Page 47 of Airborne
“Braden Taversty was arrested for an attempt to take overthe flight,” the woman continued. “He’s in serious condition at Jamaica Hospital. What’s his statement?”
SAC Bischoff resumed the dialogue. “Ma’am, Mr. Taversty claimed he was innocent of any dealings with the virus. He is unconscious. We have an update to report from an investigative team. We believe early into the flight, the virus was released, its container destroyed, and remains flushed into the aircraft’s sewage tanks. The new evidence has narrowed the guilty person’s identity.”
“Which one of the plane’s restrooms held the evidence?” a male reporter said.
“We aren’t at liberty to say,” Bischoff said.
The male reporter spoke above the onslaught of shouts. “How was the virus transported through security? Isn’t TSA responsible?”
“We are confident TSA did their job, and we are partnering with them in the investigation,” Bischoff said.
“And you’ve confirmed no other international aircrafts have experienced the virus?” the same reporter said.
“Yes, sir.”
“Any individuals or terrorist groups claim responsibility?”
“There are always those who want to take credit, but we haven’t confirmed anyone. We encourage you to pose your questions regarding the investigation and medical situation on the websites and read all available information in the site’s FAQ.” He paused. “We will keep the media apprised of new developments. This concludes the press conference. Thank you for joining us.”
The camera followed SAC Fielder and Bischoff exiting the platform. Heather listened to media comments and those quarantined around her. Her original assessment of grim stayed intact.
Jordan walked to the podium. “We are distressed and frightened, so let’s get our questions out into the open. I’ll be as honest and straightforward as possible.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
HEATHER RESPECTED JORDAN’S ABILITYto show compassion in his verbal and nonverbal communication. He cared for these people, an honorable trait, and a man of prayer.
Again her heart ached for Chad and how the evidence stacked up against him. His integrity forbade him to devise such a plan, but “the end justifies the means” catchphrase shot through her mind like the crack of a rifle. The probe into Chad’s motive had agents in the FBI’s and other law enforcement’s attention. Many could say he worked in conjunction with an accomplice, someone on board the plane.
She stiffened. Chills raced up her arms.
She could be implicated.
Married to a suspect in a criminal case.
Unaffected by the virus.
Jordan’s voice jarred her alarm. “The staff must be informed of all illnesses,” he said. “It’s the best way we can stay on top of new outbreaks. Although the CDC is being pressured to release allthose in quarantine, we can’t comply or we stand to face uncontrollable contagion.”
Catherine leaned toward Heather. “So many are sick while I’ve escaped the signs. Makes me feel guilty, ashamed.”
“You’re not alone.” She rubbed her cold arms. “Many in this room are experiencing the same thing. Yet we’re afraid we’ll be next.”
“Sobering. What disturbs me about this tragedy is the emphasis on whoever may have committed a detestable crime. Forever people will remember the guilty person. Why isn’t the media focusing on the names and plights of the victims? How families are coping? Why aren’t they reaching out for human-interest stories?”
“I agree,” Heather said. “Possibly authorities are still contacting next of kin.”
“The moment we are released, I will make sure the world knows about the victims. This can’t be forgotten.”
Heather wished she had words to convey the eruption of feelings pulsating through her.
“Not sure how I can ever board a plane again,” Catherine said.
“Prayer. Courage beyond ourselves.” Heather should heed her own advice.
A man stood from an adjacent table. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how does the H9N15 virus rate with Ebola?”
Not a muscle twitched on Jordan’s face. “We don’t have the stats yet for me to give you an answer. Ebola is not the only deadly virus out there, and there are various strains of it. Every virus has the potential to take lives. The CDC will not rest until we have answers. Federal, state, and local agencies are committed to investigating and researching who unleashed the virus, why, and developing an antiviral.”
