Max & Olivia Box Set

by Mark A Biggs

  ‘We don’t have five minutes.’ I growled down the phone. ‘What about your normal nightshift patrols?’

  ‘About ten minutes,’ came the reply, followed by, ‘you do understand in Britain they are not armed!’

  ‘Okay,’ I said, ‘let’s do what Olivia wants and try and scare them off. Light and sirens all the way; perhaps the noise will carry and buy us a little extra time. If you have a staffed fire station in the town, turn them out as well, lights, sirens and bells. Oh, one further thing, it’s a long shot, but ring RAF command, authorisation code—Charlie Delta 1723. I understand they use the Lake District for low flying exercises, so see if they have anything up in the air on night exercises near Windermere. If they do, tell them low and loud. I want you to wake the town, ring the neighbours if you have to—it’s the only solution I can think of. Max and Olivia must be protected at all costs. Remember, don’t intercept them but, if by chance you can follow them, without their knowledge, that would be sensational. If at all possible, do not detain them.’

  ‘I’m relaying your instructions as we speak,’ came the reply. ‘And sir, there is a plane waiting to take you to Edinburgh—you’re not to return to London. Exeter is to remain the command post.’

  ‘I understand,’ I said and hung up the phone.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The Extortion

  This is the BBC’s midday news. We are still standing by to take you to a live news conference called by the Chief Medical Officer and the Secretary of State for Health.

  In other news today. A mother, charged with the attempted murder of her autistic son told a court she had not given him at least five months of chemotherapy medicine because she was afraid it would kill him.

  Kristen LaBrie, 38, of Salem, Massachusetts, said she mostly followed doctor’s orders during the first four phases of treatment for her son, Jeremy Fraser. She stopped giving him his cancer medications during the final phase of his treatment because she ‘didn’t want to make him any sicker’ she said at the second day of her trial.

  Good news for those of you following the adventures of Max and Olivia, our nursing home escapees from Australia. In a statement today Inspector Axel of Interpol, who has been assisting our local police in their search, said Max and Olivia were found yesterday at 4.10 in the small village of St John’s Well, Police are still trying to piece together their movements. Anyone with any information should contact crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

  ‘Did you hear that Max? On the TV—the News. They are saying we’ve been found. Do you think it possible they have the wrong people?’

  ‘I heard it,’ I said, feeling much better than when I had gone to bed. ‘I’m guessing that was no mistake and they are trying to send us a message. Did you hear; St John, 4:10 and “Well”, as in drinking well, from the scriptures?’

  ‘Do you think it’s a trap, or at least a strategy designed to get us to drop our guard? Or do you really think this Inspector Axel wants to help us?’

  ‘Your guess is as good as mine,’ I began, but before I could continue, our attention was drawn back to the TV.

  We now take you live to a statement being made by Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health.

  ‘Good afternoon. Thank you all for attending at such short notice. I am here with the Chief Medical Officer.

  Earlier today I was advised that a bacterium, a penicillin-resistant superbug has escaped from the hospital environment and is at risk of spreading within the broader community of London. There have been no confirmed fatalities. I repeat; no confirmed fatalities but, as a precaution, we are declaring a health emergency.

  We will take questions at the end of the conference, so please wait until then. Can I now hand you over to our Chief Medical Officer? Professor…’

  I looked to Olivia. ‘Do you think it’s possible?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ she replied.

  I picked up the TV remote control, turned up the sound and listened.

  ‘Thank you Andrew. As most of you will understand, we have known about antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs, as we commonly call them, in hospitals for a long time. Over time, some have mutated to be resistant to all known antibiotics.

  ‘A number of days ago, a new mutation of a known bacteria, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, was detected in three of our major hospitals. Generally, we believed these bugs spread through person to person contact. So you get the contagion by touching another person who has it on the skin. In this case, however, we believe this contagion is being spread like the flu virus, by droplets made when people cough, sneeze or talk. As a consequence it has spread outside of the hospital environment.

  The initial presentation of the infection is small bumps resembling sores or boils, accompanied by fever and rashes. What is both unusual and alarming about this mutation is its virulence. Following the initial symptoms the patient will experience necrotizing pneumonia and infective endocarditis; pneumonia affecting the respiratory system and endocarditis affecting the valves of the heart. Finally the other vital organs will be affected. As you would all be aware, particular mutations seem more attracted to certain people; that is, antimicrobial resistance is genetically based.

  We believe people 65 years and older will not be affected by this outbreak and, just as importantly, we understand this bacterium can live for only seven days from its original mutation. A total of seven days means that, in five days’ time, it will no longer be infectious and it’s spread will cease. If we can contain it now, the number of people exposed will be significantly reduced. We are therefore imposing what some may see as extreme containment measures. As of midnight, for the Greater City of London, with the exception of emergency service works and people over 65, all citizens are advised to stay at home and in doors. No public transport will operate and all airports will be closed.

  Stay indoors and you will be safe; this will all be over in five days’ time. We will have further announcements to make later today.

  We are also requesting that no one leaves London or travels to the Capital. This will ensure the safety of people both within and outside of London. The Prime Minster will be remaining at Number 10 and the Queen will be in residence at Buckingham Palace.

  The incubation period for this particular strain of MRSA is approximately 36 hours. This means we won’t understand the magnitude of the contagion until sometime tomorrow. Anybody experiencing symptoms is to remain at home. Ring 999 and we will come to you. You are not to go to your local doctor! You are not to present at the Emergency Department of a hospital! I make this point absolutely clear—call 999 and we will come to you.

  ‘Are there any questions?’

  On the TV screen, we watched as a flurry of hands went up and people called out over the top of one another. Finally, the Secretary of State for Health pointed to someone and said, ‘Yes, Stephen from the Daily Telegraph.’

  ‘Thank you. What is the mortality rate for this superbug?’

  The Chief Medical Officer replied, ‘We don’t know!’

  Stephen from the Daily Telegraph continued, ‘You must have some idea of the number of fatalities you are expecting. Twenty, fifty, hundreds, thousands?’

  The professor looked to the Secretary. The room fell silent. The Secretary nodded.

  ‘It will be in the hundreds—possibly more,’ said the Professor.

  With that answer, the room was again a flurry of noise, with people calling out questions and hands raised.

  Again, we watched as the Secretary of State for Health scanned the room before pointing to another journalist.

  ‘Jenny Holt, ABC Australia,’ said the questioner. ‘Is it true that this was a terrorist extortion threat and you were given the opportunity to pay a ransom for the superbug not to be released?’

  ‘That is not the case.’

  Last question,’ said the Secretary pointing to a journalist at the back of the room.

  ‘Petra Harrison, from the Independent,’ she introduced her
self. ‘If, as you say Secretary—no one has yet died, how do you know that this bacterium can be fatal? And, the obvious follow up questions—if I may. How do you know it is only virulent for seven days, that it has spread outside the hospitals and finally won’t affect people over 65 years?’

  The professor looked to the Secretary, who accepted the cue and said, ‘We have our very best scientist working around the clock on this and that is the advice we have received. It is also our scientist who has recommended the containment measures that we are announcing today.’

  ‘I’m afraid we can’t take any more of your questions now. Can I thank you all again for attending. As I have said, we will be making continuing announcements during the day and over the coming days.’

  Switching off the TV, I looked to Olivia and said, ‘There, I think, is the answer to your question about Inspector Axel. It would be my guess that the news story about us was really a message and they want us to make contact. Perhaps the Government knows we may be able help them—whether they know about Janus or not, we can only speculate.’

  ‘His name sounds very familiar. Isn’t he the person “Cliff” told us about, the man who investigated us after the accident in Europe?’

  ‘Olivia, you’re absolutely right but, if you also remember, he’s Kate’s father and that’s my problem. It’s a real possibility he is the one chasing us and not as a police officer. Don’t you think it’s an unlikely coincidence? He investigated us in Europe, is Kate’s father and is now leading the search for us in the UK? I don’t believe in coincidences.’

  ‘That’s all true Max, but it could just as easily be explained by his father—Jean Axel. And anyway he’s not going to harm his own children, is he?’

  ‘I know, I know, but until we understand more, I don’t think we can afford to trust him and, who’s to say, Kate and Edward were actually harmed. That could have been a trick. What’s really worrying me is this so-called superbug. Is it an accident, or was it caused by people chasing us? Have they unleashed some kind of biological weapon on London? If it is them, there’s one thing for sure. They will redouble their efforts either to stop us or to get Janus for themselves.’

  ‘Max, do you think it’s possible that there is another Janus machine, with a key?’

  ‘I was thinking the same thing myself; how else do you get a bug to leave people over 65 years alone or to lose its virulence after seven days? It’s the perfect extortion tool. I suppose, in the end, it’s irrelevant; they will want to stop us or get our machine regardless.’ With that said, I slowly rose from bed and found that I was still a little unsteady on my feet but determined to go on with the mission.

  With Olivia’s help I dressed and, together, we went downstairs for lunch. Our minds were preoccupied with the best way to travel undetected to Scotland. I could manage only a light lunch but felt better for having eaten. I was improving with every passing minute.

  ‘Max, we are running out of time. I suggest we simply order a taxi and have it drive us to Edinburgh. Once we arrive, we can go to the railway station and see if the M20 is parked there. If not, we have to risk hiring a car. I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to go stealing one this time, not unless we absolutely have to. From Edinburgh we drive up to Anstruther and find somewhere to stay the night. First thing Saturday morning, we go to the bunker and find the Janus Machine. If it’s hidden anywhere nearly as well as the key was, even with the clues, it could take us a couple of days. That will leave us all day Monday to get back to Cliff.’

  ‘You make it all sound so simple and I hope you’re right. Listening to you, I can agree with everything except for the taxi. Ringing a taxi may be too risky, particularly if we are asking to be driven all the way to Edinburgh. If I remember correctly, there’s a business and corporate executive chauffeur service in town, so let’s see if we can hire one of their cars to take us. I’m sure, if I offer them cash, they will be most obliging. If we can’t get them, then it will have to be a taxi.’ I waited for Olivia to consider my suggestion.

  ‘Okay, I agree, a chauffeur service would be more discreet and much more to your taste,’ she said with grin. ‘Are you thinking of using them to take us all the way to Anstruther?’

  ‘No, I agree with you on that; to the railway station only. We need to make our own way to Anstruther.’ I looked at Olivia, took a deep breath and then said, ‘I’ll go and settle our account and ask reception to call the chauffeur service. One way or the other, by the time I come back, we will be leaving.’

  ‘Max, I’m a little scared!’

  Taking Olivia’s hand and looking deep into her eyes, I said, ‘I know, so am I.’ Letting go of her hand slowly, I stood and walked toward reception. By the time I returned, not fifteen minutes later, our travel plans were organised. A chauffeured car would pick us up in thirty minutes.

  The trip to Edinburgh, once negotiating the traffic had been factored in, took a little over two hours. We asked to be taken to the Balmoral, a beautiful Victorian hotel, only a short walk from the station. In keeping with our deception we went inside for a glass of wine and waited a good half an hour before leaving and making our way towards the car park. ‘You do know the car won’t be there?’ I said.

  ‘As you have said before… but you know what I think.’

  ‘Yes, I know. I’m not very trusting.’

  ‘I tell you what Max! If the M20 is there, I get to drive.’

  ‘I suppose it’s too late to change my mind. You know you haven’t driven in quite a few years.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, Max. If you can do it so can I and, besides, it’s an automatic, so how difficult can that be?’

  How difficult indeed… I mumbled to myself.

  Looking for the car proved more like searching for a needle in a haystack. We had to walk each lane methodically one at a time. Just when I was about to call it quits, there she was, as Olivia had said.

  ‘I’ll have the spare keys please, Max.’

  Inside was a note from Jess and David which read;

  Sorry about yesterday. Car broke down and had to be fixed overnight. Hope you managed to find you way here.

  Good luck with your book.

  Love Jess and David

  ‘What did I tell you Max?’

  ‘I know. You win—as always. Let’s see how well you can drive.’

  Unlike me, on my first drive after the accident in Europe, Olivia showed no hesitation. The only thing that delayed our progress was my navigation skills. The car ran faultlessly along with Olivia’s driving. Along the way, to be sure we were not being followed, she turned on and off all manner of minor roads. Nothing filled the rear vision mirrors and it was just on dinner time when we finally arrived in Anstruther.

  Anstruther had been one of the sea ports from which we conducted our clandestine missions during the war. Coming back always brought mixed emotions, some not so pleasant. It was here, towards the end of the war, I withdrew from a mission because of illness. Of the crew that left on that trip, none returned. Every man perished and, but for fate, so should have I.

  Olivia brought the M20 to rest near the harbour. I bowed my head and, in silent prayer, remembered the friends I lost that night. I gave thanks for my life and the extra time I had been given.

  ‘Where do you want to stay?’ asked Olivia.

  ‘I haven’t seen that place before,’ I said, pointing to a nearby building. ‘Not as a hotel, anyway.’

  ‘Okay,’ said Olivia. ‘The Waterfront looks perfect.’

  Unlike in Windermere, our surveillance entering the Waterfront and then, later on that evening, revealed nothing of suspicion. Everything of that night was unremarkable, which was mildly unsettling in itself. Even the reports coming out of London were, considering the circumstances, benign. There were no reports of mass panic or hysteria and no rush to leave the city before the curfew came into effect. It seemed that everywhere was waiting in expectant foreboding and we, like London, were on edge.

  Considering the day
ahead, Olivia and I slept well. The previous night, over dinner and before going to bed, we talked very little. Other than driving to the bunker we had made no plans or contingencies for what lay ahead. Having woken at seven, I looked out over the water, and saw it was going to be a fresh but magnificent day. The sea was at peace, in a tranquil state of calm, beguiling the day ahead. Unusually for Scotland it was a bright and cloudless day.

  My health had now fully recovered and, after washing and dressing, we went downstairs for breakfast just on eight. Entering the dining room, with the exception of the TV, on which the BBC was running continuous news coverage of the events as they unfolded in London, we found the room eerily silent. The first reports of people known to be infected with the superbug came in as we sat down. The other guests, along with the hotel staff, were glued to the TV screen—totally absorbed.

  Good morning to those of you who have just joined us on this most difficult and distressing of days here in London. Repeating the news from earlier; we can confirm that the Department of Health is reporting that they have received over 1500 calls for assistance in the last hour. They have not confirmed how many of those calls are actually MRSA related. Nevertheless, on a BBC Facebook page specifically set up for people wishing to discuss the superbug epidemic, we have unconfirmed reports of 350 fatalities.

  Speculation, after the extraordinary allegations made by an Australian news reporter during yesterday’s press conference, that this superbug is actually a terrorist attack, will not go away. In what’s seen as a highly significant move, Number 10 has softened its wording when responding to the claim. They are no longer categorically denying the possibility of a terrorist attack. Rather—they are now considering all possibilities. We will be joined a little later in this live coverage by Dr Williams from the Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism to discuss the ramifications of a biological terrorist attack.

  With the incubation phase for those first infected only recently reached—that is—a matter of hours ago, we are expecting, based on current unconfirmed reports, the number of people who become critically ill to be very high. We are now joined by epidemiologist Professor Vasanthi Roye from the University of—sorry, we will return you to that story shortly. In breaking news, the Prime Minister will address the nation at ten o’clock this morning. It is expected that he will confirm that the United Kingdom is under attack.