Page 67 of Airborne
“Has she shown any signs of the virus?”
“No.”
“Hold on. Is she on the same floor as those who are infected?”
“Yes. Chad, calm down. She’s receiving excellent care.”
He rubbed his face. “She’s pregnant, has appendicitis, and with people who are dying. How would you react?”
“Probably the same.”
Fear continued to ripple through him. “Can you have her transferred to another floor?”
“She’s in isolation. Safe.”
“Why don’t I feel confident? I’m sorry. That wasn’t necessary. I’ll take the next flight to New York.”
“I’d hoped you say that. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Did she ask you to call me?”
“No.”
He didn’t expect Heather to contact him, but he had Jordan as a friend to keep him informed. Hadn’t she gone through enough? “Okay. I’m on my way.” Chad drew in a breath filled with anxiety. He snapped on the light and booked a flight online. Once he secured a seat for 6a.m., Javier’s words repeated.
“Do not leave town.”
He fumbled through his wallet for Javier’s card and pressed in the number. The agent answered as quickly as Chad had responded to Jordan.
“Chad Lawrence here. I just heard from Dr. Jordan Radcom in New York City.” He slowed his words. “I’m sorry to wake you. Heather has appendicitis and is headed into surgery. I have a 6a.m. flight.”
Silence met him.
“I intend to go with or without your permission. Unless you plan to arrest me. I can forward you my itinerary and send flight status, the hotel, and she’s at Jamaica Hospital.”
“What’s the point? Your attorney can handle the communication.”
“Personal reasons. Doubt you’d understand.”
“Because of the surgery and pregnancy? Guilty conscience?”
“All of those.” Chad sighed. “An assault against my conscience for her situation, nothing else.”
“Makes sense to sit tight. Why rush to New York? Stay here and find out the surgery results. Will she even see you?”
“I’ll deal with it.” Surely the medical team would permit Chad in her room.
“Although the FBI’s initial statement cleared your lab, you’re not out of deep water yet. There are people who are convinced you’re a murderer. Without protection, a step outside your door is dangerous.”
“I don’t hear the FBI offering a means to keep me alive. Look, I’ll take my chances. I need to confirm she receives the best medical care.”
“I’m not the one authorized to give you permission to leave the city. Send me your travel plans, and I’ll make the necessary calls.”
“Better check in with your buddies at the FBI office in New York. They can put my presence on their surveillance list.”
“This isn’t funny. The news will leak. Reporters will be all over it. Someone will recognize you, and you could end up dead.”
“At least I’d have ensured my wife and child are healthy.”
