“No. Are they residents there that are sick? Or pilgrims?”
“Residents.”
“Don’t dismiss the possibility that maybe a traveler brought something in.”
“But they all have a common denominator,” Lexi said. “They all lived here, and they all contracted and beat the flu.”
“Just don’t dismiss it, in case you find someone who doesn’t fit that pattern. It could be something else.”
“Like what?”
“Lots of things. Hanta virus out west is a big thing, lots of rodents.”
“How do I check for that without proper equipment?”
“You’re in a hospital now. Find a power scope. Vegas runs on the Hoover Dam. Right? You got power.”
“We do. I’m gonna be honest, though. I rely heavily on programs to identify the organism. I’m a field doctor.”
“Find a lab there. Find a scope. Take that and the monitor. Run a sputum sample and blood sample through for me and take pictures with the phone. Hopefully, Lars, Kirk, or I will be able to identify it. We’re old school.”
“I’ll do that, thank you, Henry.”
“Talk soon.”
Lexi hung up the phone.
“Everything okay?” Matt asked.
“Yes. That was the head of the CDC, and he’s with a top virologist now. We’ve got other things to get aside from medical supplies. We’re gonna try to transfer images of our pneumonia bacteria or virus, whichever it is, to them, and maybe they’ll be able to tell me what course to take to beat this.”
“That’s excellent to hear.”
There wasn’t a smell of death. The decomposition smell had long since faded, and it had been replaced with old and musty. Some lights still flickered. The emergency room lobby was packed with bodies, but aside from the hum of the lights, there was another sound.
Coughing.
Lexi turned to Matt. Obviously someone was there, and not only were they coughing uncontrollably, they were dropping things. The cough was deep, rumbling and chesty. They followed the sound to the back hall, where they saw an open storage door.
The coughing clearly was coming from there. The back of the ER was dark; the lights didn’t flicker. They barely worked and the only illumination was what little sunlight made its way through.
Lexi and Matt snapped on their flashlights.
“Hello?” Lexi called as she neared the storage room.
“We know someone’s here,” Matt said. “Do you need help? I have a doctor with me.”
A long five second cough, and then a man replied with a choking, “Yes”.
Lexi hurried to the closet. When she reached the doorway, her flashlight lit the face of the man. As soon as he saw her, her teetered and weakly slid to the floor. His face was gray, eyes dark, lips bloody and cracked.
“I’ve never been so sick in all my life,” he said, then coughed again. “I can’t breathe.”
“We’re gonna help you,” Lexi told him, walked over to him and crouched down. “That’s why we’re here. We’re getting more supplies. Can we take you with us where I am treating others?”
He coughed. “Others are sick too? Is it happening again?”
“No.” Lexi smiled reassuringly. “What you and the others have is a repercussion of the flu. Sometimes the lungs don’t clear after the flu, and pneumonia sets it. It’s a tough strain, but we’ll beat it.”
“That’s all well and fine.” He choked on a cough and beat his chest. “But I didn’t get the flu.”
Immediately, Lexi looked up to Matt. He hadn’t heard what Henry said, but Lexi did. Lexi wasn’t only looking at another patient; she was looking at someone with the same symptoms, only he, unlike the others, was different. He didn’t have the flu to blame.
Journal Entry
Well, we aren’t dead and we actually made it. Not home. Not yet. Soon. My last journal entry I was kind of scared. We were staying in a dark store and were walking.
I drove for the first time and I think I’ll be good at it. I hit a big man, but he was fine. He is so big, I bet at one time he dreamed of being a professional wrestler. No one that big doesn’t dream of stuff like that.
His name is Commander Jonah Briggs and he runs what he hopes to be the new Army in the US, he said something about how we have to defend ourselves.
I don’t think he’s with the bad guys that hit the camp because he kept making calls looking for them.
He seems nice enough, except he keeps saying he’ll tell me why he can’t take us back to Lodi.
He hasn’t yet.
It didn’t take long for me not to be scared. He gave us some chocolate for the ride. Emmie peed her pants again. I’m thinking all that potty training her mom did is probably out the window now.
That happens. I remember when Tigger got potty trained; we got a new video game and darned if that potty training didn’t go right out the window.
Right now, I’m all showered and some doctor guy just took a look at me.
We rode through this small town; it looked a lot like Lodi. People were moving about, acting normal, which is cool. Jonah told the doctor guy after he cleaned us up he wanted him to take a look at us.
I told Jonah I was healthy as a horse. He didn’t believe me until the doc said I was healthy as a horse.
But Jonah was right, I think we all did smell. I didn’t notice until I got out of the shower and got a whiff of Tigger. Man …. did he smell.
I’m waiting right now for the others to get bathed. Then we’re meeting with Jonah. Hopefully, then we’ll call home.
12. Batting a Thousand
Las Vegas, NV
It reached the point of rushing. Lexi located not only the equipment she needed but also the supplies. Matt called for assistance to get the man to the main hotel, while he and Lexi loaded the items into his vehicle.
In Alaska at the onset of the outbreak, Bill had learned quickly how to insert an IV. Lexi had him start those on all of the pneumonia patients while she took specimens and samples.
“There’s seems to be a new sense of urgency,” Bill said to her. “What’s going on?”
“I talked to Henry today,” Lexi said, almost exasperated as she finished hooking up the computer to the microscope.
“That’s good news.”
“I asked him if he saw any post-flu cases of pneumonia. He hadn’t and said not to rule out that it is something else. That maybe a pilgrim brought it in.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know.”
“But we have a common factor - all of our patients previously had the flu.”
“Until the latest one,” Lexi said. “He said he never caught it.”
“Yeah, but so did Charlie the slot guy. We found out that was a lie.”
“Well, hopefully I am overreacting, but better safe than sorry.”
“True, but Lex,” Bill laid his hands on her shoulder, “what are the chances and where would these pilgrims get it to bring it in?”
“I know, but them bringing it here isn’t my concern,” Lexi told him. “It’s the ability they have to take it with them that’s the problem. What if there’s a three to ten day incubation period?”
“You’re getting ahead if yourself,” Bill said. “Do your tests, send your pictures to Henry. I’ll take care of the patients.”
“Thank you.” Lexi tiptoed up and kissed him on the cheek.
A knock came on the newly made lab door, and Lexi saw Matt standing in the doorway.
“I got six guys ready to go. What is it exactly we’re looking for?” he asked.
“Sickness of any kind. Flu, cold, stomach virus, anything,” Lexi informed him. “Go from hotel to hotel, camps, pilgrims, houses, door to door — I need to know if anyone else is sick in this town. They may be and since they don’t know about me yet, they may be staying inside.”
“We’re on it.” Matt turned and left.
Bill looked down to Lexi. “What do you think they’ll find?”
“If all goes well, absolutely nothing,” Lexi said. “For that … let’s hope.”
* * *
Damon, NY
Chris, Tigger, Jake and Emmie sat alone in what looked like a small cafeteria, with seats attached to the tables. They each had been given a bowl of soup, a hunk of bread and a candy bar.
Tigger ate his soup slowly, Emmie played in hers, but Chris thought it was awesome. It had a tomato taste to it like his grandmother used to make. He wiped the bread around the bowl to get the last drop.
Jake pushed his bowl to Chris. “I’m finished if you want the rest of mine,”
“No, I’m good.”
“When’s that big guy coming back?” Tigger asked. “The one you tried to kill.”
“I didn’t try to kill him on purpose. I don’t think I could though, he’s awfully big.”
“Bigger than Mick,” Tigger said.
“He’s not bigger than Mick. Close, but not bigger than Mick,” Chris said in Mick’s defense.
“Mick’s wider.”
“True,” Chris conceded. As he finished the last drop of his soup, he saw Briggs walking in.
“How’s lunch?” Briggs asked as he joined them at the table. He looked at Tigger, who was staring at his legs. “What’s wrong?”
“Was just seeing how you fit on that little seat,” Tigger said.
Briggs smiled. “Well, you guys look good and clean. I have a woman in town, Doc’s girlfriend, and she said she’d watch Emmie for a little bit to give you boys a break.”
“She can’t keep her, though, ‘cause I am taking her with me home to Lodi,” Chris said.
“I realize that. How are the clothes?”
“Army like,” Chris said. “You aren’t making me be a soldier are you?”
“No.” Briggs shook his head.
“‘Cause I don’t want to be a soldier. When I’m older maybe, but not now.”
“I’m not.”
“You have me dressed like one.”
“That’s because it’s all we had on hand, Chris.”
“A whole town at your disposal and this is all you had to fit me?” Chris asked, gesturing to the camouflage pants and tan tee shirt he was wearing.
“On hand, yes. I didn’t go into town. Trust me Chris, it’s only clothes.”
“Good. ‘Cause I ain’t ready to be a soldier yet.”
“I am!” Tigger exclaimed. “You can make me one.”
“Now, why are you going and talking like you can be a soldier?” Chris said. “You have to be a certain height.”
Tigger sulked.
Briggs laid his hand on Tiger’s head. “You’d make a great little soldier.”
“Great little militant,” Chris corrected. “He’s a tyrant.”
“I am not,” Tigger argued. “I don’t know what that is, but I know I am not.”
Jake added, “It’s because he’s small. Small guys have that.”
“Enough,” Briggs held up his hand. “Before we start fighting, Chris, our cell phone signals are back up. Is there a grown up you can call? I’d like to speak to them.”
Chris grew bright and then slumped. “My phone’s in that car. I don’t know numbers by heart. I just press the name.”
Surprising them all, Tigger spoke up. “330-hot vids.”
Chris turned to him. “What?”
“Pap’s video store. 330-hot-vids. That’s what Patrick told me, easy number to remember.”
“It is!” Chris said. “Oh, wow, I can’t believe I forgot.”
Jake asked. “But will your pap be at the store? Isn’t it closed down?”
“Oh, no, my pap will always be at that store. People always wanna watch movies.” He looked at Briggs.” Can we call him? Can we call our pap?”
“Absolutely. That’s what I was hoping for.” Briggs handed the phone to Chris.
* * *
Lodi Ohio
Even though Tom had the high chair behind the counter with him, he held on to Doe. Or rather, Doe held on to him. Tom lifted movie cases and showed the baby. “And this one is about zombies. Yeah.” Tom picked up another. “This is about wrestling. Your new brothers love wrestling and I’m sure you’ll be brainwashed into that as well.”
He looked up at the ding of the bell to see Lars walking in.
“Making house calls?” Tom asked.
“Store calls.” Lars walked closer. “How is he?”
“He’s good. He’s been taking a bottle and I soaked some Ritz Crackers in Carnation sweetened milk, he ate them right up.”
Lars smiled. “Good. You do know you can put him down, right?”
“Well … I figure he is needing some love and a pair of arms to hold him for a spell. No one’s arms need filling more than mine.”
“Are you feeling any better about Chris and Tigger?”
“Nope. Not until I see them. They’re smart boys but they aren’t survival smart. While other boys were camping and in the Scouts, they were watching wrestling and playing video games.”
Lars gave Tom a quirky look when the phone rang. “Someone is calling?”
“Been calling all morning. For some damn reason Mad Max is in demand and Ross has it.” Tom reached over and grabbed the phone. “Afternoon, Hit and Run Video.”
“Pap!”
The phone nearly dropped from Tom’s hand as he stood. His heart raced, his ears filled with blood and he immediately wanted to cry. “Chris?”
Lars hurried over. “Chris?”
Tom nodded.
“Aw, geeze, Pap it is so good to hear your voice,” Chris said.
“Are you guys okay?” Tom asked. “Really?”
“Oh, sure, we’re fine,” Chris said. “I drove you know. Hit some man, but he’s fine. Probably because he’s big. That’s where we are.”
Tom shook his head. “You hit a man with a car and you’re with him?”
“Yeah, some little town in New York. We went the wrong way. He got us. He’s an Army guy, you know. Have you heard from Mick? I’m worried about Mick, Pap.”
“Mick is fine. He found your note.”
“Oh, good.”
“Chris, where exactly in New York are you?”
“I don’t know, but there’s a problem getting us home.”
“Chris, give me a clue. You don’t have to say out loud, a simple yes or no will do. Are you kidnapped by militants?”
Chris snorted in his laugh then replied. “No. Geeze. Here. He wants to talk to you. I love you, Pap. I’ll call you again.”
Before Tom could say anything, a deep male voice came on the other line.
“Mr. Roberts? This is Commander Jonah Briggs of the United America Army.”
“The United what?”
“America Army.”
“What in blazes is that?”
“It a large organization of merged militia groups along with military personnel to restructure and rebuild America.”
“Okay. Can I have my boys back?”
“Sir, there is nothing more that I would like to do than to see these kids get home. But right now, a situation pretty close to you is making that a dangerous thing to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“It appears — and I am waiting for confirmation — that a band of independents have set up a blockade in the Erie, Pennsylvania area. They’re reportedly dangerous.”
“Take them out.”
Briggs paused. “I’m sorry, did you say take them out?”
“Yeah. If they’re bad news and you’re this new army, take them the hell out. Or can’t you?”
“We could, but we believe there are civilians there and we don’t want to put them in harm’s way. And that is why, until the situation is safe, I think it’s best that the kids remain here for a little bit. I’ll keep them fed and safe and in constant contact with you. But as you can imagine, if I took them south and looped around, it would be a risk and a long haul with four children.”
“Four? I only have two grandchildren with you
.”
“Chris said they’re all going to Lodi.”
“Well, I’m sure my grandson has all good intentions with his newfound friends and we’ll take them in, of course, but only two are my grandsons. Chris and the little guy.”
“The one aged six going on thirty?”
“That’s the one.”
“I like him.”
“He’s an acquired taste.” Tom breathed out heavily. “Not much of a choice, then? Where are you located?”
“Damon, New York. And I promise you I will take care of them, keep them safe and bring them home safely.”
“Well, you better. Not that I’m a man who likes to threaten those in authority, but if anything happens to those kids, you not only have to contend with me, but with their father, and that’s a big force.”
“Would this be the same man that Chris wants to see me wrestle?”
Tom laughed. “That would be the one.”
“Then you have my word and my promise, and now I’ll give you numbers so you can stay in touch.”
Tom grabbed a pen and wrote down the three numbers that Briggs had given to him. He ended the call, and stared outward as he tried to hang up the phone and kept missing the base.
Lars reached over and aided him. “So the boys are fine?”
“Safe, fine, and in good spirits enough that Chris is planning the return of wrestling with Mick and this guy.”
“That is good to hear. Very good to hear.”
“Yep, and I know now where to send Mick. Seems there’s a divide and a blockade of bad up near Erie.”
Lars cocked back. “That’s where Mick and Rose are meeting.”
“Not gonna meet, cause neither one of them can get through. I better give them a heads up.” Tom lifted the phone again.
“How are you feeling now?” Lars asked.
“Better, but now since I know the boys are fine, I am pissed as hell at Mick for losing them.” He started to dial. “I might just encourage this wrestling match to take place.”
Lars laughed and then he took Baby Doe while Tom made his phone calls.
The Flu 2: Healing Page 12