Page 46 of Airborne
“Catherine and I are your friends.”
“Me, too,” Jackie said, and Ada echoed her.
“Your support means everything to me. Thanks y’all. We are in this together, the survivors.” Heather used her phone’s flashlight and grabbed her plastic bags of bathroom needs to begin the day. A slight smile spread over her face... little Levi had kicked twice, and she’d experienced a breakthrough with the other women in the dorm.
Heather reviewed the list of those quarantined and concentrated on the thirty-six people who’d sat in business class. Not all passengers originated in Houston. Three had red flags in their past activities—a woman had been in prison for grand theft, and she’d been transported from the plane to the hospital in critical condition. Two men were in quarantine. One man recently traveled toChina, where he disappeared for five days. He claimed missionary status while not showing a church affiliation in the States or Canada. A second man had a cousin living in Sudan. Agents were digging deeper, but so far nothing linked any of them to the crime.
Parker and Sonya Karey appeared to be an angry couple who’d sold everything to make a life change in Frankfurt. Heather watched them in every situation, always analyzing their behavior for signs of deceit.
Braden Taversty’s contact in Frankfurt was Decker Anslow, a man from Houston who’d fled the country. German authorities held Anslow for questioning. Both men were booked to fly to India the day after the flight was supposed to land in Frankfurt. Houston agents swept Taversty’s apartment and imaged his laptop. Agents in New York confiscated his mobile phone and learned both had been wiped clean before he boarded the plane. Taversty’s parents owned a granite and tile company in Houston. They claimed not to have a relationship with him, Braden’s choice. Although the older couple checked out squeaky-clean, a surveillance team kept an eye on them.
Heather entered the cafeteria for the press conference and surveyed the number of people scattered around the room. Some of the passengers and flight crew who hadn’t exhibited signs when they entered quarantine were now hospitalized. Many around her appeared impassive. A few mingled in line for breakfast, and others sat at the tables. A haunting quiet pervaded as though they anticipated their own death notices.
A female reporter spoke from a large TV monitor mounted to the right of a podium where Lacy Skaggs had spoken to them in the early hours of yesterday morning. Eight thirty-five a.m., and reporters were on the scene in the media room of New York’s FBI building.
Heather grabbed coffee and scrambled eggs with sausage and toast. She attempted pleasantries with those nearby while keepingan eye toward the scrolling newsfeed. A few snubbed her, and many preferred an incommunicative state. Heather accepted their reluctance when her husband was on the FBI’s radar. For most of them, a welcomed entrance into their lives required trust. They were frightened and angry. So was she.
She lowered her tray near Parker and Sonya. He glared, and the two picked up their trays and moved to a separate table. Catherine invited her to join the women from their dorm. Perhaps after the press conference, others would be open to friendship.
Her gaze settled on the TV monitor. SAC Bischoff from Houston and SAC Fielder from New York stood in front of a podium.
“Bet they don’t board a ferry for here,” Parker said.
Catherine turned and glared at him. “They can’t figure out how to arrest who’s responsible if they’re infected.”
“Did you notice there are fewer of us?” He snorted. “The sick and dying aren’t receiving any notice from the suits. We’re stuck here while they’re collecting big bucks from taxpayers.”
Catherine shook her finger at him. “You’d look a lot smarter if you’d hold your tongue until we hear what they have to say.”
Heather hid a smirk.
Jordan walked to the front near the side of the TV monitor. “In a few minutes we’ll hear from the FBI. At the conclusion, I’ll take questions that pertain to the CDC. We’re calling the virus H9N15. As information becomes available, the public can read on the CDC and FBI websites the latest developments. On the CDC site, viewers can ask questions, and those inquiries will be posted with responses.”
Bischoff pointed to a reporter who had a question. “Why isn’t a representative of the CDC with you?”
“Dr. Jordan Radcom, the director of the operation, is with those at the quarantine facility. We are in constant communication with Dr. Radcom. This press conference is to address thesafety and well-being of American citizens. No reports exist of an outbreak outside of flight3879. We are asking family and friends of those who were on the aircraft to reach out for medical attention if symptoms occur. We’re also asking for any who have information leading to how this tragedy happened to contact the FBI using the number shown on the screen.”
Another reporter asked to speak to SAC Fielder, and SAC Bischoff moved aside. “What is the current scenario for the passengers from the flight?”
“Our stats are accurate as of 8a.m. Eastern. Of the 267 passengers plus crew, 152 have been infected. Of that number, twenty-nine have died. Those in quarantine will remain up to twenty-onedays. The length may shorten if we’re able to develop an antiviral.”
Many in the cafeteria moaned and grumbled about the number of days they’d remain on the island. Heather shuddered at the increase in deaths. She dug her fingers into her palms. She was stuck in quarantine, yet she could be useful.
The press conference crowd buzzed.
“Is there a treatment?” a female reporter said.
“We are looking at a virus, which means medical personnel are treating the symptoms. Researchers are working around the clock to gather data before making recommendations.”
“The virus you call H9N15 is termed an act of terrorism. Are there suspects other than persons of interest Braden Taversty and Dr. Chad Lawrence?”
Heather cringed at the sound of her husband’s name.
“We are interviewing anyone linked to the case. I’m not at liberty to say more. The FBI and Homeland Security are working with various federal agencies for confirmation and interviews.”
The persistent female reporter spoke again. “Do you believe Dr. Chad Lawrence could have developed the deadly virus?”
“The press will be updated as we have information. We—”
