Page 43 of Airborne
Questions rolled through Chad’s mind gathering storm clouds. Despite the late hour, he’d call Heather at his apartment and ask if she supported this unfair accusation. During the day he’d talk to Jordan, find out his reaction. Could Jordan have insisted theFBIconduct the search? Could this be a good thing and force the FBI to clear him?
A vital factor weighed on his senses. A virus test gave positive or negative results in fifteen minutes. “What’s the operational status of my lab?”
“Closed until test results.”
“How long?”
“When those making the decision have affirmed there’s no evidence of H9N15 in your possession, we’ll inform you. We project three days before you can reopen. But the lockdown may be up to twenty-one.”
What was he supposed to do in the meantime? “Am I under arrest?”
Rivera shook his head. “As stated during your interview, do not leave Houston.”
“What if I tell you where I’m going?”
“Not advisable.”
“Will the media be told of my investigative status and the lab’s closed doors? Or is my question above your pay grade?”
“I suggest you call ASAC Mitchell.” He reached into his pocket and handed Chad a card.
“Mitchell is Heather’s ASAC.” Chad held the card while suspicions mounted against his wife. He stared into the faces of each agent before settling his attention on Rivera. “I expect a formal apology when you’ve proven I’m blameless in the accusations.”
“I’ll deliver it myself.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
HEATHER’S CELL PHONE SOUNDED—Chad’s ring, the music from “Wild Thing.” She silenced the device before the call woke the other women. Besides, she had no desire to talk to him. He had no doubt spent a rough night with the FBI executing their search warrant, and now sleep evaded him. She’d be on his to-blame list.
Her phone alerted her again with an annoying vibration. She checked the time: 3:13a.m., 2:13 for him. Avoiding him put off the inevitable. What happened to those moments when she clung to his every word, when she trusted their love would survive any crisis?
Heather carried her phone and disinfectant spray into the bathroom and closed the door. “Yes, Chad.” She poured boredom into her words. “What’s going on?”
“Are you convinced I developed H9N15?”
In the darkness, she closed her eyes. From the tone of his voice, he was beyond furious. She expected it.
“Yes or no, Heather?”
“Does it matter?” She despised the way they spoke to each other.
“The person who should know me best believes I’m capable of infecting passengers and crew with a killer virus?”
“For the record, I find the thought abhorrent, at times inconceivable. But you’ve surprised me over the past several months, and evidence shows you could have targeted all those people. You’re not the man I married. You’re quick-tempered and have more patience with a broken test tube than you do with people. You’re eaten up with some kind of poison.”
“So you supported the humiliating intrusion into my life. Out of revenge?”
“Seriously, Chad? Haven’t you listened to a word I’ve said?”
Silence hovered over the conversation like dying sparks on a smoldering flame.
Like their ashen vows.
“If you’re finished, I’m tired,” she said.
“I’m overwhelmed with what’s happened to me. I forget you’re the one stuck in quarantine, alone, and pregnant. I’m way out of line.”
“Yes, you are.”
