Dead Love - By Wells, Linda Page 0,45

he knows.”

“I’ll call him. I need to check patient status,” Dave stated.

Jim said, “It’s not good.”

Jim continued, “I’ve called a meeting of department heads for 4:00 p.m. My office. We need a plan to provide care and deal with this crisis, short and long term. I need everyone’s input on this.”

Dave said, “I’ll see you at four.”

Dave was thinking of the effects of this far-reaching pandemic on food, medical supplies, and other essentials. How far would it spread, and how long would it last? He had no answers, only questions. Grocery stores and drug stores would be packed. Hospitals would be overrun with sick patients. He wondered how long basic supplies would last, and he envisioned the potential desperation and the eventual chaos that would result. New York was the epicenter, and the storm was spreading.

“God help us,” said Dave as he hung up the phone. Chris was sitting on the sofa, transfixed by what Dave had said. He sat next to her, pulling her close. Their lips met, as he held her, no words needed.

Dave said to Chris, “I need to check on our staff, get updates on patient status, and may I ask you to make sure the staff lounges are comfortable and ready for breaks? We’re stretched thin.”

“Yes, Dave.” He could tell she was scared. He also knew she was on game and he could count on her.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asked. He could see dark circles under her eyes.

“I’m all right, just a little tired. That’s all. I am worried about you,” she said.

“No worries, Chris. We will get through this thing, but we both know what ‘pandemic’ means.”

“Yes,” she said.

He kissed her again, held her tightly against him, and then said, “Keeping our heads will keep others on track.” He knew she would have no problem with that.

“Come on, baby,” he said, opening the office door.

.

48

Mike was transfixed by Mayor Donnelly’s news conference. The Mayor was at the podium, in front of City Hall, surrounded by representatives of various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the NYC Police Commissioner, the FBI Regional Director, the Department of Defense, FEMA and other high ranking officials. The words weren’t quite making sense. Mike had some knowledge regarding viruses and specific strains, and of recent reports of avian flu and its transmission studies. The more he listened, the more his concerns mounted. The Mayor said that cases of avian flu had been reported by several hospitals in the New York City area. Other cities in New Jersey and Florida were reporting similar outbreaks. New York had declared a state of emergency, and flights in and out of New York City were cancelled.

The Mayor was asking the general public to remain calm but to use caution and stay at home, if possible, to prevent further spread of the contagion. No one was to leave home unless absolutely necessary. All government officials were to continue to report to work. Further reports and instructions would be forthcoming as more information became available. Stations would be set up by FEMA where protective face masks would be distributed. This was simply a precaution. The National Guard was being mobilized if needed. Mike wondered what that meant.

“There is nothing definite to report about this being a possible terrorist action. The FBI is investigating and will provide updates as soon as possible.”

The Mayor wanted to quell fears as much as possible.

After the Mayor again stressed that everyone remain calm, the director of FEMA took the podium. He explained further about face mask distribution and gave a government website that provided detailed instructions on dealing with pandemics. He also asked neighbors to help neighbors and for families to share supplies.

Mike was stunned. He grabbed the phone and called Pembrooke Academy. He spoke with the receptionist, asking about the children, and whether they would be dismissed early. She said no, but the school was aware of the subway incident, and they were monitoring all news reports. The administration was evaluating options that would best safeguard the children and she assured him that he would be notified if there were any changes in school policy.

He slammed the phone down and called Johns Hopkins, asking for the Isolation Unit.

“ICU isolation desk, may I help you?”

“Yes, I’m Mike Ryan, Maggie, uh, Margaret Ryan’s husband. How is she?” The clerk put him on hold as she connected him to the charge nurse.

“Barbara Knox speaking.”

Mike repeated his query, “How is Maggie Ryan, my wife? This is Mike Ryan.”

“Mr. Ryan, she