Sympatico Syndrome (Book 1): Infection (A Pandemic Survival Novel)

by McDonald, M. P.

  “Hunter? Is that you?”

  He stopped dead in his tracks and slowly turned. “Who are you?”

  “Are you Hunter Evans?”

  It seemed silly to deny it. “Yeah. Why do you want to know?” He walked towards the dock where the boat was inching in.

  “Oh my god! I can’t believe it! You’ve grown a lot since the last set of pictures I’d seen.”

  Hunter cocked his head feeling he should know her, but he didn’t recognize her at all. His first thought was that she must be a teacher he’d had at some point, but he couldn’t pinpoint her to a grade. He asked again, “Who are you?”

  She smiled. “I’m your dad’s friend, Elly Jackson. We worked together in Africa.”

  He knew the name, and now that she said it, he recalled pictures his dad had sent him on his phone in a few of the lighter moments of his work there. This woman might be the same one who had been in them. She got out of the boat and crossed the pier towards them. “It’s so great to finally meet you.”

  “Where’s my dad?” He didn’t intend to sound rude, but he had expected to see his dad when he arrived. What if something had happened to him?

  Her smile disappeared. “You mean he’s not here with you?”

  “We just got here an hour or so ago. We thought your boat was him coming to get us.”

  The guy who had driven the boat hopped out, and Hunter saw he was younger, probably still in high school, or he would have been.

  “Hey, Hunter. I’m Jake. Elly has told me almost nothing about you.” He put out a fist.

  Hunter bumped it. “Hi, Jake. Is Elly your mom?” He hadn’t known she had kids, but then again, he hadn’t paid much attention to what his dad said about people he worked with. They were just names to him other than to remember the look on his dad’s face when he spoke of her. He’d totally been crushing the lady. “This is Sophie. We met on the way here.”

  Sophie nodded at the boy but hung back and Jake, to his credit, just smiled and lifted his chin. “Hey, Sophie.”

  Elly had a mask, but it was around her neck. Hunter had left his packed since he hadn’t seen signs of anyone. Sophie carried hers in her back pocket. Jake had slid his up his arm, and it wrapped around his left biceps.

  Hunter felt almost naked without his on. He glanced towards the truck, and stepped back. “We should probably…” he made the motions of a mask.

  Elly nodded and slipped hers up, indicating that Jake should do the same. “I’m sorry. I should know better.”

  Jake rolled his eyes but put the mask on. “Kind of pointless now since we’ve already breathed around each other.”

  Hunter explained how he had just arrived and how they had horses and goats with them, but that he expected his dad to come in the morning. Or he hoped he would. “I’m so much later than he thought I would be, he probably thinks I screwed up along the way.”

  “I don’t know about you, but I know I’ve made a ton of mistakes the last few weeks, but somehow, I survived. So did you. We couldn’t have screwed up too badly.” She offered him a smile. “We could take the boat out there. We’re getting low on gas, though, so wanted to stop and find some.”

  “I don’t know how you got gas. I got lucky, and the truck was almost full, but it’s close to empty now.”

  “We’ve been siphoning from other boats, but there aren’t any here.”

  “How much do you have left in the boat? I know my dad said it was only about a fifteen minute boat ride south of the river.”

  Jake and Elly exchanged a look then Elly nodded. “We have enough for that. Your dad told me about the island and invited me up here, but I thought I was going to get back home to Atlanta. That didn’t happen as you can see, but I hope his offer is still standing.”

  “Can we go with you?”

  “Of course!” Elly laughed. “Can you imagine the look on your dad’s face if I showed up and said I left you back on the mainland?”

  Hunter grinned. He liked Elly. She was nice. He could see why his dad was friends with her. “We just have to take water to the horses.”

  Jake helped him, and it took only a few minutes. Then they grabbed all of their gear from the truck and stowed it in the boat.

  Before he knew it, they were on their way. Excitement churned through his stomach, and he waved away the granola bar Jake offered him. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

  Sophie took one and looked a little more relaxed as she sat in the back of the boat, laughing as the wind blew her hair.

  Just like his father had said, once they rounded a bend, the island came into view. It wasn’t big, but a large house and a row of smaller cabins spread out along a beach. A dock with a couple of boats was south of the beach. Was his dad watching them even now?

  Hunter waved, just in case, but he didn’t see any return movement. He thought of the virus, unable to shake the nagging fear that it had reached the island, but he did his best to ignore the worry. He refused to consider that they might all be dead.

  * * *

  Cole buttoned his white shirt. It was one he used to wear to the office when he worked, and he wasn’t even sure why he had packed it, but it seemed appropriate today. He didn’t have a tie, but he wore a clean pair of khaki pants. His last clean pair. Laundry had been far down on the list of things for any of them to do.

  Both the shirt and the pants were loose on him, and he had to draw his belt in two notches. Maybe Sean was right, and he was working too hard, but on the other hand, he had never been more fit.

  Piper sat in the kitchen, her eyes still red, but she had combed her hair and wore what would normally be considered regular school clothes, but now seemed like formal wear.

  “Are your mom and dad still dressing?”

  She nodded. “I heard you and Dad arguing this morning.”

  Cole started to look out at the bay. It was habit to check for more boats, especially after what had happened to Trent, but he froze at her comment and faced her. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

  She shrugged. “My dad’s probably right, but I’m glad you still believe. Hunter would like that.”

  He didn’t know how to respond so he turned back to the bay. Her words touched him. He stared at the sparkling water, not really registering the sound until it was so close, he couldn’t ignore it. “A boat! It’s heading right for the island.”

  Piper jumped up from the table and headed for the door.

  “No, Piper. Stay here!” He took the rifle they had mounted above the door. It was always loaded. “Stay inside and lock the door behind me. Then let your parents know we seem to have visitors.”

  The last thing he wanted to do was show whoever it was that there was a pretty young girl here. He strode down to the dock, gripping the rifle across his body. He raised it when he reached the dock, not pointing it, but anyone would recognize the threat. Then he saw someone waving at him. Two people, actually. As they came closer, one appeared to be a tall young man, and the other, a short, slim woman. Two others were in the boat that he could see, but they didn’t wave. He wished he had brought binoculars. It was one thing they were missing. He squinted at the boat, ignoring the slam of the screen door behind him.

  “Who is it?” Sean jogged up to him, shading his eyes with his hand. He had a gun tucked in his waistband.

  “I don’t know. They’ll be close enough in a minute.”

  “I think you should fire that rifle and scare them away before they come any closer.”

  “We have time.”

  “If you won’t, I will.” Sean started to reach for the rifle, but Cole jerked it out of his reach.

  “I said, I’ll do it if I feel we have to. We don’t even know what they want yet. Maybe they have good news from the mainland.”

  “Yeah, right,” Sean grumbled, but he didn’t make another grab for the rifle.

  Cole blinked. Then he rubbed his eyes. It was just wishful thinking, but the tall guy, the way he stood…

  Then the guy waved at him
, and Cole almost dropped the rifle. “No way… can it be? Sean? Is that… tell me that’s Hunter.” His voice held a pleading note.

  Sean shot a look at Cole, then back to the boat. “Holy shit.”

  “Dad! Dad!”

  Cole shoved the rifle at Sean and raced to the slip the boat headed for. “Hunter!” He laughed and his knees went weak, but he refused to collapse. He couldn’t wipe the grin from his face. The closer the boat came, the bigger his grin became. All the anxiety and worry over the last month flowed out of him and left his limbs feeling like they were made of rubber.

  Sean joined him on the pier, smiling, but sadness tinted the smile. “I’m happy for you, Cole. I am, but I can’t deal with this right now. I’ll go tell the girls that Hunter is here.”

  Cole’s joy diminished a fraction, but he refused to feel guilty that his son was alive, and he believed Sean was happy for him.

  A boy Cole didn’t know drove the boat, and it was only then that he recognized Elly. She grinned and waved. “Hey, Cole!”

  He didn’t know the young girl with them either, but he didn’t care. As soon as the boat docked, Hunter leaped out. He wore a mask, as did all of the others. Cole pulled his mask from his pocket. He hadn’t planned on wearing it today, but had pocketed it out of habit.

  Cole met him with the biggest, hardest hug he’d ever given his son. Hunter returned it.

  “Dad…” Hunter buried his face against his shoulder, And Cole reached up, holding the nape of son’s neck, giving it a gentle squeeze. All of his fears melted away.

  They stepped apart and Hunter swiped at his eyes. Cole didn’t care if he had tears on his face. What did it matter? “You look good!”

  “You too, Dad.” Then Hunter laughed. “You’re like, all buff! The apocalypse must be agreeing with you.”

  “Shut up and get in here for another hug.” He grabbed Hunter, the hug more playful this time. “You’re not so soft in the middle yourself.”

  Finally, Cole released him, and just grinned like an idiot. He had so many questions he wanted to ask, but they could wait.

  Elly stepped forward, he pulled her in for a warm embrace. “It’s great to see you, Elly. I’m so relieved you made it.”

  “I hope your invitation stands. I didn’t have anywhere else to go.” There was a bit of hesitation in her eyes.

  “Of course it stands. You’re welcome here.” Then he turned to the other two, the boy and the girl. Both hung back. “Hi. I’m Cole. Hunter’s dad.”

  The boy, really a young man, stepped forward, his hand extended. “Nice to meet you, Cole. I’m Jake. Me and Elly met in Chicago.”

  Cole liked the confidence in his voice. He raised his eyebrows at Elly, curious about how she had come to team up with the teen. Her eyes crinkled. “It’s a long story.”

  Hunter beckoned to the girl, and she slipped up to his son, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Sophie. There was an incident days ago, I guess—I kind of lost track of the days, but we’ve been traveling together.” He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

  Cole gave the girl a speculative look before he held out his hand. “Welcome, Sophie.”

  Introductions made, they all seemed to be speaking at once as they headed towards the beach and Cole tried to follow all the conversations coming at him. There was something about horses, and arrows, and a storm. He just let them talk. They’d sort it all out later. The only thing he cared about was that his son was home.

  When they reached the beach, Hunter stopped and turned to Cole. “Where’s Uncle Sean? He was with you, but then he left. Doesn’t he want to see me?” He looked around. “And where’s Trent? And Aunt Jenna? Piper?”

  Cole drew in a deep breath. “Aunt Jenna and Piper are fine. They’re in the big house.”

  Fear entered Hunter’s eyes. “And Trent?”

  Cole felt everyone’s eyes on him. “Come on up to the house. I’ll tell you everything.”

  Afterword

  If you have a moment, a review of this book would be fantastic and greatly appreciated. It would help other readers decide if this book is something they might enjoy. Infection on Amazon

  I came up with the idea for this book and the disease by playing the What if game. I have been fascinated by diseases since I was a child and used to read the Family Home Medical Guide for fun. In college, one of my favorite classes was microbiology, and if I hadn’t already been enrolled in a respiratory therapy program, I would have gone into something involving microbiology.

  When I came across an article recently about how toxoplasmosis, the disease that can be spread via contaminated cat litter boxes, changes victims’ behavior, I had to read about it. The short version is that it makes primates who are infected less wary of leopards compared to those who are not infected. Scientists think it is because those less wary are more likely to become a jaguar’s next meal, and that would put toxoplasmosis into the leopard—which is exactly where the toxoplasmosis wants to live.

  I know that many extremely infectious diseases such as Ebola have one thing that limits their spread, and that is that victims are usually so sick at the most infectious stage that they are unable to circulate and spread the disease. In outbreaks, it is usually only those in close contact, i.e., family members and other caregivers, that are at the most risk.

  My thought was, what if a disease that had a similar mortality rate, but the infected victims feel great—at first. Beyond great. The disease floods their brain with feel-good endorphins and everyone becomes a friend. That makes the spread of the disease much more likely.

  Sympatico Syndrome was the result. I hope it made as much sense in this book as it did in my head.

  Aislado Island is completely fictional. There is no such place, nor is there a naval base that deals with biological weapons. Geneva Convention prohibits biological warfare.

  The second book of this series, Isolation, is in the works and I hope to publish it in early 2017. To be notified of the release, please join my mailing list. (Don’t worry, your privacy is important to me and I would never sell or distribute your address to any third parties.)

  M.P. McDonald’s New Releases & Newsletter — Get a free copy of my short story collection, Sidelines: Life Between Kickoffs, by way of a thank you for signing up.

  Also by M.P. McDonald

  The Mark Taylor Series

  Mark Taylor: Genesis

  No Good Deed: Book One

  March Into Hell: Book Two

  Deeds of Mercy: Book Three

  March Into Madness: Book Four

  CJ Sheridan Thrillers

  Shoot: Book One

  Capture: Book Two

  Suspense

  Seeking Vengeance

  No Good Deed: Sample First Chapter

  Description:

  Seeing the future comes at a price. What price would you be willing to pay to save thousands of lives?

  Mark Taylor knows his actions scream guilty—but he was only trying to stop the horrible terrorist attack. Instead of a thank you, the government labels him an enemy combatant and throws him in the brig with no rights, no trial, and no way to prove his innocence. He learns first hand that the CIA can do anything they want to him—anything at all.

  Mark's just a regular guy—a photographer—who finds himself in an extraordinary situation when an antique camera he buys at a dusty Afghanistan bazaar produces photographs of future tragedies. Tragedies he's driven to prevent.

  His frantic warnings about September 11th are ignored but put him in the government cross-hairs where he learns what being labeled an 'enemy combatant' really means...

  Chapter One

  The baby floated face down in the tub. The image hadn’t changed, not that Mark Taylor expected it to—not yet anyway. He tucked the photo in his back pocket and trotted down the steps from the ‘L’ platform. With any luck at all, the next time he looked, the baby would be fine. He skirted around an old lady tottering in his path and glance
d at his watch.

  All he had to do was find the apartment, convince the mom that he wasn’t a nut case, or worse—a peeping tom—just because he knew that her phone would ring and distract her from bathing her daughter. Yep. Nothing complicated. Just get in, alert the mom, and get out. Five minutes. Tops. Mark jogged, cursing under his breath at the rush of people heading towards the train station. The crowd thinned, and he broke into a sprint, his breath exploding out in a cloud of white.

  Cars blocked the crosswalk, trapped there when the light turned red. Shit. He paced left, then right, willing the light to change. To hell with it. He darted into the street, ignoring the blasting horns. It wasn’t like the cars could advance anyway. He stumbled when one bumped his thigh, or he bumped it. He wasn’t sure which and didn’t have time to find out. Limping, he raced on.

  Mid-block, he slowed to read the address numbers set above the entrance of an apartment building. This was the one. He pivoted and took the short flight of concrete steps two at a time and tugged at the door. Locked. Of course.

  Bracing his hands on the door, he panted. Think. There had to be a way in. He wouldn’t fail. Not this time.

  He swiped his hand down a panel of numbered call buttons, not caring who answered as long as someone let him in. “Come on…come on.”

  “Who is it?”

  “Hey buddy, I forgot my key.” It was the first thing that came to him and it didn’t work. The next lie didn’t either. Unable to think up a plausible story, he resorted to the truth on the fourth response. “It’s an emergency! Life or death.”

  Maybe his voice sounded as desperate as he felt, or maybe the person didn’t give a damn—whatever the reason, the guy let him in. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dimness. It was the second floor. He was sure of that. The dream played in his head like a movie, showing him the silver number twenty-two nailed to the door.