Page 63 of Airborne
Tatum walked across the room and sat on a small rug on the floor. Jackie and Ada were gone from their room. Since the latest media blast with the image of Chad and Taversty together, Jackie and Ada kept their distance as though she carried the virus.
Her phone buzzed. ASAC Mitchell’s name spelled across her screen. “Yes, sir.”
“Chad’s cleared of H9N15,” Mitchell said. “Included is his lab, office area, apartment, vehicle, and the imaging of his devices. His online calendar details every minute of his time, and although we’ll continue to observe his activities, his background checks out. Neither do phone records link Chad to controversial numbers. The investigation isn’t conclusive. Recommendations are to keep Lawrence Labs closed for the full twenty-one-day period.”
The extension of the lab’s shutdown had merit. “I’m glad. We’ll all have assurance no traces of the virus exist. Like you, I want solid proof.”
“Has blackmail crossed your mind?”
“Makes sense on some level. But it’s hard for me to think Chad would agree to pursue a deadly virus no matter what the stakes.”
“What if you were the target?”
Her deliberations hadn’t taken her there.
“Quiet on your end,” Mitchell said. “What haven’t you told me?”
She touched her mouth as though forbidding reality. “Chad’s a realist. He’d sacrifice my life to save others.”
“Is that what he attempted and failed?”
“You nailed the big question,” Heather said.
“How many victims does it take for a killer to prove his point, whether it be Chad, Taversty, the Kareys, or someone else? We’re not discarding any possibilities or links in the investigation.”
She relayed Parker’s latest remark and the result.
“You’re in a prime position to find evidence. I’m reiterating what SAC Bischoff said earlier, but you’re our ace.” He ended the call.
Heather studied Catherine’s hand wrapped around hers. The woman had heard way too much of a one-sided conversation.
“My hearing’s bad,” Catherine whispered. “Memory’s bad. Must be age.”
“And I didn’t understand any of it,” Tatum added.
Dear friends. She explained the status of Chad’s lab.
“Semi-good news.” Catherine hugged Heather. “Now you can breathe easier while those on the outside search for the killer. If nothing’s surfaced in your husband’s lab at this point, aren’t the remaining days a formality?”
“Depends on who’s talking, and I’m fine for an arrest to happen today.”
Catherine smiled at Tatum. “The three musketeers can celebrate a step forward at dinner.”
Heather nodded. “I’m ready for dessert. Cookies, cake, pie—bring it on.”
Truth. Betrayal. Fault. No solid answers. But she’d not spoil the mood for Catherine and Tatum. They deserved a reprieve.
“Oh, my goodness.” Tatum held a tissue to her nose. Blood soaked through.
Heather rushed to retrieve a fistful of tissues from her own box and slid to her knees to hold them on her friend’s nose. Heat radiated from Tatum’s face. “I’ve got this.”Keep calm. This could have a legitimate explanation.“Are you nauseous?”
“A little.” She coughed, and blood stained her mask.
Catherine headed for the door. “I’m going after help.”
Heather didn’t glance up. “Have you vomited?”
“About an hour ago.” Perspiration dotted her forehead. “Please, stay back. I don’t want you to be sick.”
