Dead Love - By Wells, Linda Page 0,46

is holding her own, though she has a fever and pneumonia. However, she is not worsening, which is encouraging.”

“May I see her?” He was plaintive, though he knew the answer.

“No, your safety must be ensured. Maggie is getting excellent care. And you realize Maggie would want you to stay put. Correct?”

Mike didn’t answer. She was correct. “Please tell her I called. May I call again?”

“Of course, Mr. Ryan.”

“Ms. Knox, do you have other patients arriving with Maggie’s symptoms?”

“None at present, Mike. And call me Barbara.”

“What has the lab determined regarding Maggie’s illness?”

“We are repeating the lab studies, but we have essentially confirmed the avian flu diagnosis. But you know Maggie is strong, young, and has no current health problems. Correct?”

“Yes, very healthy,” he responded, more hopeful.

“Then we have optimism about her prognosis. You did know that Maggie is pregnant.”

Mike sat back in his chair in stunned silence.

.

49

Donna had taken the baby to her mother’s home after Marty called about Joey being sick. It had been a happy day until then. Before the call, Donna had straightened the house, cleaned up the kitchen, and showered before Rosa woke up. Then she was busy, feeding the baby some rice cereal and baby food. Rosa had made sweet cooing noises and sighs, and smiled at her, which made Donna melt.

But now she was scared. She gathered some of the baby’s things and drove straight to her mom’s. Thank goodness her mom was home. They had been watching the news, which made Donna worry even more. She kept replaying, in her mind, the words that Joey had spoken when he had called. He sounded a little worried, but okay, strong, her Joey. After Marty called, her doubts had grown. Where did they take Joey? Why didn’t Marty tell her? It was just a precaution, he had said. She fully understood that she needed to keep the baby safe. She hated hospitals anyway, always fearful of germs and catching something, but she would give anything to be with him. Donna had dialed Joey’s cell phone number, but she only got his voice mail. He probably was busy, getting tests or being checked.

Donna and her mom, Elaine, had played with Rosa, then fed her again, and put her down in the port-a-crib that her mom kept in the spare room. Elaine loved the baby and doted on her. Life had been empty since Ed had died. It was sudden. He had a massive heart attack, and abruptly, life changed. The baby had filled some of the void though her mom’s heart was broken forever. Donna loved seeing her mom holding Rosa and the joy that it brought to her.

Donna and her mom kept the TV on, listening for further developments. It was more confusing now, and the subway was still shut down. The buses were running, which prevented traffic from coming to a total standstill. They both wanted things to be back to normal.

Donna said, “Mom, maybe I should call Marty. I need to know about Joey.”

Elaine said, “It can’t hurt to call. Do you know which hospital Joey went to?”

“No, I can’t remember exactly. I think Marty just said they were taking him to the doctor, just to get checked. And why hasn’t Joey called?” Donna wondered, aloud. “I’m calling Marty,” Donna decided and grabbed her cell phone from her jeans pocket. She found Marty’s office number in her contact list. She was glad Joey had given that to her. He was always thoughtful about things like that. She heard the ringing.

A man’s voice said, “Officer Lewis speaking.”

“This is Donna Caruso. I am trying to reach Marty, please.” Her voice sounded nervous.

“Are you Joey’s wife, ma’am?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered awkwardly.

“Ma’am, Marty had to step away from his desk. May I help you?” He was being very formal.

“Well, I want to know how Joey is doing. Marty said he went to the doctor. Is he okay? I can’t reach Joey on his cell phone, and I am getting worried.” Donna couldn’t hold back her tears.

“Mrs. Caruso, please be calm. Everything is under control. Your husband got nauseated, and Marty decided Joey needed to be checked out, as a precaution, and we haven’t heard back yet. But I know he is getting good care. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll call you right away, okay? There is no reason to be overly concerned, but I understand.” His voice was comforting. Donna felt better. “Where are you?” he asked.

“I’m at my mom’s, with Rosa, our baby,” Donna