Page 49 of Airborne
“Something along those lines.”
“What’s important is treating the sick and arresting those responsible. Impossible for me. My comfort zone is to make things happen, not to watch life in a rearview mirror. If there’s anything I can do to help Dr. Radcom, the CDC, or the FBI, please let me know.”
“I’ll pass on your offer. Understand medical and investigative authorities are trained to handle the matter.”
“Can’t be more dangerous than surviving the flight.”
Parker stepped between her and Thomas while Sonya hungback. Thomas excused himself, leaving her alone with the man she disliked.
He glanced around the room as though someone might hear him. “I’m positive many of the people here have their own version of justice. Just warning you I overheard two men state what they’d do to the killer.”
“Did you offer to help them?” she said.
“I just listened.”
“Perhaps they need a reminder that taking a vigilante attitude is followed up with jail time. You can help by providing any names of suspects.”
He jutted his jaw. “Other than you, my list is just what I heard.”
“Law enforcement can sift through the information. Providing a name will give you peace of mind, a sense of heroic satisfaction.”
Parker swung back to Sonya, and she encouraged him to go ahead. “Okay, I’ll cooperate with the local FBI.” He grinned as though he held a game piece. “The blonde woman in her late thirties who sat adjacent from me in economy class. Wore a white sundress. First name of Irene or Renee. She was transported to the hospital’s isolation unit late yesterday afternoon. She walked the plane and spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom.”
Heather hid her recognition and typed the information to ASAC Mitchell. The FBI monitored the same woman who’d been in prison. “Thank you.”
“Just doing my civil duty.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
HEATHER MET JORDANat his office to talk to the patients at Jamaica Hospital.
“I’ll be with you the entire time,” he said. “Due to the sensitivity of the patients’ conditions, I’ll monitor their responses for signs of distress. We have seven patients on the list.”
“Only seven who are stable enough to carry on a conversation?” All those who’d been taken from the aircraft to Jamaica Hospital isolation made her nauseous.
“A few saw no point in talking to anyone from the flight. Several are too ill to speak.”
“They’re aware of why I’m calling?”
“Only of your desire to see how they’re doing. Some recognized your FBI status, and others remembered your help on board the aircraft.”
“Is it possible for me to have a copy of the recordings? I want to replay them later. Analyze the words and how they’re spoken, then send my analysis and the recording to the FBI.”
“Great idea.” He set his phone on the desktop. “I’ll request permission to record the conversation. Understand if a patient becomes agitated, the discussion is over.”
“Is Mia on the list? She’s the one I asked you about yesterday.”
“She’s our last person. The hospital tells me she’s sleeping after a rough night.”
“Has she gotten worse?” Heather’s pulse sped.
“She’s stable. Any of the patients can deteriorate at a moment’s notice.”
“Not my goal to upset anyone. I want to be a friend and listen.”
“The little boy you mentioned? Frankie? He’s termed in serious condition, but stable, a miracle since he has a history of medical issues. He’s not able to talk today but soon. He was told you’ve been checking on him.”
Sweet relief warmed her. “Thanks.”
