Page 20 of Airborne
He shook his head.
“Did you infect these people and yourself?”
Taversty moaned. “No. Wish I’d thought of it.”
“Please, if you have any information about what is happening, I need to know.”
He closed his eyes. “Wouldn’t say if I did.”
What kind of monster planted death? Whoever at fault was someone with an agenda, a madman who should be behind bars.
The plane crept ahead on the tarmac to where a team of medical personnel and researchers held the passengers’ and crew’s futures in their hands. Admittedly, her energy level pointed at zero. But she’d do whatever it took to find how the virus had been unleashed.
Nathan joined her in the aisle. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She hadn’t expected the flight attendants to be up and about. “Mr. Taversty is sick.” She peeled the blood-coated gloves off and tossed them into a plastic bag.
“Are you afraid of contracting the disease?”
She struggled to control the trembling. “Of course. I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit it. But fear’s not only for me but for all those on this plane. Everyone’s at risk.” Her stomach churned. She might be nauseous or... maybe she’d contracted the virus. Heather touched her stomach, a habit over the past few hours.
“Are you ill?”
“I’m not sure. The conditions on board our flight are enough to give the strongest person a nervous stomach.”
“I understand. Will you be all right with Mr. Taversty until medical workers transport the sick?”
“I’m fine.”
“Thank you again for helping out. You and others made our job easier.”
“I promise to do all I can to find answers. Have the pilots escaped symptoms?”
“Fortunately yes.” Sweat beaded across Nathan’s forehead.
“Do you have symptoms?”
“I think so. Hope I haven’t contaminated too many people.”
As much as Heather despised a long quarantine, she’d not complain as long as others were protected.
Her phone alerted her to a message from ASAC Mitchell. “Excuse me while I check this.”
“I have many things to do.” Nathan offered a half smile before walking away.
Heather read the text.Braden Taversty has Middle Eastern terrorist connections. Lived with two other guys with same MO. One is in jail awaiting trial for bombing a senator’s car, and the other fled the country.
She typed.He claims innocence. Are you investigating a possible suicide mission?
Yes.
The pilot’s voice drew her attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, we won’t be exiting the aircraft but taxiing near a hangar where the CDC can board, analyze the sick, and give instructions to those who aren’t displaying symptoms. Their priority is the ill, who will be examined and transported to Jamaica Hospital. The team is trained and equipped for our emergency. They request patients to travel to the hospital individually as instructed, absent any familymembers, except in the case of children under twelve years of age who are not vomiting or bleeding. Have patience as we work to make the transition as smooth as possible. Every inch of the plane and its contents will be examined. We all want answers, help for the ill, and guidance.”
How could chaos be smooth?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
HEATHER STUDIED A CDC TEAM,dressed in white personal protection equipment—PPE—weave through the aircraft’s cabin. The first time Chad wore the complete gear, he hadn’t expected the confining uniform to bring on a panic attack. He didn’t give up, and if he were in New York, he’d be here helping.
