Page 53 of Airborne
The doorbell alerted him. No point putting himself out there for a photographer or reporter. The person on the other side of the door could be an irate family member from one of the victims with a loaded gun. The doorbell repeated. Out of curiosity, Chad checked the security peephole.
An unidentifiable young man dressed in khaki pants and a loose knit shirt waited outside the door. He wouldn’t get an interview or snap a pic.
An unbidden whisper swept across Chad’s mind and squeezed his heart. Had his choices led to his miserable predicament?
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
THE FOLLOWING MORNINGafter Heather instructed Chad to leave her and their son alone, two more people died at Jamaica Hospital—Braden Taversty, who’d never regained consciousness, and the woman Thomas and the FBI suspected of distributing H9N15. The deceased woman’s record showed she’d been clean since her prison stay. Still the FBI probed her background.
Taversty and his Middle Eastern connections had the FBI’s attention. His death meant additional questions for Decker Anslow in Germany.
In the cafeteria, where the Wi-Fi signal was the strongest, Heather searched online for worldwide outbreaks of the virus. Satisfied the H9N15 appeared isolated to those on board the flight, she read through the plane’s manifest again. She’d reviewed the people so many times her eyes blurred. Were any of them a part of the conspiracy? Doubtful a single person planned and carried out the crime.
Always Chad’s involvement haunted her, like she’d exchanged her logic for stupidity. Suspicions continued to challenge what she remembered in the early days of their marriage. Had it all been an act? A buildup to the present?
She searched for links throughout all 267 passengers and crew. Did any share the same occupation or work for the same company, past or present? Had any attended the same elementary, middle, high school, or college? Ever share the same zip codes? Some searches would take time, and some links investigators might never discover. She typed requests to check for those who frequented the same restaurants, coffee shops, medical complexes, stores, gyms, faith houses and churches, and organizations. What were the passengers’ destinations? She continued her search for those who could have been incarcerated in the same facility, belonged to sports affiliations, and even used the same travel agency. The FIG had the ability to obtain the information at their fingertips, much quicker than it took her to type out the request, but the process kept her involved.
She glanced at her in-box with work-related items that required her attention. A new email arrived from Mom, and Heather should answer it. Her parents knew the virus hadn’t affected her, but the issue remained of not telling them the truth about her personal life. Hesitation showed disrespect for the two people who loved her most.
She pressed in Mom’s cell number. Heather longed to hear their voices as though a glimpse of normal waved in the future. Her news would be bittersweet, and she’d much rather their conversation center on the baby than depressing topics. She clung to a grandchild boosting their spirits.
“Hi, Heather. We were just watching a virus update on TV. The reports are devastating. Are you still okay?”
“I’m good, Mom. Is Dad available? I’d like to tell you both a few things.”
“He’s right here. I’ll put the phone on speaker.” A moment later, Dad greeted her.
“Is it true, Heather?” Mom said. “Is Chad a suspect in the virus? What a loathsome accusation. We had no idea you two were having problems.”
She closed her eyes. “Unfortunately, yes. Chad is under investigation. So far there’s no evidence of his involvement. I’d like to believe him, except his guilt is possible. His lab’s been swept and closed until he’s cleared. I planned the trip to Salzburg to rethink my life as a single woman. But the media is now questioning if I’m involved.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.”
“Sweet girl,” Dad began, “be honest with me. Is the media on target?”
“I’m not sure how to answer in view of what’s been uncovered. One thing I’ll say about the media. They present news in a way that initiates responses, emotionally charged ones. The truth will be exposed, but in the meantime, we’ll hear facts and opinions. I apologize for not telling you our relationships had taken a nosedive. I wanted Chad and I to work it out, find what we’d lost.”
She fought for strength. “But I have an announcement to cheer you up. You claimed at Easter you’d given up on the grandparent scene... but I’m pregnant. In January, you’ll be the proud boasters of a grandson.”
Mom gasped. “I’m happy and yet the circumstances make me sad.”
“I feel the same,” Dad said. “I’m super pumped a grandson is on his way, but I’m also worried. Is the baby all right with the exposure to the virus?”
“He’s healthy. I’m under the care of an ob-gyn who works for the CDC. She’s run tests, and I’ve received the initial results, which are good.”
“Praise God.” Dad’s voice rose a notch. “Is Chad having an affair?”
“I have my doubts. It’s all about his career, and he’s supposed to take a position with the CDC in Atlanta in three weeks.”
“Fat chance of him strutting his stuff there now.”
“I imagine you’re right. He moved into an apartment over a month ago.” Silence met her, and she continued. “He learned about the pregnancy yesterday, but fatherhood hasn’t changed his mind. Like a fool I thought he’d eventually agree to counseling. But earlier today I told him if he’d sign off on parental rights, I’d consent to a divorce.”
“After all you’ve done for him, and now he doesn’t want to be married?” Dad’s voice escalated toward tilt. “Makes me want to take him hunting and use him as the target. You’re better off without him and so is our grandson. Your mom and I will do whatever it takes to help.”
“I appreciate it, Dad.” Emotion threatened to overpower her.“I love both of you so very much.”
“I detected something was wrong since Easter when you went with us to church and lunch without him,” Mom said. “I’m sorry for not digging deeper. A successful marriage takes two committed people.”
