airborne
“Possibly.”
“Would it also show an antivirus?”
“Doubtful.”
“Are the symptoms described by the doctor on board the flight a disease you’ve seen?”
He should deceive her, calm her mind, but why hide the truth? “The way it affects the body, to some degree, yes. Honestly, not even in third-world countries have I heard of a virus with such a rapid incubation period. It’s unlike anything on record. The CDC is pulling together top researchers in the field. They will determine the type and begin the process to develop a vaccine.”
“Researchers have been working for years on a vaccine for Ebola, dengue fever, and other viral diseases,” she said. “So far thediseases still attack and kill thousands of people. A cure for this could take weeks, months, years, or never.”
He delayed his answer. “Heather, I won’t fill you with feel-good nonsense. It’s unlikely a cure or antiviral is available.”
“For once I’d rather be lied to.”
“So far you’ve escaped contracting the virus. An amazing accomplishment with the high number of infected people.” Chad fought for words devoid of how his heart ached for her. She’d witnessed the very suffering that pushed him to help others. “Feel relieved. Follow instructions. Law enforcement will search until they find where the virus originated, which is critical. The source is always a strong indicator of determining the best treatment. Then there’s the r-naught factor to consider.”
“A percentage of those who will walk away without ever being infected?”
“Correct,” Chad said. “An hour from now, the CDC could announce answers, and the whole scenario would take a different turn. How many new cases since you’ve been quarantined?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Why not? Aren’t you monitoring the situation?” Some of the infected would be slower to display symptoms as if the virus had been momentarily abated.
“I’m not working the case.”
Right. She was a victim. “Do you recall if the majority of the cases are among the young or old?”
“A range of people. How long will the quarantine be in force?”
“Depends on the incubation period. The first man showed signs under two hours after takeoff. Others at four and upwards of five hours—a positive indicator for a short quarantine. The other factor is Ebola and some other HFV viruses require up to a twenty-one-day incubation. With the limited information on this strain, I can’t give you an accurate time frame.”
“Do you suspect Ebola?”
“I have no access to the testing and won’t as long as the FBI continues with its ridiculous investigation of my integrity.”
“Poor Chad.”
“Guess I had that coming.”
“So far I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m alive, a positive.”
“I’ll not push for divorce until the virus scare is over.”
Silence came from her end.
“Heather?”
“Really big of you to postpone your plans. If I contract the virus, my signature won’t stand in your way.”
“Why won’t you sign the papers?”
“I’ll consult with my attorney. The more I think about it, I’m not surprised you’re under the FBI’s microscope.”
He swore.
She ended the call.
