Dead Love - By Wells, Linda Page 0,40

here?” John stated. “Operations said to sit tight, so that is what we are going to do.”

He knew the airline backed up his decision to abort the flight. His concerns mounted when he learned that Homeland Security also made the call to ground the flight.

John grabbed his cell phone and called his wife, Dee Dee. “Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?”

“Yes, John, how are you doing? I have been so worried. The news is scary.” She sounded a little shaky, not usual for her.

John reassured her, “I’m okay, baby. We are just going to be stuck here for a while as a precaution.” She wanted to know if he had eaten. She had prepared dinner for them, but she would save the leftovers for tomorrow.

“Have you talked to the kids?” he asked.

“Yes, Abby is fine. She called, concerned about us. I reassured her, but I’m glad she and Cindy don’t live in the city. I left a voice mail for Cindy. She’ll call back soon.”

He said, “Good. Just remind them to stock up on necessities, enough for two weeks. They’re smart and will be okay, but it is good to touch base with them.” He asked, “How are the grocery supplies?”

“Fine, John. I did a large shopping on Saturday. We have enough groceries for at least a week or more,” she answered, puzzled by that question.

He said, “Maybe buy some extras, if you can, just to have on hand, like canned goods, extra flour and basics.”

Dee Dee said, “I shopped again this morning. I had forgotten a few things. Some of the store shelves seemed a little bare.”

John said, “I’m glad you bought some extras. Stores may run out of necessities if people start to panic.””

But she said, jokingly, “We have a good supply of scotch.”

He laughed and then said, “Cool, baby.”

“When will you be home?” Dee Dee knew the answer already.

“I am not sure, but I will stay in close touch, sweetheart. Don’t go out unless you have to, understood? And on second thought, call the girls again. Tell them to do the same. Have them stock up then sit tight until we see where this is going.”

“Yes, I’ll call them right away. Cindy may be home by now,” said Dee Dee, feeling even more frightened.

“Do you have any news about Maggie or Terry?” she asked.

“Allen is checking on them now, but so far no updates,” he answered. “I better go, but call me if you need anything. Try not to worry, and remember, I love you, baby.”

Dee Dee said, “I love you too, John. Be safe. I miss you so much.”

“I miss you, too, baby. I wish I was with you right now. You know my favorite color, right?” he asked.

She said, “Black satin?”

He laughed, saying, “Yes, or nothing at all.” He smiled when he heard her giggle, but he hated being away, especially during this unprecedented crisis. He had heard of pandemics, but he wasn’t quite sure what it all meant. And was this an attack or just a severe virus?

After hanging up, he listened to Allen, who was talking to Terry’s father. His face looked grim.

“Fuck,” thought John.

Wherever this was going, it was not going to be good. He was starting to wonder not when he would get home, but if he would get home.

John looked at the text he was receiving. It was from Century Air operations.

“DHS confirms shutdown of all NYC airports, plus New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, and Miami. More information as available.”

“Shit! Damn!”

He turned to tell Allen, just as breaking news was announced on the television. He hoped this was some kind of bureaucratic over reaction, but his gut was telling him that a shit storm was coming, big time.

.

43

Suzy was sound asleep when she was startled awake by the distinctive ring of her encrypted phone. She knew it was the Organization.

“Yes, what is it?”

The familiar voice replied, “You are under scrutiny. Some as yet unknown operatives are looking into your background, specifically foreign ties and activities. You are involved with someone, a certain US Army Lieutenant Colonel. Is that correct?

Suddenly wide-awake, Suzy responded, “Yes, why?” Her stomach lurched.

The male voice, indistinguishable accent, continued, “You are to cut ties with him. Is that clear?”

It was not a question; it was an order. She didn’t tell him about the Greg Hammond incident. It seemed like a moot point now, but she was scared, and she couldn’t believe Max was somehow a danger to her mission or to her. How could he be? He loved