cockpit, closed the door, and leaned forward, saying, “What’s going on?”
Captain Wesley said, “We just received a report that all the New York City subways are temporarily shut down due to a terrorist threat.”
“Oh my gosh!” exclaimed Maggie. “Is this for real?”
She was glad Mike didn’t have to use the subway to get the boys to school, but her mind raced through other possibilities that were chilling.
“The Mayor said this was just a precaution, but he had to take it seriously, in case it turns out to be legitimate. You know how it is.”
John tried to be reassuring when he realized she was alarmed. “There are lots of kooks that get their jollies scaring people. I just thought you should know. If a passenger picks up something off their Wi-Fi connection, we need to have a ready response. We haven’t gotten word yet from the powers that be whether to announce or not. I wanted you and the crew to be on top of this. Just answer, if questioned, that it is a probable hoax, that we know nothing official, which is true, and that we will report any further information when it becomes available.”
“That sounds plausible, John. I hope you are right.” Maggie continued, “I was on the subway this morning. Glad I made it before it was shut down.” She had pulled down the jump seat as they were talking and began rubbing her temples with her eyes closed.
“Are you feeling well?” asked Allen. “You look a little pale.”
She responded, “I am not sure. I feel a little dizzy and queasy. I may be getting a flu bug or something. It started suddenly. I was fine until we started boarding. I thought it would go away.”
Allen said, “Are you sure you can work? You can just sit it out if necessary.”
“Thanks, Allen, but I am going to try to get through this. We are pretty busy, but we have a few empty seats if I get worse.”
As she spoke the words, she really wasn’t sure. She had never felt quite like this before.
“You let us know,” said Captain Wesley, “and we will do whatever we can to help you.”
He didn’t like the way she was looking. It was obvious she was not well. Her color was off, and she looked shaky.
“You can curl up in a blanket in the back row and rest,” John suggested.
That was tempting, but she forced a smile, stood up, and said, “I’d better get back and tell the others about the subway threat. The questions may have already started. Thanks, guys.”
She opened the cockpit door, closed it, and heard the lock engage. Terry was in the galley, placing the used glassware in the metal storage bins. She started checking the warming trays in preparation for the meal service.
As she entered the kitchen, Maggie said, “Terry, you won’t believe this. The subway system in the city is shut down due to a terrorist threat of some kind.”
“Holy shit,” whispered Terry, her eyes widened. “Oh, I am sorry. But you know what I mean. What is going on?” Terry looked genuinely worried.
Maggie quietly responded, “I don’t know, probably nothing, but they have to be sure. You know how it is.”
“You’re right. It’s probably a crank.”
Maggie didn’t hear Terry’s remarks. She had crumpled to the floor, unconscious.
.
12
In January, after a long day at work, Suzy pulled her Lexus into her garage and unlocked the door to her elegant townhouse. It was located in the exclusive Edgewood gated community called The Bayside Retreat. The much sought after property was tucked away in a beautiful wooded area, with walking trails, a large, well-equipped gym, a community room, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The townhouses were all brick colonial with lovely well-maintained gardens.
After walking in through the kitchen, she noticed a manila envelope lying on the hardwood floor near the front door. Suzy bent over and picked it up. There was no writing on the envelope.
“Strange,” she thought. It was most likely some ad or information from a real estate agent who had somehow gotten access after an appointment with another resident. The upscale community was on the list of the most desirable places to live due to its convenience, privacy, and amenities.
Suzy placed her purse and keys on the hall table in the foyer and opened the envelope, not sure what to expect. She was jolted by the typed cryptic message on a plain white sheet of paper. She knew it would come, but somehow, she was