In the early years, they debated their views of God, and Chad even attended church occasionally. Why hadn’t she followed the Bible’s instructions not to marry someone who saw no need for God? Heather had digested a lie. She thought she could influence Chad to change. But her pleas to invest time in exploring God collided against the soundproof wall of his heart.
“Agent Lawrence.”
Heather gave Nathan her attention. “Do you need me?”
“Houston’s FBI has requested you join a conference call in progress regarding the sickness on board our aircraft. TSA, FAA, and CDC have already linked via audio. The pilot has arranged a special patch through our interphone. You can use the one near the flight deck.”
Heather nodded and glanced at Frankie’s closed eyes. She stared at the disposable gloves encasing her fingers, smeared with blood and vomit. If only attempts to make the victims comfortable helped. She peeled off the gloves, then tossed them into a full plastic bag and followed Nathan to the front galley.
A man grabbed her hand. Blood streamed down his arm, not from him but from his small daughter. “Please, help me.”
Heather grabbed tissues from Nathan. The little girl’s eyes stared vacant . . .
Nathan urged her toward business class, where he gave her the handset.
“Agent Lawrence here.”
A drone of voices stopped.
“Heather, this is SAC Bischoff. Those of us managing the crisis on board flight 3879 need your input. Medi-Pro-Aire has requested CDC protocols, which we have put into effect. I’ve been told you’re assisting with the sick. While your efforts are commendable, please take precaution. On the call is ASAC Mitchell and Dr. Jordan Radcom, the director of the CDC’s Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology. I understand Dr. Radcom is a friend.”
“Yes, sir. My husband, Chad, and Jordan attended medical school together, and we stay in close contact.” She swiped beneath her eyes. “I can’t be professional in this. What is being done for these people?”
“We’re making progress. None of us have any idea what you are experiencing. Do your best to remain calm.”
Impossible to numb her heart and mind to the suffering. “Yes, sir.”
“I’ll continue,” SAC Bischoff said. “Dr. Radcom will direct the CDC operation.”
Trained doctors could help these people.
“We’ll now proceed,” SAC Bischoff said. “Forty-five percent of the people on board flight 3879 have displayed symptoms of a virus, and an additional seventeen are unresponsive. None of the passengers or crew stated they were ill before boarding the plane. We’ve elected to divert the aircraft to JFK, where the CDC from the New York Quarantine Station will identify the health threat and conduct the investigative research. Those affected by the virus will be transported to Jamaica Hospital in Queens, which has an infectious disease service where trained medical persons can treat those who are ill.
“Those not exhibiting health issues will be taken to a quarantine facility. The FBI will oversee security in conjunction with Homeland Security, NYPD, the National Guard, and the New York State and City Health Departments.”
“Sir, do you have any idea what’s been unleashed here?” Heather said.
“We’re hesitant to make a statement without confirmation.”
“Has anyone claimed responsibility?”
“Negative,” SAC Bischoff said. “We’ve not detected any online chatter. Until we gather evidence otherwise, the crime is classified as an act of terrorism with a WMD. Passenger and flight crew background checks are under way as well as those who came in contact with the aircraft in Chicago and Houston. Outbound aircraft in both cities are grounded until we can provide a safe solution. Airborne flights will continue to their destinations, and international flights are being diverted in compliance with FAA policy.”
“We need everyone’s medical records immediately.” Jordan’s voice heightened. “Where has the aircraft been the past five to ten days? What are the food and beverage sources? Was there recent maintenance on the air-filtration system? Are any of the passengers with a group?”
Heather’s mind delved deeper into catastrophic mode. Had the culprit planned for other areas of the world to be exposed? Was this the first of many outbreaks?
“We’ll gather the data and make sure everyone receives the information,” SAC Bischoff said. “I’m disconnecting listen-only mode so Dr. Radcom and I can address further questions.”
A woman introduced herself as an FBI agent from New York City. “Earlier we discussed the possibility of shooting down the aircraft. Why was the option abandoned when the virus is out of control?”
Acid clawed up from Heather’s stomach to her throat, and she longed to shout a protest. The agencies on the ground had to find a better solution. But she understood the welfare of the American people was at stake. In truth, she didn’t want to be on the call or hear the debate if the outcome meant sacrificing the lives of the people on board the plane.
And her baby.
“The consensus is we can treat the infected and confine the virus,” SAC Bischoff said. “The president is concerned about the welfare of those on board the flight and the potential impact on the American people. He has advised against drastic measures.”
The woman agent spoke again. “What safeguards protect Americans?”
“We have implemented protective measures to isolate the victims. White House staff are monitoring our call, and the president has pledged assistance to end the illness and stop the spread of contagion.”
The director of the New York State Health Department introduced himself. “We are equipped to handle the treatment of those infected and exposed to the virus.”
“Who are you trying to convince?” the woman agent said. “If the health department were equipped, the dialogue to destroy the plane wouldn’t have occurred. My recommendation is to eliminate the problem and keep US citizens safe.”
“As stated prior to bringing Agent Lawrence onto the call, we are not willing to take extreme measures. The decision has been made. End of discussion. If there are no additional questions, we’ll turn our attention to Dr. Jordan Radcom,” Bischoff said. “Doctor, what are your thoughts?”
“The unknown virus sets the stage for nationwide panic,” Jordan said. “In light of images and videos relayed from the aircraft, we can’t delay a statement to the public. While our conversation is in the middle of the night, other parts of the world are aware of our crisis. They are looking to see what actions we take and if the virus is contained.”
“The president has scheduled a press conference for 9 a.m. Eastern time. He’ll address the media and provide information then,” Bischoff said. “SAC Fielder from the New York City office will speak after the president.”
“Heather,” Jordan said, “I have a few specifics for you. Find out from those who are coherent if they recall conversations or actions to help us establish the virus’s origin. Anything unusual. Smells. Tastes. Please message SAC Bischoff and me with the information.”
“I’ll get on it right away.” Heather pushed logic into her words, but the emotions refused to dissipate. “Watching men, women, and children suffer is traumatic. They must have medical attention as soon as possible.”