CONTAGIION By Robin Cook

June 12, 1991, dawned a near-perfec, !ae-"prin# day a" $e "un%" ray"
ouc$ed $e ea"ern "$ore" of $e Nor$ A&erican coninen' (o" of
$e )nied *ae", Canada, and (e+ico e+peced c!ear, "unny "kie"'
T$e on!y &eeoro!o#ica! b!ip" were a band of poenia! $under"or&"
$a wa" e+peced o e+end fro& $e p!ain" ino $e Tenne""ee ,a!!ey
and "o&e "$ower" $a were foreca"ed o &o-e in fro& $e Berin# *rai
o-er $e *eward .enin"u!a in A!a"ka' In a!&o" e-ery way $i" June
we!f$ wa" !ike e-ery o$er June we!f$, wi$ one curiou" p$eno&enon'
T$ree inciden" occurred $a were oa!!y unre!aed, ye were o cau"e
a ra#ic iner"ecion of $e !i-e" of $ree of $e peop!e
in-o!-ed'
11/01 A'('
23A24OR*3, A5A*6A
74ey8 2ick8 O-er $ere,7 "$oued Ron 4a!-eron' 4e wa-ed franica!!y o #e $i"
for&er roo&&ae%"
aenion' 4e didn% dare !ea-e $i" Jeep in
$e brief c$ao" a $e iny airpor' T$e &ornin# 909 fro& Anc$ora#e $ad :u"
!anded and $e
"ecuriy peop!e were "ric abou unaended -e$ic!e" in $e !oadin# area' Bu"e"
and -an" were
waiin# for $e ouri"" and $e reurnin# oi! co&pany per"onne!'
4earin# $i" na&e and reco#ni;in# Ron, 2ick wa-ed back and $en be#an $readin#
$i" way
$rou#$ $e &i!!in# crowd'
Ron wac$ed 2ick a" $e approac$ed' Ron $adn% "een $i& "ince $ey%d #raduaed
fro& co!!e#e
$e year before, bu 2ick appeared :u" a" $e a!way" did/ $e picure of
nor&a!iy wi$ $i" Ra!p$
5auren "$ir and windbreaker :acke, Gue"" :ean", and a "&a!! knap"ack "!un#
o-er $i" "$ou!der'
<e Ron knew $e rea! 2ick/ $e a&biiou", a"pirin# &icrobio!o#i" w$o wou!d
$ink no$in# of
f!yin# a!! $e way fro& A!ana o A!a"ka wi$ $e $ope of findin# a new
&icrobe' 4ere wa" a #uy
w$o !o-ed baceria and -iru"e"' 4e co!!eced $e "uff $e way o$er peop!e
co!!eced ba"eba!!
card"' Ron "&i!ed and "$ook $i" $ead a" $e reca!!ed $a 2ick $ad e-en $ad peri
di"$e" of &icrobe"
in $eir "$ared refri#eraor a $e )ni-er"iy of Co!orado'
=$en Ron $ad &e 2ick durin# $eir fre"$&an year, i $ad aken a bi of i&e o
#e u"ed o
$i&' A!$ou#$ $e wa" an indubiab!y fai$fu! friend, 2ick $ad "o&e pecu!iar and
unpredicab!e
>uirk"' On $e one $and $e wa" a fierce co&peior in inra&ura! "por" and
"ure!y $e #uy you
waned wi$ you if you &i"aken!y wandered ino $e wron# par of own, ye on
$e o$er $and
$e%d been unab!e o "acrifice a fro# in fir"-year bio!o#y !ab'
Ron found $i&"e!f c$uck!in# a" $e re&e&bered ano$er "urpri"in# and e&barra""in#
&o&en
in-o!-in# 2ick' I wa" durin# $eir "op$o&ore year w$en a w$o!e #roup $ad pi!ed
ino a car for a
weekend "ki rip' 2ick wa" dri-in# and accidena!!y ran o-er a rabbi' 4i"
re"pon"e $ad been o
break down in ear"' No one $ad known w$a o "ay' A" a re"u! "o&e peop!e be#an
o a!k be$ind
2ick%" back, e"pecia!!y w$en i beca&e co&&on know!ed#e $a $e wou!d pick up
cockroac$e" a
$e fraerniy $ou"e and depo"i $e& ou"ide in"ead of ">ui"$in# $e& and
f!u"$in# $e& down $e
oi!e a" e-erybody e!"e did'
A" 2ick ca&e a!on#"ide $e Jeep, $e o""ed $i" ba# ino $e back"ea before
#ra"pin# Ron%"
ou"rec$ed $and'
T$ey #reeed eac$ o$er en$u"ia"ica!!y'
7I can% be!ie-e $i",7 Ron "aid' 7I &ean, you%re $ere8 In $e Arcic'7
74ey, I wou!dn% $a-e &i""ed $i" for $e wor!d,7 2ick "aid' 7I%& rea!!y
p"yc$ed' 4ow far i" $e
3"ki&o "ie fro& $ere?7
Ron !ooked ner-ou"!y o-er $i" "$ou!der' 4e reco#ni;ed "e-era! of $e "ecuriy
peop!e' Turnin#
back o 2ick, $e !owered $i" -oice' 7Coo! i,7
$e &ur&ured' 7I o!d you peop!e are rea!!y "en"ii-e abou $i"'7
7O$, co&e on,7 2ick "coffed' 7<ou can% be "eriou"'7
7I%& dead "eriou",7 Ron "aid' 7I cou!d #e fired for !eakin# $i" o you' No
foo!in# around' I
&ean, we #o o do $i" $u"$-$u"$ or we don% do i a a!!' <ou%re o e!! no
one, e-er8 <ou
pro&i"ed87
7A!! ri#$, a!! ri#$,7 2ick "aid wi$ a "$or, appea"in# !au#$' 7<ou%re ri#$'
I pro&i"ed' I :u"
didn% $ink i wa" "uc$ a bi# dea!'7
7I%" a -ery bi# dea!,7 Ron "aid fir&!y' 4e wa" be#innin# o $ink $e%d &ade a
&i"ake in-iin#
2ick o -i"i, de"pie $ow &uc$ fun i wa" o "ee $i&'
7<ou%re $e bo"",7 2ick "aid' 4e #a-e $i" friend a :ab on $e "$ou!der' 7(y !ip"
are "ea!ed
fore-er' Now c$i!! ou and re!a+'7 4e "wun# $i&"e!f ino $e Jeep' 7Bu !e%"
:u" bu;; ou $ere
"rai#$-away and c$eck ou $i" di"co-ery'7
7<ou don% wan o "ee w$ere I !i-e fir"?7 Ron a"ked'
7I $a-e a fee!in# I%!! be "eein# $a &ore $an I care o,7 $e "aid wi$ a
!au#$'
7I "uppo"e i%" no a bad i&e w$i!e e-erybody i" preoccupied wi$ $e Anc$ora#e
f!i#$ and
"crewin# around wi$ $e ouri""'7 4e reac$ed forward and "ared $e en#ine'
T$ey dro-e ou of $e airpor and $eaded nor$ea" on $e on!y road' I wa"
#ra-e!' To a!k
$ey $ad o "$ou o-er $e "ound of $e en#ine'
7I%" abou ei#$ &i!e" o .rud$oe Bay,7 Ron "aid, 7bu we%!! be urnin# off o
$e we" in
ano$er &i!e or "o' Re&e&ber, if anybody "op" u", I%& :u" akin# you o $e
new oi!fie!d'7
2ick nodded' 4e cou!dn% be!ie-e $i" friend wa" "o upi#$ abou $i" $in#'
5ookin# around a
$e f!a, &ar"$y &onoonou" undra and $e o-erca" #un&ea! #ray "ky, $e
wondered if $e p!ace
wa" #ein# o Ron' 4e #ue""ed !ife wa" no ea"y on $e a!!u-ia! p!ain of
A!a"ka%" nor$ "!ope' To
!i#$en $e &ood $e "aid/ 7=ea$er%" no bad' =$a%" $e e&peraure?7
7<ou%re !ucky,7 Ron "aid' 7T$ere wa" "o&e "un ear!ier, "o i%" in $e !ow
fifie"' T$i" i" a" war&
a" i #e" up $ere' 3n:oy i w$i!e i !a""' I%!! probab!y f!urry !aer oday'
I u"ua!!y doe"' T$e
perpeua! :oke i" w$e$er i%" $e !a" "now of !a" winer or $e fir" "now of
ne+ winer'7
2ick "&i!ed and nodded bu cou!dn% $e!p bu $ink $a if $e peop!e up $ere
con"idered $a
funny, $ey were in "ad "$ape'
A few &inue" !aer Ron urned !ef ono a "&a!!er, newer road, $eadin#
nor$we"'
74ow did you $appen o find $i" abandoned i#!oo?7 2ick a"ked' 7I wa"n% an
i#!oo,7 Ron "aid' 7I
wa" a $ou"e &ade ou of pea b!ock" reinforced wi$ w$a!ebone' I#!oo" were on!y
&ade a"
e&porary "$e!er", !ike w$en peop!e wen ou $unin# on $e ice' T$e Inupia
3"ki&o" !i-ed in pea
$u"'7
7I "and correced,7 2ick "aid' 7*o $ow%d you co&e acro"" i?7
7Toa!!y by acciden,7 Ron "aid' 7=e found i w$en we were bu!!do;in# for $i"
road' =e
broke $rou#$ $e enrance unne!'7
7I" e-ery$in# "i!! in i?7 2ick a"ked' 7I worried abou $a f!yin# up $ere' I
&ean, I don% wan
$i" o be a wa"ed rip'7
74a-e no fear,7 Ron "aid' 7No$in#%" been ouc$ed' T$a I can a""ure
you'7
7(aybe $ere are &ore dwe!!in#" in $e #enera! area,7 2ick "u##e"ed' 7=$o
know"? I cou!d
be a -i!!a#e'7
Ron "$ru##ed' 7(aybe "o' Bu no one wan" o find ou' If anybody fro& $e "ae
#o wind of
$i" $ey%d "op con"rucion on our feeder pipe!ine o $e new fie!d' T$a
wou!d be one $u#e
di"a"er, becau"e we $a-e o $a-e $e feeder !ine funciona! before winer, and
winer "ar" in
Au#u" around $ere'7
Ron be#an o "!ow down a" $e "canned $e "ide of $e road' 3-enua!!y $e pu!!ed
o a "op
abrea" of a "&a!! cairn' .uin# a $and on 2ick%" ar& o keep $i& in $i" "ca,
$e urned o !ook
back down $e road' =$en $e wa" con-inced $a no one wa" co&in#, $e c!i&bed
fro& $e Jeep
and &oioned for 2ick o do $e "a&e'
Reac$in# back ino $e Jeep, $e pu!!ed ou wo o!d and "oi!ed and work #!o-e"'
4e $anded a
"e o 2ick' 7<ou%!! need $e"e,7 $e e+p!ained' 7=e%!! be down be!ow $e
per&afro"'7 T$en $e
reac$ed back ino $e Jeep for a $ea-y-duy f!a"$!i#$'
7A!! ri#$,7 Ron added ner-ou"!y' 7=e can% be $ere !on#' I don% wan anybody
co&in# a!on#
$e road and wonderin# w$a $e $e!! i" #oin# on'7
2ick fo!!owed Ron a" $e $eaded nor$ away fro& $e road' A c!oud of &o">uioe"
&y"ica!!y
&aeria!i;ed and aacked $e& &erci!e""!y' 5ookin# a$ead, 2ick cou!d "ee a fo#
bank abou a $a!f
&i!e away and #ue""ed i &arked $e coa" of $e Arcic Ocean' In a!! o$er
direcion" $ere wa" no
re!ief fro& $e &onoony of $e fia, wind"wep, feaure!e"" undra $a
e+ended o $e $ori;on'
O-er$ead "eabird" circ!ed and cried raucou"!y'
A do;en "ep" fro& $e road, Ron "opped' Afer one !a" #!ance for approac$in#
-e$ic!e", $e
ben down and #rabbed $e ed#e of a "$ee of p!ywood $a $ad been pained o
&ac$ $e
-arie#aed co!or" of $e "urroundin# undra' 4e pu!!ed $e wood a"ide o re-ea!
a $o!e four fee
deep'
In $e nor$ wa!! of $e $o!e wa" $e enrance o a "&a!! unne!'
7I !ook" a" if $e $u wa" buried by ice,7 2ick "aid'
Ron nodded' 7=e $ink $a pack ice wa" b!own up fro& $e beac$
durin# one of $e ferociou" winer "or&"'7
7A naura! o&b,7 2ick "aid'
7Are you "ure you wan o do $i"?7 Ron a"ked'
72on% be "i!!y,7 2ick "aid w$i!e $e donned $e parka and pu!!ed on $e #!o-e"'
7I%-e co&e
$ou"and" of &i!e"' 5e%" #o'7
Ron c!i&bed ino $e $o!e and $en ben down on a!! four"' 5owerin# $i&"e!f, $e
enered $e
unne!' 2ick fo!!owed a $i" $ee!"'
A" 2ick craw!ed, $e cou!d "ee -ery !i!e "a-e for $e eerie "i!$ouee
of Ron a$ead of $i&' A" $e &o-ed away fro& $e enrance, $e darkne"" c!o"ed in
around $i& !ike
a $ea-y, fri#id b!anke' In $e fai!in# !i#$ $e noiced $i" brea$
cry"a!i;in#' 4e $anked God $a $e
wa"n% c!au"rop$obic'
Afer abou "i+ fee $e wa!!" of $e unne! fe!! away' T$e f!oor a!"o "!aned
downward, #i-in#
$e& an addiiona! foo of $eadroo&' T$ere were abou $ree and a $a!f fee of
c!earance' Ron
&o-ed o $e "ide and 2ick craw!ed up ne+ o $i&'
7I%" co!der $an a wic$%" i down $ere,7 2ick "aid'
Ron%" f!a"$!i#$ bea& p!ayed ino $e corner" o i!!u&inae "$or -erica!
"ru" of be!u#a rib
bone"'
7T$e ice "napped $o"e w$a!ebone" !ike $ey were oo$pick",7 Ron "aid'
7=$ere are $e in$abian"?7 2ick a"ked'
Ron direced $i" f!a"$!i#$ bea& a$ead o a !ar#e, rian#u!ar piece of ice $a
$ad punc$ed
$rou#$ $e cei!in# of $e $u' 7On $e o$er "ide of $a,7 $e "aid' 4e $anded
$e f!a"$!i#$ o 2ick'
2ick ook $e f!a"$!i#$ and "ared craw!in# forward' A" &uc$ a" $e didn% wan
o ad&i i, $e
wa" be#innin# o fee! unco&forab!e' 7<ou%re "ure $i" p!ace i" "afe ?7 $e
>ue"ioned'
7I%& no "ure of any$in#,7 Ron "aid' 7Ju" $a i%" been !ike $i" for
"e-eny-fi-e year" or "o'7
I wa" a i#$ ">uee;e around $e b!ock of diry ice in $e cener' =$en 2ick
wa" $a!fway
around $e "$one $e !i#$ ino $e "pace beyond'
2ick cau#$ $i" brea$ w$i!e a !i!e #a"p i""ued fro& $i" &ou$' A!$ou#$ $e
$ou#$ $e%d
been prepared, $e i&a#e wi$in $e f!a"$!i#$ bea& wa" &ore #$ou!i"$ $an $e%d
e+peced' *arin#
back a $i& wa" $e pa!e -i"a#e of a fro;en, bearded Cauca"ian &a!e dre""ed in
fur"' 4e wa" "iin#
upri#$' 4i" eye" were open and ice b!ue, and $ey "ared back a
2ick defian!y' Around $i" &ou$ and no"e wa" fro;en pink fro$' 7<ou "ee a!!
$ree?7 Ron ca!!ed
fro& $e darkne""'
2ick a!!owed $e !i#$ o p!ay around $e roo&' T$e "econd body wa"
"upine, wi$ i" !ower $a!f co&p!ee!y enca"ed in ice' T$e $ird body wa"
po"iioned in a &anner
"i&i!ar o $e fir", propped up a#ain" a wa!! in a $a!f-"iin# po"iion' Bo$
were 3"ki&o" wi$
c$araceri"ic feaure", dark $air, and dark eye"' Bo$ a!"o $ad fro;en pink
fro$ around $eir
&ou$" and no"e"'
2ick "$uddered $rou#$ a "udden wa-e of nau"ea' 4e $adn% e+peced "uc$ a
reacion, bu i
pa""ed >uick!y'
7<ou "ee $e new"paper?7 Ron ca!!ed'
7No ye,7 2ick "aid a" $e rained $i" !i#$ on $e f!oor' 4e "aw a!! "or"
of debri" fro;en o#e$er, inc!udin# bird fea$er" and ani&a! bone"' 7I%" near
$e bearded #uy,7 Ron
ca!!ed'
2ick "$one $e !i#$ a $e fro;en Cauca"ian%" fee' 4e "aw $e Anc$ora#e paper
i&&ediae!y'
T$e $ead!ine" were abou $e war in 3urope' 3-en fro& w$ere $e wa" $e cou!d "ee
$e dae/ Apri!
19, 191@'
2ick wri##!ed back ino $e anec$a&ber' 4i" iniia! $orror $ad pa""ed' Now $e
wa" e+cied'
7I $ink you were ri#$,7 $e "aid' 7I !ook"
!ike a!! $ree died of pneu&onia, and $e dae i" ri#$ on'7
7I knew you%d find i inere"in#,7 Ron "aid'
7I%" &ore $an inere"in#,7 2ick "aid' 7I cou!d be $e c$ance of a !ifei&e'
I%& #oin# o need a
"aw'7
T$e b!ood drained fro& Ron%" face' 7A "aw,7 $e repeaed wi$ di"&ay' 7<ou%-e #o
o be
:okin#'7
7<ou $ink I%d pa"" up $i" c$ance?7 2ick >ue"ioned' 7No on your !ife' I need
"o&e !un#
i""ue'7
7Je"u" 4' C$ri"87 Ron &ur&ured' 7<ou%d beer pro&i"e a#ain no o "ay any$in#
abou $i"
e-er87
7I pro&i"ed a!ready,7 2ick "aid wi$ e+a"peraion' 7If I find w$a I $ink I%&
#oin# o find, i
wi!! be for &y own co!!ecion' 2on% worry' Nobody%" #oin# o know'7
Ron "$ook $i" $ead' 7*o&ei&e" I $ink you%re one weird dude'7
75e%" #e $e "aw,7 2ick "aid' 4e $anded $e f!a"$!i#$ o Ron and "ared for
$e enrance'
1/AB .'('''
O%4are AIR.ORT, C4ICAGO
(ari!yn *ap!eon !ooked a $er $u"band of we!-e year" and fe! orn' *$e knew
$a $e
con-u!"i-e c$an#e" $a $ad racked $eir fa&i!y $ad i&paced &o" on Jo$n, ye
"$e "i!! $ad o
$ink abou $e c$i!dren' *$e #!anced a $e wo #ir!" w$o were "iin# in $e
deparure !oun#e and
ner-ou"!y !ookin# in $er direcion, "en"in# $a $eir !ife a" $ey knew i wa"
in $e ba!ance' Jo$n
waned $e& o &o-e o C$ica#o w$ere $e wa" "arin# a new re"idency in
pa$o!o#y'
(ari!yn redireced $er #a;e o $er $u"band%" p!eadin# face' 4e%d c$an#ed o-er
$e !a" "e-era!
year"' T$e confiden, re"er-ed &an "$e $ad &arried wa" now bier and in"ecure'
4e $ad "$ed
weny-fi-e pound", and $i" once ruddy, fu!! c$eek" $ad $o!!owed, #i-in# $i& a
!ean, $a##ard !ook
con"i"en wi$ $i" new per"ona!iy'
(ari!yn "$ook $er $ead' I wa" $ard o reca!! $a :u" wo year" pre-iou"!y
$ey $ad been $e
picure of $e "ucce""fu! "uburban fa&i!y wi$ $i" f!ouri"$in# op$$a!&o!o#y
pracice and $er
enured po"iion in 3n#!i"$ !ieraure a $e )ni-er"iy of I!!inoi"'
Bu $en $e $u#e $ea!$-care con#!o&erae A&eriCare $ad appeared on $e
$ori;on, "weepin#
$rou#$ C$a&pai#n, I!!inoi", a" we!! a" nu&erou" o$er own", #obb!in# up
pracice" and $o"pia!"
wi$ bewi!derin# "peed' Jo$n $ad ried o $o!d ou bu u!i&ae!y !o" $i"
paien ba"e' I wa" ei$er
"urrender or f!ee, and Jo$n c$o"e o f!ee' A fir" $e%d !ooked for ano$er
op$$a!&o!o#y po"iion,
bu w$en i beca&e c!ear $ere were oo &any op$$a!&o!o#i"" and $a $e%d be
forced o work for
A&eriCare or a "i&i!ar or#ani;aion, $e%d &ade $e deci"ion o rerain in
ano$er &edica! "pecia!y'
7I $ink you wou!d en:oy !i-in# in C$ica#o,7 Jo$n "aid p!eadin#!y' 7And I &i""
you a!! errib!y'7
(ari!yn "i#$ed' 7=e &i"" you, oo,7 "$e "aid' 7Bu $a%" no $e poin' If I
#i-e up &y :ob $e
#ir!" wou!d $a-e o #o o an inner-ciy pub!ic "c$oo!'
T$ere%" no way we cou!d afford pri-ae "c$oo! wi$ your re"iden%" "a!ary'7
T$e pub!ic-addre"" "y"e& crack!ed o !ife and announced $a a!! pa""en#er"
$o!din# icke" for
C$a&pai#n $ad o be on board' I wa" !a" ca!!' 7=e%-e #o o #o,7 (ari!yn "aid'
7=e%!! &i"" $e
f!i#$'7
Jo$n nodded and bru"$ed away a ear' 7I know,7 $e "aid' 7Bu you wi!! $ink
abou i?7
7Of cour"e I%!! $ink abou i,7 (ari!yn "napped' T$en "$e cau#$ $er"e!f' *$e
"i#$ed a#ain' *$e
didn% &ean o "ound an#ry' 7I%" a!! I%& $inkin# abou,7 "$e added "of!y'
(ari!yn !ifed $er ar&" and e&braced $er $u"band' 4e $u##ed $er back wi$
ferociy'
7Carefu!,7 "$e w$ee;ed' 7<ou%!! "nap one of &y rib"'7
7I !o-e you,7 Jo$n "aid in a &uff!ed -oice' 4e%d buried $i" face in $e crook of
$er neck'
Afer ec$oin# $i" "eni&en", (ari!yn broke away and #a$ered 5ydia and Ta&ara'
*$e #a-e
$e boardin# pa""e" o $e icke a#en and $erded $e #ir!" down $e ra&p' A"
"$e wa!ked "$e
#!anced a Jo$n $rou#$ $e #!a"" pariion' A" $ey urned ino $e :eway "$e
#a-e a wa-e' I wa"
o be $er !a"
7Are we #oin# o $a-e o &o-e?7 5ydia w$ined' *$e wa" en and in $e fif$
#rade'
7I%& no &o-in#,7 Ta&ara "aid' *$e wa" e!e-en and "ron#-wi!!ed' 7I%!! &o-e in
wi$ Connie'
*$e "aid I cou!d "ay wi$ $er'7
7And I%& "ure "$e di"cu""ed $a wi$ $er &o$er,7 (ari!yn "aid "arca"ica!!y'
*$e wa" fi#$in#
back ear" "$e didn% wan $e #ir!" o "ee'
(ari!yn a!!owed $er dau#$er" o precede $er ono $e "&a!! prop p!ane' *$e
direced $e #ir!"
o $eir a""i#ned "ea" and $en $ad o "e!e an ar#u&en abou w$o wa" #oin#
o "i a!one' T$e
"eain# wa" wo by wo'
(ari!yn an"wered $er dau#$er"% i&pa""ioned enreaie" abou w$a $e near
fuure wou!d
brin# wi$ -a#ue #enera!iie"' In ru$, "$e didn% know w$a wa" be" for $e
fa&i!y'
T$e p!ane%" en#ine" "ared wi$ a roar $a &ade fur$er con-er"aion
difficu!' A" $e p!ane !ef $e
er&ina! and a+ied ou oward $e runway, "$e pu $er no"e o $e window' *$e
wondered $ow "$e wou!d
$a-e
$e "ren#$ o &ake a deci"ion'
A bo! of !i#$nin# o $e "ou$we" :o!ed (ari!yn fro& $er &u"in#' I wa" an
unco&forab!e re&inder of
$er di"dain for co&&uer f!i#$"' *$e did no $a-e $e "a&e confidence in "&a!!
p!ane" a" "$e did in re#u!ar
:e"' )ncon"ciou"!y "$e cinc$ed $er "ea be! i#$er and a#ain c$ecked $er
dau#$er"%'
2urin# $e akeoff (ari!yn #ripped $e ar&re"" wi$ a force $a "u##e"ed "$e
$ou#$ $er effor $e!ped
$e p!ane #e a!of' I wa"n% uni! $e #round $ad "i#nifican!y receded $a
"$e rea!i;ed "$e%d been $o!din#
$er
brea$'
74ow !on# i" 2addy #oin# o !i-e in C$ica#o?7 5ydia ca!!ed acro"" $e ai"!e'
7Ci-e year",7 (ari!yn an"wered' 7)ni! $e fini"$e" $i" rainin#'7
7I o!d you,7 5ydia ye!!ed o Ta&ara' 7=e%!! be o!d by $en'7
A "udden bu&p &ade (ari!yn ree"ab!i"$ $er dea$ #rip on $er ar&re""' *$e
#!anced around $e cabin'
T$e fac $a no one wa" panickin# #a-e $er "o&e "o!ace' 5ookin# ou $e window,
"$e "aw $a $ey were
enire!y en-e!oped in c!oud"' A f!a"$ of !i#$nin# eeri!y !i up $e "ky'
A" $ey f!ew "ou$ $e urbu!ence increa"ed, a" did $e fre>uency of $e
!i#$nin#' A er"e announce&en
by $e pi!o $a $ey wou!d ry o find "&oo$er air a a differen a!iude
did !i!e o a""ua#e (ari!yn%" ri"in#
fear"' *$e waned $e f!i#$ o be o-er'
T$e fir" "i#n of rea! di"a"er wa" a "ran#e !i#$ $a fi!!ed $e p!ane,
fo!!owed in"an!y by a re&endou"
bu&p and -ibraion' *e-era! of $e pa""en#er" !e ou $a!f-"uppre""ed "crea&"
$a &ade (ari!yn%" b!ood run
co!d' In"inci-e!y "$e reac$ed o-er and pu!!ed Ta&ara c!o"er o $er'
T$e -ibraion increa"ed in inen"iy a" $e p!ane be#an an a#oni;in# ro!! o $e
ri#$' A $e "a&e
i&e $e "ound of $e en#ine" c$an#ed fro& a roar o an ear"p!iin# w$ine'
*en"in# $a "$e wa" bein#
pre""ed ino $er "ea and fee!in# di"oriened in "pace, (ari!yn !ooked ou $e
window'
A fir" "$e didn% "ee any$in# bu c!oud"' Bu $en "$e !ooked a$ead and $er
$ear !eaped ino $er $roa'
T$e
ear$ wa" ru"$in# up a $e& a breakneck "peed8 T$ey were f!yin# "rai#$
down'''
1B/An .'('
(AN4ATTAN G3N3RA5 4O*.ITA5 N3= <OR6 CIT<
Tere"e 4a#en ried o "wa!!ow, bu i wa" difficu!D $er &ou$ wa" bone dry' A
few &inue" !aer $er eye"
b!inked open, and for a &o&en "$e wa" di"oriened' =$en "$e rea!i;ed "$e wa" in
a "ur#ica! reco-ery roo&
i
a!! ca&e back o $er in a f!a"$'
T$e prob!e& $ad "ared wi$ou warnin# $a e-enin# :u" before "$e and (a$ew
were abou o #o ou
o dinner' T$ere $ad been no pain' T$e fir" $in# "$e wa" aware of wa" wene"",
paricu!ar!y on $e in"ide of
$er $i#$' Goin# ino $e ba$roo&, "$e wa" di"&ayed o find $a "$e wa"
b!eedin#' And i wa"n% :u"
"poin#'
I wa" aci-e $e&orr$a#in#' *ince "$e wa" fi-e &on$" pre#nan, "$e wa" afraid
i "pe!!ed roub!e'
3-en" $ad unfo!ded rapid!y fro& $a poin' *$e%d been ab!e o reac$ $er
p$y"ician, 2r' Caro! G!an;, w$o
offered o &ee $er a $e (an$aan Genera!%" e&er#ency roo&' Once $ere,
Tere"e%" "u"picion" $ad been
confir&ed and "ur#ery "c$edu!ed' T$e docor $ad "aid $a i appeared a" if $e
e&bryo $ad i&p!aned in one
of
$er ube" in"ead of $e ueru"--an ecopic pre#nancy'
=i$in &inue" of $er re#ainin# con"ciou"ne"", one of $e reco-ery-roo& nur"e"
wa" a $er "ide,
rea""urin# $er $a e-ery$in# wa" fine'
7=$a abou &y baby?7 Tere"e a"ked' *$e cou!d fee! a bu!ky dre""in# o-er $er
di"urbin#!y f!a abdo&en'
7<our docor know" &ore abou $a $an I do,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7I%!! !e $er
know you are awake' I know
"$e wan" o a!k wi$ you'7
Before $e nur"e !ef, Tere"e co&p!ained abou $er dry $roa' T$e nur"e #a-e
$er "o&e ice c$ip", and $e
coo! f!uid wa" a #od"end'
Tere"e c!o"ed $er eye"' *$e #ue""ed $a "$e do;ed off, becau"e $e ne+
$in# "$e knew wa" $a 2r' Caro! G!an; wa" ca!!in# $er na&e'
74ow do you fee! ?7 2r' G!an; a"ked'
Tere"e a""ured $er "$e wa" fine $ank" o $e ice c$ip"' *$e $en a"ked abou
$er baby'
2r' G!an; ook a deep brea$ and reac$ed ou and pu $er $and on
Tere"e%" "$ou!der' 7I%& afraid I $a-e doub!e bad new",7 "$e "aid' Tere"e cou!d
fee! $er"e!f en"e'
7I wa" ecopic,7 2r' G!an; "aid, fa!!in# back on docor :ar#on o &ake a
difficu! :ob a bi
ea"ier' 7=e $ad o er&inae $e pre#nancy and, of cour"e, $e c$i!d wa" no
-iab!e'7
Tere"e nodded, o"en"ib!y wi$ou e&oion' *$e $ad e+peced a" &uc$ and $ad
ried o
prepare $er"e!f' =$a "$e wa"n% prepared for wa" w$a 2r' G!an; "aid ne+'
7)nforunae!y $e operaion wa"n% ea"y' T$ere were "o&e co&p!icaion", w$ic$
wa" w$y you
were b!eedin# "o profu"e!y w$en you ca&e ino $e e&er#ency roo&' =e $ad o
"acrifice your
ueru"' =e $ad o do a $y"ereco&y'7
A fir" Tere"e%" brain wa" unab!e o co&pre$end w$a "$e%d been o!d' *$e
nodded and !ooked
e+pecan!y a $e docor a" if "$e anicipaed &ore infor&aion'
7I%& "ure $i" i" -ery up"ein# for you,7 2r' G!an; "aid' 7I wan you o
under"and $a
e-ery$in# wa" done $a cou!d $a-e been done o a-oid $i" unforunae
ouco&e'7
*udden co&pre$en"ion of w$a "$e%d been o!d :o!ed Tere"e' 4er "i!en -oice
broke free fro&
i" bound" and "$e cried/ 7No87
2r' G!an; ">uee;ed $er "$ou!der in "y&pa$y' 7*ince $i" wa" o be your fir"
c$i!d, I know
w$a $i" &ean" o you,7 "$e "aid' 7I%& errib!y "orry'7
Tere"e #roaned' I wa" "uc$ cru"$in# new" $a for $e &o&en "$e wa" beyond
ear"' *$e wa"
nu&b' A!! $er !ife "$e $ad a""u&ed "$e wou!d $a-e c$i!dren' I $ad been par of
$er ideniy' T$e
idea $a i wa" i&po""ib!e wa" oo difficu! o #ra"p'
7=$a abou &y $u"band?7 Tere"e &ana#ed' 74a" $e been o!d?7 74e $a",7 2r' G!an;
"aid' 7I
"poke o $i& a" "oon a" I%d fini"$ed $e ca"e' 4e%" down"air" in your roo&,
w$ere I%& "ure you%!!
be #oin# &o&enari!y'7
T$ere wa" &ore con-er"aion wi$ 2r' G!an;, bu Tere"e re&e&bered !i!e of i'
T$e
co&bined rea!i;aion $a "$e%d !o" $er c$i!d and wou!d ne-er be ab!e o $a-e
ano$er wa"
de-a"ain#'
A >uarer $our !aer an order!y arri-ed o w$ee! $er o $er roo&' T$e rip wen
>uick!yD "$e
wa" ob!i-iou" o $er "urroundin#"' 4er &ind wa" in ur&oi!D "$e needed
rea""urance and "uppor'
=$en "$e reac$ed $er roo&, (a$ew wa" on $i" ce!!u!ar p$one' A" a "ockbroker,
i wa" $i"
con"an co&panion'
T$e f!oor nur"e" e+per!y ran"ferred Tere"e o $er bed and $un# $er I, on a
po!e be$ind $er
$ead' Afer &akin# "ure a!! wa" in order and encoura#in# $er o ca!! if "$e
needed any$in#, $ey
!ef'
Tere"e !ooked o-er a (a$ew, w$o $ad a-ered $i" #a;e a" $e fini"$ed $i" ca!!'
*$e wa"
concerned abou $i" reacion o $i" caa"rop$e' T$ey $ad been &arried for on!y
$ree &on$"'
=i$ a definii-e c!ick (a$ew f!ipped $i" p$one c!o"ed and "!ipped i ino $i"
:acke pocke'
4e urned o Tere"e and "ared a $er for a &o&en' 4i" ie wa" !oo"ened and $i"
"$ir co!!ar
unbuoned'
*$e ried o read $i" e+pre""ion bu cou!dn%' 4e wa" c$ewin# $e in"ide of $i"
c$eek'
74ow are you?7 $e a"ked fina!!y wi$ !i!e e&oion'
7A" we!! a" can be e+peced,7 Tere"e &ana#ed' *$e de"perae!y waned
$i& o co&e o $er and $o!d $er, bu $e kep $i" di"ance'
7T$i" i" a curiou" "ae of affair",7 $e "aid'
7I%& no "ure I know w$a you &ean,7 Tere"e "aid'
7*i&p!y $a $e &ain rea"on we #o &arried $a" :u" e-aporaed,7 (a$ew "aid'
7I%d "ay your
p!annin# $a" #one awry'7
Tere"e%" &ou$ "!ow!y dropped open' *unned, "$e $ad o "ru##!e o find $er
-oice' 7I don%
!ike your i&p!icaion,7 "$e "aid' 7I didn% #e pre#nan on purpo"e'7
7=e!!, you $a-e your rea!iy and I $a-e &ine,7 (a$ew "aid' 7T$e prob!e& i"/
=$a are we #oin# o do
abou i?7
Tere"e c!o"ed $er eye"' *$e cou!dn% re"pond' I $ad been a" if (a$ew $ad
p!un#ed a knife ino $er $ear'
*$e knew
fro& $a &o&en $a "$e didn% !o-e $i&' In fac "$e $aed $i&'''
=32N3*2A<, ?/ 9/1E A'(', (ARC4 2B,1991
N3= <OR6 Ciy
73+cu"e &e,7 Jack *ap!eon "aid wi$ fa!"e ci-i!iy o $e dark!y co&-p!eced
.aki"ani cabdri-er' 7=ou!d
you care o "ep ou of your car "o we can di"cu"" $i" &aer fu!!y ?7
Jack wa" referrin# o $e fac $a $e cabdri-er $ad cu $i& off a $e
iner"ecion of Cory-"i+$ *ree and
*econd A-enue' In rea!iaion Jack $ad kicked $e cab%" dri-er-"ide door w$en
$ey $ad bo$
"opped a a red !i#$ a Cory-four$ *ree' Jack wa" on $i" Cannonda!e
&ounain bike $a $e u"ed o
co&&ue o work'
T$i" &ornin#%" confronaion wa" no unu"ua!' Jack%" dai!y roue inc!uded a
$air-rai"in# "!a!o& down *econd
A-enue fro& Cify-nin$ *ree o T$irie$ *ree a breakneck "peed' T$ere
were fre>uen
c!o"e ca!!" wi$ ruck" and a+icab" and $e ine-iab!e ar#u&en"' Anyone e!"e
wou!d $a-e found $e rip
ner-e-rackin#' Jack !o-ed i' A" $e e+p!ained o $i" co!!ea#ue", i #o $i"
b!ood circu!ain#'
C$oo"in# o i#nore Jack uni! $e !i#$ urned #reen, $e .aki"ani cabdri-er
$en cur"ed $i& "ound!y before
"peedin# off' 7And o you oo87 Jack ye!!ed back' 4e acce!eraed "andin# up
uni!
$e reac$ed a "peed e>ua! o $e raffic' T$en $e "e!ed ono $e "ea w$i!e $i"
!e#" pu&ped
furiou"!y'
3-enua!!y $e cau#$ up wi$ $e offendin# cabdri-er, bu Jack i#nored $i&' In
fac, $e
w$i"ked pa" $i&, ">uee;in# beween $e a+i and a de!i-ery -an'
A T$irie$ *ree Jack urned ea", cro""ed Cir" A-enue, and abrup!y urned
ino $e !oadin#
bay of $e Office of $e C$ief (edica! 3+a&iner for $e Ciy of New <ork' Jack
$ad been workin#
$ere for fi-e &on$", $a-in# been offered a po"iion a" an a""ociae &edica!
e+a&iner afer
fini"$in# $i" pa$o!o#y re"idency and a year%" fe!!ow"$ip in foren"ic"'
Jack w$ee!ed $i" bike pa" $e "ecuriy office and wa-ed a $e unifor&ed #uard'
Turnin# !ef,
$e pa""ed $e &oruary office and enered $e &or#ue i"e!f' Turnin# !ef a#ain,
$e pa""ed a bank of
$e refri#eraed co&par&en" u"ed o "ore bodie" prior o auop"y' In a corner
w$ere "i&p!e pine
coffin" were "ored for unc!ai&ed bodie" $eadin# for 4ar I"!and, Jack parked
$i" bike and "ecured
i wi$ "e-era! 6ryponie !ock"'
T$e e!e-aor ook Jack up o $e fir" f!oor' I wa" we!! before ei#$ in $e
&ornin# and few of
$e dayi&e e&p!oyee" $ad arri-ed' 3-en *er#ean (urp$y wa"n% in $e office
a""i#ned o $e
po!ice'
.a""in# $rou#$ $e co&&unicaion" roo&, Jack enered $e I2 area' 4e "aid $e!!o
o ,innie
A&endo!a, w$o reurned $e #reein# wi$ou !ookin# up fro& $i" new"paper'
,innie wa" one of
$e &oruary ec$" w$o worked wi$ Jack fre>uen!y'
Jack a!"o "aid $e!!o o 5aurie (on#o&ery, one of $e board-cerified foren"ic
pa$o!o#i""' I
wa" $er urn in $e roaion o be in c$ar#e of a""i#nin# $e ca"e" $a $ad
co&e in durin# $e ni#$'
*$e%d been a $e Of-rice of $e C$ief (edica! 3+a&iner for four and a $a!f
year"' 5ike Jack, "$e
wa" u"ua!!y one of $e fir" o arri-e in $e &ornin#'
7I "ee you &ade ino $e office once a#ain wi$ou $a-in# o co&e in fee
fir",7 5aurie "aid
ea"in#!y' *$e wa" referrin# o Jack%" dan#erou" bike ride' 7Co&in# in fee
fir"7 wa" office
-ernacu!ar for arri-in# dead'
7On!y one bru"$ wi$ a a+i,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& accu"o&ed o $ree or four' I
wa" !ike a ride in
$e counry $i" &ornin#'7
7I%& "ure,7 5aurie "aid wi$ou be!ief' 7.er"ona!!y I $ink you are foo!$ardy o
ride your bike in
$i" ciy' I%-e auop"ied "e-era! of $o"e darede-i! bicyc!e &e""en#er"' 3-ery
i&e I "ee one in raffic
I wonder w$en I%!! be "eein# $i& in $e pi'7 T$e 7pi7 wa" office -ernacu!ar
for $e auop"y roo&'
Jack $e!ped $i&"e!f o coffee, $en wandered o-er o $e de"k w$ere 5aurie wa"
workin#'
7Any$in# paricu!ar!y inere"in#?7 Jack a"ked, !ookin# o-er $er "$ou!der'
7T$e u"ua! #un"$o wound",7 5aurie "aid' 7A!"o a dru# o-erdo"e'7 7)#$,7 Jack
"aid'
7<ou don% !ike o-erdo"e" ?7
7Na$,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ey%re a!! $e "a&e' I !ike "urpri"e" and a c$a!!en#e'7
7I $ad a few o-erdo"e" $a fi ino $a cae#ory durin# &y fir" year,7 5aurie
"aid'
74ow "o?7
7I%" a !on# "ory,7 5aurie "aid e-a"i-e!y' T$en "$e poined o one of $e na&e"
on $er !i"'
74ere%" a ca"e you &i#$ find inere"in#/ 2ona!d Node!&an' T$e dia#no"i" i"
unknown infeciou"
di"ea"e'7
7T$a wou!d cerain!y be beer $an an o-erdo"e,7 Jack "aid'
7No in &y book,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu i%" your" if you wan i' .er"ona!!y I
don% care for
infeciou" di"ea"e ca"e", ne-er $a-e and ne-er wi!!' =$en I did $e e+erna!
e+a& ear!ier, i #a-e &e
$e creep"' =$ae-er i wa", i wa" an a##re""i-e bu#' 4e%" #o e+en"i-e
"ubcuaneou" b!eedin#'7
7)nknown" can be a c$a!!en#e,7 Jack "aid' 4e picked up $e Co!der' 7I%!! be #!ad
o do $e
ca"e' 2id $e die a $o&e or in an in"iuion ?7
74e wa" in a $o"pia!,7 5aurie "aid' 74e wa" brou#$ in Cro& $e (an$aan
Genera!' Bu
infeciou" di"ea"e wa"n% $i" ad&iin# dia#no"i"' 4e%d been ad&ied for
diabee"'7
7I%" &y reco!!ecion $a $e (an$aan Genera! i" an A&eriCare $o"pia!,7 Jack
"aid' 7I" $a
rue?7
7I $ink "o,7 5aurie "aid' 7=$y do you a"k?7
7Becau"e i &i#$ &ake $i" ca"e per"ona!!y rewardin#,7 Jack "aid' 7(aybe I%!!
be !ucky enou#$
for $e dia#no"i" o be "o&e$in# !ike 5e#ionarie"% di"ea"e' I cou!dn% $ink of
any$in# &ore
en:oyab!e $an #i-in# A&eriCare $earburn' I%d !o-e o "ee $a corporaion
">uir&'7 7=$y%" $a?7
5aurie a"ked'
7I%" a !on# "ory,7 Jack "aid wi$ an i&pi"$ "&i!e' 7One of $e"e day" we
"$ou!d $a-e a drink
and you can e!! &e abou your o-erdo"e" and I%!! e!! you abou &e and
A&eriCare'7
5aurie didn% know if Jack%" in-iaion wa" "incere or no' *$e didn% know &uc$
abou Jack
*ap!eon beyond $i" work a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" officeD $er under"andin#
wa" $a no one e!"e
did ei$er' Jack wa" a "uperb foren"ic pa$o!o#i", de"pie $e fac $a $e%d
on!y recen!y fini"$ed
$i" rainin#' Bu $e didn% "ocia!i;e &uc$, and $e wa" ne-er -ery per"ona!!y
re-ea!in# in $i" "&a!!
a!k' A!! 5aurie knew wa" $a $e wa" fory-one, un&arried, enerainin#!y
f!ippan, and ca&e fro&
$e (idwe"'
7I%!! !e you know w$a I find,7 Jack "aid a" $e $eaded oward $e
co&&unicaion" roo&'
7Jack, e+cu"e &e,7 5aurie ca!!ed ou'
Jack "opped and urned around'
7=ou!d you &ind 5 #a-e you a bi of ad-ice,7 "$e "aid $e"ian!y' *$e wa"
"peakin#
i&pu!"i-e!y' I wa"n% !ike $er, bu "$e appreciaed Jack and $oped $a $e
wou!d be workin# $ere
for "o&e i&e'
Jack%" i&pi"$ "&i!e reurned' 4e "epped back o $e de"k' 7By a!! &ean",7 $e
"aid'
7I%& probab!y "peakin# ou of urn,7 5aurie "aid'
7Fuie $e conrary,7 Jack "aid' 7I $onor your opinion' =$a%" on your &ind?7
7Ju" $a you and Ca!-in =a"$in#on $a-e been a odd",7 5aurie "aid' 7I know
i%" :u" a c!a"$
of per"ona!iie", bu Ca!-in $a" $ad a !on#-
"andin# re!aion"$ip wi$ $e (an$aan Genera!, a" A&eriCare doe" wi$ $e
&ayor%" office' I
$ink you "$ou!d be carefu!'7
7Bein# carefu! $a"n% been one of &y "ron# poin" for fi-e year",7 Jack "aid'
7I $a-e u&o"
re"pec for $e depuy c$ief' Our on!y di"a#ree&en i" $a $e be!ie-e" ru!e" o
be car-ed in "one
w$i!e I "ee $e& a" #uide!ine"' A" for A&eriCare, I don% care for $eir #oa!"
or &e$od"'7
7=e!!, i%" no &y bu"ine"",7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu Ca!-in keep" "ayin# $e doe"n%
"ee you a" a ea&
p!ayer'7
74e%" #o a poin $ere,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e prob!e& i" $a I%-e de-e!oped an
a-er"ion o
&ediocriy' I%& $onored o work wi$ &o" peop!e around $ere, e"pecia!!y you'
4owe-er, $ere are
a few w$o& I can% dea! wi$, and I don% $ide i' I%" a" "i&p!e a" $a'7
7I%!! ake $a a" a co&p!i&en,7 5aurie "aid'
7I wa" &ean a" one,7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, !e &e know w$a you find on Node!&an,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$en I%!! $a-e a
!ea" one &ore
ca"e for you o do'7
7(y p!ea"ure,7 Jack "aid' 4e urned and $eaded for $e co&&unicaion" roo&' A"
$e wa!ked
pa" ,innie, $e "nac$ed away $i" paper'
7Co&e on, ,innie,7 Jack "aid' 7=e%re #oin# o #e a :u&p on $e day'7 ,innie
co&p!ained bu
fo!!owed' =$i!e ryin# o rerie-e $i" paper $e co!!ided wi$ Jack, w$o $ad
abrup!y "opped
ou"ide of Janice Jae#er%" office' Janice wa" one of $e foren"ic in-e"i#aor",
fre>uen!y referred o
a" .A" or p$y"ician%" a""i"an"' 4er our of duy wa" $e #ra-eyard "$if, fro&
e!e-en o "e-en'
Jack wa" "urpri"ed o find $er "i!! in $er office' A
peie wo&an wi$ dark $air and dark eye", "$e wa" ob-iou"!y ired' 7=$a are
you "i!! doin#
$ere?7 Jack a"ked' 7I%-e #o one &ore repor o fini"$'7
Jack $e!d up $e fo!der in $i" $and' 72id you or Cur $and!e Node!&an?7
7I did,7 Janice "aid' 7I" $ere a prob!e&?7
7No $a I know abou ye,7 Jack "aid wi$ a c$uck!e' 4e knew Janice o be
e+re&e!y
con"cieniou", w$ic$ &ade $er idea! for ea"in#' 7=a" i your i&pre""ion $e
cau"e of dea$ wa" a
no"oco&ia! infecion?7
7=$a $e $e!! i" a %no"oco&ia! infecion%?7 ,innie a"ked'
7I%" an infecion ac>uired in a $o"pia!,7 Jack e+p!ained'
7I cerain!y "ee&" "o,7 Janice "aid' 7T$e &an $ad been in $e $o"pia! fi-e
day" for $i" diabee"
before de-e!opin# "y&po&" of an infeciou" di"ea"e' Once $e #o $e&, $e died
wi$in $iry-"i+
$our"'7
Jack w$i"!ed in re"pec' 7=$ae-er $e bu# wa", i cerain!y wa" -iru!en'7
7T$a%" w$a worried $e docor" I "poke wi$,7 Janice "aid' 7Any !aboraory
re"u!" fro&
&icrobio!o#y ?7 Jack >ue"ioned' 7No$in# $a" #rown ou,7 Janice "aid' 7B!ood
cu!ure" were
ne#ai-e a" of four o%c!ock $i" &ornin#' T$e er&ina! e-en wa" acue
re"piraory di"re""
"yndro&e, or AR2*, bu "puu& cu!ure" $a-e been ne#ai-e a" we!!' T$e on!y
po"ii-e $in# wa"
$e #ra& "ain of $e "puu&' T$a "$owed #ra&-ne#ai-e baci!!i' T$a &ade
peop!e $ink of
p"eudo&ona", bu i $a"n% been confir&ed'7
7Any >ue"ion of $e paien bein# i&&uno!o#ica!!y co&pro&i"ed ?7 Jack a"ked'
72id $e $a-e
AI2* or $ad $e been reaed wi$ ani-&eabo!ie"?7
7No $a I cou!d a"cerain,7 Janice "aid' 7T$e on!y prob!e& $e $ad !i"ed wa"
diabee" and
"o&e of $e u"ua! "e>ue!ae' Anyway, i%" a!! in $e in-e"i#ai-e repor if
you%d care o read i'7
74ey, w$y read w$en I can #e i fro& $e $or"e%" &ou$?7 Jack "aid wi$ a
!au#$' 4e $anked
Janice and $eaded for $e e!e-aor'
7I $ope you are p!annin# o wear your &oon "ui,7 ,innie "aid' T$e &oon "ui,
$e co&p!ee!y
enc!o"ed, i&per-iou" oufi co&p!ee wi$ a c!ear p!a"ic face &a"k, wa"
de"i#ned for &a+i&u&
proecion' Air wa" forced ino $e "ui by a fan worn a $e "&a!! of $e back,
pu!!in# air $rou#$ a
fi!er before circu!ain# i wi$in $e $eadpiece' T$a pro-ided enou#$
-eni!aion o brea$e bu
#uaraneed "auna-!ike e&peraure" in"ide' Jack dee"ed $e "eup'
A" far a" Jack wa" concerned $e &oon "ui wa" bu!ky, re"rici-e,
unco&forab!e, $o, and
unnece""ary' 4e%d no worn one $rou#$ou $i" rainin#' T$e prob!e& wa" $a $e
New <ork c$ief,
2r' 4aro!d Bin#$a&, $ad decreed $a $e "ui" be u"ed' Ca!-in, $e depuy
c$ief, wa" inen on
enforcin# i' Jack $ad endured "e-era! confronaion" a" a re"u!'
7T$i" &i#$ be $e fir" i&e $e "ui i" indicaed, Jack "aid, o ,innie%"
re!ief' 7)ni! we
know w$a we are dea!in# wi$ we $a-e o ake a!! precauion"' Afer a!!, i
cou!d be "o&e$in#
!ike 3bo!a -iru"'7
,innie "opped in $i" rack"' 7<ou rea!!y $ink i%" po""ib!e?7 $e a"ked, $i"
eye" opened wide'
7No a c$ance,7 Jack "aid' 4e "!apped $i& on $e back' 7Ju" kiddin#'7
7T$ank God,7 ,innie "aid' T$ey "ared wa!kin# a#ain'
p!a#ue 7%
7Bu &aybe p!a#ue,7
,innie "opped a#ain' 7T$a wou!d be :u" a" bad,7 $e "aid'
Jack "$ru##ed $i" "$ou!der"' 7A!! in a day%" work,7 $e "aid' 7Co&e on, !e%" #e
i o-er wi$'7
T$ey c$an#ed ino "crub", and $en w$i!e ,innie pu on $i" &oon "ui and wen
ino $e
auop"y roo&, Jack wen $rou#$ $e conen" of Node!&an%" fo!der' I $ad a ca"e
work "$ee, a
paria!!y co&p!eed dea$ cerificae, an in-enory of &edica!-!e#a! ca"e
record", wo "$ee" for auop"y noe", a e!ep$one noice of dea$ a" recei-ed
$a ni#$ by co&&unicaion", a co&p!eed
idenificaion "$ee, Janice%" in-e"i#ai-e repor, a "$ee for $e auop"y
repor, and a !ab "!ip for
4I, anibody ana!y"i"'
2e"pie $a-in# "poken wi$ Janice, Jack read $er repor carefu!!y a" $e a!way"
did' =$en $e
wa" fini"$ed $e wen ino $e roo& ne+ o $e pine coffin" and pu on $i" &oon
"ui' 4e ook $i"
-eni!aion uni fro& w$ere i $ad been c$ar#in# and $ooked $i&"e!f up' T$en $e
"e ou for $e
auop"y roo& on $e o$er "ide of $e &or#ue'
Jack cur"ed $e "ui a" $e wa!ked pa" &o" of $e 121 refri#eraed co&par&en"
for bodie"'
Bein# enca"ed in $e conrapion pu $i& in a bad &ood, and $e eyed $i"
"urroundin#" wi$ a
:aundiced eye' T$e &or#ue $ad been "ae of $e ar a one i&e, bu i wa" now
in need of repair
and up#radin#' =i$ i" a#ed, b!ue i!e wa!!" and "ained ce&en f!oor i !ooked
!ike a "e for an o!d
$orror &o-ie'
T$ere wa" an enrance o $e auop"y roo& direc!y fro& $e $a!!way,
bu $a wa"n% u"ed any !on#er e+cep o brin# bodie" in and ou' In"ead :ack
enered $rou#$ a
"&a!! aneroo& wi$ a wa"$ba"in'
By $e i&e Jack enered $e auop"y roo& ,innie $ad Node!&an%" body on one of
$e ei#$
ab!e" and $ad a""e&b!ed a!! $e nece""ary e>uip&en and parap$erna!ia nece""ary
o do $e ca"e'
Jack po"iioned $i&"e!f on $e paien%" ri#$, ,innie on $e !ef'
74e doe"n% !ook "o #ood,7 Jack "aid' 7I don% $ink $e%" #oin# o &ake i o
$e pro&'7 I wa"
$ard o a!k in $e &oon "ui, and $e wa" a!ready per"pirin#'
,innie, w$o ne-er >uie knew $ow o reac o Jack%" irre-eren co&&en", didn%
re"pond e-en
$ou#$ $e corp"e did !ook errib!e'
7T$i" i" #an#rene on $i" fin#er",7 Jack "aid' 4e !ifed one of $e $and" and
e+a&ined $e
a!&o"-b!ack fin#erip" c!o"e!y' T$en $e poined o $e &an%" "$ri-e!ed
#enia!"' 7T$a%" #an#rene on
$e end of $i" peni"' Ouc$8
T$a &u" $a-e $ur' Can you i&a#ine?7
,innie $e!d $i" on#ue'
Jack carefu!!y e+a&ined e-ery inc$ of $e &an%" e+erior' Cor ,innie%" benefi
$e poined ou
$e e+en"i-e "ubcuaneou" $e&orr$a#e" on $e &an%" abdo&en and !e#"' 4e o!d
$i& i wa" ca!!ed
purpura' T$en :ack &enioned $ere were no ob-iou" in"ec bie"' 7T$a%"
i&poran,7 $e added' 7A
!o of "eriou" di"ea"e" are ran"&ied by ar$ropod"'7
7Ar$ropod"?7 ,innie >ue"ioned' 4e ne-er knew w$en Jack wa" :okin#'
7In"ec",7 Jack "aid' 7Cru"acean" aren% &uc$ of a prob!e& a" di"ea"e -ecor"'7
,innie nodded appreciai-e!y, a!$ou#$ $e didn% know any &ore $an $e $ad w$en
$e%d a"ked
$i" >ue"ion' 4e &ade a &ena! noe o ry o re&e&ber o !ook up $e &eanin# of
7ar$ropod"7
w$en $e $ad an opporuniy'
7=$a are $e c$ance" w$ae-er ki!!ed $i" &an i" cona#iou"?7 ,innie a"ked'
73+ce!!en, I%& afraid,7 Jack "aid' 73+ce!!en'7
T$e door o $e $a!!way opened and *a! 2%A&bro"io, ano$er &oruary ec$,
w$ee!ed in ano$er
body' Toa!!y ab"orbed in $e e+erna! e+a& of (r' Node!&an, Jack did no !ook
up' 4e wa"
a!ready be#innin# o for& a differenia! dia#no"i"'
A $a!f $our !aer "i+ of $e ei#$ ab!e" were occupied by corp"e" awaiin#
auop"ie"' One by
one $e o$er &edica! e+a&iner" on duy $a day
be#an o arri-e' 5aurie wa" $e fir", and "$e ca&e o-er o Jack%" ab!e' 7Any
idea" ye?7 "$e a"ked'
75o" of idea" bu no$in# definii-e,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I can a""ure you $i" i"
one -iru!en
or#ani"&' I wa" ea"in# ,innie ear!ier abou i" bein#
3bo!a' T$ere%" a !o of di""e&inaed inra-a"cu!ar coa#u!aion'7
7(y God87 5aurie e+c!ai&ed' 7Are you "eriou"?7
7No, no rea!!y,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu fro& w$a I%-e "een "o far i%" "i!!
po""ib!e, :u" no probab!e'
Of cour"e I%-e ne-er "een a ca"e of 3bo!a, "o $a "$ou!d e!! you "o&e$in#'7
72o you $ink we ou#$ o i"o!ae $i" ca"e?7 5aurie a"ked ner-ou"!y' 7I can%
"ee any rea"on o,7
Jack "aid' 7Be"ide", I%-e a!ready "ared, and I%!! be carefu! o a-oid $rowin#
any of $e or#an"
around $e roo&' Bu I%!! e!! you w$a we "$ou!d do/ a!er $e !ab o be &i#$y
carefu! wi$ $e
"peci&en" uni! we $a-e a dia#no"i"'7
7(aybe I%d beer a"k Bin#$a&%" opinion,7 5aurie "aid'
7O$, $a wou!d be $e!pfu!,7 Jack "aid "arca"ica!!y' 7T$en we%!! $a-e $e b!ind
!eadin# $e
b!ind'7
72on% be di"re"pecfu!,7 5aurie "aid' 74e i" $e c$ief'7
7I don% care if $e%" $e .ope,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ink I "$ou!d :u" #e i done,
$e "ooner $e
beer' If Bin#$a& or e-en Ca!-in #e" in-o!-ed i wi!! dra# on a!! &ornin#'7
7A!! ri#$,7 5aurie "aid' 7(aybe you%re ri#$' Bu !e &e "ee any abnor&a!iy'
I%!! be on ab!e
$ree'7
5aurie !ef o do $er own ca"e' Jack ook a "ca!pe! fro& ,innie and wa" abou o
&ake $e
inci"ion w$en $e noiced $a ,innie $ad &o-ed away'
7=$ere are you #oin# o wac$ $i" fro&, Fueen"?7 Jack a"ked' 7<ou%re "uppo"ed
o be
$e!pin#'7
7I%& a !i!e ner-ou",7 ,innie ad&ied'
7O$, co&e on, &an,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou%-e been a &ore auop"ie" $an I $a-e' Ge
your Ia!ian a""
o-er $ere' =e%-e #o work o do'7
Jack worked >uick!y bu "&oo$!y' 4e $and!ed $e inerna! or#an" #en!y and wa"
&eicu!ou"!y
carefu! abou $e u"e of in"ru&en" w$en ei$er $i" or ,innie%" $and" were in
$e fie!d'
7=$ac$a #o?7 C$e (cGo-ern a"ked, !ookin# o-er Jack%" "$ou!der' C$e wa" a!"o
an
a""ociae &edica! e+a&iner, $a-in# been $ired in $e "a&e &on$ a" Jack' Of a!!
$e co!!ea#ue" $e%d
beco&e $e c!o"e" o Jack, "ince $ey "$ared bo$ a co&&on office and $e
"ocia! circu&"ance of
bein# "in#!e &a!e"' Bu C$e $ad ne-er been &arried and a $iry-"i+, $e wa"
fi-e year" Jack%"
:unior'
7*o&e$in# inere"in#,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e &y"ery di"ea"e of $e week' And i%" a
$u&din#er'
T$i" poor ba"ard didn% $a-e a c$ance'7
7Any idea"?7 C$e a"ked' 4i" rained eye ook in $e #an#rene and $e
$e&orr$a#e" under $e
"kin'
7I #o a !o of idea",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu !e &e "$ow you $e inerna!' I%d
appreciae your
opinion'7
7I" $ere "o&e$in# I "$ou!d "ee?7 5aurie ca!!ed fro& ab!e $ree' *$e%d noiced
Jack
con-er"in# wi$ C$e'
7<ea$, co&e on o-er,7 Jack "aid' 7No u"e #oin# $rou#$ $i" &ore $an once'7
5aurie "en *a! o $e "ink o wa"$ ou $e ine"ine" on $er ca"e, $en "epped
o-er o ab!e
one'
7T$e fir" $in# I wan you o !ook a i" $e !y&p$aic" I di""eced in $e
$roa,7 Jack "aid' 4e
$ad reraced $e "kin of $e neck fro& $e c$in o $e co!!arbone'
7No wonder auop"ie" ake "o !on# around $ere,7 a -oice boo&ed in $e confined
"pace'
A!! eye" urned oward 2r' Ca!-in =a"$in#on, $e depuy c$ief' 4e wa" an
ini&idain# "i+-
foo-"e-en, wo-$undred-and-fify-pound African-A&erican &an w$o%d pa""ed up a
c$ance o p!ay
NC5 fooba!! o #o o &edica! "c$oo!'
7=$a $e $e!! i" #oin# on around $ere?7 $e de&anded $a!f in :e"' 7=$a do you
peop!e
$ink $i" i", a $o!iday?7
7Ju" poo!in# re"ource",7 5aurie "aid' 7=e%-e #o an unknown infeciou" ca"e
$a appear" o
be >uie an a##re""i-e &icrobe'7
7*o I $eard,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I a!ready #o a ca!! fro& $e ad&ini"raor o-er a
$e (an$aan
Genera!' 4e%" :u"!y concerned' =$a%" $e -erdic?7
7A bi oo "oon o e!!,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu we%-e #o a !o of pa$o!o#y $ere'7
Jack >uick!y "u&&ari;ed for Ca!-in w$a wa" known of $e $i"ory and poined ou
$e
po"ii-e findin#" on $e e+erna! e+a&' T$en $e "ared back on $e inerna!,
indicain# $e "pread of
$e di"ea"e a!on# $e !y&p$aic" of $e neck'
$e o $e"e node" are necronc, Ca!-in "aid'
73+ac!y,7 Jack "aid' 7In fac &o" of $e& are necroic' T$e di"ea"e wa"
"preadin# rapid!y
$rou#$ $e !y&p$aic", pre"u&ab!y fro& $e $roa and bronc$ia! ree'7
Airborne, $en, Ca!-in "aid'
7I wou!d be &y fir" #ue"",7 Jack ad&ied' 7Now !ook a $e inerna! or#an"'7
Jack pre"ened $e !un#" and opened $e area" w$ere $e%d &ade "!ice"' 7A" you
can "ee, $i" i"
prey e+en"i-e !obar pneu&onia,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ere%" a !o of con"o!idaion'
Bu $ere i" a!"o "o&e
necro"i", and I be!ie-e ear!y ca-iaion' If $e paien $ad !i-ed !on#er, I
$ink we wou!d be "eein#
"o&e ab"ce"" for&aion'7
Ca!-in w$i"!ed' 7=ow,7 $e "aid' 7A!! $i" wa" $appenin# in $e face
of &a""i-e I, anibioic"'
an % 7
7I%" worri"o&e,7 Jack a#reed' 4e carefu!!y "!id $e !un#" back ino $e pan' 4e
didn% wan
$e& "!o"$in# around, poenia!!y $rowin# infeci-e paric!e" ino $e air'
Ne+ $e picked up $e
!i-er and #en!y "eparaed i" cu "urface'
7*a&e proce"",7 $e announced, poinin# wi$ $i" fin#er" o area" of
ear!y ab"ce"" for&aion' 7Ju" no a" e+en"i-e a" wi$ $e !un#"'7 Jack pu $e
!i-er down and
picked up $e "p!een' T$ere were "i&i!ar !e"ion" $rou#$ou $e or#an' 4e &ade
"ure e-eryone "aw
$e&'
7*o &uc$ for $e #ro"",7 Jack "aid a" $e carefu!!y rep!aced $e "p!een in $e
pan' 7=e%!! $a-e o
"ee w$a $e &icro"copic "$ow", bu I acua!!y
$ink we%!! be re!yin# on $e !ab o #i-e u" $e definii-e an"wer'7 7=$a%"
your #ue"" a $i" poin?7
Ca!-in a"ked'
Jack !e ou a "$or !au#$' 7A #ue"" i wou!d $a-e o be,7 $e "aid' 7I $a-en%
"een any$in#
pa$o#no&onic ye' Bu i" fu!&inan c$aracer "$ou!d e!! u" "o&e$in#'7
7=$a%" your differenia! dia#no"i"?7 Ca!-in a"ked' 7Co&e on, =on-derboy, !e%"
$ear i'7
7)&&&&,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou%re kinda puin# &e on $e "po' Bu okay, I%!! e!!
you w$a%" been
#oin# $rou#$ &y $ead' Cir", I don% $ink i cou!d be p"eudo&ona" a" "u"peced
a $e $o"pia!'
I%" oo a##re""i-e' I cou!d $a-e been "o&e$in# aypica! !ike "rep #roup A or
e-en "ap$ wi$
o+ic "$ock, bu I kinda doub i, e"pecia!!y wi$ $e #ra& "ain "u##e"in# i
wa" a baci!!u"' *o I%d
$a-e o "ay i i" "o&e$in# !ike u!are&ia or p!a#ue'7
7=$oa87 Ca!-in e+c!ai&ed' 7<ou%re co&in# up wi$ "o&e prey arcane i!!ne""e"
for w$a wa"
apparen!y a $o"pia!-ba"ed infecion' 4a-en% you $eard $e p$ra"e abou w$en
you $ear $oofbea"
you "$ou!d $ink of $or"e", no ;ebra" ?7
7I%& :u" e!!in# you w$a%" #oin# $rou#$ &y &ind' I%" :u" a differenia!
dia#no"i"' I%& ryin# o
keep an open &ind'7
7A!! ri#$,7 Ca!-in "aid "oo$in#!y' 7I" $a i?7
7No, $a%" no i,7 Jack "aid' 7I%d a!"o con"ider $a $e #ra& "ain cou!d
$a-e been wron# and
$a wou!d !e in no on!y "rep and "ap$ bu &enin#ococce&ia a" we!!' And I
&i#$ a" we!! $row
in Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er and $ana-iru"' 4e!!, I cou!d e-en $row in $e
-ira! $e&orr$a#ic
fe-er" !ike 3bo!a'7
7Now you%re #ein# ou in $e "rao"p$ere,7 Ca!-in "aid' 75e%" co&e
back o rea!iy' If I &ade you #ue"" w$ic$ one i i" ri#$ now wi$ w$a you
know, w$a wou!d you
"ay?7
Jack c!ucked $i" on#ue' 4e $ad $e irriaed fee!in# $e wa" bein# pu back in
&edica! "c$oo!,
and $a Ca!-in, !ike &any of $i" &edica!-"c$oo!
profe""or", wa" ryin# o &ake $i& !ook bad'
7.!a#ue,7 Jack "aid o a "unned audience'
7.!a#ue?7 Ca!-in >ue"ioned wi$ "urpri"e borderin# on di"dain' 7In (arc$? In
New <ork
Ciy? In a $o"pia!i;ed paien? <ou #o o be ou of your &ind'7
74ey, you a"ked &e for one dia#no"i",7 Jack "aid' 7*o I #a-e i o you' I wa"n%
re"pondin# by
probabi!iie", :u" pa$o!o#y'7
7<ou weren% con"iderin# $e o$er epide&io!o#ica! a"pec"?7 Ca!-in a"ked wi$
ob-iou"
conde"cen"ion' 4e !au#$ed' T$en, a!kin# &ore o $e o$er" $an Jack, $e "aid/
7=$a $e $e!! did
$ey eac$ you ou $ere in $e C$ica#o boonie" ?7
7T$ere are oo &any unknown" in $i" ca"e for &e o pu a !o of wei#$ on
un"ub"aniaed
infor&aion,7 Jack "aid' 7I didn% -i"i $e "ie' I don% know any$in# abou
$e decea"ed%" pe",
ra-e!, or conac wi$ -i"ior"' T$ere are a !o of peop!e co&in# and #oin# in
$i" ciy, e-en in and
ou of a $o"pia!' And $ere are cerain!y &ore $an enou#$ ra" around $ere o
"uppor $e
dia#no"i"'7
Cor a &o&en a $ea-y "i!ence $un# o-er $e auop"y roo&' Nei$er 5aurie nor C$e
knew
w$a o "ay' Jack%" one &ade $e& bo$ unco&forab!e, e"pecia!!y knowin#
Ca!-in%" "or&y
e&pera&en'
7A c!e-er co&&en,7 Ca!-in "aid fina!!y' 7<ou%re >uie #ood a doub!e enendre'
I $a-e o #i-e
you credi $ere' .er$ap" $a%" par of pa$o!o#y rainin# in $e (idwe"'7
Bo$ 5aurie and C$e !au#$ed ner-ou"!y'
7A!! ri#$, "&ara"",7 Ca!-in coninued' 74ow &uc$ are you wi!!in# o pu on
your dia#no"i" of
p!a#ue?7
7I didn% know i wa" cu"o&ary o #a&b!e around $ere,7 Jack "aid' 7No, i%" no
co&&on o
#a&b!e, bu w$en you co&e up wi$ a dia#no"i" of p!a#ue, I $ink i%" wor$w$i!e
o &ake a
poin of i' 4ow abou en do!!ar" ?7
7I can afford en do!!ar",7 Jack "aid'
7Cine,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7=i$ $a "e!ed, w$ere%" ?au1191od#e and $a
#un"$o wound fro& $e =or!d Trade Cener?7
74e%" down on ab!e "i+,7 5aurie "aid'
Ca!-in !u&bered away and for a &o&en $e o$er" wac$ed $i&' 5aurie broke $e
"i!ence'
7=$y do you ry o pro-oke $i&?7 "$e a"ked Jack'
7I don% under"and' <ou%re &akin# i &ore difficu! for your"e!f'7
78 can% $e!p i,7 Jack "aid' 74e pro-oked &e87
7<ea$, bu $e%" $e depuy c$ief and i%" $i" prero#ai-e,7 C$e "aid' 7Be"ide",
you were
pu"$in# $in#" wi$ a dia#no"i" of p!a#ue' I cerain!y wou!dn% be on $e op
of &y !i"'7
7Are you "ure?7 Jack a"ked' 75ook a $e b!ack fin#er" and oe" on $i" paien'
Re&e&ber, i
wa" ca!!ed $e b!ack dea$ back in $e foureen$ cenury'7
7A !o of di"ea"e" can cau"e "uc$ $ro&boic p$eno&ena,7 C$e "aid' 7True,7 Jack
"aid' 7T$a%"
w$y I a!&o" "aid u!are&ia'7
7And w$y didn% you?7 5aurie a"ked' In $er &ind u!are&ia wa" e>ua!!y
i&probab!e'
7I $ou#$ p!a#ue "ounded beer,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" &ore dra&aic'7 7I ne-er
know w$en you
are "eriou",7 5aurie "aid' 74ey, I fee! $e "a&e way,7 Jack "aid'
5aurie "$ook $er $ead in fru"raion' A i&e" i wa" $ard o $a-e a "eriou"
di"cu""ion wi$
Jack' 7Anyway,7 "$e "aid, 7are you fini"$ed wi$
Node!&an? If you are, I%-e #o ano$er ca"e for you'7
7I $a-en% done $e brain ye,7 Jack "aid'
7T$en #e o i,7 5aurie "aid' *$e wa!ked back o ab!e $ree o fini"$ $er own
ca"e'
=32N3*2A<, 9/AE A'(', (ARC4 2n, I 991
N3= <ork CIT<
Tere"e 4a#en "opped abrup!y and !ooked a $e c!o"ed door o $e 7cabin,7 $e
na&e #i-en o $e
&ain conference roo&' I wa" ca!!ed $e cabin becau"e $e inerior wa" a
reproducion of Tay!or
4ea$%" *>uare 5ake $ou"e up in $e wi!d" of New 4a&p"$ire' Tay!or 4ea$ wa" $e
C3O of $e
$o, up-and-co&in# ad-eri"in# fir& =i!!ow and 4ea$, w$ic$ wa" $reaenin# o
break ino $e
rarefied rank" of $e ad-eri"in# bi# !ea#ue"'
Afer &akin# "ure "$e wa" no ob"er-ed, Tere"e !eaned oward $e door and pu
$er ear
a#ain" i' *$e $eard -oice"'
=i$ $er pu!"e >uickenin#, Tere"e $urried down $e $a!! o $er own office' I
ne-er ook !on#
for $er an+iey o "oar' *$e%d on!y been in $e office fi-e &inue" and a!ready
$er $ear wa"
poundin#' *$e didn% !ike $e idea of a &eein# "$e didn% know abou bein# $e!d
in $e cabin, $e
C3O%" $abiua! do&ain' In $er po"iion a" $e creai-e direcor of $e fir&, "$e
fe! "$e $ad o know
e-ery$in# $a wa" #oin# on'
T$e prob!e& wa" $a a !o wa" #oin# on' Tay!or 4ea$ $ad "$ocked e-erybody wi$
$i"
pre-iou" &on$%" announce&en $a $e p!anned o reire a" C3O and wa"
de"i#nain# Brian
=i!"on, $e curren pre"iden,
o "ucceed $i&' T$a !ef a bi# >ue"ion &ark abou w$o wou!d "ucceed =i!"on'
Tere"e wa" in $e
runnin#' T$a wa" for "ure' Bu "o wa" Rober Barker, $e fir&%" e+ecui-e
direcor of accoun"'
And on op of $a, $ere wa" a!way" $e worry $a Tay!or wou!d pick "o&eone
fro& ou"ide'
Tere"e pu!!ed off $er coa and "uffed i ino $e c!o"e' 4er "ecreary, (ar"$a
2e-on", wa" on
$e p$one, "o Tere"e da"$ed o $er de"k and "canned $e "urface for any e!!a!e
&e""a#eD bu $ere
wa" no$in# e+cep a pi!e of unre!aed p$one &e""a#e"'
7T$ere%" a &eein# in $e cabin,7 (ar"$a ca!!ed fro& $e o$er roo& afer
$an#in# up $e
p$one' *$e appeared in $e doorway' *$e wa" a peie wo&an wi$ ra-en-b!ack
$air' Tere"e
appreciaed $er becau"e "$e wa" ine!!i#en, efficien, and inuii-e--a!! $e
>ua!iie" :ackin# in $e
year%" pre-iou" four "ecrearie"' Tere"e wa" ou#$ on $er a""i"an", "ince "$e
e+peced co&&i&en and perfor&ance e>ui-a!en o $er own' 7=$y didn% you ca!!
&e a $o&e ?7
Tere"e de&anded' 7I did, bu you%d a!ready !ef,7 (ar"$a "aid' 7=$o%" a $e
&eein#?7 Tere"e
barked'
7I wa" (r' 4ea$%" "ecreary w$o ca!!ed,7 (ar"$a "aid' 7*$e didn% "ay w$o
wou!d be
aendin#' Ju" $a your pre"ence wa" re>ue"ed'7
7=a" $ere any indicaion w$a $e &eein# i" abou?7 Tere"e a"ked' 7No,7 (ar"$a
"aid
"i&p!y' 7=$en did i "ar?7
7T$e ca!! ca&e $rou#$ a nine,7 (ar"$a "aid'
Tere"e "nac$ed up $er p$one and punc$ed in Co!!een Ander"on%" nu&ber' Co!!een
wa"
Tere"e%" &o" ru"ed ar direcor' *$e wa" curren!y $eadin# up a ea& for $e
Naiona! 4ea!$
Care accoun'
7<ou know any$in# abou $i" &eein# in $e cabin?7 Tere"e a"ked a" "oon a"
Co!!een wa" on
$e !ine'
Co!!een didn%, on!y $a i wa" #oin# on'
72a&n87 Tere"e "aid a" "$e $un# up'
7I" $ere a prob!e&?7 (ar"$a a"ked "o!iciou"!y'
7If Rober Barker $a" been in $ere a!! $i" i&e wi$ Tay!or, $ere%"
a prob!e&,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a prick ne-er &i""e" a bea o pu &e down'7
Tere"e "nac$ed $e p$one a#ain and redia!ed Co!!een' 7=$a%" $e "au" on
Naiona!
4ea!$? 2o we $a-e any co&p" or any$in# I can "$ow ri#$ now ?7
7I%& afraid no,7 Co!!een "aid' 7=e%-e been brain"or&in#, bu we
d %
on $a-e any$in# ;ippy !ike I know you wan' I%& !ookin# for a $o&e
run'7
7=e!!, #oo"e your ea&,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $a-e a "neakin# "u"picion I%& &o"
-u!nerab!e
wi$ Naiona! 4ea!$'7
7No one%" been "!eepin# down $ere,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I can a""ure you of $a'7
Tere"e $un# up wi$ou "ayin# #ood-bye' *nac$in# up $er pur"e, "$e ran down $e
$a!! o $e
!adie"% roo& and po"iioned $er"e!f in fron of $e &irror' *$e pu"$ed $er
(edu"a%" $ead of
$i#$!i#$ed i#$ cur!" ino a "e&b!ance of order, $en reapp!ied "o&e !ip"ick
and a bi of b!u"$'
*eppin# back, "$e "ur-eyed $er"e!f' 5ucki!y "$e%d c$o"en o wear one of $er
fa-orie "ui"' I
wa" dark b!ue woo! #abardine and "eriou"!y "e-ere, $u##in# $er narrow fra&e !ike
a "econd "kin'
*ai"fied wi$ $er appearance, Tere"e $u"!ed o $e cabin door' Afer a deep
brea$ "$e
#ra"ped $e knob, urned i, and enered'
7A$, (i"" 4a#en,7 Brian =i!"on "aid, #!ancin# a $i" wac$' 4e wa" "iin# a
$e $ead of a
rou#$-$ewn p!ank ab!e $a do&inaed $e roo&' 7I "ee you%re now indu!#in# in
banker%" $our"'7
Brian wa" a "$or &an wi$ $innin# $air' 4e -ain!y ried o ca&ouf!a#e $i" ba!d
"po by
co&bin# $i" "ide $air o-er i' A" per u"ua! $e wa" aired in a w$ie "$ir and
ie, !oo"ened a $e
neck, #i-in# $i& $e appearance of a $arried new"paper pub!i"$er' To co&p!ee
$e :ourna!i"ic
!ook, $i" "!ee-e" were ro!!ed up abo-e $i" e!bow" and a ye!!ow 2i+on penci! wa"
ucked be$ind $i"
ri#$ ear'
2e"pie $e cay co&&en, Tere"e !iked and re"peced Brian' 4e wa" an ab!e
ad&ini"raor'
4e $ad a paened dero#aory "y!e, bu $e wa" e>ua!!y de&andin# of $i&"e!f'
7I wa" in $e office !a" ni#$ uni! one a'(',7 Tere"e "aid' 7I cerain!y
wou!d $a-e been $ere for $i" &eein# if "o&eone $ad been kind enou#$ o $a-e
!e &e know abou
i'7
7I wa" an i&pro&pu &eein#,7 Tay!or ca!!ed ou' 4e wa" "andin# near $e
window, in
keepin# wi$ $i" !ai""e;-faire &ana#e&en "y!e' 4e preferred o $o-er abo-e $e
#roup !ike an
O!y&pian #od, wac$in# $i" de&i#od" and &ere &ora!" $a&&er ou deci"ion"'
Tay!or and Brian were oppo"ie in &o" way"' =$ere Brian wa" "$or, Tay!or wa"
a!!' =$ere
Brian wa" ba!din#, Tay!or $ad a den"e $a!o of "i!-er-#ray $air' =$ere Brian
appeared a" $e $arried
new"paper co!u&ni" a!way" wi$ $i" back a#ain" $e wa!!, Tay!or wa" $e
picure of "op$i"icaed
ran>ui!!iy and "aroria! "p!endor' <e no one doubed Tay!or%" encyc!opedic
#ra"p of $e bu"ine""
and $i" uncanny abi!iy o &ainain "rae#ic #oa!" in $e face of dai!y
acica! di"a"er and
conro-er"y'
Tere"e ook a "ea a $e ab!e direc!y acro"" fro& $er ne&e"i", Rober Barker'
4e wa" a a!!,
$in-faced &an wi$ narrow !ip" w$o "ee&ed o ake a cue fro& Tay!or in re#ard
o $i" dre""' 4e
wa" a!way" aired nai!y in dark "i!k "ui" and co!orfu! "i!k ie"' T$e ie"
were $i" rade&ark'
Tere"e cou!d no re&e&ber e-er $a-in# "een $e "a&e ie wice'
Ne+ o Rober wa" 4e!en Robin"on, w$o"e pre"ence &ade Tere"e%" racin# $ear
bea e-en a
!i!e fa"er' 4e!en worked under Rober a" $e accoun e+ecui-e a""i#ned
"pecifica!!y o Naiona!
4ea!$' *$e wa" a "rikin#!y araci-e weny-fi-e-year-o!d wo&an wi$ !on#,
c$e"nu-co!ored $air
$a ca"caded o $er "$ou!der", anned "kin e-en in (arc$, and fu!!, "en"uou"
feaure"' Beween $er
ine!!i#ence and !ook" "$e wa" a for&idab!e ad-er"ary'
A!"o "iin# a $e ab!e wa" .$i! Akin", $e c$ief financia! officer, and
Car!ene 2e"a!-o, $e
corporae direcor of accoun p!annin#' .$i! wa" an i&peccab!y preci"e &an wi$
$i" perennia!
$ree-piece "ui and wire-ri&&ed #!a""e"' Car!ene wa" a bri#$, fu!!-fi#ured
wo&an w$o a!way"
dre""ed in w$ie' Tere"e wa" &i!d!y "urpri"ed o "ee bo$ of $e& a $e
&eein#'
7=e%-e #o a bi# prob!e& wi$ $e Naiona! 4ea!$ accoun,7 Brian "aid' 7T$a%"
w$y $i"
&eein# wa" ca!!ed'7
Tcre"e%" &ou$ wen dry' *$e #!anced a Rober and deeced a "!i#$ bu
infuriain# "&i!e'
Tere"e wi"$ed o God "$e%d been $ere "ince $e be#innin# of $e &eein# "o "$e
cou!d $a-e known
e-ery$in# $a $ad been "aid'
Tere"e wa" aware of roub!e wi$ Naiona! 4ea!$' T$e co&pany $ad ca!!ed for an
inerna!
re-iew a &on$ a#o, w$ic$ &ean $a =i!!ow and 4ea$ $ad o co&e up wi$ a new
ad-eri"in#
ca&pai#n if $ey e+peced o keep $e accoun' And e-erybody knew $ey $ad o
keep $e accoun'
I $ad &u"$roo&ed o "o&ew$ere around fory &i!!ion annua!!y and wa" "i!!
#rowin#' 4ea!$-care
ad-eri"in# wa" in $e a"cendancy, and wou!d $opefu!!y fi!! $e $o!e -acaed by
ci#aree"'
Brian urned o Rober' 7.er$ap" you cou!d fi!! Tere"e in on $e !ae"
de-e!op&en",7 $e "aid'
7I defer o &y ab!e a""i"an, 4e!en,7 Rober "aid, #i-in# Tere"e one of $i"
conde"cendin#
"&i!e"'
4e!en &o-ed forward in $er "ea' 7A" you know, Naiona! 4ea!$ $a" $ad
&i"#i-in#" abou i"
ad-eri"in# ca&pai#n' )nforunae!y $eir di"p!ea"ure $a" increa"ed' Ju"
ye"erday $eir fi#ure"
ca&e & for $e !a" open "ub"criber period' T$e re"u!" weren% #ood' T$eir !o""
of &arke "$are o
A&eriCare in $e New <ork &eropo!ian area $a" increa"ed' Afer bui!din# $e
new $o"pia!, $i"
i" a errib!e b!ow'7
7And $ey b!a&e our ad ca&pai#n for $a?7 Tere"e b!ured ou' 7T$a%" ab"urd'
T$ey on!y
&ade a weny-fi-e-poin buy wi$ our "i+y-"econd co&&ercia!' T$a wa" no
ade>uae' No way'7
7T$a &ay be your opinion,7 4e!en "aid e-en!y' 7Bu I know i i" no Naiona!
4ea!$%"'7
7I know you are fond of your %4ea!$ care for $e &odern era% ca&pai#n, and i
i" a #ood a#
!ine,7 Rober "aid, 7bu $e fac of $e &aer i" $a Naiona! 4ea!$ $a" been
!o"in# &arke "$are
fro& $e ca&pai#n%" incepion' T$e"e !ae" fi#ure" are :u" con"i"en wi$ $e
pre-iou" rend'7
7T$e "i+y-"econd "po $a" been no&inaed for a C!io,7 Tere"e counered' 7I%" a
da&n #ood
co&&ercia!' I%" wonderfu!!y creai-e' I%& proud of &y ea& for $a-in# pu i
o#e$er'7
7And indeed you "$ou!d be,7 Brian iner:eced' 7Bu i i" Rober%" fee!in# $a
$e c!ien i" no
inere"ed in our winnin# a C!io' And re&e&ber, a" $e Benon and Bow!e" a#ency
$e!d, %If i
doe"n% "e!!, i i"n% creai-e'
7T$a%" e>ua!!y a"ur , Tere"e "napped' 7T$e ca&pai#n i" "o!id' I%" :u" $a
$e accoun peop!e
cou!dn% #e $e c!ien o buy ade>uae e+po"ure' T$ere "$ou!d $a-e been
%f!i#$"% on &u!ip!e !oca!
"aion" a a bare &ini&u&'
7=i$ a!! due re"pec, $ey wou!d $a-e bou#$ &ore i&e if $ey%d !iked $e
co&&ercia!,7
Rober "aid' 7I don% $ink $ey were e-er "o!d on $i" idea of %$e& -er"u"
u",% ancien &edicine
-er"u" &odern &edicine' I &ean i wa" $u&orou", bu I don% know if $ey were
con-inced $e
-iewer ru!y a""ociaed $e ancien &e$od" wi$ Naiona! 4ea!$ Care%"
co&peior", paricu!ar!y
A&eriCare' (y per"ona! opinion i" $a i wen o-er peop!e%" $ead"'7
7<our rea! poin i" $a Naiona! 4ea!$ Care $a" a -ery "pecific ype of
ad-eri"in# i wan",7
Brian "aid' 7Te!! Tere"e w$a you o!d &e :u" before "$e ca&e in $ere'7
7I%" "i&p!e,7 Rober "aid, &akin# an open #e"ure wi$ $i" $and"' 7T$ey wan
ei$er %a!kin#
$ead"% di"cu""in# acua! paien e+perience", or a ce!ebriy "poke"per"on' T$ey
cou!dn% care !e""
w$e$er $eir ad win" a C!io or any of $e o$er award"' T$ey wan re"u!"' T$ey
wan &arke
"$are, and I wan o #i-e i o $e&'7
7A& I $earin# $a =i!!ow and 4ea$ wan" o urn i" back on i" "ucce""e" and
beco&e a
&ere -endor "$op' Tere"e a"ked' 7=e%re on $e ed#e of beco&in# one of $e bi#-
!ea#ue fir&"' And
$ow did we #e $ere? =e #o $ere by doin# >ua!iy ad-eri"in#' =e%-e carried on
in $e 2oy!e-
2ane-Bernback radiion' If we "ar !ein# c!ien" dicae $a we urn ou
"!op, we%re doo&ed'7
7=$a I%& $earin# i" $e u"ua! conf!ic beween $e accoun e+ecui-e and $e
creai-e,7
Tay!or "aid, inerrupin# $e increa"in#!y $eaed di"cu""ion' 7Rober, you $ink
Tere"e i" $i"
"e!f-indu!#en c$i!d w$o i" ben on a!ienain# $e c!ien' Tere"e, you $ink
Rober i" $i"
"$or"i#$ed
pra#&ai" w$o wan" o $row ou $e baby wi$ $e ba$waer' T$e roub!e i"
you are bo$ ri#$
and bo$ wron# a $e "a&e i&e' <ou $a-e o u"e eac$ o$er a" a ea&' *op
ar#uin# and dea! wi$
$e prob!e& a $and'7
Cor a &o&en e-eryone wa" >uie' Geu" $ad "poken and e-eryone knew $e wa" on
ar#e a"
u"ua!'
7A!! ri#$,7 Brian "aid fina!!y' 74ere%" our rea!iy' Naiona! 4ea!$ i" a -ia!
c!ien o our !on#-
er& "abi!iy' T$iry-odd day" a#o i a"ked for an inerna! re-iew, w$ic$ we
e+peced in a coup!e of
&on$"' T$ey now $a-e o!d u" $ey wan i ne+ week'7
7Ne+ week 87 Tere"e a!! bu "$oued' 7(y God'7 I ook &on$" o pu o#e$er a
new
ca&pai#n and pic$ i'
7I know $a wi!! pu $e creai-e" under a !o of pre""ure,7 Brian "aid' 7Bu
$e rea!iy i"
Naiona! 4ea!$ i" $e bo""' T$e prob!e& i" $a afer our pic$, if $ey are
no "ai"fied, $ey%!! "e
up an ou"ide re-iew' T$e accoun wi!! $en be up for #rab", and I don% $a-e o
re&ind you $a
$e"e $eak$-care #ian" are #oin# o be $e ad-eri"in# ca"$ cow" of $e ne+
decade' A!! $e
a#encie" are inere"ed'7
7A" c$ief financia! officer I $ink I "$ou!d &ake i c!ear w$a $e !o"" of $e
Naiona! 4ea!$
accoun wou!d do o our boo& !ine,7 .$i! Akin" "aid' 7=e%!! $a-e o pu off
$e re"rucurin#
becau"e we won% $a-e $e fund" o buy back our :unk bond"'7
7Ob-iou"!y i i" in a!! our be" inere"" $a we no !o"e $e accoun,7 Brian
"aid'
78 don% know if i i" po""ib!e o pu o#e$er a pic$ for ne+ week,7 Tere"e
"aid'
7<ou $a-e any$in# you can "$ow u" a $e &o&en?7 Brian a"ked' Tere"e "$ook $er
$ead'
7<ou &u" $a-e "o&e$in#,7 Rober "aid' 7I a""u&e you $a-e a ea& workin# on
i'7 T$e "&i!e
$ad reurned o $e corner" of $i" &ou$'
7OHcour"e we $a-e a ea& on Naiona! 4ea!$,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu we $a-en% $ad
any %bi#
idea"% o dae' Ob-iou"!y we $ou#$ we $ad "e-era! &ore &on$"'7
7.er$ap" you &i#$ a""i#n "o&e addiiona! per"onne!,7 Brian "aid' 7Bu I%!!
!ea-e $a up o
your :ud#&en'7 T$en o $e re" of $e #roup $e "aid/ 7Cor now we%!! ad:ourn
$i" &eein# uni! we
$a-e "o&e$in# fro& Creai-e o !ook a'7 4e "ood up' 3-erybody e!"e did $e
"a&e'
2a;ed, Tere"e "u&b!ed ou of $e cabin and de"cended o $e a#ency%" &ain
"udio on $e
f!oor be!ow'
=i!!ow and 4ea$ $ad re-er"ed a rend $a be#an durin# $e "e-enie" and
ei#$ie" w$en New
<ork ad-eri"in# fir&" $ad e+perienced a dia"pora o -aryin# c$ic "ecion" of
$e ciy !ike TriBeCa
and C$e!"ea' T$e a#ency reurned o $e o!d "a&pin# #round of (adi"on A-enue,
akin# o-er
"e-era! f!oor" of a &ode"-"i;ed bui!din#'
Tere"e found Co!!een a $er drawin# board' 7=$a%" $e "coop?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7<ou !ook
pa!e'7 7Troub!e87 Tere"e e+c!ai&ed'
Co!!een $ad been Tere"e%" fir" $ire' *$e wa" $er &o" re!iab!e ar direcor'
T$ey #o a!on#
fauou"!y bo$ profe""iona!!y and "ocia!!y' Co!!een wa" a &i!ky-w$ie-"kinned
"rawberry b!onde
wi$ a "&aerin# of pa!e freck!e" o-er an upurned no"e' 4er eye" were a deep
b!ue, a &uc$
"ron#er $ue $an Tere"e%"' *$e fa-ored o-er"i;ed "wea"$ir" $a "o&e$ow
"ee&ed o accenuae
ra$er $an $ide $er en-iab!e fi#ure'
75e &e #ue"",7 Co!!een "aid' 74a" Naiona! 4ea!$ pu"$ed up $e
dead!ine for $e re-iew?7
74ow%d you know?7
7Inuiion,7 Co!!een "aid' 7=$en you "aid %roub!e,% $a%" $e wor" $in# I
cou!d $ink of'7
7T$e Rober-and-4e!en "ide"$ow brou#$ in infor&aion $a Naiona! 4ea!$ $a"
!o" &ore
&arke "$are o A&eriCare de"pie our ca&pai#n'7
72a&n87 Co!!een "aid' 7I%" a #ood ca&pai#n and a #rea "i+y-"econd
co&&ercia!'7
7<ou know i and I know i,7 Tere"e "aid' 7.rob!e& i" $a i wa"n% "$own
enou#$' I $a-e an
unco&forab!e "u"picion $a 4e!en under&ined u" and a!ked $e& ou of $e wo-
$undred- o
$ree-$undred-
poin T, co&&ercia! buy $ey $ad iniia!!y inended o &ake' T$a wou!d $a-e
been "auraion' I
know i wou!d $a-e worked'7
7I $ou#$ you o!d &e you $ad pu!!ed ou $e "op" o #uaranee Naiona!
4ea!$%" &arke
"$are wou!d #o up,7 Co!!een "aid'
7I did,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%-e done e-ery$in# I cou!d $ink of and $en "o&e' I
&ean, i%" &y be"
"i+y-"econd "po' <ou o!d &e your"e!f'7
Tere"e rubbed $er fore$ead' *$e wa" #ein# a $eadac$e' *$e cou!d "i!! fee! $er
pu!"e c!an#in#
away a $er e&p!e"'
7<ou &i#$ a" we!! e!! &e $e bad new",7 Co!!een "aid' *$e pu down $er drawin#
penci! and
"wun# around o face Tere"e' 7=$a%" $e new i&e fra&e ?7
7Naiona! 4ea!$ wan" u" o pic$ a new ca&pai#n ne+ week'7 7Good 5ord87
Co!!een "aid'
7=$a do we $a-e "o far?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7No a !o'7
7<ou &u" $a-e "o&e i""ue" or "o&e pre!i&inary e+ecuion",7 Tere"e "aid' 7I
know I $a-en%
been #i-in# you any aenion !ae!y "ince we%-e $ad dead!ine" wi$ $ree o$er
c!ien"' Bu you $a-e
$ad a ea& workin# on $i" for a!&o" a &on$'7
7=e%-e been $a-in# "rae#y "e""ion afer "rae#y "e""ion,7 Co!!een "aid' 7A
!o of
brain"or&in#, bu no bi# idea' No$in#%" :u&ped ou and #rabbed u"' I &ean, I
$a-e a "en"e of
w$a you are !ookin# for'7
7=e!!, I wan o "ee w$a you $a-e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I don% care $ow "kec$y or
pre!i&inary' I
wan o "ee w$a $e ea& $a" been doin#' I wan o "ee i oday'7
7A!! ri#$,7 Co!!een "aid wi$ou en$u"ia"&' 7I%!! #e e-erybody o#e$er'7
=32N3*2A<, 11 / I E A,(' (ARC4 2!, 1991
*u"anne 4ard $ad ne-er !iked $o"pia!"'
A "co!ioic back $ad kep $er in and ou of $e& a" a c$i!d' 4o"pia!" &ade $er
ner-ou"' *$e
$aed $e "en"e $a "$e wa" no in conro! and $a "$e wa" "urrounded by $e
"ick and $e dyin#'
*u"anne wa" a fir& be!ie-er in $e ada#e If "o&e$in# can #o wron#, i wi!! #o
wron#' *$e fe!
$i" way paricu!ar!y in re!aion o $o"pia!"' Indeed, on $er !a" ad&i""ion,
"$e%d been cared off o
uro!o#y o face "o&e fri#$fu! procedure before "$e%d fina!!y been ab!e o
con-ince a re!ucan
ec$nician o read $e na&e on $er wri"band' T$ey%d $ad $e wron# paien'
On $er pre"en ad&i""ion *u"anne wa"n% "ick' T$e pre-iou" ni#$ $er !abor $ad
"ared wi$
$er "econd c$i!d' In addiion o $er back prob!e&, $er pe!-i" wa" di"ored,
&akin# a nor&a!
-a#ina! de!i-ery i&po""ib!e' A" wi$ $er fir" c$i!d, "$e $ad o $a-e a ce"arean
"ecion'
*ince "$e%d :u" under#one abdo&ina! "ur#ery, $er docor in"i"ed $a "$e "ay
a !ea" a few
day"' No a&oun of ca:o!in# on *u"anne%" par $ad been "ucce""fu! in con-incin#
$e docor
o$erwi"e'
*u"anne ried o re!a+ by wonderin# w$a kind of c$i!d "$e%d :u" bir$ed' =ou!d
$e be !ike $i"
bro$er, A!!en, w$o $ad been a wonderfu! baby? A!!en $ad "!ep $rou#$ $e ni#$
a!&o" fro& day
one' 4e%d been a de!i#$, and now $a $e wa" $ree and a!ready e+erin#
independence, *u"anne
wa" !ookin# forward o a new baby' *$e $ou#$ of $er"e!f a" a naura! &o$er'
=i$ a "ar, *u"anne awoke' *$e%d "urpri"ed $er"e!f by noddin# off' =$a $ad
awakened $er
wa" a w$ie-c!ad fi#ure fidd!in# wi$ $e I, bo!e" $a $un# fro& a po!e a
$e $ead of $er bed'
7=$a are you doin#?7 *u"anne a"ked' *$e fe! paranoid abou anybody doin#
any$in# "$e
didn% know abou'
7*orry o $a-e awakened you, (r"' 4ard,7 a nur"e "aid' 7I wa" :u" $an#in# up a
new bo!e of
f!uid' <our" i" :u" abou ou'7
*u"anne #!anced a $e I, "nakin# ino $e back of $er $and' A" an e+perienced
$o"pia!
paien, "$e "u##e"ed $a i wa" i&e for $e I, o co&e ou'
7(aybe I "$ou!d c$eck on $a,7 $e nur"e "aid' *$e $en wa!;ed ou of $e
roo&'
Ti!in# $er $ead back, *u"anne !ooked a $e I, bo!e o "ee w$a i wa"' I
wa" up"ide down,
"o "$e cou!dn% read $e !abe!'
*$e "ared o urn o-er, bu a "$arp pain re&inded $er of $er recen!y "uured
inci"ion' *$e
decided o "ay on $er back'
Gin#er!y "$e ook a deep brea$' *$e didn% fee! any di"co&for uni! ri#$ a
$e end of
in"piraion'
C!o"in# $er eye", *u"anne ried a#ain o ca!& down' *$e knew $a "$e "i!! $ad
a "i#nifican
a&oun of dru#" 7on board7 fro& $e ane"$e"ia, "o "!eep "$ou!d be ea"y' T$e
roub!e wa", "$e
didn% know if "$e waned o be a"!eep wi$ "o &any peop!e co&in# in and ou of
$er roo&'
A -ery "of c!ank of p!a"ic $iin# p!a"ic drifed ou of $e back#round noi"e
of $e $o"pia!
and cau#$ *u"anne%" aenion' 4er eye" b!inked open' *$e "aw an order!y off o
$e "ide by $e
bureau'
73+cu"e &e,7 *u"anne ca!!ed'
T$e &an urned around' 4e wa" a $and"o&e fe!!ow in a w$ie coa o-er "crub"'
Cro& w$ere
$e wa" "andin#, *u"anne cou!d no read $i" na&e a#' 4e appeared "urpri"ed o
be addre""ed'
7I $ope I didn% di"urb you, &a%a&,7 $e youn# &an "aid'
73-erybody i" di"urbin# &e,7 *u"anne "aid wi$ou &a!ice' 7I%" !ike Grand
Cenra! *aion in
$ere'7
7I%& errib!y "orry,7 $e &an "aid' 7I can a!way" reurn !aer if i wou!d be
&ore con-enien'7
7=$a are you doin#?7 *u"anne a"ked'
7Ju" fi!!in# your $u&idifier,7 $e &an "aid'
7=$a do I $a-e a $u&idifier for?7 *u"anne "aid' 7I didn% $a-e one afer &y
!a" ce"arean'7
7T$e ane"$e"io!o#i"" fre>uen!y order $e& $i" i&e of year,7 $e &an "aid'
7Ri#$ afer
"ur#ery, paien"% $roa" are ofen irriaed fro& $e en-dorac$ea! ube' I%"
u"ua!!y $e!pfu! o u"e a
$u&idifier for $e fir" day or
e-en $e fir" few $our"' In w$a &on$ did you $a-e your !a" ce"arean ?7
7(ay,7 *u"anne "aid'
7T$a%" probab!y $e rea"on you didn% $a-e one $en,7 $e &an "aid' 7=ou!d you
!ike &e o
reurn?7
72o w$a you $a-e o do,7 *u"anne "aid'
No "ooner $ad $e &an !ef $an $e ori#ina! nur"e reurned' 7<ou were ri#$,7
"$e "aid' 7T$e
order" were o pu!! $e I, a" "oon a" $e bo!e wa" $rou#$'7
*u"anne &ere!y nodded' *$e fe! !ike a"kin# $e nur"e if &i""in# order" wa"
"o&e$in# "$e did
on a re#u!ar ba"i"' *u"anne "i#$ed' *$e waned ou of $ere'
Afer $e nur"e $ad re&o-ed $e I,, *u"anne &ana#ed o ca!& $er-"e!fenou#$ o
fa!! back
a"!eep' Bu i didn% !a" !on#' *o&eone wa" nud#in# $er ar&'
*u"anne opened $er eye" and !ooked ino $e face of ano$er "&i!in# nur"e' In
$e fore#round
and beween $e& wa" a fi-e-cc "yrin#e'
7I%-e #o "o&e$in# for you,7 $e nur"e "aid a" if *u"anne were a odd!er and
$e "yrin#e candy'
7=$a i" i?7 *u"anne de&anded' *$e in"ruci-e!y pu!!ed away'
7I%" $e pain "$o you re>ue"ed,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7*o ro!! o-er and I%!! #i-e
i o you'7
7I didn% re>ue" a pain "$o,7 *u"anne "aid' 7Bu of cour"e you did,7 $e nur"e
"aid' 7Bu I
didn%,7 *u"anne "aid'
T$e nur"e%" e+pre""ion c$an#ed o e+a"peraion !ike a c!oud pa""in# o-er $e
"un' 7=e!! $en,
i%" docor%" order"' <ou are "uppo"ed o $a-e a pain "$o e-ery "i+ $our"'7
7Bu I don% $a-e &uc$ pain,7 *u"anne "aid' 7On!y w$en I &o-e or brea$e
deep!y'7
7T$ere you are,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7<ou $a-e o brea$e deep!y, o$erwi"e you%!!
#e pneu&onia'
Co&e on now, be a #ood #ir!'7
*u"anne $ou#$ for a &o&en' On $e one $and "$e fe! !ike bein# conrary' On
$e o$er $and
"$e waned o be aken care of and $ere wa" no$in# in$eren!y wron# wi$ a
pain "$o' I &i#$
e-en &ake $er "!eep beer'
7Okay,7 *u"anne "aid'
Griin# $er ee$, "$e &ana#ed o ro!! o $e "ide a" $e nur"e bared $er
boo&'
=32N3*2A<, 2/BE .'(', (ARO4 2B 1991
7<ou know, 5aurie%" ri#$,7 C$e (cGo-ern "aid'
C$e and Jack were "iin# in $e narrow office $ey "$ared on $e fif$ f!oor
of $e &edica!
e+a&iner%" bui!din#' T$ey bo$ $ad $eir fee up on $eir re"peci-e #ray &ea!
de"k"' T$ey%d
fini"$ed $eir auop"ie" for $e
day, eaen !unc$, and were now "uppo"ed!y doin# $eir paperwork' 7Of cour"e
"$e%" ri#$,7 :ack
a#reed'
7Bu if you know $a, w$y do you pro-oke Ca!-in? I%" no raiona!' <ou%re no
doin# your"e!f
any fa-or"' I%" #oin# o affec your pro&oion up $rou#$ $e "y"e&'7
7I don% wan o ri"e up in $e "y"e&,7 Jack "aid'
7Co&e a#ain?7 C$e a"ked' In $e #rand "c$e&e of &edicine, $e concep of no
wanin# o #e
a$ead wa" $ere"y'
Jack !e $i" fee fa!! off $e de"k and $u&p ono $e f!oor' 4e "ood up,
"rec$ed, and yawned
!oud!y' Jack wa" a "ocky, "i+-foo &an accu"o&ed o "eriou" p$y"ica! aci-iy'
4e found $a
"andin# a $e auop"y ab!e and "iin# a a de"k ended o cau"e $i" &u"c!e"
o cra&p, paricu-
!ar!y $i" >uadricep"'
7I%& $appy bein# a !ow &an on $e oe& po!e,7 Jack "aid, crackin# $i" knuck!e"'
7<ou don% wan o beco&e board cerified?7 C$e a"ked wi$ "urpri"e' 7A$, of
cour"e I wan o be
board cerified,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $a%" no $e "a&e i""ue' A" far a" I%&
concerned' beco&in# board
cerified i" a per"ona! $in#' =$a I don% care abou i" $a-in# "uper-i"ory
re"pon"ibi!iy' I :u" wan
o do foren"ic pa$o!o#y' To $e!! wi$ bureaucracy and red ape'7
7Je"u",7 C$e-re&arked, !ein# $i" own fee fa!! o $e f!oor' 73-ery i&e I
$ink I #e o know
you a !i!e, you $row &e a cur-eba!!' I &ean, we%-e been "$arin# $i" office
for a!&o" fi-e
&on$"' <ou%re "i!! a &y"-
ery' I don% e-en know w$ere $e $e!! you !i-e'7
7I didn% know you cared,7 Jack ea"ed'
7Co&e on,7 C$e "aid' 7<ou know w$a I &ean'7
7I !i-e on $e )pper =e" *ide,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" no "ecre'7 7In $e
"e-enie"?7 C$e a"ked' 7A
bi $i#$er,7 Jack "aid' 73i#$ie"?7 74i#$er'7
7<ou%re no #oin# o e!! &e $i#$er $an $e nineie", are you?7 C$e a"ked'
7A ad,7 Jack "aid' 7I !i-e on a 4undred and *i+$ *ree'7
7Good #rief,7 C$e e+c!ai&ed' 7<ou%re !i-in# in 4ar!e&'7
Jack "$ru##ed' 4e "a down a $i" de"k and pu!!ed ou one of $i" unfini"$ed
fi!e"' 7=$a%" in a
na&e?7 $e "aid'
7=$y in $e wor!d !i-e in 4ar!e&?7 C$e a"ked' 7Of a!! $e nea p!ace" o !i-e
in and around $e
ciy, w$y !i-e $ere? I can% be a nice nei#$bor$ood' Be"ide", i &u" be
dan#erou"'7
7I don% "ee i $a way,7 Jack "aid' 7.!u" $ere are a !o of p!ay#round" in
$e area and a
paricu!ar!y #ood one ri#$ ne+ door' I%& kind of a pickup ba"keba!! nu'7
7Now I know you are cra;y,7 C$e "aid' 7T$o"e p!ay#round" and
$o"e pickup #a&e" are conro!!ed by nei#$bor$ood #an#"' T$a%" !ike $a-in# a
dea$ wi"$' I%&
afraid we &i#$ "ee you in $ere on one of $e "!ab" e-en wi$ou $e &ounain
bike $eroic"'7
7I $a-en% $ad any roub!e,7 :ack "aid' 7Afer a!!, I paid for new back-board"
and !i#$" and I
buy $e ba!!"' T$e nei#$bor$ood #an# i" acua!!y >uie appreciai-e and e-en
"o!iciou"'7
C$e eyed $i" office&ae wi$ a ouc$ of awe' 4e ried o i&a#ine w$a :ack
wou!d !ook !ike
ou runnin# around on a 4ar!e& nei#$bor$ood b:ackop' 4e i&a#ined Jack wou!d
cerain!y "and
ou racia!!y wi$ $i" !i#$ brown $air cu in a pecu!iar Ju!iu" Cae"ar-!ike
"$a#' C$e wondered if any
of $e o$er p!ayer" $ad any idea abou :ack, !ike $e fac $a $e wa" a
docor' Bu $en C$e
acknow!ed#ed $a $e didn% know &uc$ &ore'
7=$a did you do before you wen o &edica! "c$oo! ?7 C$e a"ked'
7I wen o co!!e#e,7 :ack "aid' 75ike &o" peop!e w$o wen o &edica! "c$oo!'
2on% e!! &e
you didn% #o o co!!e#e'7
7Of cour"e I wen o co!!e#e,7 C$e "aid' 7Ca!-in i" ri#$/ you are a "&ara""'
<ou know w$a I
&ean' If you :u" fini"$ed a pa$o!o#y re"idency, w$a did you do in $e
ineri&?7 C$e $ad waned
o a"k $e >ue"ion for &on$", bu $ere $ad ne-er been an opporune &o&en'
7I beca&e an op$$a!&o!o#i",7 :ack "aid' 7I e-en $ad a pracice ou in
C$a&pai#n, I!!inoi"' I
wa" a con-eniona!, con"er-ai-e "uburbanie'7
7<ea$, "ure, :u" !ike I wa" a Budd$i" &onk'7 C$e !au#$ed' 7I &ean I "uppo"e I
can "ee you
a" an op$$a!&o!o#i"' Afer a!!, I wa" an e&er#ency-roo& p$y"ician for a few
year" uni! I "aw $e
!i#$' Bu you con"er-ai-e? No way'7
7I wa",7 :ack in"i"ed' 7And &y na&e wa" !o$n, no :ack' Of cour"e, you wou!dn%
$a-e
reco#ni;ed &e' I wa" $ea-ier' I a!"o $ad !on#er $air, and I pared i a!on# $e
ri#$ "ide of &y $ead
$e way I did in $i#$ "c$oo!' And a" far a" dre"" wa" concerned, I fa-ored #!en-
p!aid "ui"'7
7=$a nappeneInI C$e a"ked' C$e #!anced a :ack%" b:ack :ean", b!ue "por"
"$ir, and dark
b!ue knied ie'
A knock on $e door:a&b cau#$ bo$ :ack%" and C$e%" aenion'
T$ey urned o "ee A#ne" Cinn, $ead of $e &icro !ab, "andin# in $e doorway'
*$e wa" a "&a!!,
"eriou" wo&an wi$ $ick #!a""e" and "rin#y $air'
7=e :u" #o "o&e$in# a !i!e "urpri"in#,7 "$e "aid o Jack' *$e wa" c!uc$in#
a "$ee of paper
in $er $and' *$e $e"iaed on $e $re"$o!d' 4er dour e+pre""ion didn% c$an#e'
7Are you #oin# o &ake u" #ue"" or w$a?7 Jack a"ked' 4i" curio"iy $ad been
ii!!aed, "ince
A#ne" did no &ake i a poin o de!i-er !ab re-"ui"'
A#ne" pu"$ed $er #!a""e" $i#$er ono $er no"e and $anded Jack $e
paper' 7I%" $e f!uore"cein anibody "creen you re>ue"ed on Node!&an'7 7(y
word,7 :ack "aid
afer #!ancin# a $e pa#e' 4e $anded i o C$e'
C$e !ooked a $e paper and $en !eaped o $i" fee' 74o!y crap87 $e e+c!ai&ed'
7Node!&an
$ad $e #odda&n p!a#ue87
7Ob-iou"!y we were aken aback by $e re"u!,7 A#ne" "aid in $er u"ua! &onoone'
7I" $ere
any$in# e!"e you wan u" o do?7
:ack pinc$ed $i" !ower !ip w$i!e $e $ou#$' 75e%" ry o cu!ure "o&e of $e
incipien
ab"ce""e",7 $e "aid' 7And !e%" ry "o&e of $e u"ua! "ain"' =$a%" reco&&ended
for p!a#ue?7
7Gie&"a%" or =ay"on%",7 A#ne" "aid' 7T$ey u"ua!!y &ake i po""ib!e o "ee $e
ypica! bipo!ar
%"afey pin% &orp$o!o#y'7
7Okay, !e%" do $a,7 Jack "aid' 7Of cour"e, $e &o" i&poran $in#
i" o #row $e bu#' )ni! we do $a, $e ca"e i" on!y pre"u&pi-e p!a#ue'7 7I
under"and,7 A#ne"
"aid' *$e "ared fro& $e roo&' 7I #ue"" I don% $a-e o warn you o be
carefu!,7 Jack "aid'
7No need,7 A#ne" a""ured $i&' 7=e $a-e a c!a""-$ree $ood, and I inend o u"e
i'7
7T$i" i" incredib!e,7 C$e "aid w$en $ey were a!one' 74ow $e $e!! did you
know?7
7I didn%,7 Jack "aid' 7Ca!-in forced &e o &ake a dia#no"i"' To e!! $e ru$,
I $ou#$ I wa"
bein# faceiou"' Of cour"e, $e "i#n" were a!! con"i"en, bu I "i!! didn%
i&a#ine I $ad a "nowba!i%"
c$ance in $e!! of bein# ri#$' Bu now $a I a&, i%" no !au#$in# &aer' T$e
on!y po"ii-e a"pec i"
$a I win $a en do!!ar" fro& Ca!-in'7
74e%" #oin# o $ae you for $a,7 C$e "aid'
7T$a%" $e !ea" of &y worrie",7 Jack "aid' 7I%& "unned' A ca"e of pneu&onic
p!a#ue in (arc$
in New <ork Ciy, "uppo"ed!y conraced in a $o"pia!8 Of cour"e, $a can% be
rue un!e"" $e
(an$aan Genera! i" "upporin# a $orde of infeced ra" and $eir f!ea"'
Node!&an $ad o $a-e $ad
conac wi$ "o&e "or of infeced ani&a!' I%" &y #ue"" $e wa"
ra-e!in# recen!y'7 Jack "nac$ed up $e p$one'
7=$o are you ca!!in#?7 C$e a"ked'
7Bin#$a&, of cour"e,7 Jack "aid a" $e punc$ed $e nu&ber"' 7T$ere can% be any
de!ay' T$i" i"
a $o poao I wan ou of &y $and"'7
(r"' *anford picked up $e e+en"ion bu infor&ed C$e $a 2r' Bin#$a& wa" a
Ciy 4a!!
and wou!d be a!! day' 4e $ad !ef "pecific in"rucion" $e wa" no o be
bo$ered "ince $e%d be
c!o"eed wi$ $e &ayor'
7*o &uc$ for our c$ief,7 Jack "aid' =i$ou puin# down $e recei-er, $e dia!ed
Ca!-in%"
nu&ber' 4e didn% $a-e any beer !uck' Ca!-in%" "ecreary o!d $i& $a Ca!-in
$ad $ad o !ea-e for
$e day' T$ere wa" an i!!ne"" in $e fa&i!y'
Jack $un# up $e p$one and dru&&ed $i" fin#er" on $e "urface of $e de"k'
7No !uck?7 C$e a"ked'
7T$e enire #enera! "aff i" indi"po"ed,7 Jack "aid' 7=e #run" are on our own'7
Jack "udden!y
pu"$ed back $i" c$air, #o up, and "ared ou of $e office'
C$e bounded ou of $i" own c$air and fo!!owed' 7=$ere are you #oin#?7 $e a"ked'
4e $ad o
run o cac$ up wi$ Jack'
72own o a!k o Bar Arno!d,7 Jack "aid' 4e #o o $e e!e-aor and $i $e
2own buon' 7I
need &ore infor&aion' *o&ebody $a" o fi#ure ou w$ere $i" p!a#ue ca&e fro& or
$i" ciy%" in
for "o&e roub!e'7
74adn% you beer wai for Bin#$a& ?7 C$e a"ked'I%7T$a !ook in your eye
di"urb" &e'7
7I didn% know I wa" "o ran"paren,7 Jack "aid wi$ a !au#$' 7I #ue"" $i"
inciden $a" cau#$
&y inere"' I%" #o &e e+cied'7
T$e e!e-aor door opened and Jack #o on' C$e $e!d $e door fro& c!o"in#'
7Jack, do &e a
fa-or and be carefu!' I !ike "$arin# $e office wi$ you' 2on% ruff!e oo &any
fea$er"'7
7(e?7 Jack >ue"ioned innocen!y' 7I%& (i"er 2ip!o&acy'7
7And I%& (ua&&ar e! Faddafi,7 C$e "aid' 4e !e $e e!e-aor door "!ide c!o"ed'
Jack $u&&ed a perky une w$i!e $e e!e-aor de"cended' 4e wa" definie!y keyed
up, and $e
wa" en:oyin# $i&"e!f' 4e "&i!ed w$en $e re&e&bered e!!in# 5aurie $a $e%d
$oped Node!&an
urned ou o $a-e "o&e$in# wi$ "eriou" in"iuiona! con"e>uence" !ike
5e#ionnaire"% di"ea"e "o
$e cou!d #i-e A&eriCare "o&e $earburn' .!a#ue wa" en i&e" beer' And on op
of "ickin# i o
A&eriCare, $e%d $a-e $e p!ea"ure of co!!ecin# $i" en buck" fro& Ca!-in'
Jack e+ied on $e fir" f!oor and wen direc!y o Bar Arno!d%" office' Bar
wa" $e c$ief of $e
.A", or p$y"ician%" a""i"an"' Jack wa" p!ea"ed o cac$ $i& a $i" de"k'
7=e%-e #o a pre"u&pi-e dia#no"i" of p!a#ue' I%-e #o o a!k wi$ Janice
Jae#er ri#$ away,7
Jack "aid'
7*$e%!! be "!eepin#,7 Bar "aid' 7Can% i wai?7
7No,7 Jack "aid'
7Bin#$a& or Ca!-in know abou $i"?7 Bar a"ked'
7Bo$ are ou, and I don% know w$en $ey%!! be back,7 Jack "aid' Bar $e"iaed
a &o&en, $en
opened up $e "ide drawer of $i" de"k' Afer !ookin# up Janice%" nu&ber, $e &ade
$e ca!!' =$en
"$e wa" on $e !ine, $e apo!o#i;ed for $a-in# awakened $er and e+p!ained $a
2r' *ap!eon
needed o "peak wi$ $er' 4e $anded $e p$one o Jack'
Jack apo!o#i;ed a" we!! and $en o!d $er abou $e re"u!" on Node!-
&an' Any "i#n of "!eepine"" in Janice%" -oice di"appeared in"an!y' 7=$a can I
do o $e!p?7 "$e
a"ked'
72id you find any reference o ra-e! in any of $e $o"pia! record"?7 Jack
a"ked'
7No $a I reca!!,7 Janice "aid'
7Any reference o conac wi$ pe" or wi!d ani&a!"?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ne#ai-e,7 Janice "aid' 7Bu I can #o back $ere oni#$' T$o"e >ue"ion" were
ne-er
"pecifica!!y a"ked'7
Jack $anked $er and o!d $er $a $e%d be !ookin# ino i $i&"e!f' 4e
$anded $e p$one back o Bar and $urried back o $i" own office' C$e !ooked up
a" Jack da"$ed
in' 75earn any$in#?7 $e a"ked' 7No a $in#,7 Jack "aid $appi!y' 4e pu!!ed ou
Node!&an%"
fo!der and rapid!y "$uff!ed $rou#$ $e pa#e" uni! $e found $e co&p!eed
idenificaion "$ee'
On i were p$one nu&ber" for $e ne+ of kin' =i$ $i" inde+ fin#er &arkin#
Node!&an%" wife%"
nu&ber, Jack &ade $e ca!!' I wa" an e+c$an#e in $e Bron+'
(r"' Node!&an an"wered on $e "econd rin#'
7I%& 2r' *ap!eon,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& a &edica! e+a&iner for $e Ciy of New
<ork'7
A $a poin Jack $ad o e+p!ain $e ro!e of a &edica! e+a&iner, becau"e e-en
$e arc$aic er&
7coroner7 didn% re#i"er wi$ (r"' Node!&an'
7I%d !ike o a"k you a few >ue"ion",7 Jack "aid once (r"' Node!&an under"ood
w$o $e wa"'
7I wa" "o "udden,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid' *$e $ad "ared o cry' 74e $ad
diabee", $a%" rue'
Bu $e wa"n% "uppo"ed o die'7
7I%& -ery "orry for your !o"",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu did your !ae $u"band do any
recen ra-e!in#?7
74e wen o New Jer"ey a week or "o a#o,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid' Jack cou!d $ear
$er b!ow $er
no"e'
7I wa" $inkin# of ra-e! o &ore di"an de"inaion",7 Jack "aid' 75ike o $e
*ou$we" or
&aybe India'7
7Ju" o (an$aan e-ery day,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid' 74ow abou a -i"ior fro&
"o&e e+oic
!oca!e?7 Jack a"ked' 72ona!d%" aun -i"ied in 2ece&ber,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid'
7And w$ere i"
"$e fro&?7 7Fueen",7 (r"' Node!&an "aid'
7Fueen",7 Jack repeaed' 7T$a%" no >uie w$a I $ad in &ind' 4ow abou conac
wi$ any
wi!d ani&a!"? 5ike rabbi"'7
7No,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid' 72ona!d $aed rabbi"'7
74ow abou pe"?7 Jack a"ked'
7=e $a-e a ca,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid'
7I" $e ca "ick?7 Jack a"ked' 7Or $a" $e ca brou#$ $o&e any roden"?7
7T$e ca i" fine,7 (r"' Node!&an "aid' 7*$e%" a $ou"e ca and ne-er #oe"
ou"ide'7
74ow abou ra"?7 Jack a"ked' 72o you "ee &any ra" around your $ou"e? 4a-e you
"een any
dead one" !ae!y?7
7=e don% $a-e any ra",7 (r"' Node!&an "aid indi#nan!y' 7=e !i-e in a nice,
c!ean
apar&en'7
Jack ried o $ink of "o&e$in# e!"e o a"k, bu for $e &o&en no$in# ca&e o
&ind' 7(r"'
Node!&an,7 $e "aid, 7you%-e been &o" kind' T$e rea"on I%& a"kin# you $e"e
>ue"ion" i" becau"e
we $a-e rea"on o be!ie-e $a your $u"band died of a "eriou" infeciou"
di"ea"e' =e $ink $e died
of p!a#ue'7
T$ere wa" a brief "i!ence'
7<ou &ean bubonic p!a#ue !ike $ey $ad in 3urope !on# a#o?7 (r"' Node!&an a"ked'
7*or of,7 Jack "aid' 7.!a#ue co&e" in wo c!inica! for&", bubonic and
pneu&onic' <our
$u"band "ee&" o $a-e $ad $e pneu&onic for&, w$ic$ $appen" o be $e &ore
cona#iou"' I wou!d
ad-i"e you o #o o your docor and infor& $i& of your poenia! e+po"ure' I%&
"ure $e%!! wan you
o ake "o&e precauionary anibioic"' I wou!d a!"o ad-i"e you o ake
your pe o your -e and e!! $i& $e "a&e $in#'7
7I" $i" "eriou"?7 (r"' Node!&an a"ked'
7I%" -ery "eriou",7 Jack "aid' 4e $en #a-e $er $i" p$one nu&ber in ca"e "$e
$ad any >ue"ion"
!aer' 4e a!"o a"ked $er o ca!! $i& if $e -e found any$in# "u"piciou" wi$
$e ca'
Jack $un# up $e p$one and urned o C$e' 7T$e &y"ery i" deepen-
in#,7 $e "aid' T$en $e added c$eerfu!!y/ 7A&eriCare i" #oin# o $a-e "o&e "e-ere
indi#e"ion o-er
$i"'7
7T$ere%" $a facia! e+pre""ion a#ain $a "care" &e,7 C$e "aid' Jack !au#$ed,
#o up, and
"ared ou of $e roo&' 7=$ere are you #oin# now?7 C$e a"ked ner-ou"!y'
7To e!! 5aurie (on#o&ery w$a%" #oin# on,7 Jack "aid' 7*$e%" "up-
po"ed o be our "uper-i"or for oday' *$e $a" o be appri"ed'7 A few &inue"
!aer Jack reurned'
7=$a%d "$e "ay?7 C$e a"ked'
7*$e wa" a" "unned a" we were,7 Jack "aid' 4e #rabbed $e p$one direcory
before akin# $i"
"ea' 4e f!ipped open $e pa#e" o $e ciy !i"in#"'
72id "$e wan you o do any$in# in paricu!ar?7 C$e a"ked'
7No,7 Jack "aid' 7*$e o!d &e o read waer uni! Bin#$a& i" infor&ed' In fac
"$e ried o ca!!
our i!!u"riou" c$ief, bu $e%" "i!! inco&-&unicado wi$ $e &ayor'7
Jack picked up $e p$one and dia!ed'
7=$o are you ca!!in# now?7 C$e a"ked'
7T$e Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$, .aricia (ark$a&,7 Jack "aid' 7I ain% waiin#'7
7Good #rief87 C$e e+c!ai&ed, ro!!in# $i" eye"' 74adn% you beer !e Bin#$a&
do $a? <ou%!!
be ca!!in# $i" bo"" be$ind $i" back'7
Jack didn% re"pond' 4e wa" bu"y #i-in# $i" na&e o $e co&&i""ioner%"
"ecreary' =$en "$e
o!d $i& o $o!d on, $e co-ered $e &ou$piece wi$ $i" $and and w$i"pered o
C$e/ 7*urpri"e,
"urpri"e, "$e%" in87
7I #uaranee Bin#$a& i" no #oin# o !ike $i",7 C$e w$i"pered back' Jack $e!d
up $i" $and o
"i!ence C$e' 74e!!o, Co&&i""ioner,7 Jack "aid ino $e p$one' 74owya doin#'
T$i" i" Jack
*ap!eon $ere, fro& o-er a $e (3%" office'7
C$e winced a Jack%" bree;y infor&a!iy'
7*orry o "poi! your day,7 Jack coninued, 7bu I fe! I $ad o ca!!' 2r'
Bin#$a& and 2r'
=a"$in#on are &o&enari!y una-ai!ab!e and a "iuaion $a" de-e!oped $a I
be!ie-e you "$ou!d
know abou' =e%-e :u"
&ade a pre"u&pi-e dia#no"i" of p!a#ue in a paien fro& (an$aan Genera!
4o"pia!'7
7Good 5ord 87 2r' (ark$a& e+c!ai&ed !oud enou#$ for C$e o $ear'
7T$a%" fri#$enin#, bu on!y one ca"e, I ru"'7
7*o far,7 Jack "aid'
7A!! ri#$, I%!! a!er $e Ciy Board of 4ea!$,7 2r' (ark$a& "aid' 7T$ey%!!
ake o-er and
conac $e C2C' T$ank" for $e warnin#' =$a wa" your na&e a#ain ?7
7*ap!eon,7 Jack "aid' 7Jack *ap!eon'7
Jack $un# up wi$ a "e!f-"ai"fied "&i!e on $i" !ip"' 7(aybe you "$ou!d "e!!
"$or your
A&eriCare "ock,7 $e o!d C$e' 7T$e co&&i""ioner "ound" concerned'7
7(aybe you%d beer bru"$ off your r1"u&1,7 C$e "aid' 7Bin#$a& i" #oin# o be
pi""ed'7
Jack w$i"!ed w$i!e $e !eafed $rou#$ Node!&an%" fi!e uni! $e ca&e up wi$ $e
in-e"i#ai-e
repor' Once $e $ad !ocaed $e na&e of $e aendin# p$y"ician, 2r' Car!
=ainwri#$, $e wroe i
down' T$en $e #o
up and pu on $i" !ea$er bo&ber :acke'
7)$ o$,7 C$e "aid' 7Now w$a?7
7I%& #oin# o-er o $e (an$aan Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ink I%!!
&ake a "ie -i"i' T$i" ca"e i" oo i&poran o !ea-e up o $e #enera!"'7 C$e
"wun# around in $i"
c$air a" Jack wen $rou#$ $e door'
7Of cour"e, you know $a Bin#$a& doe"n% encoura#e u" (3" doin# "ie work,7
C$e "aid'
7<ou%!! be addin# in"u! o in:ury'7
7I%11 ake &y c$ance",7 Jack "aid' 7=$ere I wa" rained i wa" con"idered
nece""ary'7
7Bin#$a& $ink" i%" $e :ob of $e .A",7 C$e "aid' 74e%" o!d u" $a i&e and
a#ain'7
7T$i" ca"e i" oo inere"in# for &e o pa"" up,7 Jack ca!!ed fro& down $e
$a!!' 74o!d down
$e for' I won% be !on#'7
=32N3*2A<,
I wa" o-erca" and $reaenin# rain, bu Jack didn% &ind' Re#ard!e"" of $e
wea$er, $e -i#orou" bike ride
upown o $e (an$aan Genera! wa" a p!ea"ure afer $a-in# "ood a!! &ornin# in
$e auop"y roo&
i&pri"oned in"ide $i" &oon "ui'
Near $e $o"pia!%" fron enrance Jack !ocaed a "urdy "ree "i#n o !ock $i"
&ounain bike o' 4e e-en
!ocked up $i" $e!&e and bo&ber :acke wi$ a "eparae wire !ock $a a!"o
"ecured $e "ea'
*andin# wi$in $e "$adow of $e $o"pia!, Jack #!anced up a i" "oarin#
facade' I $ad been an o!d,
re"peced, uni-er"iy-Iaffi!iaed, proprieary $o"pia! in i" pre-iou" !ife'
A&eriCare $ad #obb!ed i up durin#
$e ri"ca!!y difficu! i&e" $e #o-ern&en $ad unwiin#!y creaed in $ea!$
care in $e ear!y 199B"' A!$ou#$
Jack knew re-en#e wa" far fro& a nob!e e&oion, $e "a-ored $e know!ed#e $a $e
wa" abou o $and
A&eriCare a pub!ic re!aion" bo&b'
In"ide Jack wen o $e infor&aion boo$ and a"ked abou 2r' Car! =ainwri#$'
4e !earned $a $e &an
wa" an A&criCare inerni" w$o"e office wa" in $e aac$ed profe""iona!
bui!din#' T$e recepioni" #a-e
:ack
carefu! direcion"'
Cifeen &inue" !aer, :ack wa" in $e &an%" waiin# roo&' Afer :ack f!a"$ed
$i" &edica! e+a&iner%"
bad#e, w$ic$ !ooked for a!! inen" and purpo"e" !ike a po!ice bad#e, $e
recepioni" wa"ed no i&e in
!ein#
2r' =ainwri#$ know $e wa" $ere' :ack wa" i&&ediae!y "$own ino $e docor%"
pri-ae office, and wi$in
&inue" $e docor $i&"e!f appeared'
pr' Car! =ainwri#$ wa" pre&aure!y w$ie-$aired and "!i#$!y "ooped o-er' 4i"
face, $owe-er, wa"
you$fu! wi$ bri#$ b!ue eye"' 4e "$ook $and" wi$ Jack and &oioned for $i& o
"i down'
7I%" no e-ery day we%re -i"ied by "o&eone fro& $e &edica! e+a&iner%"
office,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid'
7I%d be concerned if i were,7 :ack "aid'
2r' =ainwri#$ !ooked confu"ed uni! $e rea!i;ed :ack wa" kiddin#' 2r'
=ainwri#$ iered' 7Ri#$ you
are,7 $e "aid'
7I%-e co&e abou your paien 2ona!d Node!&an,7 :ack "aid, #ein# ri#$ o $e
poin' 7=e $a-e a
pre"u&pi-e dia#no"i" of p!a#ue'7
2r' =ainwri#$%" &ou$ dropped open' 7T$a%" i&po""ib!e,7 $e "aid w$en $e%d
reco-ered enou#$ o "peak'
:ack "$ru##ed' 7I #ue"" i%" no,7 $e "aid' 7C!uore"cein anibody for p!a#ue i"
>uie re!iab!e' Of cour"e, we
$a-en% ye #rown i ou'7
7(y #oodne"",7 2r' =ainwri#$ &ana#ed' 4e rubbed a ner-ou" pa!& acro"" $i" face'
7=$a a "$ock'7
7I i" "urpri"in#,7 Jack a#reed' 73"pecia!!y "ince $e paien $ad been in $e
$o"pia! for fi-e day" before
$i" "y&po&" "ared'7
7I%-e ne-er $eard of no"oco&ia! p!a#ue,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid' 7Nor $a-e I,7 :ack
"aid' 7Bu i wa"
pneu&onic
p!a#ue, no bubonic, and a" you know $e incubaion period i" "$orer for
pneu&onic, probab!y on!y wo o
$ree day"'7
7I "i!! can% be!ie-e i,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid' 7.!a#ue ne-er enered &y
$ou#$"'7
7Anybody e!"e "ick wi$ "i&i!ar "y&po&"?7 :ack a"ked'
7No $a I know of,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid, 7bu you can re" a""ured $a we
wi!! find ou i&&ediae!y'7
7I%& curiou" abou $i" &an%" !ife"y!e,7 Jack "aid' 74i" wife denied any
recen ra-e! or -i"ior" fro& area" ende&ic o p!a#ue' *$e a!"o doubed $e%d
co&e in conac wi$
wi!d ani&a!"' I" $a your under"andin# a" we!!?7
7T$e paien worked in $e #ar&en di"ric,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid' 74e did
bookkeepin#' 4e
ne-er ra-e!ed' 4e wa"n% a $uner' I%d been "eein# $i& fre>uen!y o-er $e !a"
&on$, ryin# o #e
$i" diabee" under conro!'7
7=$ere wa" $e in $e $o"pia! ?7 Jack a"ked'
7On $e &edica! ward on $e "e-en$ f!oor,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid'
7Roo& "e-en-o$-"e-en' I re&e&ber $e nu&ber "pecifica!!y'7
7*in#!e roo& ?7 Jack a"ked'
7A!! our roo&" are "in#!e",7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid'
7T$a%" a $e!p,7 Jack "aid' 7Can I "ee $e roo&?7
7Of cour"e,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid' 7Bu I $ink I "$ou!d ca!! 2r' (ary Gi&&er&an,
w$o%" our
infecion-conro! officer' *$e%" #o o know abou $i" i&&ediae!y'7
7By a!! &ean",7 Jack "aid' 7(eanw$i!e, wou!d you &ind if I wen up o $e
"e-en$ f!oor and
!ooked around ?7
7.!ea"e,7 2r' =ainwri#$ "aid a" $e #e"ured oward $e door' 7I%11 ca!! 2r'
Gi&&er&an and
we%!! &ee you up $ere'7 4e reac$ed for $e p$one'
Jack reraced $i" roue back o $e &ain $o"pia! bui!din#' 4e ook $e e!e-aor
o $e "e-en$
f!oor, w$ic$ $e found wa" di-ided by $e e!e-aor !obby ino wo win#"' T$e
nor$ win# $ou"ed
inerna! &edicine w$i!e $e "ou$ win# wa" re"er-ed for OB-G<N' Jack pu"$ed
$rou#$ $e door"
$a !ed ino $e inerna!-&edicine di-i"ion'
A" "oon a" $e "win#in# door c!o"ed be$ind Jack, $e knew $a word of $e
cona#ion $ad
arri-ed' A ner-ou" bu"!e wa" apparen, and a!! $e per"onne! were wearin# new!y
di"ribued
&a"k"' Ob-iou"!y =ainwri#$ $ad wa"ed no i&e'
No one paid Jack any aenion a" $e wandered down o roo& 9B9' .au"in# a $e
door, Jack
wac$ed a" wo &a"ked order!ie" w$ee!ed ou a &a"ked and confu"ed paien
c!uc$in# $er
be!on#in#" w$o wa" apparen!y bein# ran"ferred' A" "oon a" $ey were #one, Jack
wa!ked in'
*e-en-o$-"e-en wa" a nonde"crip $o"pia! roo& of &odern de"i#nD $e inerior of
$e o!d
$o"pia! $ad been reno-aed in $e no-oo-di"an pa"' T$e &ea! furniure wa"
ypica! $o"pia!
i""ue and inc!uded a bed, a bureau, a -iny!-co-ered c$air, a ni#$ ab!e, and a
-ariab!e-$ei#$ bed
ab!e' A T, $un# fro& an ar& aac$ed o $e cei!in#'
T$e air-condiionin# apparau" wa" benea$ $e window' Jack wen o-er o i,
!ifed $e op,
and !ooked in"ide' A $o-waer and a c$i!!-waer pipe poked up $rou#$ $e
concree f!oor and
enered a $er&o"aed fan uni $a recircu!aed roo& air' Jack deeced no
$o!e" !ar#e enou#$ for
any ype of roden &uc$ !e"" a ra'
*eppin# ino $e ba$roo&, Jack #!anced around a $e "ink, oi!e, and "$ower'
T$e roo& wa"
new!y i!ed' T$ere wa" an air reurn in $e cei!in#' Bendin# down, $e opened $e
cabine be!ow $e
"inkD a#ain $ere were no $o!e"'
4earin# -oice" in $e o$er roo&, Jack "epped back $rou#$ $e door' I wa" 2r'
=ainwri#$
c!uc$in# a &a"k o $i" face' 4e wa" acco&panied by wo wo&en and a &an, a!! of
w$o& were
wearin# &a"k"' T$e wo&en were aired in $e !on#, w$ie profe""oria! coa" Jack
a""ociaed wi$
&edica!-"c$oo! profe""or"'
Afer $andin# Jack a &a"k, 2r' =ainwri#$ &ade $e inroducion"' T$e a!!er
wo&an wa" 2r'
(ary Gi&&er&an, $e $o"pia!%" infecion-conro! officer and $ead of $e !ike-
na&ed co&&iee'
Jack "en"ed "$e' wa" a "eriou" wo&an w$o fe! defen"i-e under $e circu&"ance"'
A" "$e wa"
inroduced, "$e infor&ed $i& $a "$e wa" a board-cerified iner$i" wi$
"ub"pecia!y rainin# in
infeciou" di"ea"e'
No knowin# $ow o re"pond o $i" re-e!aion, Jack co&p!i&ened $er'
7I did no $a-e an opporuniy o e+a&ine (r' Node!&an,7 "$e added'
7I%& cerain you wou!d $a-e &ade $e dia#no"i" in"an!y $ad you done
"o,7 Jack "aid, con"ciou"!y ryin# o keep "arca"& ou of $i" -oice'
7No doub,7 "$e "aid'
T$e "econd wo&an wa" 6a$y (cBane, and Jack wa" $appy o urn %$i" aenion o
$er,
e"pecia!!y "ince ("' (cBane $ad a war&er de&eanor
$an $er co&&iee c$airwo&an' 4e !earned "$e wa" an RN "uper-i"or and a &e&ber
of $e
Infecion Conro! Co&&iee' I wa" u"ua! for "uc$ a co&&iee o $a-e
repre"enai-e" fro& &o"
if no a!! $e $o"pia! depar&en"'
T$e &an wa" Geor#e 3-er"$arp' 4e wa" dre""ed in a $ea-y coon wi!! b!ue
unifor&' A" Jack
"u"peced, $e wa" $e "uper-i"or of $e depar&en of en#ineerin# and wa" a!"o a
&e&ber of $e
Infecion Conro! Co&&iee'
7=e cerain!y are indebed o 2r' *ap!eon for $i" rapid dia#no"i",7
2r' =ainwri#$ "aid, ryin# o !i#$en $e a&o"p$ere'
7Ju" a !ucky #ue"",7 Jack "aid'
7=e%-e a!ready be#un o reac,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid in a deadpan -oice' 7I%-e
ordered a !i" o
be drawn up of po""ib!e conac" o "ar c$e&oprop$y!a+i"'7
7I $ink $a i" wi"e,7 Jack "aid'
7And a" we "peak, $e c!inica! co&puer i" "earc$in# our curren paien
daaba"e for "y&po&
co&p!e+e" "u##e"i-e of p!a#ue,7 "$e coninued'
7Co&&endab!e,7 Jack "aid'
7(eanw$i!e we $a-e o di"co-er $e ori#in of $e curren ca"e,7 "$e "aid'
7<ou and I are $inkin# a!on# $e "a&e !ine",7 Jack "aid' 7I%d ad-i"e you o
wear your &a"k,7
"$e added' 7Okay,7 Jack "aid a#reeab!y' 4e $e!d i up o $i" face'
2r' Gi&&er&an urned o (r' 3-er"$arp' 7.!ea"e coninue wi$ w$a you were
"ayin# abou
$e air f!ow'7
Jack !i"ened a" $e en#ineer e+p!ained $a $e -eni!aion "y"e& in $e
$o"pia! wa" de"i#ned
"o $a $ere wa" a f!ow fro& $e $a!! ino eac$ roo& and $en i" ba$roo&' T$e
air wa" $en
fi!ered' 4e a!"o e+p!ained $a $ere were a few roo&" w$ere $e air f!ow cou!d
be re-er"ed for pa-
ien" wi$ co&pro&i"ed i&&une "y"e&"'
7I" $i" one of $o"e roo&"?7 2r' Gi&&er&an a"ked'
7I i" no,7 (r' 3-er"$arp "aid'
7*o $ere i" no freak way p!a#ue baceria cou!d $a-e #oen ino $e -eni!aion
"y"e& and
infeced :u" $i" roo&?7 2r' Gi&&er&an a"ked'
7No,7 (r' 3-er"$arp "aid' 7T$e air inducion in $e $a!! #oe" ino a!! $e"e
roo&" e>ua!!y'7
7And $e c$ance" of baceria f!oain# ou of $i" roo& ino $e $a!! wou!d be
!ow,7 2r'
Gi&&er&an "aid'
7I&po""ib!e,7 (r' 3-er"$arp "aid' 7T$e on!y way i cou!d !ea-e wou!d be on "o&e
"or of
-ecor'7
73+cu"e &e,7 a -oice ca!!ed' 3-eryone urned o "ee a nur"e "andin# in $e
doorway' *$e, oo,
$ad a &a"k pre""ed a#ain" $er face' 7(r' 6e!!ey wou!d !ike you a!! o co&e o
$e nur"e"% "aion'7
2uifu!!y e-eryone "ared fro& $e roo&' A" 6a$y (cBane "epped
in fron of $i&, Jack #o $er aenion' 7=$o%" (r' 6e!!ey?7 $e a"ked' 74e%" $e
$o"pia! pre"iden,7
("' (cBane "aid'
Jack nodded' A" $e wa!ked $e no"a!#ica!!y re&ini"ced $a $e $ead of $e
$o"pia! u"ed o be
ca!!ed an ad&ini"raor and wa" fre>uen!y a per"on w$o%d $ad &edica! rainin#'
T$a wa" back
w$en paien care wa" para&oun' Now $a bu"ine"" wa" kin# and $e #oa! wa"
profi, $e na&e
$ad c$an#ed o pre"iden'
Jack wa" !ookin# forward o &eein# (r' 6e!!ey' T$e $o"pia! pre"iden wa" $e
on-"ie
repre"enai-e of A&eriCare, and #i-in# $i& a $eadac$e wa" $e e>ui-a!en of
#i-in# A&eriCare a
$eadac$e'
T$e a&o"p$ere a $e nur"e"% "aion wa" en"e' =ord of $e p!a#ue $ad "pread
!ike wi!dfire'
3-eryone w$o worked on $e f!oor and e-en "o&e of $e a&bu!aory paien" now
knew $ey $ad
been poenia!!y e+po"ed' C$ar!e" 6e!!ey wa" doin# $i" be" o rea""ure $e&' 4e
o!d $e& $ere
wa" no ri"k and $a e-ery$in# wa" under conro!'
7<ea$, "ure87 Jack "coffed under $i" brea$' Jack !ooked wi$ di"#u" a $i"
&an w$o $ad $e
#a!! o uer "uc$ paen!y fa!"e p!aiude"' 4e wa" ini&idain#!y a!!, a #ood
ei#$ inc$e" a!!er $an
Jack%" "i+ fee' 4i" $and"o&e face wa" anned and $i" "andy-co!ored $air wa"
"reaked wi$
pure, #o!den b!ond a" if $e%d :u" reurned fro& a Caribbean -acaion' Cro&
Jack%" per"peci-e, $e
!ooked and "ounded &ore !ike an uncuou" car "a!e"&an $an $e bu"ine"" &ana#er
$a $e wa"'
A" "oon a" 6e!!ey "aw Jack and $e o$er" approac$, $e &oioned for $e& o
fo!!ow $i&'
Breakin# off $i" con"o!in# "peec$, $e &ade a bee!ine for $e "afey of $e
ui!iy roo& be$ind $e
nur"e"% "aion'
A" Jack ">uee;ed in be$ind 6a$y (cBane, $e noiced 6e!!ey wa"n% a!one' 4e wa"
bein#
"$adowed by a "!i#$!y bui! &an wi$ a !anern :aw and $innin# $air' In "$arp
conra" o 6e!!ey%"
"aroria! "p!endor, $i" "econd &an wa" dre""ed in a $readbare, c$eap "por"
coa o-er ":ack" $a
appeared ne-er o $a-e been pre""ed'
7God, w$a a &e""87 6e!!ey "aid an#ri!y o no one in paricu!ar' 4i" de&eanor
$ad
&ea&orp$o"ed in"an!y fro& "!ippery "a!e"&an o "ardonic ad&i&"raor' 4e ook
a paper owe!
and wiped $i" per"pirin# brow' 7T$i" i" no w$a $i" $o"pia! need"87 4e
cru&p!ed $e owe! and
$rew i ino $e ra"$' Turnin# o 2r' Gi&&er&an and in conra" o w$a $e%d
:u" "aid ou in $e
nur"e"% "aion, $e a"ked $er if $ey were akin# a ri"k :u" bein# on $e
f!oor'
7I "incere!y doub i,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid' 7Bu we%!! $a-e o &ake cerain'7
Turnin# o 2r' =ainwri#$, 6e!!ey "aid/ 7No "ooner $ad I $eard abou $i"
di"a"er $an I
!earned you a!ready knew abou i' =$y didn% you infor& &e?7
2r' =ainwri#$ e+p!ained $a $e%d :u" $eard $e new" fro& Jack and $ad no $ad
i&e o ca!!'
4e e+p!ained $e $ou#$ i wa" &ore i&poran o ca!! 2r' Gi&&er&an o #e
correci-e &ea"ure"
in"iued' 4e $en proceeded o inroduce Jack'
Jack "epped forward and #a-e a !i!e wa-e' 4e wa" unab!e o "uppre"" a "&i!e'
T$i" wa" $e
&o&en $e knew $e%d "a-or'
6e!!ey ook in $e c$a&bray "$ir, $e knied ie, and $e b:ack :ean"' I wa"
a far cry fro& $i"
own ,a!enino "i!k "ui' 7*ee&" o &e $e Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$ &enioned your
na&e w$en "$e
ca!!ed &e,7 6e!!ey "aid' 7A" I reca!!, "$e wa" i&pre""ed you%d &ade $e
dia#no"i" "o >uick!y'7
7=e ciy e&p!oyee" are a!way" #!ad o be of "er-ice,7 Jack "aid' 6e!!ey #a-e a
"$or, deri"i-e
!au#$'
7.er$ap" you%d !ike o &ee one of your dedicaed fe!!ow ciy e&p!oyee",7 6e!!ey
"aid' 7T$i" i"
2r' C!in Abe!ard' 4e%" $e epide&io!o-#i" for $e New <ork Ciy Board of
4ea!$'7
Jack nodded o $i" &ou"y co!!ea#ue, bu $e epide&io!o#i" didn% reurn $e
#reein#' Jack #o
$e "en"e $a Jack%" pre"ence wa" no w$o!!y appreciaed' Inerdepar&ena!
ri-a!ry wa" a fac of
bureaucraic !ife $e wa" :u" be#innin# o appreciae'
6e!!ey c!eared $i" $roa and $en "poke o =ainwri#$ and Gi&&er&an' 7I wan
$i" w$o!e
epi"ode kep a" !ow-key a" po""ib!e' T$e !e"" $a%" in $e &edia $e beer' If
any reporer rie" o
a!k wi$ ei$er of you, "end $e& o &e' I%!! be #earin# up $e .R office o do
da&a#e conro!'7
73+cu"e &e,7 Jack "aid, unab!e o re"rain $i&"e!f fro& inerrupin#' 7Corporae
inere""
a"ide, I $ink you "$ou!d concenrae on pre-enion' T$a &ean" reain#
conac" and a"cerainin#
w$ere $e p!a#ue baceria ca&e fro&' I $ink you $a-e a &y"ery on your $and"
$ere, and uni!
$a%" "o!-ed, $e &edia i" #oin# o $a-e a fie!d day no &aer w$a da&a#e
conro! you ae&p'7
7I wa"n% aware anyone a"ked your opinion,7 6e!!ey "aid "cornfu!!y'
7I :u" fe! you cou!d u"e a !i!e direcion,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou "ee&ed o be
wanderin# a bi far
afie!d'7
6e!!ey%" face reddened' 4e "$ook $i" $ead in di"be!ief' 7A!! ri#$,7 $e "aid,
"ru##!in# o conro!
$i&"e!f' 7=i$ your c!air-oyance, I "uppo"e you a!ready $a-e an idea of i"
ori#in'7
7I%d #ue"" ra",7 Jack "aid' 7I%& "ure $ere are !o" of ra" around $ere'7 Jack
$ad been waiin#
o u"e $a co&&en "ince i $ad $ad "uc$ a #ood effec wi$ Ca!-in $a
&ornin#'
7=e $a-e no ra" $ere a $e (an$aan Genera!,7 6e!!ey "puered' 7And if I
$ear $a you%-e
"aid any$in# !ike $a o $e &edia, I%!! $a-e your $ead'7
7Ra" are $e c!a""ica! re"er-oir for $e p!a#ue,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& "ure
$ey%re around $ere if you know $ow o reco#ni;e $e&, I &ean find $e&'7
6e!!ey urned o C!in Abe!ard' 72o you $ink ra" $ad any$in# o do wi$ $i"
ca"e of p!a#ue?7 $e
de&anded'
7I $a-e ye o be#in &y in-e"i#aion,7 2r' Abe!ard "aid' 7I wou!dn% wan o
$a;ard a #ue"", bu I find i
$ard o be!ie-e $a ra" cou!d $a-e been in-o!-ed' =e%re on $e "e-en$ f!oor'7
7I%d "u##e" you "ar rappin# ra",7 :ack "aid' 7*ar in $e i&&ediae
nei#$bor$ood' T$e fir" $in# o
find ou i" if p!a#ue $a" infi!raed $e !oca! urban roden popu!aion'7
7I%d !ike o "wic$ $e con-er"aion away fro& ra",7 6e!!ey "aid' 7I wou!d !ike
o $ear abou w$a we
"$ou!d do for peop!e w$o $ad direc conac wi$ $e decea"ed'7
7T$a%" &y depar&en,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid' 74ere%" w$a I propo"e'''
=$i!e 2r' Gi&&er&an "poke, C!in Abe!ard &oioned for :ack o acco&pany $i& ou
o $e nur"e"%
"aion'
7I%& $e epide&io!o#i",7 C!in "aid in an an#ry, forced w$i"per'
7I%-e ne-er di"pued $a fac,7 :ack "aid' 4e wa" "urpri"ed and confu"ed by $e
-e$e&ence of C!in%"
reacion'
7I%& rained o in-e"i#ae $e ori#in of di"ea"e" in $e $u&an co&&uniy,7 $e
"aid' 7I%" &y :ob' <ou, on
$e o$er $and, are a coroner'''7
7Correcion,7 :ack "aid' 7I%& a &edica! e+a&iner wi$ rainin# in pa$o!o#y'
<ou, a" a p$y"ician, "$ou!d
know $a'7
7(edica! e+a&iner or coroner, I cou!dn% care !e"" w$a er& you #uy"
u"e for your"e!-e",7 C!in "aid'
74ey, bu I do,7 :ack "aid'
7T$e poin i" $a your rainin# and your re"pon"ibi!iy in-o!-e $e dead, no
$e ori#in of di"ea"e'7
7=ron# a#ain,7 :ack "aid' 7=e dea! wi$ $e dead "o $a $ey "peak o $e
!i-in#' Our #oa! i" o pre-en
dea$'7
7I don% know $ow o &ake i &uc$ p!ainer o you,7 C!in "aid wi$ e+a"peraion'
7<ou o!d u" a &an died
of p!a#ue' =e appreciae $a, and
we didn% inerfere in your work' Now i i" for &e o fi#ure ou $ow $e #o i'7
7I%& :u" ryin# o $e!p,7 :ack "aid'
7T$ank you, bu ifI need your $e!p I%!! a"k for i,7 C!in "aid and "rode off
oward roo& 9B9'
Jack wac$ed C!in%" fi#ure recede, w$en a co&&oion be$ind $i& araced $i"
aenion' 6e!!ey $ad
e&er#ed fro& $e ui!iy roo& and wa" i&&ediae!y be"ie#ed by $e peop!e $e%d
been "peakin# wi$ ear!ier'
Jack wa" i&pre""ed by $ow >uick!y $i" p!a"ic "&i!e reurned and wi$ w$a ea"e
$e "ide"epped a!!
>ue"ion"'
=i$in "econd", $e wa" on $i" way down $e $a!! oward $e e!e-aor" and $e
"afey of $e ad&ini"rai-e
office"'
2r' Gi&&er&an and 2r' =ainwri#$ "epped ou of $e ui!iy roo& deep in
con-er"aion' =$en 6a$y
(cBane appeared, "$e wa" a!one' Jack inerceped $er'
7*orry o $a-e been $e bearer of bad new",7 Jack offered'
72on% be "orry,7 6a$y "aid' 7Cro& &y poin of -iew, we owe you a -oe of
$ank"'7
7=e!!, i%" an unforunae prob!e&,7 Jack "aid'
7I%d #ue"" i%" $e wor" "ince I%-e been on $e Infecion Conro! Co&&iee,7
"$e "aid' 7I $ou#$ !a" year%"
oubreak of $epaii" B wa" bad' I ne-er drea&ed we%d e-er "ee p!a#ue'7
7=$a i" $e (an$aan Genera!%" e+perience in re#ard o no"oco&ia! infecion"?7
:ack a"ked'
6a$y "$ru##ed' 7.rey &uc$ $e e>ui-a!en of any !ar#e eriary-care
$o"pia!,7 "$e "aid' 7=e%-e $ad our
&e$ici!!in-re"i"an "ap$' Of cour"e, $a%" an on#oin# prob!e&' =e e-en $ad
k!eb"ie!!a #rowin# in a
cani"er
of "ur#ica! "crub "oap a year a#o' T$a re"u!ed in a w$o!e "erie" of
po"operai-e wound infecion" uni! i
wa"
di"co-ered'7
74ow abou pneu&onia"?7 Jack a"ked' 75ike $i" ca"e'7
7O$, yea$, we%-e $ad our "$are of $e& oo,7 6a$y "aid wi$ a "i#$' 7(o"!y
i%" been p"eudo&ona", bu
wo year" a#o we $ad an oubreak of 5e#ione!!a'7
7I $adn% $eard abou $a,7 Jack "aid'
7I wa" kep >uie,7 6a$y "aid' 75ucki!y no one died' Of cour"e, I can% "ay
$a abou $e
prob!e& we $ad :u" fi-e &on$" a#o in $e "ur#ica! inen"i-e care' =e !o"
$ree paien" o
enerobaceria! pneu&onia' =e $ad o c!o"e $e uni uni! i wa" di"co-ered $a
"o&e of our
nebu!i;er" $ad beco&e cona&inaed'7
76a$y87 a -oice ca!!ed ou "$arp!y'
Bo$ Jack and 6a$y abrup!y urned o "ee $a 2r' Gi&&er&an $ad co&e up be$ind
$e&'
7T$a i" confidenia! infor&aion,7 2r' Gi&&er&an !ecured' 6a$y "ared o "ay
"o&e$in#
bu $en $ou#$ beer of i'
7=e $a-e work o do, 6a$y,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid' 75e%" #o o &y
office'7
*udden!y abandoned, Jack debaed w$a $e "$ou!d do' Cor a &o&en $e con"idered
#oin#
back o roo& 9B9, bu afer C!in%" irade, $e $ou#$ i be" o !ea-e $e &an
a!one' Afer a!!, Jack
$ad inended o pro-oke 6e!!ey, no C!in' T$en $e #o an idea/ I &i#$ be
in"ruci-e o -i"i $e
!ab' A" defen"i-e!y a" 2r' Gi&&er&an $ad re"ponded, Jack $ou#$ i wa" $e !ab
$a "$ou!d $a-e
been c$a#rined' T$ey were $e one" w$o &i""ed $e dia#no"i"'
Afer in>uirin# abou $e !ocaion of $e !ab, Jack ook $e e!e-aor down o
$e "econd f!oor'
C!a"$in# $i" &edica! e+a&iner%" bad#e a#ain produced i&&ediae re"u!"' 2r'
(arin C$e-eau, $e
!ab direcor, &aeria!i;ed and we!co&ed Jack ino $i" office' 4e wa" a "$or
fe!!ow wi$ a fu!! $ead
of dark $air and penci!-!ine &u"ac$e'
74a-e you $eard abou $e ca"e of p!a#ue?7 Jack a"ked once $ey were "eaed'
7No, w$ere?7 (arin >ue"ioned'
74ere a $e (an$aan Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 7Roo& "e-en-o$-"e-en' I po"ed $e
paien $i"
&ornin#'7
7O$, no87 (arin &oaned' 4e "i#$ed !oud!y' 7T$a doe"n% "ound #ood for u"' =$a
wa" $e
na&e?7
72ona!d Node!&an,7 Jack "aid'
(arin "wun# around in $i" "ea and acce""ed $i" co&puer' T$e "creen f!a"$ed
a!! Node!&an%"
!aboraory re"u!" for $e duraion of $i" ad&i""ion' (arin "cro!!ed $rou#$
uni! $e #o o $e
&icrobio!o#y "ecion'
7I "ee we $ad a "puu& #ra& "ain "$owin# weak!y #ra&-ne#ai-e baci!!i,7 (arin
"aid'
7T$ere%" a!"o a cu!ure pendin# $a wa" ne#ai-e for #row$ a $iry-"i+
$our"' I #ue"" $a "$ou!d
$a-e o!d u" "o&e$in#, e"pecia!!y w$ere I "ee p"eudo&ona" wa" "u"peced' I
&ean, p"eudo&ona"
wou!d $a-e #rown ou wi$ou any roub!e way before $iry-"i+ $our"'7
7I wou!d $a-e been $e!pfu! if Gie&"a%" or =ay"on%" "ain $ad been u"ed,7 Jack
"aid' 7T$e
dia#no"i" cou!d $a-e been &ade'7
73+ac!y,7 (arin "aid' 4e urned back o Jack' 7T$i" i" errib!e' I%&
e&barra""ed'
)nforunae!y, i%" an e+a&p!e of $e kind of $in# $a%" #oin# o $appen &ore
and &ore ofen'
Ad&ini"raion $a" been forcin# u" o cu co"" and down"i;e e-en $ou#$ our
work!oad $a" #one
up' I%" a dead!y co&binaion, a" $i" ca"e of p!a#ue pro-e"' And i%" $appenin#
a!! o-er $e
counry'7
7<ou%-e $ad o !e peop!e #o?7 Jack a"ked' 4e $ou#$ $a $e c!inica! !ab wa"
one p!ace
$o"pia!" acua!!y &ade &oney'
7Abou weny percen,7 (arin "aid' 7O$er" we%-e $ad o de&oe' In
&icrobio!o#y we don%
$a-e a "uper-i"or any !on#erD if we $ad, $e probab!y wou!d $a-e cau#$ $i" ca"e
of p!a#ue' =i$
$e operain# bud#e we%-e been a!!oed we can% afford i' Our o!d "uper-i"or
#o de&oed o $ead
ec$' I%" di"coura#in#' I u"ed o be we "ro-e for e+ce!!ence in $e !ab' Now
we "ri-e for
%ade>uae,% w$ae-er $a &ean"'7
72oe" your co&puer "ay w$ic$ ec$ did $e #ra& "ain?7 Jack a"ked' 7If no$in#
e!"e, we
cou!d urn $i" epi"ode ino a eac$in# e+perience'7
7Good idea,7 (arin "aid' 4e faced $e co&puer and acce""ed daa' T$e ec$I"
ideniy wa" in
code' *udden!y $e urned back o Jack'
7I :u" re&e&bered "o&e$in#,7 $e "aid' 7(y $ead ec$ $ou#$ of p!a#ue in
re!aion o a
paien :u" ye"erday and a"ked &e w$a I $ou#$' I%& afraid I di"coura#ed $i&
by e!!in# $i& $e
c$ance" were "o&ew$ere on $e order of a bi!!ion o one'7
Jack perked up' 7I wonder w$a &ade $i& $ink of p!a#ue?7
7I wonder oo,7 (arin "aid' Reac$in# o-er o $i" inerco& "y"e&, $e pa#ed
Ric$ard
O-er"ree' =$i!e $ey waied for $e &an o arri-e, (arin deer&ined $a
Nancy =i##en" $ad
"i#ned ou on $e ori#ina! #ra& "ain' (arin pa#ed $er a" we!!'
Ric$ard O-er"ree appeared wi$in &inue"' 4e wa" a boyi"$, a$-!eic-!ookin#
indi-idua! wi$
a "$ock of auburn $air $a fe!! acro"" $i" fore$ead' T$e $air $ad a $abi of
"!ippin# o-er $i" eye"'
Ric$ard wa" e-er pu"$in# i back wi$ $i" $and or $rowin# i back wi$ a "nap
of $i" $ead' 4e
wore a w$ie :acke o-er "ur#ica! "crub"D $i" :acke pocke" were cra&&ed wi$
e" ube",
ourni>ue", #au;e pad", !ab c$i", and "yrin#e"'
(arin inroduced Ric$ard o :ack, $en a"ked $i& abou $e "$or di"cu""ion
$ey%d $ad abou
p!a#ue $e day before'
Ric$ard "ee&ed e&barra""ed' 7I wa" :u" &y i&a#inaion #ein# $e be" of &e,7
$e "aid wi$
a !au#$'
7Bu w$a &ade you $ink of i?7 (arin a"ked'
Ric$ard "wep $i" $air fro& $i" face and for a &o&en !ef $i" $and on $e op
of $i" $ead
w$i!e $e $ou#$' 7O$, I re&e&ber,7 $e "aid' 7Nancy =i##en" $ad #one up o #e a
"puu& cu!ure
and draw $e &an%" b!ood' *$e o!d &e $ow "ick $e wa" and $a $e appeared o
$a-e "o&e
#an#rene on $e ip" of $i" fin#er"' *$e "aid $i" fin#er" were b:ack'7
Ric$ard "$ru##ed' 7I &ade &e $ink of $e b:ack dea$'7
:ack wa" i&pre""ed'
72id you fo!!ow up on i a a!! ?7 (arin a"ked'
7No,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7No afer w$a you%d "aid abou $e probabi!iy' A" be$ind
a" we are in
$e !ab, I cou!dn% ake $e i&e' A!! of u", inc!udin# &e, $a-e been ou
drawin# b!ood' I" $ere
"o&e kind of prob!e&?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7A bi# prob!e&,7 (arin "aid' 7T$e &an did $a-e p!a#ue' No on!y $a, bu $e%"
a!ready dead'7
Ric$ard !iera!!y "a##ered' 7(y God87 $e e+c!ai&ed'
7I $ope you encoura#e "afey wi$ your ec$",7 :ack "aid'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Ric$ard "aid, re#ainin# $i" co&po"ure' 7=e $a-e bio"afey
cabine", bo$ ype
wo and $ree' I ry o encoura#e &y ec$"
o u"e one or $e o$er, e"pecia!!y wi$ ob-iou"!y "eriou" infeciou" ca"e"'
.er"ona!!y I !ike $e ype
$ree, bu "o&e peop!e find u"in# $e $ick rubber #!o-e" oo c!u&"y'7
A $a &o&en Nancy =i##en" appeared' *$e wa" a "$y wo&an w$o appeared &ore
!ike a
eena#er $an a co!!e#e #raduae' *$e cou!d bare!y !ook :ack in $e eye a" $ey
were inroduced'
*$e wore $er dark $air pared down $e &idd!e of $er $ead, and !ike $a of $er
i&&ediae bo"",
Ric$ard, i con"an!y fe!! acro"" $er eye"'
(arin e+p!ained o $er w$a $ad $appened' *$e wa" a" "$ocked a" Ric$ard $ad
been' (arin
a""ured $er "$e wa" no bein# b!a&ed bu $a $ey "$ou!d a!! ry o !earn fro&
$e e+perience'
7=$a "$ou!d I do abou &y e+po"ure?7 "$e >ue"ioned' 7I wa" $e one w$o #o $e
"peci&en
a" we!! a" $e one w$o proce""ed i'7
7<ou%!! probab!y be akin# eracyc!ine by &ou$ or "repo&ycin I(,7 :ack "aid'
7T$e $o"pia!
infecion-conro! officer i" workin# on $a a $e &o&en'7
7)$ o$87 (arin -oiced under $i" brea$ bu !oud enou#$ for $e o$er" o $ear'
74ere co&e"
our fear!e"" !eader and $e c$ief of $e &edica! "aff, and bo$ !ook un$appy'7
6e!!ey "wep ino $e roo& !ike an irae #enera! afer a &i!iary defea' 4e
owered o-er (arin
wi$ $i" $and" on $i" $ip" and $i" reddened face $ru" forward' 72r' C$e-eau,7
$e be#an wi$ a
"cornfu! one' 72r' Arno!d $ere e!!" &e you "$ou!d $a-e &ade $i" dia#no"i"
before'''7
6e!!ey "opped &id-"enence' A!$ou#$ $e wa" conen o i#nore $e wo
&icrobio!o#y ec$",
:ack wa" a differen "ory'
7=$a in God%" na&e are you doin# down $ere?7 $e de&anded' 7!u" $e!pin# ou,7
:ack rep!ied'
7Aren% you o-er"eppin# your &andae?7 $e "u##e"ed -eno&ou"!y' 7=e !ike o be
$orou#$
in our in-e"i#aion",7 :ack "aid'
7I $ink you $a-e &ore $an e+$au"ed your officia! capaciy,7 6e!!ey "napped'
7I wan you ou
of $ere' Afer a!!, $i" i" a pri-ae in"iuion'7
:ack #o o $i" fee, -ain!y ryin# o !ook $e owerin# 6e!!ey in $e eye' 7If
A&eriCare $ink" i
can do wi$ou &e, I $ink I%!! run a!on#'7
6e!!ey%" face urned purp!e' 4e "ared o "ay "o&e$in# e!"e bu c$an#ed $i"
&ind' In"ead $e &ere!y
poined oward $e door'
Jack "&i!ed and wa-ed o $e o$er" before akin# $i" !ea-e' 4e wa" p!ea"ed wi$
$i" -i"i' A" far a" $e wa"
concerned, i cou!dn% $a-e #one beer'
=32N3*2A<, A/BE .'(', (ARC4 2B 1991
*u"anne 4ard wa" !ookin# $rou#$ $e "&a!!, round window of $e door o $e
e!e-aor !obby wi$ rap
aenion' T$e end of $e corridor wa" a" far a" "$e wa" a!!owed o #o on $er
a&bu!aion' *$e%d been
wa!kin# wi$ !i!e "ep"
w$i!e "upporin# $er fre"$!y "uured abdo&en' A" unp!ea"an a" $e e+erci"e wa",
"$e knew fro& e+perience
$a $e "ooner "$e &obi!i;ed $er"e!f, $e "ooner "$e%d be in a po"iion o
de&and re!ea"e'
=$a $ad cau#$ $er aenion ou in $e e!e-aor !obby wa" $e di"urbin#
a&oun of raffic co&in# in and
ou of $e &edica! ward a" we!! a" $e ner-ou" de&eanor of $e "aff' *u"anne%"
"i+$ "en"e o!d $er $a
"o&e$in# wa"
wron#, e"pecia!!y wi$ &o" of $e peop!e wearin# &a"k"'
Before "$e cou!d pu a fin#er on $e cau"e of $e apparen "ir, a !iera! c$i!!
pa""ed $rou#$ $er !ike an icy
arcic wind' Turnin# around, "$e e+peced o fee! a draf' T$ere wa"n% any'
T$en $e c$i!! reurned, cau"in#
$er o en"e
and "$i-er uni! i $ad pa""ed' *u"anne !ooked down a $er $and"' T$ey $ad
urned bone w$ie'
Increa"in#!y an+iou", *u"anne "ared back o $er roo&' *uc$ a c$i!! cou!d no
be a #ood "i#n' A" an
e+perienced paien "$e knew $ere wa" a!way" $e fear of a wound infecion'
By $e i&e "$e enered $er roo& "$e $ad a $eadac$e be$ind $er eye"' A" "$e
c!i&bed back
ino bed, $e $eadac$e "pread o-er $e op of $er $ead' I wa"n% !ike any
$eadac$e "$e%d e-er $ad
before' I fe! a" if "o&eone were pu"$in# an aw! ino $e dep$" of $er brain'
Cor a few panicky &o&en" *u"anne !ay perfec!y "i!!, $opin# $a w$ae-er $ad
"ee&ed
wron# wa" now a!! ri#$' Bu in"ead a new "y&po& de-e!oped/ $e &u"c!e" oH$er
!e#" be#an o
ac$e' =i$in &inue" "$e found $er"e!f wri$in# in $e bed, -ain!y ryin# o
find a po"iion $a af-
forded re!ief'
C!o"e on $e $ee!" of $e !e# pain ca&e an o-era!! &a!ai"e $a "e!ed o-er $er
!ike a "if!in#
b!anke' I wa" "o ener-ain# $a "$e cou!d bare!y reac$ acro"" $er c$e" for
$e nur"e%" ca!! buon'
*$e pre""ed i and !e $er ar& fa!! !irap!y back o $e bed'
By $e i&e $e nur"e ca&e ino $e roo&, *u"anne $ad de-e!oped a
cou#$ $a c$afed $er a!ready irriaed $roa' 7I fee! "ick,7 *u"anne croaked'
74ow "o?7 $e nur"e
>ue"ioned'
*u"anne "$ook $er $ead' I wa" e-en $ard o a!k' *$e fe! "o errib!e "$e
didn% know w$ere o
be#in'
7I $a-e a $eadac$e,7 "$e &ana#ed'
7I be!ie-e you $a-e a "andin# order of?ain &edicaion,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7I%11
#e i for you'7
7I need &y docor,7 *u"anne w$i"pered' 4er $roa fe! a" bad a" w$en "$e%d
fir" awakened
fro& $e ane"$e"ia'
7I $ink we "$ou!d ry $e pain &edicine before we ca!! your docor,7 $e nur"e
"aid'
7I fee! co!d,7 *u"anne "aid' 7Terrib!y co!d'7
T$e nur"e pu a praciced band on *u"anne%" fore$ead, $en pu!!ed i back in
a!ar&' *u"anne
wa" burnin# up' T$e nur"e ook $e $er&o&eer fro& i" conainer on $e bed"ide
ab!e and "uck
i ino *u"annc%" &ou$' =$i!e "$e waied for $e $er&o&eer o e>ui!ibrae,
"$e wrapped a b!ood-
pre""ure cuff around *u"an$e%" ar&' T$e b!ood pre""ure wa"
IO='
*$e $en ook $e $er&o&eer ou of *u"anne%" &ou$' =$en "$e "aw w$a $e
readin# wa",
"$e !e ou a !i!e #a"p of "urpri"e' I wa" 1B1 Ca$ren$ei'
72o I $a-e a fe-er?7 *u"anne >ue"ioned'
7A !i!e one,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7Bu e-ery$in# i" #oin# o be fine' I%!! #o and
#i-e your docor a
ca!!'7
*u"anne nodded' A ear ca&e o $e corner of $er eye' *$e didn% wan $i" kind
of
co&p!icaion' *$e waned o #o $o&e'
=32N3*2A< A/0E .'(, (ARC4 20 1991
72o you $one"!y $ink $a Rober Barker de!iberae!y "aboa#ed our ad
ca&pai#n?7 Co!!een a"ked
Tere"e a" $ey de"cended $e "air"' T$ey were on $eir way o $e "udio w$ere
Co!!een waned o
"$ow Tere"e w$a $e creai-e ea& $ad pu o#e$er for a new Naiona! 4ea!$
ca&pai#n'
7T$ere%" no a doub in &y &ind,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Of cour"e, $e didn% do i
$i&"e!f' 4e $ad
4e!en do i by a!kin# Naiona! 4ea!$ ou of buyin# ade>uae e+po"ure i&e'7
7Bu $e%d be "$ooin# $i&"e!f in $e foo' If we !o"e $e Naiona! 4ea!$
accoun and we can%
re"rucure, $en $i" e&p!oyee paricipaion uni" are wor$ $e "a&e a" our"/
;i!c$'7
7*crew $i" e&p!oyee paricipaion uni",7 Tere"e "aid' 74e wan" $e pre"idency,
and $e%!! do
any$in# o #e i'7
7God, bureaucraic infi#$in# di"#u"" &e,7 Co!!een "aid' 7Are you "ure you wan
$e
pre"idency?7
Tere"e "opped dead on $e "air" and !ooked a Co!!een a" if "$e%d :u"
b!a"p$e&ed' 7I can%
be!ie-e you "aid $a'7
7Bu you%-e co&p!ained your"e!f $a $e &ore ad&ini"rai-e duie" you $a-e,
$e !e"" i&e
you can "pend on creai-iy'7
7If Barker #e" $e pre"idency $e%!! "crew up $e w$o!e co&pany,7 Tere"e "aid
indi#nan!y'
7=e%!! "ar kowowin# o c!ien", and $ere #oe" creai-iy and >ua!iy in one
fe!! "woop' Be"ide", I
wan o be pre"iden' I%" been &y #oa! for fi-e year"' T$i" i" &y c$ance, and
ifI don% #e i now, I%!!
ne-er #e i'7
7I don% know w$y you%re no $appy wi$ w$a you%-e a!ready acco&p!i"$ed,7
Co!!een "aid'
7<ou%re on!y $iry-one and you%re a!ready creai-e direcor' <ou "$ou!d be
conen and do w$a
you are #ood a/ doin# #rea ad"'7
7O$, co&e on87 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou know we ad-eri"in# peop!e are ne-er "ai"fied'
3-en ifI
&ake pre"iden I%!! probab!y "ar eyein# C3O'7
7I $ink you "$ou!d coo! i,7 Co!!een "aid' 7<ou%re #oin# o burn ou before
you%re $iry-fi-e'7
7I%11 coo! i w$en I%& pre"iden,7 Tere"e "aid'
7<ea$, "ure87 Co!!een "aid'
Once in $e "udio Co!!een direced $er friend ino $e "&a!! "eparae roo& $a
wa"
affecionae!y ca!!ed $e 7arena'7 T$i" wa" w$ere pic$e" were re$ear"ed' T$e
na&e ca&e fro& $e
arena" of ancien Ro&e w$ere C$ri"ian" were $rown o $e !ion"' A =i!!ow and
4ea$ $e
C$ri"ian" were $e !ow-!e-e! creai-e"'
7<ou #o a fi!&?7 Tere"e >ue"ioned' In $e fron of $e roo& a "creen $ad been
pu!!ed down
o-er $e c$a!kboard"' A be" "$e $ou#$ "$e%d be !ookin# a "kec$y
"oryboard"'
7=e $rew o#e$er a %ripo&aic,%7 Co!!een e+p!ained' A ripo&aic wa" a rou#$!y
"p!iced
o#e$er a&a!#a& of pre-iou"!y "$o -ideo $a $ad
been 7"o!en7 fro& o$er pro:ec" o #i-e a "en"e of a co&&ercia!' Tere"e wa"
encoura#ed' *$e%d
no e+peced -ideo'
7No-,, I%& warnin# you, $i" i" a!! -ery pre!i&inary,7 Co!!een added' 7*a-e $e
di"c!ai&er",7
Tere"e "aid' 7Run w$a you $a-e'7
Co!!een wa-ed o one of $er under!in#"' T$e !i#$" di&&ed and $e
-ideo "ared' I ran for a $undred "econd"' I depiced a dar!in# four-year-o!d
#ir! wi$ a broken
do!!' Tere"e reco#ni;ed $e fooa#e i&&ediae!y' I wa" par of a "po $ey%d
done $e year before
for a naiona! oy c$ain o pro&oe $e co&pany%" #enerou" reurn po!icy'
Co!!een $ad c!e-er!y
&ade i appear a" if $e c$i!d were brin#in# $e do!! o $e new Naiona! 4ea!$
$o"pia!' T$e a#
!ine wa" 7=e cure any$in# anyi&e'7
A" "oon a" $e -ideo "opped, $e !i#$" ca&e on' Cor a few &o&en" no one
"poke' Cina!!y
Co!!een broke $e "i!ence' 7<ou don% !ike i,7 "$e "aid'
7I%" cue,7 Tere"e ad&ied'
7T$e idea i" o &ake $e do!! ref!ec differen i!!ne""e" and in:urie" in
differen co&&ercia!",7
Co!!een "aid' 7Of cour"e, we%d $a-e $e c$i!d "peak and e+o! $e -irue" of
Naiona! 4ea!$ in $e
-ideo -er"ion"' In prin we%d &ake "ure $e picure o!d $e "ory'7
7T$e prob!e& i" i%" oo cue,7 Tere"e "aid' 73-en ifI $ink i $a" "o&e &eri,
I%& "ure $e c!ien
won% !ike i, "ince 4e!en -ia Rober wou!d cerain!y ri-ia!i;e i'7
7I%" $e be" $a we%-e co&e up wi$ "o far,7 Co!!een "aid' 7<ou%!! $a-e o
#i-e u" "o&e
direcion' =e need a creai-e brief fro& youD o$erwi"e we%!! :u" keep
wanderin# a!! o-er $e
concepua! !and"cape' T$en $ere wi!! be no c$ance o pu any$in# o#e$er for
ne+ week'7
7=e $a-e o co&e up wi$ "o&e$in# $a "e" Naiona! 4ea!$ apar fro&
A&eriCare e-en
$ou#$ we know $ey are e>ui-a!en' T$e c$a!!en#e i" findin# $a one idea,7
Tere"e "aid'
Co!!een &oioned for $er a""i"an o !ea-e' Once "$e $ad, Co!!een ook a c$air
and pu i in
fron of Tere"e%"' 7=e need &ore of your direc in-o!-e&en,7 "$e "aid'
Tere"e nodded' *$e knew Co!!een wa" ri#$, bu Tere"e fe! &ena!!y para!y;ed'
7T$e prob!e&
i" $a i%" $ard o $ink wi$ $i" pre"idency "iuaion $an#in# o-er &e !ike
$e "word of 2a&oc!e"'7
7I $ink you%-e #o your"e!f in o-erdri-e,7 Co!!een "aid' 7<ou%re a ba!! of
ner-e"'7
7*o w$a e!"e i" new?7 Tere"e "aid'
7=$en wa" $e !a" i&e you wen ou for dinner and a few drink"?7 Co!!een "aid'
Tere"e !au#$ed' 7I $a-en% $ad i&e for any$in# !ike $a for &on$"'7
7T$a%" &y poin,7 Co!!een "aid' 7No wonder your creai-e :uice"
aren% f!owin#' <ou need o re!a+' 3-en if i%" :u" for a few $our"'7 7<ou
rea!!y $ink "o?7 Tere"e
a"ked'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Co!!een "aid' 7In fac we%re #oin# ou oni#$' =e%!! #o o dinner
and we%!! $a-e a
few drink"' =e%!! e-en ry no o a!k abou ad-eri"in# for one ni#$'7
7I don% know,7 Tere"e -oiced' 7=e%-e #o $i" dead!ine'''7
7T$a%" e+ac!y &y poin,7 Co!!een "aid' 7=e need o b!ow $e ube" and c!ear
ou $e cobweb"'
(aybe $en we%!! co&e up wi$ $a bi# idea' *o don% ar#ue' I%&' no akin# no
for an an"wer'7
=32N3*2A<, A/0E .'(', (AR.%4 2!, 1991
Jack na-i#aed $i" &ounain bike beween $e wo 4ea!$ and 4o"pia! Corporaion
&oruary -an"
parked a $e recei-in# bay a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office and rode direc!y
ino $e &or#ue'
)nder nor&a! circu&"ance" $e%d $a-e di"&ouned by $en and wa!ked $e bike, bu
$e wa" in oo
#ood a &ood'
Jack parked $i" bike by $e 4ar I"!and coffin", !ocked i up, $en w$i"!ed on
$i" way o $e
e!e-aor"' 4e wa-ed o *a! 2%A&bro"io a" $e pa""ed $e &oruary office'
7C$e, &y boy, $ow are you?7 Jack a"ked a" $e bree;ed ino $eir "$ared fif$-
f!oor office'
C$e !aid $i" pen down on $i" de"k and urned o face $i" office&ae' 7T$e
wor!d%" been in $ere
!ookin# for you' =$a $a-e you been doin#?7
7Indu!#in# &y"e!f,7 Jack "aid' 4e pee!ed off $i" !ea$er :acke and draped i
o-er $e back of
$i" de"k c$air before "iin# down' 4e "ur-eyed $i" row of fi!e", decidin# w$ic$
one o aack fir"'
4i" in-ba"ke $ad a new!y rep!eni"$ed pi!e of !ab re"u!" and .A repor"'
7I wou!dn% #e oo co&forab!e,7 C$e "aid' 7One of $o"e !ookin# for
you wa" Bin#$a& $i&"e!f' 4e o!d &e o e!! you o co&e direc!y o $i" office'7
74ow nice,7 Jack "aid' 7I wa" afraid $e%d for#oen abou &e'7
7I wou!dn% be "o f!ippan abou i,7 C$e "aid' 7Bin#$a& wa" no $appy' And
Ca!-in "opped
by a" we!!' 4e%d !ike o "ee you, oo, and "&oke wa" co&in# ou of $i" ear"'7
7)nI!oubed!y $e%" ea#er o pay &e &y en do!!ar",7 Jack "aid' 4e #o up fro&
$i" de"k and
paed C$e on $e "$ou!der' 72on% worry abou &e' I $a-e a "ron# "ur-i-a!
in"inc'7
7<ou cou!d $a-e foo!ed &e,7 C$e "aid'
A" Jack de"cended in $e e!e-aor, $e wa" curiou" $ow Bin#$a& wou!d $and!e $e
curren
"iuaion' *ince Jack $ad "ared workin# a $e (3 office, $e%d $ad on!y
"poradic conac wi$ $e
c$ief' T$e day-o-day ad&ini"rai-e prob!e&" were a!! $and!ed by Ca!-in'
7<ou can #o ri#$ in,7 (r"' *anford "aid wi$ou e-en !ookin# up fro& $er
ypin#' Jack
wondered $ow "$e knew i wa" $e'
7C!o"e $e door,7 2r' 4aro!d Bin#$a& co&&anded'
Jack did a" $e wa" o!d' Bin#$a&%" office wa" "paciou" wi$ a !ar#e de"k "e
back under $i#$
window" co-ered wi$ ancien -eneian b!ind"' A $e oppo"ie end of $e roo&
wa" a !ibrary ab!e
wi$ a eac$in# &icro-
"cope' A #!a""-froned bookca"e !ined $e far wa!!' 7*i down,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
2uifu!!y Jack "a'
7I%& no "ure I under"and you,7 Bin#$a& "aid in $i" deep, $u"ky -oice' 7<ou
apparen!y &ade
a ra$er bri!!ian dia#no"i" of p!a#ue oday and $en foo!i"$!y ook i upon
your"e!f o ca!! &y bo"",
$e Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$' 3i$er you are a co&p!ee!y apo!iica! creaure or
you $a-e a "e!f-
de"ruci-e "reak'7
7I%" probab!y a co&binaion of $e wo,7 Jack "aid'
7<ou%re a!"o i&perinen,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7T$a%" par of $e "e!f-de"ruci-e "reak,7 Jack "aid' 7On $e po"ii-e "ide,
I%& $one"'7 4e
"&i!ed'
Bin#$a& "$ook $i" $ead' Jack wa" e"in# $i" abi!iy o conro! $i&"e!f' 7Ju"
"o I can ry o
under"and,7 $e "aid a" $e enwined $e fin#er" of $i" "$o-e!-!ike $and", 7did
you no $ink $a I
wou!d find i inappropriae for you o ca!! $e co&&i""ioner before a!kin# wi$
&e?7
7C$e (cGo-ern "u##e"ed a" &uc$,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I wa" &ore concerned abou
#ein# $e
word ou' Ounce of pre-enion i" wor$ a pound of cure, e"pecia!!y if we%re
!ookin# a a poenia!
epide&ic'7
T$ere wa" a &o&en of "i!ence w$i!e Bin#$a& con"idered Jack%" "ae&en, w$ic$
$e $ad o
ad&i conained a &odicu& of -a!idiy' 7T$e "econd $in# I waned o di"cu"" wa"
your -i"i o $e
(an$aan Genera!' Crank!y, your deci"ion o do $i" "urpri"e" &e' 2urin# your
orienaion I know
you were o!d $a our po!icy i" o re!y on our e+ce!!en .A" o do "ie work'
<ou do re&e&ber
$a, don% you?7
7Cerain!y I re&e&ber,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I fe! $a $e appearance of p!a#ue wa"
u&>ue enou#$
o de&and a uni>ue re"pon"e' Be"ide", I wa" curiou"'7
7Curiou"87 Bin#$a& b!ured ou' 4e &o&enari!y !o" conro!' 7T$a%" $e !a&e"
e+cu"e for
i#norin# e"ab!i"$ed po!icy I%-e $eard in year"'7
7=e!!, $ere wa" &ore,7 Jack ad&ied' 76nowin# $e Genera! wa" an A&eriCare
$o"pia!, I
waned o #o o-er $ere and rub i in a !i!e' I%& no fond of A&eriCare'7
7=$a in $ea-en%" na&e do you $a-e a#ain" A&eriCare?7 Bin#$a& a"ked'
7I%" a per"ona! $in#,7 Jack "aid'
7=ou!d you care o e!aborae?7 Bin#$a& a"ked'
7I%d ra$er no,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" a !on# "ory'7
7*ui your"e!f,7 Bin#$a& "aid irriab!y' 7Bu I%& no #oin# o o!erae your
#oin# o-er $ere
f!a"$in# your &edica! e+a&iner bad#e for "o&e per"ona! -endea' T$a%" an
e#re#iou" &i"u"e of
officia! au$oriy'7
7I $ou#$ our &andae wa" o #e in-o!-ed in any$in# $a cou!d affec pub!ic
$ea!$,7 Jack
"aid' 7Cerain!y a ca"e of p!a#ue fa!!" under $a rubric'7
7Indeed,7 Bin#$a& pronounced' 7Bu you $ad a!ready a!ered $e
Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$' *$e in urn a!ered $e Ciy Board of 4ea!$, w$o
i&&ediae!y di"pac$ed
$e c$ief epide&io!o#i"' <ou $ad no bu"ine"" bein# o-er $ere, &uc$ !e""
cau"in# roub!e'7
7=$a kind of roub!e did I cau"e?7 Jack a"ked'
7<ou &ana#ed o irriae $e!! ou of bo$ $e ad&ini"raor and $e ciy
epide&io!o#i",7
Bin#$a& roared' 7Bo$ of $e& were &ad enou#$ o !od#e officia! co&p!ain"' T$e
ad&ini"raor
ca!!ed $e &ayor%" office, and $e epide&io!o#i" ca!!ed $e co&&i""ioner' Bo$
of $e"e pub!ic "er-
-an" can be con"idered &y bo"", and nei$er one of $e& wa" p!ea"ed, and bo$
of $e& !e &e
know abou i'7
7I wa" :u" ryin# o be $e!pfu!,7 Jack "aid innocen!y'
7=e!!, do &e a fa-or and and don% ry o be $e!pfu!,7 Bin#$a& "napped' 7In"ead
I wan you o
"ay around $ere w$ere you be!on# and do $e work you were $ired o do' Ca!-in
infor&ed &e $a
you $a-e a !o of ca"e" pendin#'7
7I" $a i?7 Jack a"ked w$en Bin#$a& pau"ed'
7Cor now,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
Jack #o up and $eaded for $e door'
7One !a" $in#,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7Re&e&ber $a you are on probaion for $e
fir" year'7
7I%11 keep $a in &ind,7 Jack "aid'
5ea-in# Bin#$a&%" office, Jack pa""ed (r"' *anford and wen direc!y acro"" o
Ca!-in
=a"$in#on%" office' T$e door wa" a:ar' Ca!-in wa" bu"y a $i" &icro"cope'
73+cu"e &e,7 Jack ca!!ed ou' 7I under"and you were !ookin# for &e'7
Ca!-in urned around and eyed Jack' 74a-e you been in o "ee $e c$ief ye?7 $e
#row!ed'
7Ju" ca&e fro& $ere,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" rea""urin# o be in "uc$ de&and around
$ere'7
72i"pen"e wi$ your "&ara"" a!k,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7=$a did 2r' Bin#$a& "ay ?7
Jack o!d Ca!-in w$a $ad bccn "aid and $a Bin#$a& $ad conc!uded by re&indin#
$i& $a $e
wa" on probaion'
72a&n "rai#$,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I $ink you%d beer "$ape up or you%!! be ou
!ookin# for work'7
7(eanw$i!e I $a-e one re>ue",7 Jack "aid'
7=$a i" i?7 Ca!-in a"ked'
74ow abou $a en do!!ar" you owe &e,7 Jack "aid'
Ca!-in "ared back a Jack, a&a;ed $a under $e circu&"ance" Jack $ad $e
#a!! o a"k for $e &oney'
Cina!!y Ca!-in ro!!ed o $e "ide in $i"
"ea, wi$drew $i" wa!!e, and pu!!ed ou a en-do!!ar bi!!'
7I%!! #e $i" back,7 Ca!-in -owed'
7*ure you wi!!,7 Jack "aid a" $e ook $e bi!!'
=i$ $e &oney co&forab!y in $i" pocke, Jack reurned up"air" o $i" office'
A" $e enered $e wa"
"urpri"ed o find 5aurie !eanin# a#ain"
C$e%" de"k' Bo$ "$e and C$e !ooked a Jack wi$ e+pecan concern' 7=e!!?7
C$e >ue"ioned'
7=e!! w$a?7 Jack a"ked' 4e ">uee;ed by $e o$er" o p!op down in $i" "ea'
7Are you "i!! e&p!oyed?7 C$e a"ked'
7*ee&" $a way,7 Jack "aid' 4e "ared #oin# $rou#$ $e !ab repor" in $i" in-
ba"ke'
7<ou%d beer be carefu!,7 5aurie ad-i"ed a" "$e "ared for $e door'
7T$ey can fire you a $eir p!ea"ure durin# your fir" year'7
7*o Bin#$a& re&inded &e,7 Jack "aid'
.au"in# a $e $re"$o!d, 5aurie urned back o face Jack, 7I a!&o" #o fired
&y fir" year,7 "$e ad&ied'
Jack !ooked up a $er' 74ow co&e?7 $e a"ked'
7I $ad o do wi$ $o"e c$a!!en#in# o-erdo"e ca"e" I &enioned $i" &ornin#,7
5aurie "aid'
7)nforunae!y, w$i!e I fo!!owed up on $e& I #o on $e wron# "ide of Bin#$a&'7
7I" $a par of $a !on# "ory you a!!uded o?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$a%" $e one,7 5aurie "aid' 7I ca&e $i" c!o"e o bein# fired'7 *$e $e!d up
$er $u&b and inde+ fin#er
abou a >uarer inc$ apar' 7I wa" a!! becau"e I didn% ake Bin#$a&%" $rea"
"eriou"!y' 2on% &ake $e "a&e
&i"ake'7
A" "oon a" 5aurie $ad #one C$e waned a -erbai& recounin# of e-ery$in#
Bin#$a& $ad "aid' Jack
re!aed w$a $e cou!d re&e&ber, inc!udin# $e par abou $e &ayor and $e
Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$ ca!!in#
Bin#$a& o co&p!ain abou $i&'
7T$e co&p!ain" were abou you "pecifica!!y?7 C$e a"ked' 7Apparen!y,7 Jack
"aid' 7And $ere I wa"
bein# $e Good *a&arian'7 7=$a in God%" na&e did you do?7 C$e a"ked'
7I wa" :u" bein# &y u"ua! dip!o&aic "e!f,7 Jack "aid' 7A"kin# >ue"ion" and
offerin# "u##e"ion"'7
7<ou%re cra;y,7 C$e "aid' 7<ou a!&o" #o your"e!f fired for w$a? I &ean, w$a
were you ryin# o
pro-e?7
7I wa"n% ryin# o pro-e any$in#,7 Jack "aid'
7I don% under"and you,7 C$e "aid'
7T$a "ee&" o be a uni-er"a! opinion,7 Jack "aid'
7A!! I know abou you i" $a you were an op$$a!&o!o#i" in a for&er !ife and
you !i-e in 4ar!e& o p!ay
"ree ba"keba!!' =$a e!"e do you do?7
7T$a abou "u&" i up,7 Jack "aid' 7Apar fro& workin# $ere, $a
i"'7
7=$a do you do for fun?7 C$e a"ked' 7I &ean, w$a kind of "ocia!
!ife do you $a-e? I don% &ean o pry, bu do you $a-e a #ir!friend?7 7No, no
rea!!y,7 Jack "aid' 7Are you
#ay?7
7Nope' I%-e :u" "ora been ou of co&&i""ion for a w$i!e'7
7=e!!, no wonder you%re acin# "o weird' I e!! you w$a' =e%re #oin# ou
oni#$' =e%!! $a-e "o&e dinner,
&aybe $a-e a few drink"' T$ere%" a co&forab!e bar in $e nei#$bor$ood w$ere I
!i-e' I wi!! #i-e u" i&e o
a!k'7
7I $a-en% fe! !ike a!kin# &uc$ abou &y"e!f,7 Jack "aid'
7A!! ri#$, you don% $a-e o a!k,7 C$e "aid' 7Bu we%re #oin# ou' I $ink
you need "o&e nor&a! $u&an
conac'7
7=$a%" nor&a! ?7 Jack >ue"ioned'
=32N3*2A<, 1B/ 1E .'(', (ARC4 2B, 1991
C$e urned ou o be e+raordinari!y re"o!ue' No &aer w$a Jack "aid,
$e in"i"ed $a $ey $a-e dinner o#e$er' Cina!!y Jack re!ened, and :u"
before ei#$ $e%d ridden $i" bike acro"" Cenra! .ark o &ee C$e in an
Ia!ian re"auran on *econd A-enue'
Afer dinner C$e $ad been e>ua!!y in"i"en abou Jack%" acco&pa-
nyin# $i& for a few drink"' Cee!in# be$o!den o $i" office&ae "ince C$e
$ad in"i"ed on payin# for $e dinner, Jack $ad #one a!on#' Now, a" $ey
&ouned $e "ep" o $e bar, Jack wa" $a-in# "econd $ou#$"' Cor $e
pa" "e-era! year" $e%d been in bed by en and up by fi-e' A en-fifeen
afer a $a!f bo!e of wine, $e wa" fadin# fa"' 7I%& no "ure I%& up for
$i",7 Jack "aid'
7=e%re a!ready $ere,7 C$e co&p!ained' 7Co&e on in' =e%!! :u" $a-e
one beer'7
Jack !eaned back o !ook a $e facade of $e bar' 4e didn% "ee a na&e'
7=$a%" $i" p!ace ca!!ed?7 $e a"ked'
7T$e Aucion 4ou"e,7 C$e "aid' 7Ge your a"" in $ere'7 4e wa" $o!d-
in# open $e door'
To Jack $e inerior !ooked -a#ue!y !ike $i" #rand&o$er%" !i-in# roo&
back in 2e" (oine", Iowa, e+cep for $e &a$o#any bar i"e!f' T$e fur-
niure wa" an odd &i"$&a"$ of ,icorian, and $e drape" were !on# and
droopy' T$e $i#$ cei!in# wa" bri#$!y co!ored e&bo""ed in'
74ow abou "iin# $ere,7 C$e "u##e"ed' 4e poined oward a "&a!!
ab!e "e in $e window o-er!ookin# 3i#$y-nin$ *ree'
Jack co&p!ied' Cro& w$ere $e wa" "iin# Jack $ad a #ood -iew of $e
roo&, w$ic$ $e now noed $ad a $i#$-#!o"" $ardwood f!oor, no $e
u"ua! for a bar' T$ere were abou fify peop!e in $e roo& ei$er "and-
in# a $e bar or "iin# on $e couc$e"' T$ey were a!! we!! dre""ed and
appeared profe""iona!' T$ere wa" no one backward ba"eba!! cap in $e
#roup' T$e &i+ wa" abou e-en beween &a!e and fe&a!e'
Jack &u"ed $a per$ap" C$e $ad been ri#$ o $a-e encoura#ed $i&
o co&e ou' Jack $ad no been in "uc$ a 7nor&a!7 "ocia! en-iron&en in
"e-era! year"' (aybe i wa" #ood for $i&' 4a-in# beco&e a !oner carried
i" burden"' 4e wondered w$a $e"e araci-e peop!e were "ayin# o one
ano$er a" $eir ea"y con-er"aion" drifed back o $i& in a babb!e of
-oice"' T$e prob!e& wa" $e $ad ;ero confidence $e cou!d add o any of
$e di"cu""ion"'
Jack%" eye" wandered o C$e, w$o wa" a $e bar, "uppo"ed!y #ein#
$e& eac$ a beer' Acua!!y $e wa" in a con-er"aion wi$ a we!!-endowed,
!on#-$aired b!onde in a "y!i"$ "wea"$ir o-er i#$ :ean"' Acco&pany-
in# $er wa" a "-e!e wo&an in a re-ea!in#!y "i&p!e dark "ui' *$e wa" no
paricipain# in $e con-er"aion, preferrin# o concenrae on $er #!a""
of wine'
Jack en-ied C$e%" ou#oin# per"ona!iy and $e ea"e wi$ w$ic$ $e
indu!#ed in "ocia! inercour"e' 2urin# dinner $e%d "poken of $i&"e!f
wi$ uer ea"e' A&on# $e $in#" Jack !earned wa" $a C$e $ad recen!y
broken off a !on#-er& re!aion"$ip wi$ a pediarician and $ence wa"
w$a $e ca!!ed 7in beween7 and a-ai!ab!e'
=$i!e Jack wa" eyein# $i" office&ae, C$e urned oward $i&'
A!&o" "i&u!aneou"!y $e wo wo&en did $e "a&e, and $en $ey
a!! !au#$ed' Jack fe! $i" face f!u"$' T$ey were ob-iou"!y a!kin# abou
$i&'
C$e broke away fro& $e bar and $eaded in Jack%" direcion' Jack
wondered if $e "$ou!d f!ee or &ere!y di# $i" fin#ernai!" ino $e ab!eop'
I wa" ob-iou" w$a wa" co&in#'
74ey, "por,7 C$e w$i"pered' 4e purpo"efu!!y po"iioned $i&"e!f di-
rec!y beween Jack and $e wo&en' 7*ee $o"e wo c$ick" a $e bar?7
4e poined ino $i" own abdo&en o "$ie!d $e #e"ure fro& $i" new ac-
>uainance"' 7=$a do you $ink? .rey #ood, $u$? T$ey%re bo$
knockou" and #ue"" w$a? T$ey wan o &ee you'7 7C$e, $i" $a" been fun,
bu'''7 Jack be#an'
72on% e-en $ink abou i,7 C$e "aid' 72on% !e &e down now' I%&
afer $e one in $e "wea"$ir'7
*en"in# $a re"i"ance wou!d $a-e re>uired con"iderab!y &ore ener#y
$an capiu!aion, Jack a!!owed $i&"e!f o be dra##ed o $e bar' C$e
&ade $e inroducion"'
Jack cou!d i&&ediae!y "ee w$a C$e "aw in Co!!een' *$e wa" C$e%"
e>ua! in er&" of b!i$e reparee' Tere"e, on $e o$er $and, wa" a foi! for
$e& bo$' Afer $e inroducion", "$e%d #i-en Jack a once-o-er wi$ $er
pa!e b!ue eye" before urnin# back o $e bar and $er #!a"" of wine'
C$e and Co!!een fe!! ino "piried con-er"aion' Jack !ooked a $e back
of Tere"e%" $ead and wondered w$a $e $e!! $e wa" doin#' 4e waned
o be $o&e in bed, and in"ead $e wa" bein# abu"ed by "o&eone a" un"o-
ciab!e a" $i&"e!f'
7C$e,7 Jack ca!!ed ou afer a few &inue"' 7T$i" i" a wa"e of i&e'7
Tere"e "pun around' 7=a"e of i&e? Cor w$o& ?7
7Cor &e,7 Jack "aid' 4e #a;ed curiou"!y a $e rawboned ye "en"u-
ou"!y !ipped wo&an "andin# in fron of $i&' 4e wa" aken aback by $er
-e$e&ence'
7=$a abou for &e?7 Tere"e "napped' 72o you $ink i%" a reward-
in# e+perience o be pe"ered by &en on $e prow!?7
7=ai :u" one iny "econd87 Jack "aid, wi$ $i" own ire ri"in#' 72on%
f!aer your"e!f' I ain% on $e prow!' <ou can be da&n "ure abou $a'
And if I were I "ure wou!dn% '''7
74ey, Jack,7 C$e ca!!ed ou' 7Coo! i'7
7<ou, oo, Tere"e,7 Co!!een "aid' 7Re!a+' =e%re ou $ere o en:oy our-
"e!-e"'7
7I didn% "ay boo o $i" !ady and "$e%" :u&pin# a!! o-er &e,7 Jack e+-
p!ained'
7<ou didn% $a-e o "ay any$in#,7 Tere"e "aid'
7Ca!& down, you #uy"'7 C$e "epped beween Jack and Tere"e, bu
eyed Jack' 7=e%re ou $ere for "o&e nor&a! conac wi$ fe!!ow $u&an
bein#"'7
7Acua!!y, I $ink 8 "$ou!d #o $o&e,7 Tere"e "aid'
7<ou%re "ayin# ri#$ $ere,7 Co!!een ordered' *$e urned o C$e'
7*$e%" wound up !ike a piano wire' T$a%" w$y I in"i"ed "$e co&e ou/
ry o #e $er o re!a+' *$e%" con"u&ed by $er work'7
7*ound" !ike Jack $ere,7 C$e "aid' 74e $a" "o&e definie ani"ocia!
endencie"'7
C$e and Co!!een were a!kin# a" if Jack and Tere"e cou!dn% $ear, ye
$ey were "andin# ri#$ ne+ o $e&, "arin# off in differen direcion"'
Bo$ were irriaed bu bo$ fe! foo!i"$ a $e "a&e i&e'
C$e and Co!!een #o a round of drink" and $anded $e& ou a" $ey
coninued o a!k abou $eir re"peci-e friend"'
7Jack%" "ocia! !ife re-o!-e" around !i-in# in a crack nei#$bor$ood and
p!ayin# ba"keba!! wi$ ki!!er",7 C$e "aid'
7A !ea" $e $a" a "ocia! !ife,7 Co!!een "aid' 7Tere"e !i-e" in a co-op wi$
a bunc$ of oco#enarian"' Goin# o $e #arba#e c$ue i" $e $i#$ poin of
a *unday afernoon a $o&e'7
C$e and Co!!een !au#$ed $eari!y, ook !on# pu!!" on $eir re"peci-e
beer", and $en !aunc$ed ino a con-er"aion abou a p!ay bo$ of $e&
$ad "een on Broadway'
Jack and Tere"e -enured a few f!eein# !ook" a eac$ o$er a" $ey
nur"ed $eir own drink"'
7C$e &enioned you were a docorD are you a "pecia!i"?7 Tere"e
a"ked fina!!y' 4er one $ad &e!!owed "i#nifican!y'
:ack e+p!ained abou foren"ic pa$o!o#y' O-er$earin# $i" par of $e
con-er"aion, C$e :oined in'
7=e%re in $e pre"ence of one of $e fuure%" be" and bri#$e"' :ack
$ere &ade $e dia#no"i" of $e day' A#ain" e-eryone e!"e%" i&pre""ion,
$e dia#no"ed a ca"e of p!a#ue'7
74ere in New <ork ?7 Co!!een a"ked wi$ a!ar&'
7A $e (an$aan Genera!,7 C$e "aid'
7(y God87 Tere"e e+c!ai&ed' 7I wa" a paien $ere once' .!a#ue i"
awfu!!y rare, i"n% i?7
7(o" definie!y,7 Jack "aid' 7A few ca"e" are repored eac$ year in $e
)'*', bu $ey u"ua!!y occur in $e wi!d" of $e we" and durin# $e "u&-
&er &on$"'7
7I" i errib!y cona#iou"?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7I can be,7 Jack "aid' 73"pecia!!y in $e pneu&onic for& w$ic$ $i"
paien $ad'7
7Are you worried abou $a-in# #oen i?7 Tere"e a"ked' )ncon-
"ciou"!y "$e and Co!!een $ad &o-ed a "ep backward'
7No,7 Jack "aid' 7And e-en if we $ad, we wou!dn% be co&&unicai-e
uni! afer we #o pneu&onia' *o you don% $a-e o "and acro"" $e roo&
fro& u"'7
Cee!in# e&barra""ed, bo$ wo&en "epped c!o"er' 7I" $ere any c$ance
$i" cou!d urn ino an epide&ic $ere in $e ciy?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7If p!a#ue baceria $a" infeced $e urban roden popu!aion, paricu-
!ar!y $e ra", and if $ere are ade>uae ra f!ea", i cou!d de-e!op ino a
prob!e& in $e #$eo area" of $e ciy,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu c$ance" are i wou!d
be "e!f-!i&ied' T$e !a" rea! oubreak of p!a#ue in $e )'*' occurred in
1919 and $ere were on!y we!-e ca"e"' And $a wa" before $e anibioic
era' I don% anicipae $ere i" #oin# o be a curren epide&ic, e"pecia!!y
"ince $e (an$aan Genera! i" akin# $e epi"ode e+re&e!y "eriou"!y'7
7I ru" you conaced $e &edia abou $i" ca"e of p!a#ue,7 Tere"e "aid'
7No &e,7 :ack "aid' 7T$a%" no &y :ob'7
7*$ou!dn% $e pub!ic be a!ered?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I don% $ink "o,7 Jack "aid' 7By "en"aiona!i;in# i, $e &edia cou!d
&ake $in#" wor"e' T$e &ere &enion of $e word %p!a#ue% can e-oke
panic, and panic wou!d be counerproduci-e'7
7(aybe,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu I be peop!e wou!d fee! differen!y if $ere
wa" a c$ance $ey cou!d a-oid co&in# down wi$ p!a#ue if $ey were fore-
warned'7
7=e!!, $e >ue"ion i" acade&ic,7 :ack "aid' 7T$ere%" no way $a $e
&edia cou!d a-oid $earin# abou $i"' I%!! be a!! o-er $e new"' Tru" &e'7
75e%" c$an#e $e "ub:ec,7 C$e "aid' 7=$a abou you #uy"? =$a
do you do?7
7=e%re ar direcor" in a re!ai-e!y !ar#e ad a#ency,7 Co!!een "aid' 7A
!ea" I%& an ar direcor' Tere"e wa" an ar direcor' Now "$e%" par of $e
fron office' *$e%" creai-e direcor'7 7I&pre""i-e,7 C$e "aid'
7And in a "ran#e way we%re curren!y an#enia!!y in-o!-ed wi$ &ed-
icine,7 "$e added'
7=$a do you &ean you are in-o!-ed wi$ &edicine?7 :ack a"ked'
7One of our bi# accoun" i" Naiona! 4ea!$,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I i&a#ine
you%-e $eard of $e&'7
7)nforunae!y,7 Jack "aid' 4i" one wa" f!a'
7<ou $a-e a prob!e& wi$ our workin# wi$ $e&?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7.robab!y,7 :ack "aid'
7Can I a"k w$y?7
7I%& a#ain" ad-eri"in# in &edicine,7 :ack "aid' 73"pecia!!y $e kind
of ad-eri"in# $e"e new $ea!$-care con#!o&erae" are en#a#ed in'7
7=$y?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7Cir" of a!!, $e ad" $a-e no !e#ii&ae funcion e+cep o increa"e prof-
i" by e+pandin# enro!!&en' T$ey%re no$in# bu e+a##eraion", $a!f-
ru$", or $e $ypin# of "uperficia! a&eniie"' T$ey $a-e no$in# o do
wi$ $e >ua!iy of $ea!$ care' *econd!y, $e ad-eri"in# co"" a on of
&oney, and i%" bein# !u&ped ino ad&ini"rai-e co""' T$a%" $e rea!
cri&e/ I%" akin# &oney away fro& paien care'7
7Are you fini"$ed?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I cou!d probab!y $ink up "o&e &ore rea"on" if I #a-e i "o&e
$ou#$,7 Jack "aid'
7I $appen o di"a#ree wi$ you,7 Tere"e "aid wi$ a fer-or $a &ac$ed
Jack%"' 7I $ink a!! ad-eri"in# draw" di"incion" and fo"er" a co&pei-
i-e en-iron&en w$ic$ u!i&ae!y benefi" $e con"u&er'7 7T$a%" pure
raiona!i;aion,7 Jack "aid'
7Ti&e ou, you #uy",7 C$e "aid, "eppin# beween Jack and Tere"e
for $e "econd i&e' 7<ou wo are #ein# ou of conro! a#ain' 5e%"
"wic$ $e opic of con-er"aion' =$y don% we a!k abou "o&e$in# neu-
ra!, !ike "e+ or re!i#ion'7
Co!!een !au#$ed and #a-e C$e a p!ayfu! "wa on $e "$ou!der'
7I%& "eriou",7 C$e "aid w$i!e !au#$in# wi$ Co!!een' 75e%" di"cu""
re!i#ion' I%" been #ein# "$or "$rif !ae!y in bar"' 5e%" $a-e e-erybody
e!! w$a $ey #rew up a"' I%!! be fir"'''7
Cor $e ne+ $a!f $our $ey indeed did di"cu"" re!i#ion, and :ack and
Tere"e for#o $eir e&oiona! oubur"' T$ey e-en found $e&"e!-e"
!au#$in# "ince C$e wa" a raconeur of "o&e wi'
A e!e-en-fifeen Jack $appened o #!ance a $i" wac$ and did a dou-
b!e ake' 4e cou!dn% be!ie-e i wa" "o !ae'
7I%& "orry,7 $e "aid, inerrupin# $e con-er"aion' 7I%-e #o o #o' I%-e
#o a bicyc!e ride a$ead of &e'7
7A bike?7 Tere"e >ue"ioned' 7<ou ride a bike around $i" ciy?7
74e%" #o a dea$ wi"$,7 C$e "aid'
7=$ere do you !i-e?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7)pper =e" *ide,7 :ack "aid'
7A"k $i& $ow %upper,% 7C$e dared'
73+ac!y w$ere?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7One-o$-"i+ a 4undred and *i+$ *ree,7 :ack "aid' 7To be preci"e'7
7Bu $a%" in 4ar!e&,7 Co!!een "aid'
7I o!d you $e $a" a dea$ wi"$,7 C$e "aid'
72on% e!! &e you%re #oin# o ride acro"" $e park a $i" $our,7 Tere"e
"aid'
78 &o-e prey >uick!y,7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, I $ink i%" a"kin# for roub!e,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e ben down and
picked up $er briefca"e $a "$e%d "e on $e f!oor by $er fee' 7I don% $a-e
a bike, bu I do $a-e a dae wi$ &y bed'7
7=ai a "econd, you #uy",7 C$e "aid' 7Co!!een and I are in c$ar#e'
Ri#$, Co!!een?7 4e pu $i" ar& !oo"e!y around Co!!een%" "$ou!der'
7Ri#$87 Co!!een "aid o be a#reeab!e'
7=e%-e decided,7 C$e "aid wi$ fei#ned au$oriy, 7$a you wo can%
#o $o&e un!e"" you a#ree o $a-e dinner o&orrow ni#$'7
Co!!een "$ook $er $ead a" "$e ducked away fro& C$e%" ar&' 7I%&
afraid we%re no a-ai!ab!e,7 "$e "aid' 7=e%-e #o an i&po""ib!e dead!ine,
"o we%!! be puin# in "o&e "eriou" o-eri&e'7
7=$ere were you $inkin# of $a-in# dinner?7 Tere"e a"ked'
Co!!een !ooked a $er friend wi$ "urpri"e'
74ow abou ri#$ around $e corner a 3!aine%",7 C$e "aid' 7Abou
ei#$ o%c!ock' =e &i#$ e-en "ee a coup!e of ce!ebriie"'7 7I don% $ink I
can'''7 Jack be#an'
7I%& no !i"enin# o any e+cu"e" fro& you,7 C$e "aid, inerrupin#'
7<ou can bow! wi$ $a #roup of nun" ano$er ni#$' To&orrow you%re
$a-in# dinner wi$ u"'7
Jack wa" oo ired o $ink' 4e "$ru##ed'
7I%" decided, $en?7 C$e "aid'
3-eryone nodded'
Ou"ide of $e bar $e wo&en c!i&bed ino a cab' T$ey offered C$e a
ride $o&e, bu $e "aid $e !i-ed in $e nei#$bor$ood'
7Are you "ure you don% wan o !ea-e $a bike $ere for $e ni#$?7
Tere"e a"ked Jack, w$o%d fini"$ed re&o-in# $i" panop!y of !ock"'
7No a c$ance,7 :ack "aid' 4e $rew a !e# o-er $i" bike and powered
ou acro"" *econd A-enue, wa-in# o-er $i" $ead'
Tere"e #a-e $e cabdri-er $e addre"" of $e fir" "op, and $e a+i
&ade a !ef ono *econd A-enue and acce!eraed "ou$ward' Co!!een,
-w$o%d kep $er eye on C$e ou $e back window, urned o face $er bo""'
7=$a a "urpri"e,7 "$e "aid' 7I&a#ine &eein# wo decen &en a a bar'
I a!way" "ee&" o $appen w$en you !ea" e+pec i'7
7T$ey were nice #uy",7 Tere"e a#reed' 7I "uppo"e I wa" wron# abou
$e& bein# ou a $e &ea &arke, and $ank God $ey didn% "pou off
abou "por" or $e "ock &arke' Genera!!y $a%" a!! &en in $i" ciy can
a!k abou'7
7=$a weak" &y funny bone i" $a &y &o$er $a" fore-er been en-
coura#in# &e o &ee a docor,7 Co!!een "aid wi$ a !au#$'
7I don% $ink ei$er one of $e& i" a ypica! docor,7 Tere"e "aid' 73"-
pecia!!y Jack' 4e%" #o a "ran#e aiude' 4e%" awfu!!y bier abou "o&e-
$in#, and "ee&" a bi foo!$ardy' Can you i&a#ine ridin# a bike around
$i" ciy ?7
7I%" ea"ier $an $inkin# abou w$a $ey do' Can you i&a#ine dea!-
in# wi$ dead peop!e a!! day?7
7I don% know,7 Tere"e "aid' 7(u"n% be oo differen $an dea!in#
wi$ accoun e+ecui-e"'7
7I $a-e o "ay you "$ocked &e w$en you a#reed o $a-e dinner o-
&orrow ni#$,7 Co!!een "aid' 73"pecia!!y wi$ $i" Naiona! 4ea!$ di"-
a"er "arin# u" in $e face'7
7Bu $a%" e+ac!y w$y I did a#ree,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e f!a"$ed Co!!een
a con"piraoria! "&i!e' 7I wan o a!k "o&e &ore wi$ Jack *ap!eon' Be-
!ie-e i or no, $e acua!!y #a-e &e a #rea idea for a new ad ca&pai#n for
Naiona! 4ea!$8 I can% i&a#ine w$a $i" reacion wou!d be if $e knew'
=i$ $i" p$i!i"ine aiude abou ad-eri"in#, $e%d probab!y $a-e a
"roke'7
7=$a%" $e idea?7 Co!!een a"ked ea#er!y'
7I in-o!-e" $i" p!a#ue $in#,7 Tere"e "aid' 7*ince A&eriCare i"
Naiona! 4ea!$%" on!y rea! ri-a!, our ad ca&pai#n &ere!y $a" o ake
ad-ana#e of $e fac $a A&eriCare #o p!a#ue in i" &ain $o"pia!'
A" creepy a" $e "iuaion i", peop!e "$ou!d wan o f!ock o Naiona!
4ea!$'7
Co!!een%" face fe!!' 7=e can% u"e p!a#ue,7 "$e "aid'
74e!!, I%& no $inkin# of u"in# p!a#ue "pecifica!!y,7 Tere"e "aid/ 7Ju"
e&p$a"i;in# $e idea of Naiona! 4ea!$%" $o"pia! bein# "o new and
c!ean' T$e conrary wi!! be e-oked by inference, and i wi!! be $e pub-
!ic w$o wi!! &ake $e a""ociaion wi$ $i" p!a#ue epi"ode' I know w$a
$e (an$aan Genera! i" !ike' I%-e been $ere' I &i#$ $a-e been reno-
-aed, bu i%" "i!! an o!d "rucure' T$e Naiona! 4ea!$ $o"pia! i" $e
ani$e"i"' I can "ee ad" w$ere peop!e are eain# off $e f!oor a Naiona!
4ea!$, "u##e"in# i%" $a c!ean' I &ean, peop!e !ike $e idea $a $eir
$o"pia! i" new and c!ean, e"pecia!!y now wi$ a!! $e $u!!aba!oo abou bac-
eria &akin# a co&eback and beco&in# anibioic-re"i"an'7
7I !ike i,7 Co!!een "aid' 7If $a doe"n% increa"e Naiona! 4ea!$ Care%"
&arke "$are -i"-$--i" A&eriCare, no$in# wi!!'7
7I e-en $a-e $ou#$ up a a# !ine,7 Tere"e "aid "&u#!y' 75i"en/ %=e
de"er-e your ru"/ 4ea!$ i" our &idd!e na&e'%7
73+ce!!en8 I !o-e i87 Co!!een e+c!ai&ed' 7I%11 #e $e w$o!e ea&
workin# on i bri#$ and ear!y'7
T$e cab pu!!ed up o Tere"e%" apar&en' T$e wo&en did a $i#$-fi-e
before Tere"e #o ou'
5eanin# back ino $e cab, Tere"e "aid/ 7T$ank" for #ein# &e o #o
ou oni#$' I wa" a #ood idea for !o" of rea"on"'7
7<ou%re we!co&e,7 Co!!een "aid, f!a"$in# a $u&b"-up "i#n'
T4)R*2A< 9/2E A,('I (ARC4 21 , 1991
A" a &an of $abi, Jack arri-ed in $e -iciniy of $e &edica! e+a&iner%"
office a $e "a&e i&e eac$ day, #i-e or ake fi-e &inue"' T$i" paricu-
!ar &ornin# $e wa" en &inue" !ae "ince $e%d awakened wi$ a "!i#$
$an#o-er' 4e%d no $ad a $an#o-er in "o !on#, $e%d co&p!ee!y for#o-
en $ow &i"erab!e i &ade $i& fee!' Con"e>uen!y $e%d "ayed in $e
"$ower a few &inue" !on#er $an u"ua!, and on $e "!a!o& down *econd
A-enue, $e%d kep $i" "peed o a &ore rea"onab!e !e-e!'
Cro""in# Cir" A-enue, Jack "aw "o&e$in# $e%d ne-er "een before a
$a i&e of day' T$ere wa" a T, ruck wi$ i" &ain anennae e+ended
"iin# in fron of $e &edica! e+a&iner%" bui!din#'
C$an#in# $i" direcion a !i!e, $e crui"ed around $e ruck' No one
wa" in i' 5ookin# up a $e fron door o $e (3%" office, $e "aw a #roup
of new"peop!e c!u"ered :u" o-er $e $re"$o!d'
Curiou" a" o w$a wa" #oin# on, Jack $u"!ed around o $e enrance
bay, "a"$ed $i" bike in $e u"ua! p!ace, and wen up o $e I2 roo&'
A" u"ua! 5aurie and ,innie were in $eir re"peci-e "ea"' Jack "aid
$e!!o bu coninued $rou#$ $e roo& o peek ou ino $e !obby area' I
wa" a" crowded a" $e%d e-er "een i'
7=$a $e $e!!%" #oin# on?7 Jack a"ked, urnin# back o 5aurie'
7<ou of a!! peop!e "$ou!d know,7 "$e "aid' *$e wa" bu"y &akin# up
$e day%" auop"y "c$edu!e' 7I%" a!! abou $e p!a#ue epide&ic87
73pide&ic?7 Jack >ue"ioned' 74a-e $ere been &ore ca"e"?7
7<ou $a-en% $eard?7 5aurie >ue"ioned' 72on% you wac$ &ornin#
T,?7
7I don% $a-e a T,,7 Jack ad&ied' 7In &y nei#$bor$ood ownin# one
i" :u" in-iin# roub!e'7
7=e!!, wo -ici&" ca&e in o u" durin# $e ni#$,7 5aurie "aid' 7One
i" for "ure p!a#ue, or a !ea" pre"u&pi-e "ince $e $o"pia! did i" own
f!uore"cein anibody and i wa" po"ii-e' T$e o$er i" "u"peced, "ince c!in-
ica!!y i "ee&ed o be p!a#ue de"pie a ne#ai-e f!uore"cein anibody' In
addiion o $a, a" I under"and i, $ere are "e-era! febri!e paien" w$o
$a-e been >uaranined'7
7T$i" i" a!! $appenin# a $e (an$aan Genera!?7 Jack a"ked'
7Apparen!y,7 5aurie "aid'
7=ere $e"e ca"e" direc conac" wi$ Node!&an?7 Jack a"ked'
7I $a-en% $ad i&e o !ook ino $a,7 5aurie "aid' 7Are you inere"ed?
If you are, I%!! a""i#n $e& o you'7
7Of cour"e,7 Jack "aid' 7=$ic$ one i" $e pre"u&pi-e p!a#ue?7
76a$erine (ue!!er,7 5aurie "aid' *$e pu"$ed $e paien%" fo!der o-
ward Jack'
*iin# on $e ed#e of $e de"k w$ere 5aurie wa" workin#, Jack opened
$e fo!der' 4e !eafed $rou#$ $e paper" uni! $e found $e in-e"i#ai-e
repor' 4e pu!!ed i ou and be#an readin#' 4e !earned $e wo&an $ad
been brou#$ ino $e (an$aan Genera! e&er#ency roo& a four o%c!ock
in $e afernoon acue!y i!! wi$ w$a wa" dia#no"ed o be a fu!&inan
ca"e of p!a#ue' *$e%d died nine $our" !aer de"pie &a""i-e anibioic"'
Jack c$ecked on $e wo&an%" p!ace of e&p!oy&en and wa"n% "ur-
pri"ed wi$ w$a $e !earned' T$e wo&an worked a $e (an$aan Gen-
era!' Jack a""u&ed "$e $ad o $a-e been a direc conac of Node!&an'
)nforunae!y $e repor did no indicae in w$a depar&en "$e
Iworked' Jack #ue""ed ei$er nur"in# or !ab'
Readin# on in $e repor, Jack "i!en!y co&p!i&ened Janice Jae#er%"
work' Afer $e con-er"aion $e%d $ad wi$ $er $e day before by p$one,
"$e added infor&aion abou ra-e!, pe", and -i"ior"' In $e ca"e of
(ue!!er i wa" a!! ne#ai-e'
7=$ere%" $e "u"peced p!a#ue?7 Jack a"ked 5aurie'
5aurie pu"$ed a "econd fo!der oward $i&'
Jack opened $e "econd fi!e and wa" i&&ediae!y "urpri"ed' T$e -ic-
i& nei$er worked a $e (an$aan Genera! nor $ad ob-iou" conac
wi$ Node!&an' 4er na&e wa" *u"anne 4ard' 5ike Node!&an, "$e%d
been a paien in $e Genera!, bu no on $e "a&e ward a" Node!&an' 4ard
$ad been on $e OB-G<N ward afer #i-in# bir$8 Jack wa" &y"ified'
Readin# fur$er, Jack !earned $a 4ard $ad been in $e $o"pia! for
weny-four $our" w$en "$e%d e+perienced "udden $i#$ fe-er, &ya!#ia,
$eadac$e, o-erw$e!&in# &a!ai"e, and pro#re""i-e cou#$' T$e"e "y&p-
o&" $ad co&e on abou ei#$een $our" afer under#oin# a ce"arean "ec-
ion durin# w$ic$ "$e de!i-ered a $ea!$y c$i!d' 3i#$ $our" afer $e
"y&po&" appeared, $e paien wa" dead'
Ou of curio"iy Jack !ooked up 4ard%" addre"", re&e&berin# $a
Node!&an $ad !i-ed in $e Bron+' Bu 4ard $ad no !i-ed in $e Bron+'
*$e $ad !i-ed in (an$aan on *uon .!ace *ou$, $ard!y a #$eo nei#$-
bor$ood'
Readin# on, Jack !earned $a 4ard $ad no ra-e!ed "ince "$e%d be-
co&e pre#nan' A" far a" pe" were concerned, "$e owned an e!der!y bu
$ea!$y pood!e' Concernin# -i"ior", "$e $ad enerained a bu"ine"" a""o-
ciae of $er $u"band%" fro& India $ree week" pre-iou"!y w$o wa" de-
"cribed a" bein# $ea!$y and we!!'
7I" Janice Jae#er "i!! $ere $i" &ornin#?7 Jack a"ked 5aurie'
7*$e wa" abou fifeen &inue" a#o w$en I pa""ed $er office,7 5aurie
"aid'
Jack found Janice w$ere "$e%d been $e pre-iou" &ornin#'
7<ou are a dedicaed ci-i! "er-an,7 Jack ca!!ed ou fro& $e $re"$-
o!d'
Janice !ooked up fro& $er work' 4er eye" were red fro& fai#ue'
7Too &any peop!e dyin# !ae!y' I%& "wa&ped' Bu e!! &e/ 2id I a"k $e
ri#$ >ue"ion" on $e infeciou" ca"e" !a" ni#$?7
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid' 7I wa" i&pre""ed' Bu I do $a-e a coup!e
&ore'7
7*$oo,7 Janice "aid'
7=$ere%" $e OB-G<N ward in re!aion o $e &edica! ward?7
7T$ey%re ri#$ ne+ o eac$ o$er,7 Janice "aid' 7Bo$ are on $e "e--
en$ f!oor'7
7No kiddin#,7 Jack "aid'
7I" $a "i#nifican?7 Janice a"ked'
7I $a-en% $e "!i#$e" idea,7 Jack ad&ied' 72o paien" fro& $e OB
ward &i+ wi$ $o"e on $e &edica! ward?7
7<ou #o &e $ere,7 Janice ad&ied' 7I don% know, bu I wou!dn%
i&a#ine "o'7
7Nor wou!d I,7 Jack "aid' Bu if $ey didn%, $en $ow did *u"anne
4ard &ana#e o #e "ick? *o&e$in# "ee&ed "crewy abou $i" p!a#ue
oubreak' Caceiou"!y $e wondered if a bunc$ of infeced ra" cou!d be
!i-in# in $e -eni!aion "y"e& on $e "e-en$ f!oor'
7Any o$er >ue"ion"?7 Janice a"ked' 7I wan o #e ou of $ere, and I
$a-e $i" !a" repor o fini"$'7
7One &ore,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou indicaed $a 6a$erine (ue!!er wa" e&-
p!oyed by $e Genera! bu you didn% "ay for w$a depar&en' 2o you
know if "$e worked for nur"in# or for $e !ab?7
Janice !eafed $rou#$ $er ni#$%" noe" and ca&e up wi$ $e "$ee on
w$ic$ "$e%d recorded (ue!!er%" infor&aion' *$e >uick!y #!anced $rou#$
i and $en !ooked back up a Jack' 7Nei$er,7 "$e "aid' 7*$e worked in
cenra! "upp!y'7
7O$, co&e on87 Jack "aid' 4e "ounded di"appoined'
7I%& "orry,7 Janice "aid' 7T$a%" w$a I wa" o!d'7
7I%& no b!a&in# you,7 Jack "aid wi$ a wa-e of $i" $and' 7I%" :u" $a
I%d !ike $ere o be "o&e "or of !o#ic o a!! $i"' 4ow wou!d a wo&an in
cenra! "upp!y #e ino conac wi$ a "ick paien on $e "e-en$ f!oor?
%=$ere%" cenra! "upp!y?7
7I be!ie-e i%" on $e "a&e f!oor wi$ $e operain# roo&",7 Janice "aid'
7T$a wou!d be $e $ird f!oor'7
7Okay, $ank",7 Jack "aid' 7Now #e ou of $ere and #e "o&e "!eep'7
7I inend o,7 Janice "aid'
Jack wandered back oward $e I2 roo&, $inkin# $a no$in#
"ee&ed o be &akin# &uc$ "en"e' )"ua!!y $e cour"e of a cona#iou" i!!ne"" cou!d
be ea"i!y p!oed "e>uenia!!y $rou#$ a fa&i!y or a co&&uniy' T$ere wa" $e
inde+ ca"e, and $e "ub"e>uen ca"e" e+ended fro&
i by conac, ei$er direc!y or $rou#$ a -ecor !ike an in"ec' T$ere
wa"n% a !o of &y"ery' T$a wa"n% $e ca"e "o far wi$ $i" p!a#ue ou-
break' T$e on!y unifyin# facor wa" $a $ey a!! in-o!-ed $e (an$aan
Genera!'
Jack ab"en!y wa-ed o *er#ean (urp$y, w$o%d apparen!y :u" arri-ed in $i"
cubby$o!e office off $e co&&unicaion" roo&' T$e ebu!!ien
Iri"$ po!ice&an wa-ed back wi$ #rea en$u"ia"&'
Jack "!owed $i" wa!k w$i!e $i" &ind c$urned' *u"anne 4ard $ad
co&e down wi$ "y&po&" afer on!y bein# in $e $o"pia! for a day' *ince
$e incubaion period for p!a#ue wa" #enera!!y $ou#$ o be wo day" a
a &ini&u&, "$e wou!d $a-e been e+po"ed prior o co&in# ino $e $o"pia!' Jack
wen back o Janice%" office'
7One &ore >ue"ion,7 Jack ca!!ed ou o $er' 72o you $appen o know
w$e$er $e 4ard wo&an -i"ied $e $o"pia! in $e day" prior o $er ad-
&i""ion?7
74er $u"band "aid no,7 Janice "aid' 7I a"ked $a >ue"ion "pecifica!!y'
Apparen!y "$e $aed $e $o"pia! and on!y ca&e in a $e -ery !a"
&inue'7
Jack nodded' 7T$ank",7 $e "aid, e-en &ore preoccupied' 4e urned
and "ared back oward $e I2 roo&' T$a infor&aion &ade $e "iuaion &ore
baff!in#, re>uirin# $i& o po"u!ae $a $e oubreak $ad occurred a!&o"
"i&u!aneou"!y in wo, &aybe $ree !ocaion"' T$a wa"n%
probab!e' T$e o$er po""ibi!iy wa" $a $e incubaion period wa" e+re&e!y
"$or, !e"" $an weny-four $our"' T$a wou!d &ean 4ard%" i!!ne"" wa" a
no"oco&ia! infecion, a" $e "u"peced Node!&an%" wa" a" we!!
a" (ue!!er%"' T$e prob!e& wi$ $a idea wa" $a i wou!d "u##e" a $u#e,
o-erw$e!&in# infecin# do"e, w$ic$ a!"o "ee&ed un!ike!y' Afer a!!, $ow
&any "ick ra" cou!d be in a -eni!aion duc a!! cou#$in# a $e "a&e i&e?
In $e I2 roo& Jack wre"!ed $e "por" pa#e of $e 2ai!y New" away
fro& a re!ucan ,innie and dra##ed $i& down o $e pi o be#in $e
day'
74ow co&e you a!way" "ar "o ear!y?7 ,innie co&p!ained' 7<ou%re
$e on!y one' 2on% you $a-e a !ife?7
Jack "waed $i& in $e c$e" wi$ 6a$erine (ue!!er%" fo!der' 7Re-
&e&ber $e "ayin# %T$e ear!y bird #e" $e wor&%?7
7O$, barf,7 ,innie "aid' 4e ook $e fo!der fro& Jack and opened i'
7I" $i" $e one we%re doin# fir"?7 $e a"ked'
7(i#$ a" we!! &o-e fro& $e known o $e unknown,7 Jack "aid'
7T$i" one $ad a po"ii-e f!uore"cein anibody e" o p!a#ue, "o ;ip up i#$
in your &oon "ui'7
Cifeen &inue" !aer Jack be#an $e auop"y' 4e "pen a #ood dea! of
i&e on $e e+erna! e+a&, !ookin# for any "i#n" of in"ec bie"' I wa"n%
an ea"y :ob, "ince 6a$erine (ue!!er wa" an o-erwei#$ fory-four-year-
o!d wi$ $undred" of &o!e", freck!e", and o$er &inor "kin b!e&i"$e"'
Jack found no$in# $e 'wa" "ure wa" a bie, a!$ou#$ a few !e"ion" !ooked
&i!d!y "u"piciou"' To be on $e "afe "ide $e p$oo#rap$ed $e&'
7No #an#rene on $i" body,7 ,innie co&&ened'
7Nor purpura,7 Jack "aid'
By $e i&e Jack "ared on $e inerna! e+a&, a nu&ber of $e o$er
"aff $ad arri-ed in $e auop"y roo& and $a!f of $e ab!e" were in u"e'
T$ere were a few co&&en" abou Jack beco&in# $e !oca! p!a#ue e+-
per, bu Jack i#nored $e&' 4e wa" oo en#ro""ed'
(ue!!er%" !un#" appeared >uie "i&i!ar o Node!&an%", wi$ e+en"i-e
1obar pneu&onia, con"o!idaion, and ear!y "a#e" of i""ue dea$' T$e
wo&an%" cer-ica! !y&p$aic" were a!"o #enera!!y in-o!-ed, a" were $e
!y&p$ node" a!on# $e bronc$ia! ree'
7T$i" i" :u" a" bad or wor"e $an Node!&an,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" fri#$enin#'7
7<ou don% $a-e o e!! &e,7 ,innie "aid' 7T$e"e infeciou" ca"e" are
$e kind $a &ake &e wi"$ I%d #one ino #ardenin#'7
:ack wa" nearin# $e end of $e inerna! e+a& w$en Ca!-in ca&e
$rou#$ $e door' T$ere wa" no &i"akin# $i" $u#e "i!$ouee' 4e wa"
acco&panied by ano$er fi#ure w$o wa" $a!f $i" "i;e' Ca!-in ca&e direc!y
o :ack%" ab!e'
7Any$in# ou of $e ordinary?7 Ca!-in a"ked, w$i!e peerin# ino $e
pan of inerna! or#an"'
7Inerna!!y $i" ca"e i" a repea of ye"erday%",7 :ack "aid'
7Good,7 Ca!-in "aid, "rai#$enin# up' 4e $en inroduced :ack o $i"
#ue"' I wa" C!in Abe!ard, $e ciy epide&io!o#i"'
:ack cou!d &ake ou $e &an%" pro&inen :aw, bu becau"e of $e ref!ecion
off $e p!a"ic face &a"k, $e cou!dn% "ee $e fe!!ow%" ">uirre!!y
eye"' 4e wondered if $e wa" "i!! a" canankerou" a" $e%d been $e day
before'
7Accordin# o 2r' Bin#$a& you wo $a-e a!ready &e,7 Ca!-in "aid'
7Indeed,7 :ack "aid' T$e epide&io!o#i" did no re"pond'
72r' Abe!ard i" ryin# o di"cern $e ori#in of $i" p!a#ue oubreak,7
Ca!-in e+p!ained'
7Co&&endab!e,7 :ack "aid'
74e%" co&e o u" o "ee if we can add any "i#nifican infor&aion,7
Ca!-in "aid' 7.er$ap" you cou!d run $rou#$ your po"ii-e findin#"'7
7(y p!ea"ure,7 :ack "aid' 4e "ared wi$ $e e+erna! e+a&, indicain#
"kin abnor&a!iie" $e $ou#$ cou!d $a-e been in"ec bie"' T$en $e
"$owed a!! $e #ro"" inerna! pa$o!o#y, concenrain# on $e !un#",
!y&p$aic", !i-er, and "p!een' T$rou#$ou $e enire di"cour"e, C!in Abe!ard
"ayed "i!en'
7T$ere you $a-e i,7 :ack "aid a" $e fini"$ed' 4e pu $e !i-er back ino
$e pan' 7A" you can "ee i%" a "e-ere ca"e, a" wa" Node!&an%", and i%" no
wonder bo$ paien" died "o >uick!y'7
7=$a abou 4ard?7 C!in a"ked'
7*$e%" ne+,7 :ack "aid'
7(ind if I wac$?7 C!in a"ked'
:ack "$ru##ed' 7T$a%" up o 2r' =a"$in#on,7 $e "aid'
7No prob!e&,7 Ca!-in "aid'
7If I &ay a"k,7 Jack "aid, 7$a-e you co&e up wi$ a $eory w$ere $i"
p!a#ue ca&e fro&?7
7No rea!!y,7 C!in "aid #ruff!y' 7No ye'7
7Any idea"?7 :ack a"ked, ryin# o keep "arca"& ou of $i" -oice' I
"ee&ed C!in wa" in no beer $u&or $an $e $ad been $e day before'
7=e%re !ookin# for p!a#ue in $e area%" roden popu!aion,7 C!in "aid
conde"cendin#!y'
7*p!endid idea,7 :ack "aid' 7And :u" $ow are you doin# $a?7
C!in pau"ed a" if $e didn% wan o di-u!#e any "ae "ecre"'
7T$e C2C i" $e!pin#,7 $e "aid fina!!y' 7T$ey "en "o&eone up $ere
fro& $eir p!a#ue di-i"ion' 4e%" in c$ar#e of $e rappin# and ana!y"i"'7
7Any !uck "o far?7 :ack a"ked'
7*o&e of $e ra" cau#$ !a" ni#$ were i!!,7 C!in "aid' 7Bu none wi$
p!a#ue'7
7=$a abou $e $o"pia!?7 :ack a"ked' 4e per"i"ed de"pie C!in%" apparen
re!ucance o a!k' 7T$i" wo&an we%-e :u" auop"ied worked in
cenra! "upp!y' *ee&" !ike!y $er i!!ne"" wa" no"oco&ia! !ike Node!&an%"'
2o you $ink "$e #o i fro& "o&e pri&ary "ource in and around $e $o"pia!, or
do you $ink "$e #o i fro& Node!&an?7 7=e don% know,7 C!in ad&ied'
7If "$e #o i fro& Node!&an,7 :ack a"ked, 7any idea" of a po""ib!e
roue of ran"&i""ion ?7
7=e%-e c$ecked $e $o"pia!%" -eni!aion and air-condiionin# "y"e&
carefu!!y,7 C!in "aid' 7A!! $e 43.A fi!er" were in p!ace and $ad been
c$an#ed appropriae!y'7
7=$a abou $e !ab "iuaion?7 :ack a"ked'
7=$a do you &ean?7 C!in "aid'
72id you know $a $e c$iefec$ in &icro acua!!y "u##e"ed p!a#ue
o $e direcor of $e !ab pure!y fro& $i" c!inica! i&pre""ion, bu $e direcor
a!ked $i& ou of fo!!owin# up on i?7
7I didn% know $a,7 C!in &u&b!ed'
ii
7If $e c$ief ec$ $ad fo!!owed up on i $e wou!d $a-e &ade $e dia#no"i"
and appropriae $erapy cou!d $a-e been "ared,7 Jack "aid'
7=$o know"D i cou!d $a-e "a-ed a !ife' T$e prob!e& i" $a $e !ab $a"
been down"i;in# becau"e of pre""ure fro& A&eriCare o "a-e a few
buck", and $ey don% $a-e a &icrobio!o#y "uper-i"or po"iion' I #o
e!i&inaed'7
7I don% know any$in# abou a!! $a,7 C!in "aid' 7Be"ide", $e ca"e
of p!a#ue "i!! wou!d $a-e occurred'7
7<ou%re ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 7One way or $e o$er you "i!! $a-e o co&e
up wi$ $e ori#in' )nforunae!y, you don% know any &ore $an you
did ye"erday'7 Jack "&i!ed in"ide $i" &a"k' 4e wa" #ein# a bi of per-
-er"e p!ea"ure ou of puin# $e epide&io!o#i" on $e "po' 7I wou!dn% #o
$a far,7 C!in &uered'
7Any "i#n of i!!ne"" in $e $o"pia! "aff?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$ere are "e-era! nur"e" w$o are febri!e and w$o are >uaranined,7
C!in "aid' 7A" of ye $ere i" no confir&aion of $e& $a-in# p!a#ue, bu
i i" "u"peced' T$ey were direc!y e+po"ed o Node!&an'7 7=$en wi!! you be
doin# 4ard?7 Ca!-in a"ked'
7In abou weny &inue",7 Jack "aid' 7A" "oon a" ,innie #e" $in#"
urned around'7
7I%& #oin# around o c$eck on "o&e o$er ca"e",7 Ca!-in "aid o C!in'
7<ou wan o "ay $ere wi$ 2r' *ap!eon or do you wan o co&e wi$
&e'7
7I $ink I%!! #o wi$ you, if you don% &ind,7 C!in "aid'
7By $e way, Jack,7 Ca!-in "aid before !ea-in#' 7T$ere%" a be-y of
&edia peop!e up"air" craw!in# a!! o-er $e ouer office !ike b!ood$ound"'
I don% wan you #i-in# any unau$ori;ed pre"" conference"' Any infor&aion
co&in# fro& $e (3%" office co&e" fro& (r"' 2onnae!!o and
$er .R a""i"an'7
7I wou!dn% drea& of a!kin# o $e pre"",7 Jack a""ured $i&'
Ca!-in wandered o $e ne+ ab!e' C!in "ayed a $i" $ee!"'
7I didn% "ound a" if $a #uy waned o a!k wi$ you,7 ,innie "aid
o Jack w$en Ca!-in and C!in were far enou#$ away' 7No $a I can
b!a&e $i&'7
7T$a !i!e &ou"e $a" been "p!eeny "ince I fir" &e $i&,7 Jack "aid'
7I don% know w$a $i" prob!e& i"' 4e%" kinda a weird duck, if you a"k
&e'7
7Now $ere%" $e po ca!!in# $e ke!e b:ack,7 ,innie "aid'
T$ur"day, #/0r! A'(', (ARO4 2 J , I ##1
N3= <OR6 I-/IT<
7(r' 5a#en$orpe, can you $ear &e?7 2r' 2oy!e ca!!ed o $i" paien'
2ona!d 5a#en$orpe wa" a $iry-ei#$-year-o!d African-A&erican oi!
en#ineer w$o $ad a c$ronic prob!e& wi$ a"$&a' T$a &ornin#, :u"
afer $ree K'(', $e%d awakened wi$ pro#re""i-e difficu!y brea$in#'
4i" pre"cribed $o&e re&edie" $ad no inerruped $e aack, and $e%d
co&e ino $e e&er#ency roo& of $e (an$aan Genera! a four' 2r'
2oy!e $ad been ca!!ed a >uarer o fi-e afer $e u"ua! e&er#ency &edicaion"
$ad $ad no effec'
2ona!d%" eye" b!inked open' 4e $adn% been "!eepin#, :u" ryin# o re"'
T$e ordea! $ad been e+$au"in# and fri#$enin#' T$e fee!in# of no bein#
ab!e o cac$ $i" brea$ wa" orure, and $i" epi"ode $ad been $e wor"
$e%d e-er e+perienced'
74ow are you doin#?7 2r' 2oy!e in>uired' 7I know w$a you $a-e
been $rou#$' <ou &u" be -ery ired'7 2r' 2oy!e wa" one of $o"e rare
p$y"ician" w$o were ab!e o e&pa$i;e wi$ a!! $i" paien" wi$ a dep$
of under"andin# "u##e"in# $e "uffered fro& a!! $e "a&e condiion"'
2ona!d nodded $i" $ead, indicain# $a $e wa" okay' 4e wa" brea$in#
$rou#$ a face &a"k $a &ade con-er"aion difficu!'
7I wan you o "ay in $e $o"pia! for a few day",7 2r' 2oy!e "aid' 7T$i"
wa" a difficu! aack o break'7
2ona!d nodded a#ain' No one $ad o e!! $i& $a'
7I wan o keep you on $e I, "eroid" for a !i!e w$i!e !on#er,7 2r'
2oy!e e+p!ained'
2ona!d !ifed $e face &a"k off $i" face' 7Cou!dn% I #e $e "eroid" a
$o&e?7 $e "u##e"ed' A" $ankfu! a" $e wa" abou $e $o"pia!%" $a-in#
been $ere in $i" $our of need, $e &uc$ preferred $e idea of #oin# $o&e
now $a $i" brea$in# $ad reurned o nor&a!' A $o&e $e knew $e
cou!d a !ea" #e "o&e work done' A" wa" a!way" $e ca"e, $i" a"$&a
aack $ad co&e a a paricu!ar!y incon-enien i&e' 4e wa" "uppo"ed o
#o back o Te+a" $e fo!!owin# week for &ore fie!dwork'
7I know you don% wan o be in $e $o"pia!,7 2r' 2oy!e "aid' 7I%d fee!
$e "a&e way' Bu I $ink i i" be" under $e circu&"ance"' =e%!! #e
you ou :u" a" "oon a" po""ib!e' No on!y do I wan o coninue #i-in#
you I, "eroid", bu I wan you brea$in# $u&idified, c!ean, nonirriain# air'
I a!"o wan o fo!!ow your peak e+piraory f!ow rae carefu!!y' A"
I e+p!ained o you ear!ier, i i" "i!! no co&p!ee!y back o nor&a!'7
74ow &any day" do you e"i&ae I%!! $a-e o be in $ere?7 2ona!d
a"ked'
7I%& "ure i wi!! on!y be a coup!e,7 2r' 2oy!e "aid'
7I%-e #o o #o back o Te+a",7 2ona!d e+p!ained'
7O$?7 2r' 2oy!e "aid' 7=$en were you $ere !a"?7
7Ju" !a" week,7 2ona!d "aid'
74&&,7 2r' 2oy!e "aid w$i!e $e $ou#$' 7=ere you e+po"ed o any-
$in# abnor&a! w$i!e you were $ere?7
7Ju" Te+-(e+ cui"ine,7 2ona!d "aid, &ana#in# a "&i!e'
7<ou $a-en% #oen any new pe" or any$in# !ike $a, $a-e you?7
2r' 2oy!e a"ked' One of $e difficu!ie" of &ana#in# "o&eone wi$
c$ronic a"$&a wa" deer&inin# $e facor" re"pon"ib!e for ri##erin# a-
ack"' Cre>uen!y i wa" a!!er#enic'
7(y #ir!friend #o a new ca,7 2ona!d "aid' 7I $a" &ade &e ic$ a bi
$e !a" few i&e" I%-e been o-er $ere'7
7=$en wa" $e !a" i&e?7 2r' 2oy!e a"ked'
75a" ni#$,7 2ona!d ad&ied' 7Bu I wa" $o&e :u" a !i!e afer
e!e-en, and 8 fe! fine' I didn% $a-e any roub!e fa!!in# a"!eep'7
7=e%!! $a-e o !ook ino i,7 2r' 2oy!e "aid' 7(eanw$i!e I wan you
in $e $o"pia!' =$a do you "ay ?7
7<ou%re $e docor,7 2ona!d "aid re!ucan!y'
7T$ank you,7 2r' 2oy!e "aid'
T4)R*2A<, 9/AE A'(', (ARC4 21 , 1991
7Cor c$ri""ake87 Jack &ur&ured under $i" brea$ a" $e wa" abou o "ar
$e auop"y on *u"anne 4ard' C!in Abe!ard wa" $o-erin# be$ind $i&
!ike a #na, con"an!y "wic$in# $i" wei#$ fro& one !e# o $e o$er'
7C!in, w$y don% you "ep around $e ab!e and "and on $e o$er
"ide,7 Jack "u##e"ed' 7<ou%!! be ab!e o "ee &uc$ beer'7
C!in ook $e "u##e"ion and "ood wi$ $i" ar&" be$ind $i" back oppo"ie
fro& :ack'
7Now don% &o-e,7 Jack &u&b!ed o $i&"e!f' Jack didn% !ike C!in
$an#in# around, bu $e $ad no c$oice'
7I%" "ad w$en you "ee a youn# wo&an !ike $i",7 C!in "aid "udden!y'
Jack !ooked up' 4e $adn% e+peced "uc$ a co&&en fro& C!in' I
"ee&ed oo $u&an' 4e $ad "ruck Jack a" an unfee!in#, &oody bureaucra'
74ow o!d i" "$e?7 C!in a"ked'
7Tweny-ei#$,7 ,innie "aid fro& $e $ead of $e ab!e'
7Cro& $e !ook" of $er "pine "$e didn% $a-e an ea"y !ife,7 C!in "aid'
7*$e $ad "e-era! &a:or back "ur#erie",7 Jack "aid'
7I%" a doub!e ra#edy "ince "$e%d :u" #i-en bir$,7 C!in "aid' 7Now
$e c$i!d i" &o$er!e""'7
7I wa" $er "econd c$i!d,7 ,innie "aid'
7I "uppo"e I "$ou!dn% for#e $er $u"band,7 C!in "aid' 7I &u" be up-
"ein# o !o"e your "pou"e'7
A knife!ike "ab of e&oion wen down Jack%" "pine' 4e $ad o fi#$
o keep fro& reac$in# acro"" $e ab!e and yankin# C!in off $i" fee'
Abrup!y $e !ef $e ab!e and e+ied o $e wa"$roo&' 4e $eard ,innie
ca!! afer $i&, bu $e i#nored $i&' In"ead Jack !eaned on $e ed#e of $e
"ink and ried o ca!& $i&"e!f' 4e knew $a #ein# an#ry wi$ C!in
wa" an unrea"onab!e reacionD i wa" no$in# bu pure, unadu!eraed
ran"ference' Bu under"andin# $e ori#in did no !e""en $e irriaion'
I a!way" irked Jack w$en $e $eard "uc$ c!ic$1" fro& peop!e w$o ru!y
$ad no idea'
7I" $ere a prob!e&?7 ,innie a"ked' 4e%d "uck $i" $ead $rou#$ $e
door'
7I%!! be $ere in a "econd,7 Jack "aid'
,innie !e $e door c!o"e'
A" !on# a" $e wa" $ere, Jack wa"$ed and re#!o-ed $i" $and"' =$en
$e wa" fini"$ed $e reurned o $e ab!e'
75e%" #e $i" "$ow on $e road,7 $e "aid'
7I%-e !ooked $e body o-er,7 C!in "aid' 7I don% "ee any$in# $a !ook"
!ike an in"ec bie, do you?7
Jack $ad o re"rain $i&"e!f fro& "ub:ecin# C!in o a !ecure !ike $e
one C!in $ad #i-en o $i&' In"ead, $e &ere!y proceeded wi$ $i" e+erna!
e+a&' On!y afer $e%d fini"$ed did $e "peak'
7No #an#rene, no purpura, and no in"ec bie" a" far a" I can "ee,7 Jack
"aid' 7Bu by :u" !ookin# a $er I can "ee "o&e of $er cer-ica! !y&p$ node"
are "wo!!en'7
Jack poined ou $e findin# o C!in, w$o $en nodded in a#ree&en'
7T$a%" cerain!y con"i"en wi$ p!a#ue,7 C!in "aid'
Jack didn% an"wer' In"ead $e ook a "ca!pe! fro& ,innie and >uick!y
&ade $e ypica! <-"$aped auop"y inci"ion' T$e bo!d crue!y of $e &o-e
:o!ed C!in' 4e ook a "ep back'
Jack worked >uick!y bu wi$ #rea care' 4e knew $a $e !e"" $e inerna!
or#an" were di"urbed, $e !e"" c$ance $a any of $e infecin# &icrobe" wou!d
be aero"o!i;ed'
=$en Jack $ad $e or#an" ou, $e urned $i" aenion fir" o $e
!un#"' Ca!-in $ad drifed o-er a $i" poin and owered be$ind Jack a"
$e &ade $i" iniia! cu" ino $e ob-iou"!y di"ea"ed or#an' Jack "pread open
$e !un# !ike a buerf!y'
75o" of bronc$opneu&onia and ear!y i""ue necro"i",7 Ca!-in "aid'
75ook" prey "i&i!ar o Node!&an'7
7I don% know,7 Jack "aid' 7*ee&" o &e $ere i" an e>ua! a&oun of
pa$o!o#y bu !e"" con"o!idaion' And !ook a $e"e noda! area"' T$ey a!-
&o" !ook !ike ear!y #ranu!o&a" wi$ ca"eaion'7
C!in !i"ened o $i" pa$o!o#ica! :ar#on wi$ !i!e inere" or
co&pre$en"ion' 4e re&e&bered $e er&" fro& &edica! "c$oo!, bu $ad
!on# "ince for#oen $eir &eanin#' 72oe" i !ook !ike p!a#ue?7 $e a"ked'
7Con"i"en,7 Ca!-in "aid' 75e%" !ook a $e !i-er and $e "p!een'7
Jack carefu!!y pu!!ed $e"e or#an" fro& $e pan and "!iced ino $e&'
A" $e%d done wi$ $e !un#, $e "pread open $eir cu "urface" "o e-ery-
one cou!d "ee' 3-en 5aurie $ad "epped o-er fro& $er ab!e'
75o" of necro"i",7 Jack "aid' 7Cerain!y :u" a" -iru!en a ca"e a" wi$
Node!&an or wi$ $e ca"e I did ear!ier'7
75ook" !ike p!a#ue o &e,7 Ca!-in "aid'
7Bu w$y wa" $e f!uore"cein anibody ne#ai-e?7 Jack "aid' 7T$a%"
e!!in# &e "o&e$in#, e"pecia!!y co&bined wi$ $e !un# appearance'7
7=$a%" wi$ $e !un#"?7 5aurie a"ked'
Jack &o-ed $e !i-er and $e "p!een a"ide and "$owed 5aurie $e cu
"urface of $e !un#' 4e e+p!ained w$a $e $ou#$ of $e pa$o!o#y'
7I "ee w$a you &ean now $a you &enion i,7 5aurie "aid' 7I i" dif-
feren fro& Node!&an' 4i" !un#" definie!y $ad &ore con"o!idaion'
T$i" !ook" &ore !ike "o&e "or of $orrib!y a##re""i-e TB'7
7=$oa87 Ca!-in "aid' 7T$i" i"n% TB' No way'7
7I don% $ink 5aurie wa" "u##e"in# i wa",7 :ack "aid'
7I wa"n%,7 5aurie a#reed' 7I wa" :u" u"in# TB a" a way of de"cribin#
$e"e infeced area"'7
7I $ink i i" p!a#ue,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I &ean, I wou!dn% if we $adn% :u"
$ad a ca"e fro& $e "a&e $o"pia! ye"erday' C$ance" are i i" p!a#ue re-
#ard!e"" of w$a $eir !ab "aid'7
7I don% $ink i i",7 :ack "aid' 7Bu !e%" "ee w$a our !ab "ay"'7
74ow abou doub!e or no$in# wi$ $a en do!!ar",7 Ca!-in "aid' 7Are
you $a "ure?7
7No, bu I%!! ake you up on i' 1 know $ow &uc$ $e &oney &ean" o
you'7
7Are we fini"$ed $ere ?7 C!in a"ked' 7If "o, I $ink I%!! be #oin#'7
7I%& e""enia!!y fini"$ed,7 :ack "aid' 7I%!! do a !i!e &ore on $e !y&-
p$aic", and $en I%!! be obainin# "a&p!e" for $e &icro"copic' <ou won%
be &i""in# any$in# if you ake off now'7 7I%11 $ead ou wi$ you,7 Ca!-in
"aid'
Ca!-in and C!in di"appeared $rou#$ $e door o $e wa"$roo&'
7If you don% $ink $i" ca"e i" p!a#ue, w$a do you $ink i i"?7 5au-
rie a"ked, !ookin# back a $e wo&an%" corp"e' 7I%& e&barra""ed o e!! you,7
:ack "aid'
7Co&e on,7 5aurie ur#ed' 7I won% e!! anybody'7
:ack !ooked a ,innie' ,innie $e!d up $i" $and"' 7(y !ip" are "ea!ed'7
7=e!!, I%d $a-e o fa!! back on &y ori#ina! differenia! I $ad for Node!-
&an,7 :ack "aid' 7To narrow i down &ore $an $a, I $a-e o a#ain #o
ou on $in ice' If i i"n% p!a#ue, $e neare" infeciou" di"ea"e bo$ pa$o-
!o#ica!!y and c!inica!!y i" u!are&ia'7
5aurie !au#$ed' 7Tu!are&ia in a weny-ei#$-year-o!d po"paru& fe-
&a!e in (an$aan?7 "$e >ue"ioned' 7T$a wou!d be prey rare, a!-
$ou#$ no a" rare a" your dia#no"i" ye"erday of p!a#ue' Afer a!!, "$e
cou!d $a-e a $obby of rabbi $unin# on weekend"'7
7I know i%" no -ery probab!e,7 :ack "aid' 7Once a#ain I%& re!yin# o-
a!!y on $e pa$o!o#y and $e fac $a $e e" for p!a#ue wa" ne#ai-e'7
7I%d be wi!!in# o be a >uarer,7 5aurie "aid'
7*uc$ a "pender87 Jack :oked' 7Cine8 =e%!! be a >uarer'7
5aurie reurned o $er own ca"e' :ack and ,innie urned $eir aen-
ion back o *u"anne 4ard' =$i!e ,innie did $i" a"k", Jack fini"$ed $e
!y&p$aic di""ecion $e waned o do, $en ook $e i""ue "a&p!e" $e fe!
appropriae for &icro"copic "udy' =$en $e "a&p!e" were a!! in $e
proper pre"er-ai-e" and appropriae!y !abe!ed, $e $e!ped ,innie "uure
$e corp"e'
5ea-in# $e auop"y roo&, :ack proper!y dea! wi$ $i" i"o!aion e>uip-
&en' Afer p!u##in# in $i" rec$ar#eab!e -eni!aor baery, $e ook $e
e!e-aor up o $e $ird f!oor o "ee A#ne" Cinn' 4e found $er "iin# in
fron of a "ack of peri di"$e" e+a&inin# baceria! cu!ure"'
7I%-e :u" fini"$ed ano$er infeciou" ca"e $a%" "u"peced p!a#ue,7 $e
o!d $er' 7A!! $e "a&p!e" wi!! be co&in# up "$or!y' Bu $ere i" a prob-
!e&' T$e !ab o-er a $e (an$aan Genera! c!ai&" $e paien e"ed ne#-
ai-e' Of cour"e, I wan o repea $a, bu a $e "a&e i&e I wan you o
ru!e ou u!are&ia, and 1 wan i done a" >uick!y a" po""ib!e'7
7T$a%" no ea"y,7 "$e "aid' 74and!in# Cranci"e!!a u!aren"i" i" $a;-
ardou"' I%" -ery cona#iou" o !aboraory worker" if i #e" ino $e air'
T$ere i" a f!uore"cein anibody "ain for u!are&ia, bu we don% $a-e i'7
74ow do you &ake $e dia#no"i", $en ?7 :ack a"ked'
7=e $a-e o "end any "a&p!e" ou,7 "$e "aid' 7Becau"e of $e ri"k of
$and!in# $e baceria $e rea#en" are #enera!!y kep on!y a reference !ab"
w$ere $e per"onne! are accu"o&ed o dea!in# wi$ $e &icrobe' T$ere
i" "uc$ a !ab $ere in $e ciy'7
7Can you "end i ri#$ away?7 :ack a"ked'
7=e%!! &e""en#er i o-er a" "oon a" i #e" $ere,7 "$e "aid' 7IfI ca!! and
pu a ru"$ on i, we%!! $a-e a pre!i&inary re"u! in !e"" $an weny-four
$our"'7
7.erfec,7 :ack "aid' 7I%11 be waiin#' I%-e #o en do!!ar" and weny-
fi-e cen" ridin# on $e ouco&e'7
A#ne" #a-e :ack a !ook' 4e con"idered e+p!ainin#, bu feared $e%d
"ound e-en &ore foo!i"$' In"ead $e f!ed up"air" o $i" office'
T4)R*2A<I 1B/AE A'('I (ARO4
N3= <OR6 .-IT<
7I%& !ikin# i &ore and &ore,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e "rai#$ened up fro&
Co!!een%" drawin# board' Co!!een wa" "$owin# $er i""ue" $a $er ea&
$ad co&ped up Lu" $a &ornin# u"in# $e $e&e $ey%d di"cu""ed $e
ni#$ before'
7T$e be" $in# i" $a $e concep i" con"i"en wi$ $e 4ippocraic
oa$,7 Co!!een "aid' 7.aricu!ar!y $e par abou ne-er doin# $ar& o any-
one' I !o-e i'7
7I don% know w$y we didn% $ink abou i before,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%"
"uc$ a naura!' I%" a!&o" e&barra""in# $a i ook $i" da&n p!a#ue epi-
de&ic o &ake u" $ink of i' 2id you cac$ w$a%" $appenin# on &orn-
in# T,?7
7T$ree dea$"87 Co!!een "aid' 7And "e-era! peop!e "ick' I%" errib!e'
In fac, i "care" &e o dea$'7
7I $ad a $eadac$e fro& $e wine !a" ni#$ w$en I woke up $i" &ornin#,7
Tere"e "aid' 7T$e fir" $in# $a wen $rou#$ &y &ind wa"
w$e$er I $ad $e p!a#ue or no'7
7I $ou#$ $e "a&e $in#,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I%& #!ad you ad&ied i' I
wa" oo e&barra""ed'7
7I $ope o $e!! $o"e #uy" were ri#$ !a" ni#$,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$ey
"ee&ed prey da&n confiden i wa"n% #oin# o be a bi# prob!e&'7
7Are you worried bein# around $e&?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7O$, i%" #one $rou#$ &y &ind,7 Tere"e ad&ied' 7Bu a" I "aid, $ey
were "o confiden' I can% i&a#ine $eir acin# $a way if $ere were any
ri"k'7
7Are we "i!! on for dinner oni#$?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7By a!! &ean",7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $a-e a "neakin# "u"picion $a Jack
*ap!eon wi!! urn ou o be an unknowin# founain of ad idea"' 4e &i#$
be bier abou "o&e$in#, bu $e%" "$arp and opinionaed, and $e cerain!y
know" $e bu"ine""'7
7I can% be!ie-e $ow we!! $i" i" workin# ou,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I wa" a
!o &ore drawn o C$eD $e%" fun and open and ea"y o a!k wi$' I $a-e
enou#$ prob!e&" of &y own, "o I%& no araced o $e an#ui"$ed, broodin#
ype'7
7I didn% "ay any$in# abou bein# araced o Jack *ap!eon,7 Tere"e
"aid' 7T$a%" "o&e$in# e!"e enire!y'7
7=$a%" your #u reacion o $i" idea of u"in# 4ippocrae" $i&"e!f in
one of our ad"?7
7I $ink i $a" fana"ic poenia!,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Run wi$ i' (ean-
w$i!e I%& #oin# o $ead up"air" and a!k wi$ 4e!en Robin"on'7
7=$y?7 Co!!een a"ked' 7I $ou#$ "$e wa" $e ene&y'7
7I%& akin# o $ear Tay!or%" ad&oniion $a we creai-e" and $e ac-
coun peop!e "$ou!d work o#e$er,7 Tere"e "aid bree;i!y' 7<ea$, "ure8 5ike!y
"ory87
7*eriou"!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$ere%" "o&e$in# I%d !ike $er o do' I need
a fif$ co!u&n' I wan 4e!en o confir& $a Naiona! 4ea!$ i" c!ean
w$en i co&e" o no"oco&ia! or $o"pia!-ba"ed infecion"' If $eir record
i" arociou", $e w$o!e ca&pai#n cou!d backfire' T$en, no on!y wou!d I
!o"e &y bid for $e pre"idency, bu you and I wou!d probab!y be ou "e!!in#
penci!"'7
7=ou!dn% we $a-e $eard by $i" i&e?7 Co!!een a"ked' 7I &ean,
$ey%-e been c!ien" for a nu&ber of year"'7
7I doub i,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$e"e $ea!$-care #ian" are !oa$ o pub!ici;e
any$in# $a &i#$ ad-er"e!y affec $eir "ock price' *ure!y a bad
record in re#ard o no"oco&ia! infecion" wou!d do $a'7
Tere"e #a-e Co!!een a pa on $e "$ou!der and o!d $er o keep crackin# $e
w$ip, $en $eaded for $e "airwe!!'
Tere"e e&er#ed brea$!e"" ono $e ad&ini"rai-e f!oor, $a-in# aken
$e "air" wo a a i&e' Cro& $ere "$e &arc$ed direc!y oward $e carpeed
rea!& of $e accoun e+ecui-e"' 4er &ood wa" "oarin#D i wa" $e
ab"o!ue ani$e"i" of $e an+iey and dread of $e day before' 4er inu-
iion o!d $er "$e wa" ono "o&e$in# bi# wi$ Naiona! 4ea!$ and
wou!d "oon be "corin# a de"er-ed riu&p$ ''''
A" "oon a" $e i&pro&pu &eein# wi$ Tere"e $ad ended and Tere"e
$ad di"appeared around $e corner, 4e!en reurned o $er de"k and pu
a ca!! in o $er &ain conac a Naiona! 4ea!$ Care' T$e wo&an
wa"n% i&&ediae!y a-ai!ab!e, bu 4e!en didn% e+pec $er o be' 4e!en
&ere!y !ef $er na&e and nu&ber wi$ a re>ue" o be ca!!ed a" "oon a"
po""ib!e'
=i$ $e ca!! acco&p!i"$ed 4e!en ook a bru"$ fro& $er de"k and ran
i $rou#$ $er $air "e-era! i&e" in fron of a "&a!! &irror on $e in"ide
of $er c!o"e door' Once "$e wa" "ai"fied wi$ $er appearance, "$e wa!ked
ou of $er office and $eaded down o Rober Barker%"'
7<ou $a-e a &inue?7 4e!en ca!!ed o $i& fro& $i" open door'
7Cor you I $a-e a!! day,7 Rober "aid' 4e !eaned back in $i" c$air'
4e!en "epped ino $e roo& and urned o c!o"e $e door' A" "$e did
"o, Rober "urrepiiou"!y urned o-er $e p$oo of $i" wife $a "ood on
$e corner of $e de"k' 4i" wife%" "ern "are &ade $i& fee! #ui!y w$en-
e-er 4e!en wa" in $i" office'
7I :u" $ad a -i"ior,7 4e!en "aid a" "$e ca&e ino $e roo&' A" wa" $er
cu"o& "$e "a cro""-!e##ed on $e ar& of one of $e wo c$air" facin#
Rober%" de"k'
Rober fe! per"piraion appear a!on# $i" $air!ine in keepin# wi$ $i"
>uickenin# pu!"e' Cro& $i" -ana#e poin, 4e!en%" "$or "kir afforded
$i& a -iew of $er $i#$ $a didn% "op'
7I wa" our creai-e direcor,7 4e!en coninued' *$e wa" -ery con"ciou"
of $e effec "$e wa" $a-in# on $er bo"", and i p!ea"ed $er' 7*$e a"ked
&e o #e "o&e infor&aion for $er'7
7=$a kind of infor&aion ?7 Rober a"ked' 4i" eye" didn% &o-e, nor
did $e b!ink' I wa" a" if $e were $ypnoi;ed'
4e!en e+p!ained w$a Tere"e waned and de"cribed $e brief con-er-
"aion abou $e p!a#ue oubreak' =$en Rober didn% re"pond i&&edi-
ae!y, "$e "ood up' T$a broke $e rance' 7I ried o e!! $er no o u"e i
a" $e ba"i" of an ad ca&pai#n,7 4e!en added, 7bu "$e $ink" i%" #oin#
o work'7
7(aybe you "$ou!dn% $a-e "aid any$in#,7 Rober re&arked' 4e !oo"-
ened $i" "$ir and ook a brea$'
7Bu i%" a errib!e idea,7 4e!en "aid' 7I cou!dn% $ink of any$in#
&ore a"e!e""'7
73+ac!y,7 Rober "aid' 7I%d !ike $er o propo"e a a"e!e"" ca&pai#n'7
7I "ee your poin,7 4e!en "aid' 7I didn% $ink of $a on $e "pur of $e
&o&en'7
7Of cour"e no,7 Rober "aid' 7<ou%re no a" de-iou" a" I a&' Bu you%re
a >uick "udy' T$e prob!e& wi$ $e idea abou no"oco&ia! infecion in
#enera! i" $a i cou!d be a #ood one' T$ere &i#$ po""ib!y be a !e#ii-
&ae difference beween Naiona! 4ea!$ and A&eriCare'7
7I cou!d a!way" e!! $er $e infor&aion wa"n% a-ai!ab!e,7 4e!en "aid'
7Afer a!!, i &i#$ no be'7
7T$ere i" a!way" ri"k in !yin#,7 Rober "aid' 7*$e &i#$ a!ready $a-e
$e infor&aion and be e"in# u" o &ake u" !ook bad' No, #o a$ead and
"ee w$a you can find ou' Bu !e &e know w$a you !earn and w$a you
pa"" on o Tere"e 4a#en' I wan o keep a "ep a$ead of $er'7
T45IR*2A<, I /I/OO .'(', (AR.-4 I- I , I ##1
74ey, "por, $ow $e $e!! are you?7 C$e a"ked Jack a" Jack "cooed ino
$eir "$ared office and du&ped "e-era! fo!der" ono $i" c!uered de"k'
7Cou!dn% be beer,7 Jack "aid'
T$ur"day $ad been a paper day for C$e, &eanin# $e%d been a $i" de"k
and no in $e auop"y roo&' Genera!!y $e a""ociae &edica! e+a&iner"
on!y did auop"ie" $ree day" a week' T$e o$er day" $ey "pen co!!ain#
$e -o!u&inou" paperwork nece""ary o 7"i#n ou7 a ca"e' T$ere wa" a!-
way" &aeria! $a needed o be #a$ered fro& .A in-e"i#aor", $e !ab,
$e $o"pia! or !oca! docor", or $e po!ice' .!u" eac$ docor $ad o read
$e &icro"copic "!ide" $e $i"o!o#y !ab proce""ed on e-ery ca"e'
Jack "a down and pu"$ed "o&e of $e paper debri" away fro& $e cen-
er of $e de"k o #i-e $i& "o&e roo& o work'
7<ou fee! a!! ri#$ $i" &ornin#?7 C$e a"ked'
7A !i!e wobb!y,7 Jack ad&ied' 4e re"cued $i" p$one fro& benea$
!ab repor"' T$en $e opened up one of $e fo!der" $e%d :u" brou#$ in
wi$ $i& and be#an "earc$in# $rou#$ $e conen"' 7And you?7
7.erfec,7 C$e "aid' 7Bu I%& accu"o&ed o a !i!e wine and "uc$' Re-
&e&berin# $o"e c$ick" $e!ped, paricu!ar!y Co!!een' 4ey, we "i!! on for
oni#$?7
7I wa" #oin# o a!k o you abou $a,7 Jack "aid'
7<ou pro&i"ed,7 C$e "aid'
7I didn% e+ac!y pro&i"e,7 Jack "aid'
7Co&e on,7 C$e p!eaded' 72on% !e &e down' T$ey%re e+pecin#
bo$ of u"' T$ey &i#$ no "ay if on!y I "$ow up'7
Jack #!anced o-er a $i" office&ae'
7Co&e on,7 C$e repeaed' 7.!ea"e87
7A!! ri#$, for c$ri""ake,7 Jack "aid' 7Ju" $i" once' Bu I ru!y don%
under"and w$y you $ink you need &e' <ou do fine by your"e!f'7
7T$ank", buddy,7 C$e "aid' 7I owe you one'7
Jack found $e I2 "$ee $a $ad $e p$one nu&ber" for (aurice
4ard, *u"anne%" $u"band' T$ere wa" bo$ a $o&e nu&ber and an office
nu&ber' 4e dia!ed $e $o&e'
7=$o you ca!!in#?7 C$e a"ked'
7<ou are a no"y ba"ard,7 Jack "aid :okin#!y'
7I%-e #o o wac$ o-er you "o you don% #e your"e!f fired,7 C$e "aid'
7I%& ca!!in# $e "pou"e of ano$er curiou" infeciou" ca"e,7 Jack "aid'
7I :u" did $e po", and i%" #o &e bewi!dered' C!inica!!y i !ooked !ike
p!a#ue, bu I don% $ink i wa"'7
A $ou"ekeeper picked up $e p$one' =$en Jack a"ked for (r' 4ard,
$e wa" o!d (r' 4ard wa" a $e office' Jack dia!ed $e "econd nu&ber'
T$i" i&e i wa" an"wered by a "ecreary' Jack $ad o e+p!ain w$o $e wa"
and wa" $en pu on $o!d' 7I%& a&a;ed,7 :ack "aid o C$e, $i" $and o-er
$e recei-er' 7T$e &an%" wife :u" died and $e%" a work' On!y in A&er-
ica87
(aurice 4ard ca&e on $e !ine' 4i" -oice wa" "rained' 4e wa" ob-i-
ou"!y under #rea "re""' Jack wa" e&ped o e!! $e &an $e knew "o&e-
$in# of w$a $e wa" fee!in#, bu "o&e$in# &ade $i& $o!d back' In"ead
$e e+p!ained w$o $e wa" and w$y $e wa" ca!!in#'
72o you $ink I "$ou!d a!k o &y !awyer fir"?7 (aurice a"ked'
ii
75awyer? =$y your !awyer?7
7(y wife%" fa&i!y i" &akin# ridicu!ou" accu"aion",7 (aurice "aid'
7T$ey%re "u##e"in# I $ad "o&e$in# o do wi$ *u"anne%" dea$' T$ey%re
cra;y' Ric$, bu cra;y' I &ean, *u"anne and I $ad our up" and down",
bu we ne-er wou!d $a-e $ur eac$ o$er, no way'7
72o $ey know your wife died of an infeciou" di"ea"e?7 Jack >ue"-
ioned'
7I%-e ried o e!! $e&,7 (aurice "aid'
7I don% know w$a o "ay,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" rea!!y no &y po"iion o
ad-i"e you abou your per"ona! !e#a! "iuaion'7
7=e!!, $e!!, #o a$ead and a"k your >ue"ion",7 (aurice "aid' 7I can%
i&a#ine i wou!d &ake any difference' Bu !e &e a"k you a >ue"ion fir"'
=a" i p!a#ue?7
7T$a "i!! $a" no been deer&ined,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I%!! ca!! you a" "oon
a" we know for "ure'7
7I%d appreciae $a,7 (aurice "aid' 7Now, w$a are your >ue"ion"?7
7I be!ie-e you $a-e a do#,7 Jack "aid' 7I" $e do# $ea!$y?7
7Cor a "e-eneen-year-o!d do# $e%" $ea!$y,7 (aurice "aid'
7I%d !ike o encoura#e you o ake $e pe o your -e and e+p!ain $a
your wife died of a "eriou" infeciou" di"ea"e' I wan o be "ure $e do#
i"n% carryin# $e i!!ne"", w$ae-er i wa"'7
7I" $ere a c$ance of $a?7 (aurice a"ked wi$ a!ar&'
7I%" "&a!!, bu $ere i" a c$ance,7 Jack "aid'
7=$y didn% $e $o"pia! e!! &e $a?7 $e de&anded'
7T$a I can% an"wer,7 Jack "aid' 7I a""u&e $ey a!ked o you abou
akin# anibioic"'7
7<ea$, I%-e a!ready "ared,7 (aurice "aid' 7Bu i bu&" &e ou abou
$e do#' I "$ou!d $a-e been infor&ed'7
7T$ere%" a!"o $e i""ue of ra-e!,7 Jack "aid' 7I wa" o!d your wife
didn% do any recen ra-e!in#'7
7T$a%" ri#$,7 (aurice "aid' 7*$e wa" prey unco&forab!e wi$ $er
pre#nancy, e"pecia!!y wi$ $er back prob!e&' =e $a-en% #one anyw$ere
e+cep o our $ou"e up in Connecicu'7
7=$en wa" $e !a" -i"i o Connecicu?7 Jack a"ked'
7Abou a week and a $a!f a#o,7 (aurice "aid' 7*$e !iked i up $ere'7
7I" i rura! ?7 Jack a"ked'
7*e-eny acre" of fie!d" and fore" !and,7 (aurice "aid proud!y' 7Beau-
ifu! "po' =e $a-e our own pond'7
72id your wife e-er #o ou ino $e wood"?7 Jack a"ked'
7A!! $e i&e,7 (aurice "aid' 7T$a wa" $er &ain en:oy&en' *$e
!iked o feed $e deer and $e rabbi"'7
7=ere $ere &any rabbi"?7 Jack a"ked'
7<ou know rabbi",7 (aurice "aid' 73-ery i&e we wen up $ere
$ere were &ore of $e&' I acua!!y $ou#$ $ey were a pain in $e neck'
In $e "prin# and "u&&er $ey ae a!! $e #odda&n f!ower"'7 7Any prob!e& wi$
ra"?7
7No $a I know of,7 (aurice "aid' 7Are you "ure $i" i" a!! "i#nifi-
can?7
7=e ne-er know,7 Jack "aid' 7=$a abou your -i"ior fro& India?7
7T$a wa" (r' *-ina"$an,7 (aurice "aid' 74e%" a bu"ine"" ac>uain-
ance fro& Bo&bay' 4e "ayed wi$ u" for a!&o" a week'7
74&&,7 Jack "aid, re&e&berin# $e p!a#ue oubreak in 199A in Bo&-
bay' 7A" far a" you know, $e%" $ea!$y and we!!?7 7A" far a" I know,7 (aurice
"aid'
74ow abou #i-in# $i& a ca!!,7 Jack "u##e"ed' 7If $e%" been "ick, !e
&e know'7
7No prob!e&,7 (aurice "aid' 7<ou don% $ink $e cou!d $a-e been in-
-o!-ed, do you? Afer a!!, $i" -i"i wa" $ree week" a#o'7
7T$i" epi"ode $a" baff!ed &e,7 Jack ad&ied' 7I%& no ru!in# any-
$in# ou' =$a abou 2ona!d Node!&an? 2id you or your wife know
$i&?7
7=$o%" $e?7 (aurice a"ked'
74e wa" $e fir" -ici& in $i" p!a#ue oubreak,7 Jack "aid' 74e wa"
a paien in $e (an$aan Genera!' I%d be curiou" if your wife &i#$ $a-e
-i"ied $i&' 4e wa" on $e "a&e f!oor'7
7In OB-G<N?7 (aurice >ue"ioned wi$ "urpri"e'
74e wa" on $e &edica! ward on $e oppo"ie "ide of $e bui!din#' 4e
wa" in $e $o"pia! for diabee"'7
7=$ere did $e !i-e?7
7T$e Bron+,7 Jack "aid'
7I doub i,7 (aurice "aid' 7=e don% know anyone fro& $e Bron+'7
7One !a" >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid' 72id your wife $appen o -i"i $e $o"-
pia! durin# $e week prior o $er ad&i""ion?7
7*$e $aed $o"pia!",7 (aurice "aid' 7I wa" difficu! o #e $er o #o
e-en w$en "$e wa" in !abor'7
Jack $anked (aurice and $un# up'
7Now w$o you ca!!in#?7 C$e a"ked a" Jack dia!ed a#ain'
7T$e $u"band of &y fir" ca"e $i" &ornin#,7 Jack "aid' 7A !ea" we
know $i" ca"e $ad p!a#ue for "ure'7
7=$y don% you !e $e .A" &ake $e"e ca!!"?7 C$e a"ked'
7Becau"e I can% e!! $e& w$a o a"k,7 Jack "aid' 7I don% know w$a
I%& !ookin# for' I :u" $a-e $i" "u"picion $a $ere i" "o&e &i""in# piece
of infor&aion' A!"o I%& :u" p!ain inere"ed' T$e &ore I $ink abou $i"
epi"ode of p!a#ue in New <ork in (arc$, $e &ore uni>ue I $ink i i"'7
(r' 4arry (ue!!er wa" a far cry fro& (r' (aurice 4ard' 4e wa" de--
a"aed by $i" !o"" and $ad roub!e "peakin# de"pie a profe""ed wi!!in#-
ne"" o be cooperai-e' No wi"$in# o add o $e &an%" burden, Jack ried
o be >uick' Afer corroborain# Janice%" repor of no pe" or ra-e! and
no recen -i"ior", Jack wen $rou#$ $e "a&e >ue"ion" concernin#
2ona!d Node!&an a" $e $ad wi$ (aurice'
7I%& cerain &y wife did no know $i" indi-idua!,7 4arry "aid, 7and
"$e rare!y &e any paien" direc!y, e"pecia!!y "ick paien"'7
72id your wife work in cenra! "upp!y for a !on# i&e?7 Jack a"ked'
7Tweny-one year",7 4arry "aid'
72id "$e e-er co&e down wi$ any i!!ne"" $a "$e $ou#$ "$e%d con-
raced a $e $o"pia! ?7 Jack a"ked'
7(aybe if one of $er co-worker" $ad a co!d,7 4arry "aid' 7Bu no$-
in# &ore $an $a'7
7T$ank you, (r' (ue!!er,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou%-e been &o" kind'7
76a$erine wou!d $a-e waned &e o $e!p,7 4arry "aid' 7*$e wa" a
#ood per"on'7
Jack $un# up $e p$one bu !ef $i" $and" dru&&in# on $e recei-er'
4e wa" a#iaed'
7Nobody, inc!udin# &e, $a" any idea w$a $e $e!! i" #oin# on $ere,7
$e "aid'
7True,7 C$e "aid' 7Bu i%" no your worry' T$e ca-a!ry $a" a!ready
arri-ed' I $eard $a $e ciy epide&io!o#i" wa" o-er $ere ob"er-in# $i"
&ornin#'7
74e wa" $ere a!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu i wa" in de"peraion' T$a !i-
!e werp $a"n% $e fo##ie" noion of w$a%" #oin# on' If i weren% for
$e C2C%" "endin# "o&eone up $ere fro& A!ana, no$in# wou!d be $ap-
penin#' A !ea" "o&eone%" ou $ere rappin# ra" and !ookin# for a re"er-
-oir'7
*udden!y Jack pu"$ed back fro& $e de"k, #o up, and pu!!ed on $i"
bo&ber :acke'
7)$-o$87 C$e "aid' 7I "en"e roub!e' =$ere are you #oin#?7
7I%& $eadin# back o $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 7(y #u "en"e e!!" &e
$e &i""in# infor&aion i" o-er $ere a $e $o"pia!, and by God I%& #oin#
o find i'7
7=$a abou Bin#$a& ?7 C$e "aid ner-ou"!y'
7Co-er for &e,7 Jack "aid' 7If I%& !ae for T$ur"day conference, e!!
$i&'''7 Jack pau"ed a" $e ried o $ink up "o&e appropriae e+cu"e, bu
no$in# ca&e o &ind' 7O$, "crew i,7 $e "aid' 7I won% be $a !on#' I%!!
be back way before conference' If anybody ca!!", e!! $e& I%& in $e
:o$n'7
I#norin# fur$er p!ea" o recon"ider, Jack !ef and rode upown' 4e
arri-ed in !e"" $an fifeen &inue" and !ocked $i" bike o $e "a&e "i#n-
po" a" $e day before'
T$e fir" $in# Jack did wa" ake $e $o"pia! e!e-aor up o $e "e--
en$ f!oor and reconnoier' 4e "aw $ow $e OB-G<N and &edica! ward"
were co&p!ee!y "eparae wi$ou "$arin# any co&&on faci!iie" !ike
!oun#e" or !a-aorie"' 4e a!"o "aw $a $e -eni!aion "y"e& wa" de"i#ned
"o a" o prec!ude any &o-e&en of air fro& one ward o $e o$er'
.u"$in# $rou#$ $e "win#in# door" ino $e OB-G<N area, Jack
wa!ked down o $e cenra! de"k'
73+cu"e &e,7 $e "aid o a ward "ecreary' 72oe" $i" ward "$are any
per"onne! wi$ $e &edica! ward acro"" $e e!e-aor !obby?7
7No, no $a I know of,7 $e youn# &an "aid' 4e !ooked abou fif-
een wi$ a co&p!e+ion $a "u##e"ed $e $ad ye o "$a-e' 73+cep, of
cour"e, c!eanin# peop!e' Bu $ey c!ean a!! o-er $e $o"pia!'7
7Good poin,7 Jack "aid' 4e $adn% $ou#$ of $e $ou"ekeepin# de-
par&en' I wa" "o&e$in# o con"ider' Jack $en a"ked w$ic$ roo& *u-
"anne 4ard $ad occupied'
7Can I a"k w$a $i" i" in reference o?7 $e ward c!erk a"ked' 4e $ad
fina!!y noiced $a Jack wa" no wearin# a $o"pia! I2' 4o"pia!" a!! re-
>uire idenificaion bad#e" of $eir e&p!oyee", bu $en fre>uen!y do no
$a-e $e per"onne! o enforce co&p!iance'
Jack ook ou $i" (3 bad#e and f!a"$ed i' I $ad $e de"ired effec'
T$e ward "ecreary o!d Jack $a (r"' 4ard $ad been in roo& 9A2'
Jack "ared ou for $e roo&, bu $e ward c!erk ca!!ed ou o $i& $a
i wa" >uaranined and e&porari!y "ea!ed'
Be!ie-in# $a -iewin# $e roo& wou!d no $a-e been en!i#$enin#
anyway, Jack !ef $e "e-en$ f!oor and de"cended o $e $ird, w$ic$
$ou"ed $e "ur#ica! "uie", $e reco-ery roo&, $e inen"i-e-care uni", and
cenra! "upp!y' I wa" a bu"y area wi$ a !o of paien raffic'
Jack pu"$ed $rou#$ a pair of "win#in# door" ino cenra! "upp!y and
wa" confroned by an un&anned couner' Beyond $e couner wa" an
i&&en"e &a;e of f!oor-o-cei!in# &ea! "$e!-in# !aden wi$ a!! $e
"undry e>uip&en and "upp!ie" needed by a !ar#e, bu"y $o"pia!' In and
ou of $e &a;e &o-ed a ea& of peop!e aired in "crub", w$ie coa",
and $a" $a !ooked !ike "$ower cap"' A radio p!ayed "o&ew$ere in $e
di"ance'
Afer Jack $ad "ood a $e couner for a few &inue", a robu" and
-i#orou" wo&an cau#$ "i#$ of $i& and ca&e o-er' 4er na&e a# "aid
7G!ady" Gare!!i, *uper-i"or'7 *$e a"ked if $e needed "o&e $e!p' 7I waned o
in>uire abou 6a$erine
(ue!!er,7 Jack "aid'
7God re" $er "ou!,7 G!ady" "aid' *$e &ade $e "i#n of $e cro""' 7I
wa" a errib!e $in#'7
Jack inroduced $i&"e!f by di"p!ayin# $i" bad#e, $en >ue"ioned
w$e$er "$e and $er co-worker" were concerned $a 6a$erine $ad died
of an infeciou" di"ea"e'
7Of cour"e we%re concerned,7 "$e "aid' 7=$o wou!dn% be? =e a!!
work c!o"e!y wi$ one ano$er' Bu w$a can you do? A !ea" $e $o"pi-
a! i" concerned a" we!!' T$ey $a-e u" a!! on anibioic", and $ank God,
no one i" "ick'7
74a" any$in# !ike $i" e-er $appened before?7 Jack a"ked' 7=$a I
&ean i", a paien died of p!a#ue :u" $e day before 6a$erine' T$a "u#-
#e"" $a 6a$erine cou!d -ery we!! $a-e cau#$ i $ere a $e $o"pia!'
I don% &ean o "care you, bu $o"e are $e fac"'7
7=e%re a!! aware of i,7 G!ady" "aid' 7Bu i%" ne-er $appened before'
I i&a#ine i%" $appened in nur"in#, bu no $ere in cenra! "upp!y'7
72o you peop!e $a-e any paien conac?7 Jack a"ked'
7No rea!!y,7 G!ady" "aid' 7Occa"iona!!y we &i#$ run up o $e ward",
bu i%" ne-er o "ee a paien direc!y'7
7=$a wa" 6a$erine doin# $e week before "$e died ?7 Jack a"ked'
7I%11 $a-e o !ook $a up,7 G!ady" "aid' *$e &oioned for Jack o fo!-
!ow $er' *$e !ed Jack ino a iny, window!e"" office w$ere "$e cracked
open a !ar#e, c!o$-bound dai!y !ed#er'
7A""i#n&en" are ne-er oo "ric,7 G!ady" "aid' 4er fin#er ran down
a row of na&e"' 7=e a!! kinda pic$ in a" needed, bu I #i-e "o&e ba"ic
re"pon"ibi!iy o "o&e of $e &ore "enior peop!e'7 4er fin#er "opped, $en
&o-ed acro"" $e pa#e' 7Okay, 6a$erine wa" &ore or !e"" in c$ar#e of
"upp!ie" o $e ward"'7
7=$a doe" $a &ean?7 Jack a"ked'
7=$ae-er $ey needed,7 G!ady" "aid' 73-ery$in# e+cep dru#" and
$a "or of "uff' T$a co&e" fro& p$ar&acy'7
7<ou &ean !ike $in#" for $e paien"% roo&" ?7 Jack a"ked'
7*ure, for $e roo&", for $e nur"e"% "aion, e-ery$in#,7 G!ady" "aid'
7T$i" i" w$ere i a!! co&e" fro&' =i$ou u" $e $o"pia! wou!d #rind o
a $a! in weny-four $our"'7
7Gi-e &e an e+a&p!e of $e $in#" you dea! wi$ for $e roo&",7 Jack
"aid'
7I%& e!!in# you, e-ery$in#87 G!ady" "aid wi$ a ouc$ of irriaion in
$er -oice' 7Bedpan", $er&o&eer", $u&idifier", pi!!ow", pic$er", "oap'
3-ery$in#'7
7<ou wou!dn% $a-e any record of 6a$erine #oin# up o $e "e-en$
f!oor durin# $e !a" week or "o, wou!d you?7
7No,7 G!ady" "aid' 7=e don% keep record" !ike $a' I cou!d prin ou
for you e-ery$in# "en up $ere, $ou#$' T$a we $a-e a record of'7
7Okay,7 Jack "aid' 7I%!! ake w$a I can #e'7
7I%" #oin# o be a !o of "uff,7 G!ady" warned a" "$e &ade an enry
ino $er co&puer er&ina!' 72o you wan OB-G<N or &edica! or bo$?7
"$e a"ked'
7(edica!,7 Jack "aid'
G!ady" nodded, pecked a a few &ore key" on $er er&ina!, and "oon
$er priner wa" crankin# away' In a few &inue" "$e $anded Jack a "ack
of paper"' 4e #!anced $rou#$ $e&' A" G!ady" $ad "u##e"ed $ere
were a !o of ie&"' T$e !en#$ of $e !i" #a-e Jack re"pec for $e !o#i"-
ic" of runnin# $e in"iuion'
5ea-in# cenra! "upp!y, Jack de"cended a f!oor and wandered ino $e
!ab' 4e did no fee! $e wa" &akin# any pro#re"", bu $e refu"ed o #i-e
up' 4i" con-icion re&ained $a $ere wa" "o&e &a:or &i""in# piece of
infor&aion' 4e :u" didn% know w$ere $e wou!d find i'
Jack a"ked $e "a&e recepioni" o w$o& $e%d "$own $i" bad#e $e
day before for direcion" o &icrobio!o#y, w$ic$ "$e #a-e $i& wi$ou
>ue"ion'
Jack wa!ked unc$a!!en#ed $rou#$ $e e+en"i-e !ab' I wa" an odd
fee!in# o "ee "o &uc$ i&pre""i-e e>uip&en runnin# unaended' I re-
&inded Jack of $e direcor%" !a&en $e day before $a $e%d been forced
o cu $i" per"onne! by weny percen'
Jack found Nancy =i##en" workin# a a !ab benc$ p!ain# baceria!
cu!ure"'
74owdy,7 Jack "aid' 7Re&e&ber &e?7
Nancy #!anced up and $en back a $er work'
7Of cour"e,7 "$e "aid'
7<ou #uy" &ade $e dia#no"i" on $e "econd p!a#ue ca"e :u" fine,7 $e
"aid'
7I%" ea"y w$en you "u"pec i,7 Nancy "aid' 7Bu we didn% do "o we!!
on $e $ird ca"e'7
7I wa" #oin# o a"k you abou $a,7 Jack "aid' 7=$a did $e #ra& "ain
!ook !ike ?7
7I didn% do i,7 Nancy "aid' 7Be$ 4o!derne"" did' 2o you wan o a!k
wi$ $er ?7
7I wou!d,7 Jack "aid'
Nancy "!id off $er "oo! and di"appeared' Jack ook $e opporuniy o
#!ance around a $e &icrobio!o#y "ecion of $e !ab' 4e wa" i&pre""ed'
(o" !ab", paricu!ar!y &icrobio!o#y !ab", $ad an in-ariab!e c!uer' T$i"
!ab wa" differen' I appeared $i#$!y efficien wi$ e-ery$in# cry"a!-
c!ean and in i" p!ace' 74i, I%& Be$87
Jack urned o find $i&"e!f before a "&i!in#, ou#oin# wo&an in $er
&id-wenie"' *$e e+uded a c$eer!eader-!ike ;ea! $a wa" infeciou"'
4er $air wa" i#$!y per&ed and radiaed away fro& $er face a" if
c$ar#ed wi$ "aic e!ecriciy'
Jack inroduced $i&"e!f and wa" i&&ediae!y c$ar&ed by Be$%" na-
ura! con-er"aion' *$e wa" one of $e friend!ie" wo&en $e%d e-er &e'
7=e!!, I%& "ure you didn% co&e $ere o #ab,7 Be$ "aid' 7I under"and
you are inere"ed in $e #ra& "ain on *u"anne 4ard' Co&e on 8 I%" wai-
in# for you'7
Be$ !iera!!y #rabbed Jack by $e "!ee-e and pu!!ed $i& around o $er
work area' 4er &icro"cope wa" "e up wi$ 4ard%" "!ide po"iioned on
i" p!afor& and $e i!!u&inaor "wic$ed on'
7*i your"e!f ri#$ $ere,7 Be$ "aid a" "$e #uided Jack%" !ower $a!f
ono $er "oo!' 74ow i" $a? 5ow enou#$?7
7I%" perfec,7 Jack "aid' 4e !eaned forward and peered ino $e eye-
piece"' I ook a &o&en for $i" eye" o adap' =$en $ey did, $e cou!d
"ee $e fie!d wa" fi!!ed wi$ reddi"$-"ained baceria'
7Noice $ow p!eo&orp$ic $e &icrobe" are,7 a &a!e -oice co&&ened'
Jack !ooked up' Ric$ard, $e $ead ec$, $ad &aeria!i;ed and wa"
"andin# o Jack%" i&&ediae !ef, a!&o" ouc$in# $i&' 7I didn% &ean o be
"uc$ a bo$er,7 Jack "aid'
7No bo$er,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7In fac, I%& inere"ed in your opinion' =e
"i!! $a-en% &ade a dia#no"i" on $i" ca"e' No$in# $a" #rown ou, and I
pre"u&e you know $a $e e" for p!a#ue wa" ne#ai-e'7
7*o I $eard,7 Jack "aid' 4e pu $i" eye" back o $e &icro"cope and
peered in a#ain' 7I don% $ink you wan &y opinion' I%& no "o #ood a
$i" "uff,7 $e ad&ied'
7Bu you do "ee $e p!eo&orp$i"&?7 Ric$ard "aid'
7I "uppo"e,7 :ack "aid' 7T$ey%re prey "&a!! baci!!i' *o&e of $e& a!-
&o" !ook "p$erica!, or a& I !ookin# a $e& on end ?7
7I be!ie-e you are "eein# $e& a" $ey are,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7T$a%" &ore
p!eo&orp$i"& $an you "ee wi$ p!a#ue' T$a%" w$y Be$ and I doubed
i wa" p!a#ue' Of cour"e, we weren% "ure uni! $e f!uore"cein anibody
wa" ne#ai-e'7
Jack !ooked up fro& $e "cope' 7If i%" no p!a#ue, w$a do you $ink
i i"?7
Ric$ard #a-e a !i!e e&barra""ed !au#$' 7I don% know'7
Jack !ooked a Be$' 7=$a abou you? Care o ake a c$ance?7
Be$ "$ook $er $ead' 7No if Ric$ard won%,7 "$e "aid dip!o&aica!!y'
7Can% "o&eone e-en $a;ard a #ue""?7 Jack a"ked'
Ric$ard "$ook $i" $ead' 7No &e' I%& a!way" wron# w$en I #ue""'7
7<ou weren% wron# abou p!a#ue,7 Jack re&inded $i&'
7T$a wa" :u" !ucky,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e f!u"$ed'
7=$a%" #oin# on $ere,7 an irriaed -oice ca!!ed ou'
Jack%" $ead "wun# around in $e oppo"ie direcion' Beyond Be$ wa"
$e direcor of $e !ab, (arin C$e-eau' 4e wa" "andin# wi$ $i" !e#"
apar, $i" $and" on $i" $ip", and $i" &u"ac$e >ui-erin#' Be$ind $i& wa"
2r' (ary Gi&&er&an, and be$ind $er wa" C$ar!e" 6e!!ey'
Jack #o o $i" fee' T$e !ab ec$" "!unk back' T$e a&o"p$ere wa" "ud-
den!y en"e' T$e !ab direcor wa" c!ear!y irae'
7Are you $ere in an officia! capaciy?7 (arin de&anded' 7If "o, I%d
!ike o know w$y you didn% $a-e $e co&&on coure"y o co&e o &y
office in"ead of "neakin# in $ere? =e $a-e a cri"i" unfo!din# in $i" $o"-
pia!, and $i" !ab i" in $e &idd!e of i' I a& no abou o brook inerfer-
ence fro& anyone'7
7=$oa87 Jack "aid' 7Ca!& down'7 4e $adn% e+peced $i" b!owup, e"-
pecia!!y fro& (arin, w$o $ad been "o $o"piab!e $e day before'
72on% e!! &e o ca!& down,7 (arin "napped' 7=$a $e de-i! are
you doin# $ere, anyway ?7
7I%& :u" doin# &y :ob, in-e"i#ain# $e dea$" of 6a$erine (ue!!er
and *u"anne 4ard,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ard!y $ink I%& inerferin#' In fac I
$ou#$ I wa" bein# ra$er di"cree'7
7I" $ere "o&e$in# in paricu!ar you are !ookin# for in &y !ab?7 (ar-
in de&anded'
7I wa" :u" #oin# o-er a #ra& "ain wi$ your capab!e "aff,7 Jack "aid'
7<our officia! &andae i" o deer&ine $e cau"e and $e &anner of
dea$,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid, pu"$in# $er way in fron of (arin'
7<ou%-e done $a'7
7No >uie,7 Jack correced' 7=e $a-en% &ade a dia#no"i" on *u-
"anne 4ard'7 4e reurned $e infecion-conro! officer%" beady "are'
*ince "$e wa"n% wearin# $e &a"k "$e%d $ad on $e day before, Jack wa"
ab!e o appreciae $ow "ern $er $in-!ipped face wa"'
7<ou $a-en% &ade a "pecific dia#no"i" in $e 4ard ca"e,7 2r' Gi&-
&er&an correced, 7bu you $a-e &ade a dia#no"i" of a faa! infeciou"
di"ea"e' )nder $e circu&"ance" I $ink $a i" ade>uae'7
7Ade>uae $a" ne-er been &y #oa! in &edicine,7 :ack "aid'
7Nor &ine,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "$o back' 7Nor i" i for $e Cener" for
2i"ea"e Conro! or $e Ciy Board of 4ea!$, w$o are aci-e!y in-e"i-
#ain# $i" unforunae inciden' Crank!y your pre"ence $ere i" di"rup-
i-e'7
7Are you "ure $ey don% need a !i!e $e!p?7 Jack a"ked' 4e cou!dn%
$o!d back $e "arca"&'
7I%d "ay your pre"ence i" &ore $an di"rupi-e,7 6e!!ey "aid' 7In fac,
you%-e been downri#$ "!anderou"' <ou cou!d -ery we!! be $earin# fro&
our !awyer"'7
7=$oa87 :ack "aid a#ain, !ifin# $i" $and" a" if o fend off a bodi!y a-
ack' 72i"rupi-e I can a !ea" co&pre$end' *!anderou" i" ridicu!ou"'7
7No fro& &y poin of -iew,7 6e!!ey "aid' 7T$e "uper-i"or in cenra!
"upp!y "aid you o!d $er 6a$erine (ue!!er $ad conraced $er i!!ne"" on
$e :ob'7
7And $a $a" no been e"ab!i"$ed,7 2r' Gi&&er&an added'
7)erin# "uc$ an un"ub"aniaed "ae&en i" defa&aory o $i" in-
"iuion and in:uriou" o i" repuaion,7 6e!!ey "napped'
7And cou!d $a-e a ne#ai-e i&pac on i" "ock -a!ue,7 Jack "aid'
7And $a oo,7 6e!!ey a#reed'
7T$e roub!e i" I didn% "ay (ue!!er $ad conraced $er i!!ne"" on $e
:ob,7 Jack "aid' 7I "aid "$e cou!d $a-e done "o' T$ere%" a bi# difference'7
7(r"' Gare!!i o!d u" you o!d $er i wa" a fac,7 6e!!ey "aid'
7I o!d $er %$o"e were $e fac"% referrin# o $e po""ibi!iy,7 Jack
"aid'
7Bu !ook, we%re >uibb!in#' T$e rea! fac i" $a you peop!e are o-er!y de-
fen"i-e' I &ake" &e wonder abou your no"oco&ia! infecion $i"ory'
=$a%" $e "ory $ere ?7
6e!!ey urned purp!e' Gi-en $e &an%" ini&idain# "i;e ad-ana#e,
:ack ook a proeci-e "ep backward'
7Our no"oco&ia! infecion e+perience i" none of your bu"ine"",7 6e!-
!ey "puered'
7T$a%" "o&e$in# I%& be#innin# o >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I%!! "a-e
!ookin# ino i for ano$er i&e' I%" been nice "eein# you a!! a#ain' Bye'7
Jack broke off fro& $e #roup and "rode away' 4e $eard "udden
&o-e&en be$ind $i& and crin#ed, $a!f e+pecin# a beaker or "o&e
o$er $andy piece of !aboraory parap$erna!ia o "ai! pa" $i" ear' Bu $e
reac$ed $e door o $e $a!!way wi$ou inciden' 2e"cendin# a f!oor, $e
un!ocked $i" bike and $eaded "ou$'
Jack wea-ed in and ou of $e raffic, &ar-e!in# a $i" !ae" bru"$ wi$
A&eriCare' (o" confu"in# wa" $e "en"ii-iy of $e peop!e in-o!-ed'
3-en (arin, w$o%d been friend!y $e day before, now aced a" if Jack
were $e ene&y' =$a cou!d $ey a!! be $idin#? And w$y $ide i fro&
Jack?
Jack didn% know w$o a $e $o"pia! $ad a!ered $e ad&ini"raion
of $i" pre"ence, bu $e $ad a #ood idea w$o wou!d be infor&in# Bin#-
$a& $a $e%d been $ere' Jack enerained no i!!u"ion" abou 6e!!ey co&-
p!ainin# abou $i& a#ain'
Jack wa"n% di"appoined' A" "oon a" $e ca&e in $e recei-in# bay, $e
"ecuriy &an "opped $i&'
7I wa" o!d o e!! you o #o direc!y o $e c$ief%" office,7 $e &an "aid'
72r' =a"$in#on $i&"e!f #a-e &e $e &e""a#e'7
A" Jack !ocked $i" bike, $e ried o $ink of w$a $e wa" #oin# o "ay
o Bin#$a&' No$in# ca&e o &ind'
=$i!e a"cendin# in $e e!e-aor, Jack decided $e%d "wic$ o offen"e
"ince $e cou!dn% $ink of any defen"e' 4e wa" "i!! for&u!ain# an idea
w$en $e pre"ened $i&"e!f in fron of (r"' *anford%" de"k'
7<ou%re o #o ri#$ in,7 (r"' *anford "aid' A" u"ua! "$e didn% !ook up
fro& $er work'
Jack "epped around $er de"k and enered Bin#$a&%" office' I&&edi-
ae!y $e "aw $a Bin#$a& wa"n% a!one' Ca!-in%" $u#e $u!k wa" $o-er-
in# near $e #!a""-froned bookca"e'
7C$ief, we $a-e a prob!e&,7 Jack "aid earne"!y' 4e &o-ed o-er
o Bin#$a&%" de"k and #a-e i a ap wi$ $i" fi" for e&p$a"i"' 7=e
don% $a-e a dia#no"i" on $e 4ard ca"e, and we #o o #i-e i o $e&
A*A.' If we don% we%re #oin# o !ook bad, e"pecia!!y $e way $e
pre"" i" a!! "irred up abou $e p!a#ue' I e-en wen a!! $e way o-er o
$e Genera! o ake a !ook a $e #ra& "ain' )nforunae!y, i didn%
$e!p'7
Bin#$a& re#arded :ack curiou"!y wi$ $i" r$eu&y eye"' 4e%d been
abou o !a&ba"e :ackD now $e de&urred' In"ead of "peakin# $e re-
&o-ed $i" wire-ri&&ed "pecac!e" and ab"en!y c!eaned $e& w$i!e $e
con"idered :ack%" word"' 4e #!anced o-er a Ca!-in' Ca!-in re"ponded
by "eppin# up o $e de"k' 4e wa"n% foo!ed by :ack%" ru"e'
7=$a $e $e!! are you a!kin# abou?7 Ca!-in de&anded'
7*u"anne 4ard,7 :ack "aid' 7<ou re&e&ber' T$e ca"e you and I $a-e
$e en-do!!ar doub!e-or-no$in# be on'7
7A be87 Bin#$a& >ue"ioned' 7I" $ere #a&b!in# #oin# on in $i" of-
rice?7
7No rea!!y, C$ief,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I wa" :u" a way of &akin# a poin'
I%" no rouine'7
7I "$ou!d $ope no,7 Bin#$a& "napped' 7I don% wan any wa#er-
in# around $ere, e"pecia!!y no in re#ard o dia#no"e"' T$a%" no $e
kind of $in# I%d !ike o "ee in $e pre""' Our criic" wou!d $a-e a fie!d
day'7
7Gein# back o *u"anne 4ard,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& a a !o"" a" o $ow o
proceed' I%d $oped $a by a!kin# direc!y o $e $o"pia! !ab peop!e I
&i#$ $a-e &ade "o&e $eadway, bu i didn% work' =$a do you $ink
I "$ou!d do now?7 :ack waned $e con-er"aion o &o-e away fro& $e
#a&b!in# i""ue' I &i#$ di-er Bin#$a&, bu :ack knew $e%d $a-e $e!!
o pay wi$ Ca!-in !aer on'
7I%& a !i!e confu"ed,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7!u" ye"erday I "pecifica!!y
o!d you o "ay around $ere and #e your back!oad of ca"e" "i#ned ou' I
e"pecia!!y o!d you o "ay $e $e!! away fro& $e (an$aan Genera! 4o"-
pia!'7
7T$a wa" if I were #oin# $ere for per"ona! rea"on",7 Jack "aid' 7I
wa"n%' T$i" wa" a!! bu"ine""'7
7T$en $ow $e $e!! did you &ana#e o #e $e ad&ini"raor a!! ben
ou of "$ape a#ain?7 Bin#$a& de&anded' 74e ca!!ed $e da&n &ayor%"
office for $e "econd day in a row' T$e &ayor wan" o know if you $a-e
"o&e "or of &ena! prob!e& or w$e$er I $a-e a &ena! prob!e& for $ir-
in# you'7
7I $ope you rea""ured $i& we%re bo$ nor&a!,7 :ack "aid'
72on% be i&perinen on op of e-ery$in# e!"e,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7To e!! you $e $one" ru$,7 :ack "aid, 7I $a-en% $e "!i#$e" idea
w$y $e ad&ini"raor #o up"e' (aybe $e pre""ure of $i" p!a#ue
epi"ode $a" #oen o e-erybody o-er $ere, becau"e $ey%re a!! acin#
weird'7
7*o now e-eryone "ee&" weird o you,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7=e!!, no e-eryone,7 :ack ad&ied' 7Bu $ere%" "o&e$in# "ran#e
#oin# on, I%& "ure of i'7
Bin#$a& !ooked up a Ca!-in, w$o "$ru##ed and ro!!ed $i" eye"' 4e
didn% under"and w$a :ack wa" a!kin# abou' Bin#$a&%" aenion re-
urned o :ack'
75i"en,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7I don% wan o fire you, "o don% &ake &e'
<ou%re a "&ar &an' <ou $a-e a fuure in $i" fie!d' Bu I%& warnin# you,
if you wi!!fu!!y di"obey &e and coninue o e&barra"" u" in $e co&&u-
niy, I%!! $a-e no o$er recour"e' Te!! &e you under"and'7
7.erfec!y,7 :ack "aid'
7Cine,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7T$en #e back o your work, and we%!! "ee you
!aer in conference'7
:ack ook $e cue and in"an!y di"appeared'
Cor a &o&en Bin#$a& and Ca!-in re&ained "i!en, eac$ !o" in $i"
own $ou#$"'
74e%" an odd duck,7 Bin#$a& "aid fina!!y' 7I can% read $i&'7
7Nor can I,7 Ca!-in "aid' 74i" "a-in# #race i" $a $e i" "&ar and ru!y
a $ard worker' 4e%" -ery co&&ied' =$ene-er $e%" on auop"y, $e%" a!-
way" $e fir" one in $e pi'7
7I know,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7T$a%" w$y I didn% fire $i& on $e "po' Bu
w$ere doe" $i" bra"$ne"" co&e fro&? 4e $a" o know i rub" peop!e $e
wron# way, ye $e doe"n% "ee& o care' 4e%" reck!e"", a!&o" "e!f-
de"ruci-e, a" $e ad&ied $i&"e!f ye"erday' =$y ?7
7I don% know,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7*o&ei&e" I #e $e fee!in# i%" an#er'
Bu direced a w$a? I $a-en% $e fo##ie"' I%-e ried o a!k wi$ $i&
a few i&e" on a per"ona! !e-e!, bu i%" !ike ">uee;in# waer ou of a
rock'7
T4)R*2A<, @/0B .'(', (ARC4 2I , 1991
Tere"e and Co!!een c!i&bed ou of $e cab on *econd A-enue beween
3i#$y-nin$ and 3i#$y-ei#$$ *ree" a few door" away fro& 3!aine%"
and wa!ked o $e re"auran' T$ey cou!dn% #e ou ri#$ in fron becau"e
of "e-era! !i&o" incon-enien!y doub!e-parked'
74ow do I !ook?7 Co!!een a"ked a" $ey pau"ed under $e can-a"
awnin#' *$e%d pu!!ed off $er coa for Tere"e%" in"pecion'
7Too #ood,7 Tere"e "aid, and "$e &ean i' Co!!een $ad di"carded $er
"i#naure "wea"$ir and :ean" for a "i&p!e b:ack dre"" $a re-ea!ed $er
a&p!e bu" o perfecion' Tere"e fe! dowdy by co&pari"on' *$e "i!! $ad
on $er ai!ored "ui $a "$e%d worn o work $a day, no $a-in# found
i&e o #o $o&e o c$an#e'
7I don% know w$y I%& "o ner-ou",7 Co!!een ad&ied'
7Re!a+,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=i$ $a dre"" 2r' (cGo-ern doe"n% "and a
c$ance'7
Co!!een #a-e $eir na&e" o $e &aire d% w$o i&&ediae!y indicaed
reco#niion' 4e &oioned for $e wo&en o fo!!ow $i&' 4e "ared o $e
rear'
I wa" an ob"ac!e cour"e of "or" o wea-e a&on# $e den"e!y packed
ab!e" and "curryin# waier"' Tere"e $ad $e "en"aion of bein# in a fi"$-
bow!' 3-eryone, &a!e and fe&a!e a!ike, #a-e $e& $e once-o-er a" $ey
pa""ed'
T$e &en were a a iny ab!e ">uee;ed ino $e far corner' T$ey #o
o $eir fee a" $e wo&en approac$ed' C$e $e!d ou Co!!een%" c$air' Jack
did $e "a&e for Tere"e' T$e wo&en draped $eir coa" o-er $e back"
of $e c$air" before "iin# down'
7<ou &en &u" know $e owner o $a-e #oen "uc$ a #rea ab!e,7
Tere"e "aid'
C$e, w$o &i"inerpreed Tere"e%" re&ark a" a co&p!i&en, bra##ed
$e%d been inroduced o 3!aine a year pre-iou"!y' 4e e+p!ained "$e wa"
$e wo&an "eaed a $e ca"$ re#i"er a $e end of $e bar'
7T$ey ried o "ea u" up in $e fron,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu we dec!ined' =e
$ou#$ you wo&en wou!dn% !ike $e draf fro& $e door'7
74ow $ou#$fu!,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Be"ide", $i" i" "o &uc$ &ore ini-
&ae'7
7<ou $ink "o?7 C$e >ue"ioned' 4i" face -i"ib!y bri#$ened' T$ey
were, in rea!iy, packed in !ike pro-erbia! "ardine"'
74ow cou!d you >ue"ion $er?7 Jack a"ked C$e' 7*$e%" "o "incere'7
7A!! ri#$, enou#$87 C$e "aid #ood-naured!y' 7I &i#$ be den"e, bu
e-enua!!y I cac$ on'7
T$ey ordered wine and appei;er" fro& $e waier w$o%d i&&ediae!y
appeared afer $e wo&en $ad arri-ed' Co!!een and C$e fe!! ino ea"y
con-er"aion' Tere"e and Jack coninued o be ea"in#!y "arca"ic wi$
eac$ o$er, bu e-enua!!y $e wine b!uned $eir wiici"&"' By $e i&e
$e &ain cour"e wa" "er-ed, $ey were con-er"in# con#enia!!y'
7=$a%" $e in"ide "coop on $e p!a#ue "iuaion?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7T$ere were wo &ore dea$" a $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 7.!u" a cou-
p!e of febri!e nur"e" are bein# reaed'7
7T$a wa" in $e &ornin# new",7 Tere"e "aid' 7Any$in# new?7
7On!y one of $e dea$" wa" acua!!y p!a#ue,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e o$er re-
"e&b!ed p!a#ue c!inica!!y, bu I per"ona!!y don% $ink i wa"'7
Tere"e "opped a forkfu! of pa"a &idway o $er &ou$' 7No?7 "$e
>ue"ioned' 7If i wa"n% p!a#ue, w$a wa" i?7
Jack "$ru##ed' 7I wi"$ I knew,7 $e "aid' 7I%& $opin# $e !ab can e!!
&e'7
7T$e (an$aan Genera! &u" be in an uproar,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%& #!ad
I%& no a paien $ere now' Bein# in $e $o"pia! i" "cary enou#$ under
$e be" of circu&"ance"' =i$ $e worry of di"ea"e" !ike p!a#ue around,
i &u" be errib!e'7
7T$e ad&ini"raion i" definie!y a#iaed,7 Jack "aid' 7And for #ood
rea"on' If i urn" ou $e p!a#ue ori#inaed $ere, i wi!! be $e fir" &od-
ern epi"ode of no"oco&ia! p!a#ue' T$a%" $ard!y an acco!ade a" far a" $e
$o"pia! i" concerned'7
7T$i" concep of no"oco&ia! infecion" i" new o &e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%d
ne-er $ou#$ &uc$ abou i before you and C$e a!ked abou $i" cur-
ren p!a#ue prob!e& !a" ni#$' 2o a!! $o"pia!" $a-e "uc$ prob!e&"?7
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" no co&&on know!ed#e, bu u"ua!!y fi-e
o en percen of $o"pia!i;ed paien" fa!! -ici& o infecion" conraced
w$i!e $ey are in $e $o"pia!'7
7(y God87 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ad no idea i wa" "uc$ a wide"pread p$e-
no&enon'7
7I%" a!! o-er,7 C$e a#reed' 73-ery $o"pia! $a" i, fro& $e acade&ic
i-ory ower o $e "&a!!e" co&&uniy $o"pia!' =$a &ake" i "o bad i"
$a $e $o"pia! i" $e wor" p!ace o #e an infecion becau"e &any of $e
bu#" $an#in# ou $ere are re"i"an o anibioic"'7
7O$, #rea87 Tere"e "aid cynica!!y' Afer "$e $ou#$ for a &o&en "$e
a"ked, 72o $o"pia!" differ "i#nifican!y in $eir infecion rae"?7 7Cor
"ure,7 C$e "aid'
7Are $e"e rae" known?7 Tere"e "aid'
7<e" and no,7 C$e "aid' 74o"pia!" are re>uired by $e Join Co&-
&i""ion of Accrediaion o keep record" of $eir infecion rae", bu $e
rae" aren% re!ea"ed o $e pub!ic'7
7T$a%" a ra-e"y87 Tere"e "aid wi$ a "urrepiiou" wink a Co!!een'
7If $e rae" #o o-er a cerain a&oun $e $o"pia! !o"e" i" accredia-
ion,7 C$e "aid' 7*o a!! i" no !o"'7
7Bu i%" $ard!y fair o $e pub!ic,7 Tere"e "aid' 7By no $a-in# acce""
o $o"e rae" peop!e can% &ake $eir own deci"ion" abou w$ic$ $o"pi-
a!" o paroni;e'7
C$e opened $i" $and" pa!&" up !ike a "upp!ican prie"' 7T$a%" po!-
iic",7 $e "aid'
7I $ink i%" awfu!,7 Tere"e "aid'
75ife%" no fair,7 :ack "aid'
Afer de""er and coffee C$e and Co!!een be#an ca&pai#nin# o #o
"o&ep!ace w$ere $ere wa" dancin#, !ike $e C$ina C!ub' Bo$ Tere"e
and :ack were di"inc!ined' C$e and Co!!een ried $eir be" o c$an#e
$eir &ind", bu $ey "oon #a-e up'
7<ou #uy" #o,7 Tere"e "aid'
7Are you "ure ?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7=e wou!dn% wan o $o!d you back,7 :ack "aid'
Co!!een !ooked a C$e'
75e%" #o for i,7 C$e "aid'
Ou"ide $e re"auran C$e and Co!!een $appi!y pi!ed ino a cab' :ack
and Tere"e wa-ed a" $ey dro-e off'
7I $ope $ey en:oy $e&"e!-e",7 Tere"e "aid' 7I cou!dn% $a-e $ou#$
of any$in# wor"e' *iin# in a "&oke-fi!!ed ni#$c!ub a""au!ed by &u"ic
!oud enou#$ o da&a#e &y ear" i" no &y idea of p!ea"ure'7
7A !ea" we%-e fina!!y found "o&e$in# we can a#ree on,7 :ack "aid'
Tere"e !au#$ed' *$e wa" be#innin# o appreciae :ack%" "en"e of $u&or'
I wa"n% oo di""i&i!ar fro& $er own'
Cor a &o&en of "e!f-con"ciou" indeci"ion $ey "ood a $e curb"ide,
eac$ !ookin# in a differen direcion' *econd A-enue wa" a!i-e wi$ re--
e!er" de"pie a nippy e&peraure in $e $i#$ $irie"' T$e air wa" c!ear
and $e "ky c!oud!e""'
7I $ink $e wea$er&an for#o i wa" $e fir" day of "prin#,7 Tere"e
"aid' *$e :a&&ed $er $and" ino $er coa pocke" and $unc$ed up $er
"$ou!der"'
7=e cou!d wa!k around $e corner o $a bar w$ere we were !a"
ni#$,7 :ack "u##e"ed'
7=e cou!d,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu I $a-e a beer idea' (y a#ency i" o-er
on (adi"on' I%" no oo far away' 4ow abou a >uick -i"i?7
7<ou%re in-iin# &e o your office de"pie knowin# $ow I fee! abou
ad-eri"in#?7 :ack a"ked'
7I $ou#$ i wa" on!y &edica! ad-eri"in# you were a#ain",7 Tere"e
"aid'
7T$e ru$ i" I%& no paricu!ar!y fond of ad-eri"in# in #enera!,7 :ack
"aid' 75a" ni#$ C$e :u&ped in before I $ad a c$ance o "ay i'7
7Bu you%re no oppo"ed o i per "e?7 Tere"e >ue"ioned'
7!u" $e &edica! kind,7 :ack "aid' 7Cor $e rea"on" I #a-e'7
7T$en $ow abou a >uick -i"i? =e do a !o &ore $an :u" &edica!
ad-eri"in#' <ou &i#$ find i en!i#$enin#'7
:ack ried o read $e wo&an be$ind $e "of, pa!e b!ue eye" and "en-
"uou" &ou$' 4e wa" confu"ed becau"e $e -u!nerabi!iy $ey "u##e"ed
wa"n% in "ync wi$ $e no-non"en"e, #oa!-oriened, dri-en wo&an $e "u"-
peced "$e wa"'
Tere"e &e $i" "are $ead-on and "&i!ed back co>uei"$!y' 7Be ad-
-enure"o&e87 "$e c$a!!en#ed'
7=$y do I $a-e $e fee!in# you $a-e an u!erior &oi-e?7 :ack a"ked'
7.robab!y becau"e I do,7 Tere"e free!y ad&ied' 7I%d !ike your ad-ice
on a new ad ca&pai#n' I wa"n% #oin# o ad&i you%d been a "i&u!u" for
a new idea, bu oni#$ durin# dinner I c$an#ed &y &ind abou e!!in#
you'7
7I don% know w$e$er o fee! u"ed or co&p!i&ened,7 :ack "aid' 74ow
did I $appen o #i-e you an idea for an ad?7
7A!! $i" a!k abou p!a#ue a $e (an$aan Genera! 4o"pia!,7 Tere"e
"aid' 7I &ade &e $ink "eriou"!y abou $e i""ue of no"oco&ia! infecion'7
:ack con"idered $i" "ae&en for a &o&en' T$en $e a"ked, 7And
w$y did you c$an#e your &ind abou e!!in# &e and a"kin# &y ad-ice?7
7Becau"e i "udden!y dawned on &e $a you &i#$ acua!!y appro-e
Bf$e ca&pai#n,7 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou o!d &e $e rea"on you were a#ain"
ad-eri"in# in &edicine wa" becau"e i didn% addre"" i""ue" of >ua!iy'
=e!!, ad" concernin# no"oco&ia! infecion" cerain!y wou!d'7 7I "uppo"e,7 Jack
"aid'
7O$, co&e on,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Of cour"e i wou!d' If a $o"pia! wa"
proud of i" record, w$y no !e $e pub!ic know?7
7A!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 7I #i-e up' 5e%" "ee $i" office of your"'7
4a-in# &ade $e deci"ion o #o, $ere wa" $e prob!e& of Jack%" bike'
A $a &o&en i wa" !ocked o a nearby No .arkin# "i#n' Afer a "$or
di"cu""ion $ey decided o !ea-e $e bike and #o o#e$er in a cab' Jack
wou!d re"cue $e bike !aer on $i" way $o&e'
=i$ !i!e raffic and a wi!d!y fa" and reck!e"" Ru""ian-e&i#re a+i
dri-er, $ey arri-ed a =i!!ow and 4ea$%" bui!din# in &inue"' Jack "a#-
#ered ou of $e rear of $e a+i'
7God87 $e "aid' 7.eop!e accu"e &e of akin# a ri"k ridin# &y bike in
$i" ciy' I%" no$in# !ike ridin# wi$ $a &aniac'7
A" if o under!ine Jack%" "ae&en, $e cab "$o away fro& $e curb
and di"appeared up (adi"on A-enue wi$ i" ire" "creec$in#'
A en-$iry $e office bui!din# wa" !ocked up i#$' Tere"e u"ed $er
ni#$ key, and $ey enered' T$eir $ee!" ec$oed noi"i!y in $e !one!y &ar-
b!e $a!!way' 3-en $e w$ine of $e e!e-aor "ee&ed !oud in $e "i!!ne""'
7Are you $ere ofen afer $our"?7 Jack a"ked'
Tere"e !au#$ed cynica!!y' 7A!! $e i&e,7 "$e "aid' 7I pracica!!y !i-e
$ere'7
T$ey rode up in "i!ence' =$en $e door" opened Jack wa" "$ocked o
find $e f!oor bri#$!y i!!u&inaed and bu"!in# wi$ aci-iy a" if i were
&idday' Toi!in# fi#ure" ben o-er &any of $e innu&erab!e drawin#
board"'
7=$a do you $a-e, wo "$if"?7 Jack a"ked'
Tere"e !au#$ed a#ain' 7Of cour"e no,7 "$e "aid' 7T$e"e peop!e $a-e
been $ere "ince ear!y $i" &ornin#' Ad-eri"in# i" a co&peii-e wor!d'
If you wan o &ake i, you $a-e o pu in your i&e' =e $a-e "e-era! re-
-iew" co&in# up'7
Tere"e e+cu"ed $er"e!f and wa!ked o-er o a wo&an a a nearby draw-
in# ab!e' =$i!e $ey con-er"ed, Jack%" eye" roa&ed $e e+pan"i-e "pace'
4e wa" "urpri"ed $ere were "o few pariion"' T$ere wa" on!y a $and-
fu! of "eparae roo&", w$ic$ "$ared a co&&on wa!! wi$ $e bank of e!-
e-aor"'
7A!ice i" #oin# o brin# in "o&e &aeria!,7 Tere"e "aid w$en "$e re-
:oined Jack' 7=$y don% we #o ino Co!!een%" office'7
Tere"e !ed $i& ino one of $e roo&" and urned on $e !i#$"' I wa"
iny, window!e"", and c!au"rop$obic w$en co&pared o $e -a" undi-
-ided "pace' I wa" a!"o c!uered wi$ paper", book", &a#a;ine", and
-ideoape"' T$ere were "e-era! ea"e!" "e up wi$ $ick pad" of drawin#
paper'
7I%& "ure Co!!een won% &ind if I c!ear away a !i!e area on $er de"k,7
Tere"e "aid a" "$e &o-ed a"ide "ack" of oran#e-co!ored racin# paper'
Ga$erin# up an ar&!oad of book", "$e "e $e& on $e f!oor' No "ooner
$ad "$e fini"$ed $an A!ice Gerber, ano$er of Tere"e%" a""ociae", ap-
peared'
Afer &akin# inroducion", Tere"e $ad A!ice run $rou#$ a nu&ber
of $e poenia! co&&ercia! idea" $ey%d co&ped up $a day'
Jack found $i&"e!f inere"ed &ore in $e proce"" $an $e conen'
4e%d ne-er "opped o $ink abou $ow T, co&&ercia!" were &ade,
and $e ca&e o appreciae $e creai-iy in-o!-ed and $e a&oun of
work'
I ook A!ice a >uarer $our o pre"en w$a "$e%d brou#$ in' =$en
"$e wa" fini"$ed, "$e #a$ered up $e i""ue" and !ooked a Tere"e for fur-
$er in"rucion"' Tere"e $anked $er and "en $er back o $er drawin#
board'
7*o $ere you $a-e i,7 Tere"e "aid o Jack' 7T$o"e%re "o&e of $e idea"
"e&&in# fro& $i" no"oco&ia! infecion i""ue' =$a do you $ink ?7
7I%& i&pre""ed wi$ $ow $ard you work on $i" "or of $in#,7 Jack
"aid'
7I%& &ore inere"ed in your reacion o $e conen,7 Tere"e "aid'
7=$a do you $ink of $e idea of 4ippocrae" co&in# ino $e $o"pia!
o award i $e %do no $ar&% &eda!?7
Jack "$ru##ed' 7I don% f!aer &y"e!f o $ink I $a-e $e abi!iy o in-
e!!i#en!y crii>ue a co&&ercia!'7
7O$, #i-e &e a break,7 Tere"e "aid, ro!!in# $er eye" o $e cei!in#' 7I
:u" wan your opinion a" a $u&an bein#' T$i" i"n% an ine!!ecua! >ui;'
=$a wou!d you $ink if you "aw $i" co&&ercia! on $e T,, "ay w$en
you were wac$in# $e *uper Bow!?7
7I%d $ink i wa" cue,7 Jack ad&ied'
7=ou!d i &ake you $ink $e Naiona! 4ea!$ $o"pia! &i#$ be a
#ood p!ace o #o, "ince i" no"oco&ia! infecion rae" were !ow?7 7I "uppo"e,7
Jack "aid'
7A!! ri#$,7 Tere"e "aid, ryin# o keep $er"e!f ca!&' 7(aybe you $a-e
"o&e o$er idea"' =$a e!"e cou!d we do?7
Jack pondered for a few &inue"' 7<ou cou!d do "o&e$in# abou
O!i-er =ende!! 4o!&e" and Jo"ep$ 5i"er'7 7=a"n% 4o!&e" a poe?7 Tere"e
a"ked'
74e wa" a!"o a docor,7 :ack "aid' 74e and 5i"er probab!y did &ore
for #ein# docor" o wa"$ $eir $and" w$en #oin# fro& paien o pa-
ien $an anybody' =e!!, *e&&e!wei" $e!ped oo' Anyway, $andwa"$-
in# wa" probab!y $e &o" i&poran !e""on $a needed o be !earned o
pre-en $o"pia!-ba"ed infecion"'7
74&&,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a "ound" inere"in#' .er"ona!!y, I !o-e pe-
riod piece"' 5e &e e!! A!ice o #e "o&eone o re"earc$ i'7
Jack fo!!owed Tere"e ou of Co!!een%" office and wac$ed $er a!k wi$
A!ice' I on!y ook $er a few &inue"'
7Okay,7 Tere"e "aid, re:oinin# Jack' 7*$e%!! "ar $e ba!! ro!!in#' 5e%"
#e ou of $ere'7
In $e e!e-aor Tere"e $ad ano$er "u##e"ion' 7=$y don% we ake a
run o-er o your office,7 "$e "aid' 7I%" on!y fair now $a you $a-e "een
&ine'7
7<ou don% wan o "ee i,7 Jack "aid' 7Tru" &e'7
7Try &e'7
7I%" $e ru$,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" no a prey p!ace'7
7I $ink i wou!d be inere"in#,7 Tere"e per"i"ed' 7I%-e on!y "een a
&or#ue in $e &o-ie"' =$o know", &aybe i wi!! #i-e &e "o&e idea"' Be-
"ide", "eein# w$ere you work &i#$ $e!p &e under"and you a !i!e &ore'7
7I%& no "ure I wan o be under"ood,7 Jack "aid'
T$e e!e-aor "opped and $e door" opened' T$ey wa!ked ou"ide'
T$ey pau"ed a $e curb'
7=$a do you "ay? I can% i&a#ine i wou!d ake oo !on#, and i%" no
errib!y !ae'7
7<ou are a per"i"en "or,7 Jack co&&ened' 7Te!! &e/ 2o you a!way"
#e your way ?7
7)"ua!!y,7 Tere"e ad&ied' T$en "$e !au#$ed' 7Bu I prefer o $ink
of &y"e!f a" enaciou"'7
7A!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid fina!!y' 7Bu don% "ay I didn% warn you'7
T$ey cau#$ a a+i' Afer :ack #a-e $e de"inaion $e dri-er !ooped
around and $eaded "ou$ on .ark A-enue'
7<ou #i-e &e $e i&pre""ion of bein# a !oner,7 Tere"e "aid'
7<ou%re -ery per"picaciou",7 Jack "aid'
7<ou don% $a-e o be "o cau"ic,7 Tere"e "aid'
7Cor once I wa"n%,7 :ack "aid'
T$e !a&ben ref!ecion" of $e "ree!i#$" p!ayed o-er $eir face" a"
$ey re#arded eac$ o$er in $e $a!f-!i#$ of $e a+i'
7I%" difficu! for a wo&an o know $ow o fee! around you,7 Tere"e
"aid'
7I cou!d "ay $e "a&e,7 Jack "aid'
74a-e you e-er been &arried?7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a i", if you don% &ind
&e a"kin#'7
7<e", I wa" &arried,7 Jack "aid'
7Bu i didn% work ou?7 Tere"e "aid !eadin#!y'
7T$ere wa" a prob!e&,7 Jack ad&ied' 7Bu I don% rea!!y care o a!k
abou i' 4ow abou you? =ere you e-er &arried?7
7<e", I wa",7 Tere"e "aid' *$e "i#$ed and !ooked ou $er window'
7Bu I don% !ike a!kin# abou i ei$er'7
7Now we $a-e wo $in#" we a#ree on,7 Jack "aid' 7=e bo$ fee! $e
"a&e abou ni#$c!ub" and a!kin# abou our for&er &arria#e"'7
Jack $ad #i-en direcion" o be dropped off a $e T$irie$ *ree en-
rance of $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office' 4e wa" #!ad o "ee $a bo$ &or-
uary -an" were #one' 4e $ou#$ $eir ab"ence wa" a "i#n $a $ere
wou!dn% be any fre"$ corp"e" !yin# around on #urney"' A!$ou#$ Tere"e
$ad in"i"ed on $e -i"i, $e wa" afraid of offendin# $er "en"ibi!iie" un-
nece""ari!y'
Tere"e "aid no$in# a" Jack !ed $er pa" $e bank" of refri#eraed co&-
par&en"' I wa"n% uni! "$e "aw a!! $e "i&p!e pine coffin" $a "$e
"poke' *$e a"ked w$y $ey were $ere'
7T$ey%re for $e unc!ai&ed and unidenified dead,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ey
are buried a ciy e+pen"e'7
72oe" $a $appen ofen?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7A!! $e i&e,7 Jack "aid'
Jack ook $er back o $e area of $e auop"y roo&' 4e opened $e door
o $e wa"$roo&' Tere"e !eaned in bu didn% ener' T$e auop"y roo&
wa" -i"ib!e $rou#$ a windowed door' T$e "ain!e""-"ee! di""ecin# a-
b!e" #!i"ened o&inou"!y in $e $a!f-!i#$'
7I e+peced $i" p!ace o be &ore &odern,7 "$e "aid' *$e wa" $u##in#
$er"e!f o keep fro& ouc$in# any$in#'
7A one i&e i wa",7 Jack "aid' 7I wa" "uppo"ed o $a-e been reno-
-aed, bu i didn% $appen' )nforunae!y $e ciy i" a!way" in "o&e kind
of bud#eary cri"i", and few po!iician" ba!k a pu!!in# &oney away fro&
$ere' Ade>uae fundin# for nor&a! operain# e+pen"e" i" $ard o co&e
by, &uc$ !e"" &oney o updae $e faci!iy' On $e o$er $and we do $a-e
a new, "ae-of-$e-ar 2NA !ab'7
7=$ere%" your office?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7)p on $e fif$ f!oor,7 Jack "aid'
7Can I "ee i?7 "$e a"ked'
7=$y no?7 Jack "aid' 7=e%-e co&e $i" far'7
T$ey wa!ked back pa" $e &oruary office and waied for $e e!e-a-
or'
7T$i" p!ace i" a !i!e $ard o ake, i"n% i?7 Jack "aid'
7I $a" i" #rue"o&e "ide,7 Tere"e ad&ied'
7=e w$o work $ere ofen for#e $e effec i $a" on !aypeop!e,7 Jack
"aid, $ou#$ $e wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $e de#ree of e>uani&iy Tere"e $ad
de&on"raed'
T$e e!e-aor arri-ed and $ey #o on' Jack pre""ed $e fif$ f!oor, and
$ey "ared up'
74ow did you e-er decide on $i" kind of career ?7 Tere"e a"ked' 72id
you know back in &edica! "c$oo!?7
74ea-en", no,7 Jack "aid' 7I waned "o&e$in# c!ean, ec$nica!!y de-
&andin#, e&oiona!!y fu!fi!!in#, and !ucrai-e' I beca&e an op$$a!&o!-
o#i"'7
7=$a $appened ?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7(y pracice #o aken o-er by A&eriCare,7 Jack "aid' 7*ince I didn%
wan o work for $e& or any "i&i!ar corporaion, I rerained' I%" $e
bu;;word $e"e day" for "uperf!uou" &edica! "pecia!i""'7 7=a" i difficu!?7
Tere"e a"ked'
Jack didn% an"wer i&&ediae!y' T$e e!e-aor arri-ed on $e fif$ f!oor
and $e door" opened'
7I wa" -ery difficu!,7 Jack "aid a" $e "ared down $e $a!!' 7(o"!y
becau"e i wa" "o !one!y'7
Tere"e $a;arded a #!ance in Jack%" direcion' *$e%d no e+peced $i&
o be $e ype o co&p!ain of !one!ine""' *$e%d a""u&ed $e wa" a !oner by
c$oice' =$i!e "$e wa" !ookin#, Jack furi-e!y wiped $e corner of an eye
wi$ $i" knuck!e' Cou!d $ere $a-e been a ear? Tere"e wa" &y"ified'
74ere we are,7 Jack announced' 4e opened $i" office door wi$ $i" key
and f!ipped on $e !i#$'
T$e inerior wa" wor"e $an Tere"e $ad e+peced' I wa" iny and nar-
row' T$e furniure wa" #ray &ea! and o!d, and $e wa!!" were in need
of pain' T$ere wa" a "in#!e, fi!$y window po"iioned $i#$ on $e wa!!'
7Two de"k"?7 Tere"e >ue"ioned'
7C$e and I "$are $i" "pace,7 Jack e+p!ained'
7=$ic$ de"k i" your"?7
7T$e &e""y one,7 Jack "aid' 7T$i" p!a#ue epi"ode $a" pu &e far$er
be$ind $an u"u"a!' I%& #enera!!y be$ind becau"e I%& ra$er co&pu!"i-e
abou &y repor"'7
72r' *ap!eon87 a -oice ca!!ed ou'
I wa" Janice Jae#er, $e .A in-e"i#aor'
7*ecuriy o!d &e you were $ere w$en I :u" ca&e $rou#$ $e re-
cei-in# bay,7 "$e "aid afer bein# inroduced o Tere"e' 7I%-e been ryin#
o reac$ you a $o&e'7
7=$a%" $e prob!e&?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$e reference !ab ca!!ed $i" e-enin#,7 Janice "aid' 7T$ey ran $e f!u-
ore"cein anibody on *u"anne 4ard%" !un# i""ue a" you re>ue"ed' I wa"
po"ii-e for u!are&ia'7
7Are you kiddin#?7 Jack ook $e paper fro& Janice and "ared a i
wi$ di"be!ief'
7=$a%" u!are&ia?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%" ano$er infeciou" di"ea"e,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" "i&i!ar in "o&e way"
o p!a#ue'7
7=$ere wa" $i" paien?7 Tere"e a"ked, a!$ou#$ "$e "u"peced $e
an"wer'
7A!"o a $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 4e "$ook $i" $ead' 7I ru!y can% be
!ie-e i' T$i" i" e+raordinary87
7I%-e #o o #e back o work,7 Janice "aid' 7If you need &e o do any-
$in# :u" !e &e know'7
7I%& "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7I didn% &ean o $a-e you "and $ere' T$ank"
for #ein# $i" o &e'7
7No prob!e&,7 Janice "aid' *$e wa-ed and $eaded back o $e e!e-a-
or"'
7
I" u!are& a" bad a" p!a#ue?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%" $ard o &ake co&pari"on",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu i%" bad, paricu!ar!y
$e pneu&onic for&, w$ic$ i" $i#$!y cona#iou"' If *u"anne 4ard were
"i!! $ere "$e cou!d e!! u" e+ac!y $ow bad i i"'7
7=$y are you "o "urpri"ed?7 Tere"e a"ked' 7I" i a" rare a" p!a#ue?7
7.robab!y no,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" "een in a wider area in $e )'*' $an
p!a#ue, paricu!ar!y in "ou$ern "ae" !ike Arkan"a"' Bu !ike p!a#ue i%"
no "een &uc$ in $e winer, a !ea" no up $ere in $e nor$' 4ere i%" a
!ae-"prin# and "u&&er prob!e&, if i e+i"" a a!!' I need" a -ecor, :u"
!ike p!a#ue' In"ead of $e ra f!ea i%" u"ua!!y "pread by ick" and deer-
f!ie"'7
7Any ick or deerf!y?7 Tere"e a"ked' 4er paren" $ad a cabin up in $e
Ca"ki!!" w$ere "$e !iked o #o in $e "u&&er' I wa" i"o!aed and "ur-
rounded by fore" and fie!d"' T$ere were p!eny of ick" and deerf!ie"'
7T$e re"er-oir for $e baceria i" "&a!! &a&&a!" !ike roden" and e"-
pecia!!y rabbi",7 Jack "aid' 4e "ared o e!aborae bu >uick!y "opped'
4e%d "udden!y reca!!ed $a afernoon%" con-er"aion wi$ *u"anne%" $u"-
band, (aurice' Jack re&e&bered bein# o!d $a *u"anne !iked o #o o
Connecicu, wa!k in $e wood", and feed wi!d rabbi"8
7(aybe i wa" $e rabbi",7 Jack &u&b!ed'
7=$a are you a!kin# abou?7 Tere"e a"ked'
Jack apo!o#i;ed for $inkin# ou !oud' *$akin# $i&"e!f ou of a &o-
&enary da;e, $e &oioned for Tere"e o fo!!ow $i& ino $i" office and
o ake C$e%" c$air' 4e de"cribed $i" p$one con-er"aion wi$ *u"anne%"
$u"band and e+p!ained abou $e i&porance of wi!d rabbi" in re!aion
o u!are&ia'
7*ound" incri&inain# o &e,7 Tere"e "aid'
7T$e on!y prob!e& i" $a $er e+po"ure o $e Connecicu rabbi" wa"
a!&o" wo week" a#o,7 Jack &u"ed' 4e dru&&ed $i" fin#er" on $i" e!e-
p$one recei-er' 7T$a%" a !on# incubaion period, e"pecia!!y for $e pneu-
&onic for&' Of cour"e, if "$e didn% cac$ i in Connecicu, $en "$e $ad
o cac$ i $ere in $e ciy, po""ib!y a $e Genera!' CMfcour"e, no"oco&ia!
u!are&ia doe"n% &ake any &ore "en"e $an no"oco&ia! p!a#ue'7
7One way or $e o$er $e pub!ic $a" o know abou $i",7 Tere"e "aid'
*$e nodded oward $i" $and on $e p$one' 7I $ope you are ca!!in# $e
&edia a" we!! a" $e $o"pia!'7
7Nei$er,7 Jack "aid' 4e #!anced a $i" wac$' I wa" "i!! before &id-
ni#$' 4e picked up $e p$one and dia!ed' 7I%& ca!!in# &y i&&ediae
bo""' T$e po!iic" of a!! $i" are $i" bai!iwick'7
J/ii
Ca!-in picked up on $e fir" rin# bu &u&b!ed a" if $e%d been a"!eep'
:ack c$eerfu!!y idenified $i&"e!f'
7T$i" beer be i&poran,7 Ca!-in #row!ed'
7I i" o &e,7 :ack "aid' 7I waned you o be fir" o know you owe &e
ano$er en do!!ar"'7
7Ge oua $ere,7 Ca!-in boo&ed' T$e #ro##ine"" $ad di"appeared
fro& $i" -oice' 7I $ope o God $i" i"n% "o&e kind of "ick :oke'7
7No :oke,7 :ack a""ured $i&' 7T$e !ab :u" repored i in oni#$' T$e
(an$aan Genera! $ad a ca"e ofu!are&ia in addiion o i" wo ca"e" of
p!a#ue' I%& a" "urpri"ed a" anyone'7
7T$e !ab ca!!ed you direc!y?7 Ca!-in "aid'
7Nope,7 :ack "aid' 7One of $e .A" :u" #a-e i o &e'7
7Are you in $e office?7 Ca!-in a"ked'
7*ure a&,7 :ack "aid' 7=orkin# &y fin#er" o $e bone'7
7Tu!are&ia?7 Ca!-in >ue"ioned' 7I%d beer read up on i' I don%
$ink I%-e e-er "een a ca"e'7
7I read up on i :u" $i" afernoon,7 Jack ad&ied'
7(ake "ure $ere are no !eak" fro& our office,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I won%
ca!! Bin#$a& oni#$, becau"e $ere%" no$in# o be done a $e &o&en'
I%!! !e $i& know fir" $in# in $e &ornin#, and $e can ca!! $e co&&i"-%
"ioner, and "$e can ca!! $e Board of 4ea!$'7 7Okay,7 :ack "aid'
7*o you are #oin# o keep i a "ecre,7 Tere"e "aid an#ri!y a" :ack $un#
up $e recei-er'
7I%" no &y doin#,7 :ack "aid'
7<ea$, I know,7 Tere"e "aid "arca"ica!!y' 7I%" no your :ob'7
7I a!ready #o &y"e!f in roub!e o-er $e p!a#ue epi"ode for ca!!in# $e
co&&i""ioner on &y own,7 :ack "aid' 7I don% "ee any benefi by doin# i
a#ain' =ord wi!! be ou in $e &ornin# $rou#$ $e proper c$anne!"'7
7=$a abou peop!e o-er a $e Genera! w$o are "u"peced of $a-in#
p!a#ue?7 Tere"e >ue"ioned' 7T$ey &i#$ $a-e $i" new di"ea"e' I $ink
you "$ou!d !e e-eryone know oni#$'7
7T$a%" a #ood poin,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu i doe"n% rea!!y &aer' T$e
rea&en for u!are&ia i" $e "a&e a" $e rea&en for p!a#ue' =e%!! wai
uni! &ornin#' Be"ide", i%" on!y a few $our" away'7 7=$a ifI a!ered $e
pre""?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%11 $a-e o a"k you no o do $a,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou $eard w$a &y
bo"" "aid' If i were in-e"i#aed, $e "ource wou!d co&e back o &e'7
7<ou don% !ike ad-eri"in# in &edicine and I don% !ike po!iic" in &ed-
icine,7 Tere"e "aid'
7A&en,7 Jack "aid'
CRI2A<, 1/0B A'(', (AR.-4 22, 1 IM3M1
2e"pie $a-in# #one o bed &uc$ !aer $an u"ua! for $e "econd ni#$
in a row, :ack wa" wide awake a fi-e-$iry Criday &ornin#' 4e be#an
&u!!in# o-er $e irony of a ca"e of u!are&ia appearin# in $e &idd!e of
a p!a#ue oubreak' I wa" a curiou" coincidence, e"pecia!!y "ince $e%d
&ade $e dia#no"i"' I wa" a fea cerain!y wor$ $e en do!!ar" and
weny-fi-e cen" $a $e "ood o win fro& Ca!-in and 5aurie'
=i$ $i" &ind c$urnin#, :ack reco#ni;ed $e fui!iy of ryin# o #o
back o "!eep' Con"e>uen!y $e #o up, ae breakfa", and wa" on $i" bike
before "i+' =i$ !e"" raffic $an u"ua!, $e #o o work in record i&e'
T$e fir" $in# Jack did wa" o -i"i $e I2 roo& o !ook for 5aurie
and ,innie' Bo$ $ad ye o arri-e' .a""in# back $rou#$ co&&unica-
ion", $e knocked on !anice%" door' *$e appeared e-en &ore be!ea#uered
$an u"ua!'
7=$a a ni#$,7 "$e "aid'
7Bu"y?7 :ack a"ked'
7T$a%" an under"ae&en,7 "$e "aid' 73"pecia!!y wi$ $e"e added in-
feciou" ca"e"' =$a%" #oin# on o-er $ere a $e Genera! ?7
74ow &any oday?7 :ack a"ked'
7T$ree,7 !anice "aid' 7And no one of $e& e"ed po"ii-e for p!a#ue
e-en $ou#$ $a%" $eir pre"u&ed dia#no"i"' A!"o, a!! $ree were fu!&i-
nan ca"e"' T$e peop!e a!! died wi$in we!-e or "o $our" afer $eir fir"
"y&po&"' I%" -ery "cary'7
7A!! of $e"e recen infeciou" ca"e" $a-e been fu!&inan,7 :ack co&-
&ened'
72o you $ink $e"e $ree new one" are u!are&ia?7 !anice a"ked'
7T$ere%" a #ood c$ance,7 :ack "aid' 73"pecia!!y if $ey e"ed ne#ai-e
for p!a#ue a" you "ay' <ou didn% &enion *u"anne%" dia#no"i" o anyone,
did you?7
7I $ad o bie &y on#ue, bu I didn%,7 !anice "aid' 7I%d !earned in $e
pa" by "ore e+perience $a &y ro!e i" o #a$er infor&aion, no #i-e i
O)'7
7I $ad o !earn $e "a&e !e""on,7 :ack "aid' 7Are you fini"$ed wi$ $e"e
$ree fo!der"?7
7T$ey%re a!! your",7 !anice "aid'
:ack carried $e fo!der" back o $e I2 roo&' *ince ,innie $ad no ar-
ri-ed :ack &ade $e coffee in $e co&&una! po' (u# in $and, $e "a
down and be#an #oin# $rou#$ $e &aeria!'
A!&o" i&&ediae!y $e "u&b!ed ono "o&e$in# curiou"' T$e fir"
ca"e wa" a fory-wo-year-o!d wo&an by $e na&e of (aria 5ope;' =$a
wa" "urpri"in# wa" $a "$e worked in cenra! "upp!y of $e (an$aan
Genera! 4o"pia!8 No on!y $a, bu "$e $ad worked on $e "a&e "$if
a" 6a$erine (ue!!er8
:ack c!o"ed $i" eye" and ried o $ink of $ow wo peop!e fro& cenra!
"upp!y cou!d po""ib!y $a-e co&e down wi$ wo differen faa! infeciou"
di"ea"e"' A" far a" $e wa" concerned, i cou!d no be a coincidence' 4e wa"
con-inced $eir i!!ne""e" $ad o be work-re!aed' T$e >ue"ion wa" $ow?
In $i" &ind%" eye, :ack re-i"ied cenra! "upp!y' 4e cou!d picure $e
"$e!-in# and $e ai"!e", e-en $e oufi" $e e&p!oyee" wore' Bu no$in#
ca&e o &ind a" a way for $e e&p!oyee" o co&e in conac wi$ cona-
#iou" baceria' Cenra! "upp!y $ad no$in# o do wi$ $e di"po"a! of $o"-
pia! wa"e or e-en "oi!ed !inen, and a" $e "uper-i"or $ad &enioned,
worker" $ere $ad !i!e or no conac wi$ paien"'
:ack read $e re" of Janice%" in-e"i#ai-e repor' A" "$e%d done wi$
$e ca"e" "ince Node!&an, "$e inc!uded infor&aion abou pe", ra-e!, and
-i"ior"' Cor (aria 5ope;, none of $e $ree "ee&ed a facor'
Jack opened $e "econd fo!der' T$e paien%" na&e wa" 1oy 4e"er' In
$i" ca"e :ack fe! $ere wa" !i!e &y"ery' *$e%d been an OB-G<N nur"e
and $ad $ad "i#nifican e+po"ure o *u"anne 4ard :u" prior o and afer
$e on"e of *u"anne%" "y&po&"' T$e on!y $in# $a bo$ered :ack wa"
reca!!in# $a $e%d read $a per"on-o-per"on ran"&i""ion of u!are&ia
rare!y occurred'
T$e $ird ca"e wa" 2ona!d 5a#en$orpe, a $iry-ei#$-year-o!d pe-
ro!eu& en#ineer w$o%d been ad&ied o $e $o"pia! $e pre-iou" &orn-
in#' 4e%d co&e in $rou#$ $e 3R wi$ a refracory bou of a"$&a' 4e%d
been reaed wi$ I, "eroid" and bronc$odi!aor" a" we!! a" $u&idified
air and bed re"' Accordin# o Janice%" noe", $e%d "$own "eady i&-
pro-e&en and $ad e-en been ca&pai#nin# o be re!ea"ed, w$en $e%d $ad
$e "udden on"e of a "e-ere frona! $eadac$e'
T$e $eadac$e $ad "ared in $e !ae afernoon and wa" fo!!owed by
"$akin# c$i!!" and fe-er' T$ere wa" a!"o an increa"e in cou#$ and e+ac-
erbarion of $i" a"$&aic "y&po&" de"pie $e coninued rea&en' A
$a poin $e wa" dia#no"ed o $a-e pneu&onia, w$ic$ wa" confir&ed
by N ray' Curiou"!y enou#$, $owe-er, a #ra& "ain of $i" "puu& wa"
ne#ai-e for baceria'
(ya!#ia a!"o $ad beco&e pro&inen' *udden abdo&ina! pain and
deep enderne"" $ad "u##e"ed a po""ib!e appendicii"' A "e-en-$iry in
$e e-enin# 5a#en$orpe $ad under#one an appendeco&y, bu $e ap-
pendi+ pro-ed o be nor&a!' Afer $e "ur#ery $i" "iuaion beca&e pro-
#re""i-e!y #ra-e wi$ apparen &u!i"y"e& fai!ure' 4i" b!ood pre""ure
dropped and beca&e unre"pon"i-e o rea&en' )rine oupu beca&e
ne#!i#ib!e'
Readin# on in !anice%" repor, :ack !earned $a $e paien $ad -i"ied
i"o!aed oi! ri#" in Te+a" $e pre-iou" week and $ad !iera!!y been ra&p-
in# around in de"er condiion"' :ack a!"o !earned $a (r' 5a#en$orpe%"
#ir!friend $ad recen!y obained a pe Bur&e"e ca' Bu $e%d no been e+-
po"ed o any -i"ior" fro& e+oic p!ace"'
7=ow8 <ou%re $ere ear!y87 5aurie (on#o&ery e+c!ai&ed'
:ack wa" "$ocked ou of $i" concenraion in i&e o "ee 5aurie "weep
ino $e I2 roo& and drape $er coa o-er $e de"k "$e u"ed for $er ear!y-
&ornin# duie"' I wa" $e !a" day of $er curren roaion a" "uper-i"or
in c$ar#e of deer&inin# w$ic$ of $e pre-iou" ni#$%" ca"e" "$ou!d be
auop"ied and w$o wou!d do $e&' I wa" a $ank!e"" a"k $a none of
$e board-cerified docor" en:oyed'
7I%-e #o "o&e bad new" for you,7 :ack "aid'
5aurie pau"ed on $er way ino co&&unicaion"D a "$adow pa""ed o-er
$er u"ua!!y bri#$, $oney-co&p!eced face'
Jack !au#$ed' 74ey, re!a+,7 $e "aid' 7I%" no $a bad' I%" :u" $a you
owe &e a >uarer'7
7Are you "eriou"?7 "$e a"ked' 7T$e 4ard ca"e wa" u!are&ia?7
7T$e !ab repored a po"ii-e f!uore"cein anibody !a" ni#$,7 :ack "aid'
7I $ink i%" a fir& dia#no"i"'7
7I%" a #ood $in# I didn% be any &ore $an a >uarer,7 5aurie "aid'
7<ou are a&a""in# "o&e i&pre""i-e "ai"ic" in $e infeciou" arena'
=$a%" your "ecre?7
7Be#inner%" !uck,7 :ack "aid' 7By $e way, I $a-e $ree of !a" ni#$%"
ca"e" $ere' T$ey%re a!! infeciou" and a!! fro& $e Genera!' I%d !ike o do
a !ea" wo of $e&'7
7I can% $ink of any rea"on w$y no,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu !e &e run o-er
o co&&unicaion" and #e $e re"'7
T$e &o&en 5aurie !ef, ,innie &ade $i" appearance' 4i" face wa" a
pa"y co!or and $i" $ea-i!y !idded eye" were red' Cro& Jack%" per"peci-e
$e appeared a" if $e be!on#ed in one of $e coo!er" down"air"' 7<ou !ook !ike
dea$ war&ed o-er,7 :ack
"aid'
74an#o-er,7 ,innie re&arked' 7I wen o a buddy%" bac$e!or pary'
=e a!! #o w$acked'7
,innie o""ed $i" new"paper on a de"k and wen o-er o $e cupboard
w$ere $e coffee wa" "ored'
7In ca"e you $a-en% noiced,7 :ack "aid, 7$e coffee i" a!ready &ade'7
,innie $ad o "are a $e coffee &ac$ine wi$ i" fu!! po for "e-era!
bea" uni! $i" ired &ind co&pre$ended $a $i" curren effor" were "u-
perf!uou"'
74ow abou "arin# on $i" in"ead?7 Jack "aid' 4e pu"$ed $e (aria
5ope; fo!der o-er o ,innie' 7(i#$ a" we!! #e "e up' Re&e&ber, $e
ear!y bird'''7
74o!d $e c!ic$1",7 ,innie "aid' 4e ook $e fo!der and !e i fa!! open
in $i" $and"' 7Crank!y, I%& no in $e &ood for any of your "appy "ay-
in#"' =$a bu#" &e i" $a you can% co&e in $ere w$en e-erybody e!"e
doe"'7
75aurie%" $ere,7 :ack re&inded $i&'
7<ea$, bu $i" i" $er week for "c$edu!in#' <ou don% $a-e any e+cu"e'7
4e brief!y read porion" of $e fo!der' 7=onderfu!8 Ano$er infeciou"
ca"e8 (y fa-orie8 I "$ou!d $a-e "ayed in bed'7 7I%11 be down in a few
&inue",7 :ack "aid'
,innie irriab!y "napped up $i" new"paper and $eaded down"air"'
5aurie reappeared wi$ an ar&fu! of fo!der" and du&ped $e& on $er
de"k' 7(y, &y, bu we do $a-e a !o of work o do oday,7 "$e "aid'
7I%-e a!ready "en ,innie down o #e prepared for one of $e"e infec-
iou" ca"e",7 :ack "aid' 7I $ope I%& no o-er"eppin# &y au$oriy' I know
you $a-en% !ooked a $e& ye, bu a!! of $e& are "u"peced p!a#ue bu
e"ed ne#ai-e' A a &ini&u& I $ink we $a-e o &ake a dia#no"i"'7
7No >ue"ion,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu I "$ou!d "i!! #o down"air" and do
&y e+erna!' Co&e on, I%!! do i ri#$ away, and you can #e "ared'7 *$e
#rabbed $e &a"er !i" of a!! $e pre-iou" ni#$%" dea$"'
7=$a%" $e "ory on $i" fir" ca"e you wan o do?7 5aurie a"ked a"
$ey wa!ked'
:ack #a-e $er a >uick "ynop"i" of w$a $e knew abou (aria 5ope;'
4e e&p$a"i;ed $e coincidence of $er bein# e&p!oyed in cenra! "upp!y
a $e Genera!' 4e re&inded $er $a $e p!a#ue -ici& fro& $e day
before $ad a!"o worked in $a depar&en' T$ey boarded $e e!e-aor'
7T$a%" kinda "ran#e, i"n% i?7 5aurie a"ked'
7I i" o &e,7 Jack a#reed'
72o you $ink i%" "i#nifican?7 5aurie a"ked' T$e e!e-aor bu&ped
o a "op, and $ey #o off'
7(y inuiion e!!" &e i i",7 Jack "aid' 7T$a%" w$y I%& ea#er o do $e
po"' Cor $e !ife of &e, I can% fi#ure ou w$a $e a""ociaion cou!d be'7
A" $ey pa""ed $e &oruary office 5aurie beckoned o *a!' 4e cau#$
up o $e&, and "$e $anded $i& $er &a"er !i"' 75e%" "ee $e 5ope; body
fir",7 "$e "aid'
*a! ook $e !i", referred o $i" own, $en "opped a co&par&en 19,
opened $e door, and "!id ou $e ray'
(aria 5ope;, !ike $er !ae co-worker, 6a$erine (ue!!er, wa" an o-er-
wei#$ fe&a!e' 4er $air wa" "rin#y and dyed a pecu!iar reddi"$ oran#e'
*e-era! I," were "i!! in p!ace' One wa" aped o $e ri#$ "ide of $er neck,
$e o$er o $er !ef ar&'
7A fair!y youn# wo&an,7 5aurie co&&ened'
Jack nodded' 7*$e wa" on!y fory-wo'7
5aurie $e!d (aria 5ope;%" fu!!-body N ray up o $e cei!in# !i#$' I"
on!y abnor&a!iy wa" pac$y infi!raion in $er !un#"' 7Go o' i,7 5aurie
"aid'
Jack urned on $i" $ee!" and $eaded oward $e roo& w$ere $i" &oon-
"ui -eni!aor wa" c$ar#in#'
7Of $e o$er wo ca"e" you $ad up"air", w$ic$ one wou!d you wan
o do if you on!y do one?7 5aurie ca!!ed afer $i&'
75a#en$orpe,7 Jack "aid'
5aurie #a-e $i& a $u&b"-up'
2e"pie $i" $an#o-er, ,innie $ad been $i" u"ua! efficien "e!f in "e-
in# up $e auop"y on (aria 5ope;' By $e i&e Jack read o-er $e &a-
eria! in (aria%" fo!der for $e "econd i&e and $ad c!i&bed ino $i" &oon
"ui, a!! wa" ready'
=i$ no di"racion" fro& anyone in $e pi be"ide" $i&"e!f and ,in-
nie, Jack wa" ab!e o concenrae' 4e "pen an inordinae a&oun of i&e
on $e e+erna! e+a&' 4e wa" deer&ined o find an in"ec bie if $ere
$ad been one' 4e wa" no "ucce""fu!' A" wi$ (ue!!er, $ere were a few
>ue"ionab!e b!e&i"$e", w$ic$ $e p$oo#rap$ed, bu none $e fe! were
bie"'
Jack%" concenraion wa" inad-eren!y aided by ,innie%" $an#o-er'
.referrin# o nur"e $i" $eadac$e, ,innie re&ained "i!en, "parin# Jack
$i" u"ua! >uip" and runnin# co&&enary on "por" ri-ia' Jack re-e!ed in
$e $ou#$-pro-okin# "i!ence'
Jack $and!ed $e inerna! e+a& $e "a&e way $e%d $and!ed $o"e of
$e pre-iou" infeciou" ca"e"' 4e wa" e+raordinari!y carefu! o a-oid un-
nece""ary &o-e&en of $e or#an" o keep baceria! aero"o!i;aion o a
&ini&u&'
A" $e auop"y pro#re""ed, Jack%" o-era!! i&pre""ion wa" $a 5ope;%"
ca"e &irrored $a of *u"anne 4ard, no 6a$erine (ue!!er' 4ence, $i"
pre!i&inary dia#no"i" re&ained u!are&ia, no p!a#ue' T$i" on!y $i#$-
!i#$ed $i" confu"ion of $ow wo wo&en fro& cenra! "upp!y $ad &an-
a#ed o cac$ $e"e i!!ne""e" w$i!e o$er, &ore e+po"ed $o"pia! worker"
$ad a-oided $e&'
=$en $e fini"$ed wi$ $e inerna! e+a& and $ad aken $e "a&p!e"
$e waned, $e pu a"ide a "pecia! "a&p!e of !un# o ake up o A#ne" Cinn'
Once $e $ad "i&i!ar "a&p!e" fro& Joy 4e"er and 2ona!d 5a#en$orpe,
$e p!anned o $a-e $e& a!! "en i&&ediae!y o $e reference !ab o be
e"ed for u!are&ia'
By $e i&e Jack and ,innie $ad co&&enced "ic$in# up (aria
5ope;, $ey be#an o $ear -oice" in $e wa"$roo& and ou in $e $a!!'
74ere co&e $e nor&a!, ci-i!i;ed peop!e,7 ,innie co&&ened'
Jack didn% re"pond'
.re"en!y $e door o $e wa"$roo& opened' Two fi#ure" enered in
$eir &oon "ui" and a&b!ed o-er o :ack%" ab!e' I wa" 5aurie and C$e'
7Are you #uy" fini"$ed a!ready?7 C$e "aid'
7I%" no &y doin#,7 ,innie "aid' 7T$e &ad biker $a" o "ar before
$e "un i" up'7
7=$a do you $ink?7 5aurie a"ked' 7.!a#ue or u!are&ia?7
7(y #ue"" i" u!are&ia,7 :ack "aid'
7T$a wi!! be four ca"e" if $e"e o$er wo are u!are&ia a" we!!,7 5au-
rie "aid'
7I know,7 :ack "aid' 7I%" weird' .er"on-o-per"on "pread i" "uppo"ed
o be rare' I doe"n% &ake a !o of "en"e, bu $a "ee&" par for $e cour"e
wi$ $e"e recen ca"e"'7
74ow i" u!are&ia "pread?7 C$e a"ked' 7I%-e ne-er "een a ca"e'7
7I%" "pread by ick" or direc conac wi$ an infeced ani&a!, !ike a
CarO ,,
o2I, :ack "aid'
7I%-e #o you "c$edu!ed for 5a#en$orpe ne+,7 5aurie o!d Jack' 7I%&
#oin# o do 4e"er &y"e!f'7
7I%& $appy o do 4e"er a" we!!,7 Jack "aid'
7No need,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$ere aren% $a &any auop"ie" oday' A
!o of !a" ni#$%" dea$" didn% need o be po"ed' I can% !e you $a-e a!!
$e fun'7
Bodie" be#an arri-in#' T$ey were bein# pu"$ed ino $e auop"y roo&
by o$er &oruary ec$" and !ifed ono $eir de"i#naed ab!e"' 5aurie
and C$e &o-ed off o do $eir own ca"e"'
Jack and ,innie reurned o $eir "uurin#' =$en $ey were fini"$ed,
Jack $e!ped ,innie &o-e $e body ono a #urney' T$en Jack a"ked $ow
>uick!y ,innie cou!d $a-e 5a#en$orpe ready o #o'
7=$a a "!a-e dri-er,7 ,innie co&p!ained' 7Aren% we #oin# o $a-e
coffee !ike e-erybody e!"e?7
7I%d ra$er #e i o-er wi$,7 :ack "aid' 7T$en you can $a-e coffee for
$e re" of $e day'7
7Bu!!,7 ,innie "aid' 7I%!! be rea""i#ned back in $ere $e!pin# "o&eone
e!"e'7
*i!! co&p!ainin#, ,innie pu"$ed (aria 5ope; ou of $e auop"y
roo&' Jack wandered o-er o 5aurie%" ab!e' 5aurie wa" en#ro""ed in $e
e+erna! e+a& bu "rai#$ened up w$en "$e cau#$ "i#$ of Jack'
7T$i" poor wo&an wa" $iry-"i+,7 5aurie "aid wi"fu!!y' 7=$a a
wa"e'7
7=$a $a-e you found? Any in"ec bie" or ca "crac$e"?7
7No$in# e+cep a "$a-in# nick on $er !ower !e#,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu
i%" no inf!a&ed, "o I & con-inced I " &cIdena O T$ere i" "o&e$in# in-
ere"in#' *$e $a" definie eye infecion"'7
5aurie carefu!!y !ifed $e wo&an%" eye!id"' Bo$ eye" were deep!y in-
f!a&ed, a!$ou#$ $e cornea" were c!ear'
7I can a!"o fee! en!ar#ed preauricu!ar !y&p$ node",7 5aurie "aid' *$e
poined o -i"ib!e !u&p" in fron of $e paien%" ear"'
7Inere"in#,7 Jack co&&ened' 7T$a%" con"i"en wi$ u!are&ia, bu
I didn% "ee i on $e o$er ca"e"' Gi-e a ye!! if you co&e acro"" any$in#
e!"e unu"ua!'7
Jack "epped o-er o C$e%" ab!e' 4e wa" $appi!y en#ro""ed in a &u!-
ip!e #un"$o wound ca"e' A $e &o&en $e wa" bu"y p$oo#rap$in# $e
enrance and e+i wound"' =$en $e "aw Jack $e $anded $e ca&era o
*a!, w$o wa" $e!pin# $i&, and pu!!ed Jack a"ide'
74ow wa" your i&e !a" ni#$?7 C$e a"ked'
7T$i" i" $ard!y $e be" i&e o di"cu"" i,7 Jack "aid' Con-er"aion in
$e &oon "ui" wa" difficu! a be"'
Afer $e C$ina
O$, co&e o ,7 C$e "aid' 7I $ad a b!a" wi$ Co!!een'
C!ub we wen back o $er pad on 3a" *i+y-"i+$'7
7I%& $appy for you,7 Jack "aid'
7=$a did you #uy" end up doin#?7 C$e a"ked'
7<ou wou!dn% be!ie-e &e if I o!d you,7 :ack "aid'
7Try &e,7 C$e c$a!!en#ed' 4e !eaned c!o"er o Jack'
7=e wen o-er o $er office, and $en we ca&e o-er $ere o our",7 Jack
"aid'
7<ou%re ri#$,7 C$e "aid' 7I don% be!ie-e you'7
7T$e ru$ i" ofen difficu! o accep,7 Jack "aid'
Jack u"ed ,innie%" arri-a! wi$ 5a#en$orpe%" corp"e a" an e+cu"e o
reurn o $i" ab!e' Jack pic$ed in o $e!p "e up $e ca"e becau"e i wa"
preferab!e o fur$er #ri!!in# by C$e' Be"ide", i &ade i po""ib!e o "ar
$e ca"e $a &uc$ "ooner'
On $e e+erna! e+a& $e &o" ob-iou" abnor&a!iy wa" $e fre"$!y
"uured, wo-inc$-!on# appendeco&y inci"ion' Bu Jack >uick!y di"-
co-ered &ore pa$o!o#y' =$en $e e+a&ined $e corp"e%" $and" $e found
"ub!e e-idence of ear!y #an#rene on $e ip" of $e fin#er"' 4e found "o&e
e-en fainer e-idence of $e "a&e proce"" on $e &an%" ear!obe"'
7Re&ind" &e of Node!&an,7 ,innie "aid' 7I%" :u" !e"", and $e
doe"n% $a-e any on $i" pecker' 2o you $ink i%" p!a#ue a#ain?7
7I don% know,7 Jack "aid' 7Node!&an didn% $a-e an appendeco&y'7
Jack "pen weny &inue" di!i#en!y "earc$in# $e re" of $e body for
any "i#n" of in"ec or ani&a! bie"' *ince 5a#en$orpe wa" a &oderae!y
dark-"kinned African-A&erican, $i" wa" &ore difficu! $an i $ad been
wi$ $e con"iderab!y !i#$er-"kinned 5ope;'
A!$ou#$ Jack%" di!i#ence didn% reward $i& wi$ any bie &ark", i
did &ake i po""ib!e for $i& o appreciae ano$er "ub!e abnor&a!iy' On
5a#en$orpe%" pa!&" and "o!e" $ere wa" a fain ra"$' Jack poined i ou
o ,innie, bu ,innie "aid $e cou!dn% "ee i'
7Te!! &e w$a I%& !ookin# for,7 ,innie "aid'
7C!a, pinki"$ b!oc$e",7 Jack "aid' 74ere%" &ore on $e under"ide of
$e wri"'7
Jack $e!d up 5a#en$orpe%" ri#$ ar&'
7I%& "orry,7 ,innie "aid' 7I don% "ee i'7
7No &aer,7 Jack "aid' 4e ook "e-era! p$oo#rap$" e-en $ou#$ $e
doubed $e ra"$ wou!d "$ow up' T$e f!a"$ ofen wa"$ed ou "uc$ "ub-
!e findin#"'
A" Jack coninued $e e+erna! e+a& $e found $i&"e!f pro#re""i-e!y
&y"ified' T$e paien $ad co&e in wi$ a pre"u&ed dia#no"i" of pneu-
&onic p!a#ue, and e+erna!!y $e re"e&b!ed a p!a#ue -ici&, a" ,innie $ad
poined ou' <e $ere were di"crepancie"' T$e record indicaed $e%d $ad
a ne#ai-e e" for p!a#ue, w$ic$ &ade Jack "u"pec u!are&ia'
Bu u!are&ia "ee&ed i&p!au"ib!e becau"e $e paien%" "puu& e" $ad
"$own no free baceria' To co&p!icae $in#" fur$er, $e paien $ad $ad
"e-ere enou#$ abdo&ina! "y&po&" o "u##e" appendicii", w$ic$ $e
pro-ed no o $a-e' And on op of $a $e $ad a ra"$ on $i" pa!&" and "o!e"'
A $a poin Jack $ad no idea w$a $e wa" dea!in# wi$' A" far a" $e
wa" concerned, $e doubed $e ca"e wa" ei$er p!a#ue or u!are&ia8
*arin# $e inerna! e+a&, $e i&&ediae!y ca&e acro"" "ron# pre-
"u&pi-e e-idence $a "ub"aniaed $i" be!ief' T$e !y&p$aic" were
&ini&a!!y in-o!-ed'
*!icin# open $e !un#, Jack a!"o deeced a difference e-en on #ro""
fro& w$a $e%d e+pec o "ee in ei$er p!a#ue or u!are&ia' To :ack%" eye
5a#en$orpe%" !un# re"e&b!ed $ear fai!ure &ore $an i did infecion'
T$ere wa" p!eny of f!uid bu !i!e con"o!idaion'
Turnin# o $e o$er inerna! or#an", Jack found a!&o" a!! of $e&
in-o!-ed in $e pa$o!o#ica! proce""' T$e $ear "ee&ed acue!y en!ar#ed,
a" were $e !i-er, $e "p!een, and $e kidney"' 3-en $e ine"ine" were
en#or#ed, a" if $ey $ad "opped funcionin#'
7Go "o&e$in# inere"in#?7 a $u"ky -oice de&anded'
Jack $ad been "o ab"orbed, $e $adn% noiced $a Ca!-in $ad nud#ed
,innie a"ide'
7I be!ie-e I do,7 Jack &ana#ed'
7Ano$er infeciou" ca"e?7 ano$er #ruff -oice a"ked'
Jack%" $ead "wun# around o $i" !ef' 4e%d reco#ni;ed $e -oice i&-
&ediae!y, bu $e $ad o confir& $i" "u"picion' 4e wa" ri#$' I wa" $e
c$ief8
7I ca&e in a" a pre"u&ed p!a#ue,7 Jack "aid' 4e wa" "urpri"ed o "ee
Bin#$a&D $e c$ief rare!y ca&e ino $e pi un!e"" i wa" a $i#$!y unu"ua!
ca"e or one $a $ad i&&ediae po!iica! ra&ificaion"'
7<our one "u##e"" you don% $ink i i",7 Bin#$a& "aid' 4e !eaned
o-er $e open body and #!anced in a $e "wo!!en, #!i"enin# or#an"'
7<ou are -ery percepi-e, "ir,7 :ack "aid' 4e &ade a "pecific effor o
keep $i" paened "arca"& fro& $i" -oice' T$i" wa" one i&e $e &ean
$e co&p!i&en'
7=$a do you $ink you $a-e?7 Bin#$a& a"ked' 4e poked $e "wo!!en
"p!een #in#er!y wi$ $i" #!o-ed $and' 7T$i" "p!een !ook" $u#e'7 7I $a-en% $e
faine" idea,7 :ack "aid'
72r' =a"$in#on infor&ed &e $i" &ornin# $a you%d &ade an i&-
pre""i-e dia#no"i" on a ca"e ofu!are&ia ye"erday,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7A !ucky #ue"",7 Jack "aid'
7No accordin# o 2r' =a"$in#on,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7I%d !ike o co&-
p!i&en you' Co!!owin# on $e $ee!" of your a"ue and rapid dia#no"i"
of $e ca"e of p!a#ue, I%& i&pre""ed' I%& a!"o i&pre""ed you !ef i up o
&e o infor& $e proper au$oriie"' 6eep up $e #ood work' <ou &ake
&e $appy I didn% fire you y erday'
C*
7
Now $a " a back$anded co&p!i&en,7 Jack "aid' 4e c$uck!ed, and
"o did Bin#$a&'
=$ere " $e (arin ca"e?7 Bin#$a& a"ked Ca!-in'
Ca!-in poined' 7Tab!e $ree, "ir,7 $e "aid' 72r' (cGo-ern%" doin# i'
I%!! be o-er in a "econd'7
:ack wac$ed Bin#$a& !on# enou#$ o "ee C$e%" doub!e ake w$en
$e reco#ni;ed $e c$ief' :ack urned back o Ca!-in' 7(y fee!in#" are
$ur,7 $e "aid :okin#!y' 7Cor a &o&en I $ou#$ $e c$ief ca&e a!! $e
way down $ere and "uied up :u" o pay &e a &p$&en'

CO % 7
72rea& on,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7<ou were an afer$ou#$' 4e rea!!y ca&e
down abou $a #un"$o wound 2r' (cGo-ern i" doin#'7
7I" i a prob!e& ca"e?7 :ack a"ked'
7.oenia!!y,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7T$e po!ice c!ai& $e -ici& wa" re"i"in#
arre"'7
7T$a%" no "o unco&&on,7 :ack "aid'
7T$e prob!e& i" w$e$er $e bu!!e" wen in $e fron or $e back,7
Ca!-in "aid' 7A!"o $ere were fi-e of $e&' T$a%" a bi $ea-y-$anded'7
Jack nodded' 4e under"ood a!! oo we!! and wa" #!ad $e wa"n% doin#
$e ca"e'
7T$e c$ief didn% co&e down $ere o co&p!i&en you, bu $e did i
:u" $e "a&e,7 Ca!-in "aid' 74e wa" i&pre""ed abou $e u!are&ia, and
I $a-e o ad&i I wa" oo' T$a wa" a rapid and c!e-er dia#no"i"' I%" wor$
en buck", Bu I%!! e!! you "o&e$in#/ I didn% appreciae $a !i!e ru"e
you pu!!ed in $e c$ief%" office ye"erday abou our be' <ou &i#$ $a-e
confu"ed $e c$ief for a &o&en, bu you didn% foo! &e'7
7I a""u&ed a" &uc$,7 Jack "aid' 7T$a%" w$y I c$an#ed $e "ubLec "o
>uick!y'7
7I :u" waned you o know,7 Ca!-in "aid' 5eanin# o-er 5a#en$orpe%"
open corp"e, $e pu"$ed on $e "p!een :u" a" Bin#$a& $ad done' 7T$e
c$ief wa" ri#$,7 $e "aid' 7T$i" $in# i" "wo!!en'7
7*o%" $e $ear and :u" abou e-ery$in# e!"e,7 Jack "aid'
7=$a%" your #ue"" ?7 Ca!-in a"ked'
7T$i" i&e I don% e-en $a-e a #ue"",7 Jack ad&ied' 7I%" ano$er in-
feciou" di"ea"e, bu I%& on!y wi!!in# o be i%" no p!a#ue or u!are&ia'
I%& rea!!y "arin# o >ue"ion w$a $ey are doin# o-er $ere a $e Gen-
era!'7
72on% #e carried away,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7New <ork i" a bi# ciy and $e
Genera! i" a bi# $o"pia!' T$e way peop!e &o-e around oday and wi$
a!! $e f!i#$" co&in# ino 6ennedy day in and day ou, we can "ee any
di"ea"e $ere, any i&e of $e year'7
7<ou%-e #o a poin,7 Jack conceded'
7=e!!, w$en you $a-e an idea w$a i i", !e &e know,7 Ca!-in "aid' 7I
wan o win $a weny do!!ar" back'7
Afer Ca!-in !ef, ,innie &o-ed back ino p!ace' Jack ook "a&p!e"
fro& a!! $e or#an" and ,innie "aw o i $a $ey were p!aced in pre"er-
-ai-e and proper!y !abe!ed' Afer a!! $e "a&p!e" $ad been aken, $ey
bo$ "uured 5a#en$orpe%" inci"ion'
5ea-in# ,innie o ake care of $e body, Jack wandered o-er o 5au-
rie%" ab!e' 4e $ad $er "$ow $i& $e cu "urface" of $e !un#", !i-er, and
"p!een' T$e pa$o!o#y &irrored $a of 5ope; and 4ard' T$ere were
$undred" of incipien ab"ce""e" wi$ #ranu!o&a for&aion' 75ook" !ike ano$er
ca"e of u!are&ia,7 5aurie
"aid'
7I can% ar#ue wi$ you,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $i" i""ue of per"on-o-per"on
"pread bein# "o rare bu#" &e' I don% know $ow o e+p!ain i'7
7)n!e"" $ey a!! were e+po"ed o $e "a&e "ource,7 5aurie "aid'
7O$ "ure87 Jack e+c!ai&ed "cornfu!!y' 7T$ey a!! $appened o #o o $e
"a&e "po in Connecicu and feed $e "a&e "ick rabbi'7
7I%& :u" "u##e"in# $e po""ibi!iy,7 5aurie co&p!ained'
7I%& "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou%re ri#$' I "$ou!dn% :u&p on you' I%" :u"
$a $e"e infeciou" di"ea"e ca"e" are dri-in# &e banana"' I fee! !ike I%&
&i""in# "o&e$in# i&poran, and ye I $a-e no idea w$a i cou!d be'7
7=$a abou 5a#en$orpe?7 5aurie a"ked' 72o you $ink $e $ad u-
!are&ia a" we!!?7
7No,7 Jack "aid' 4e "ee&" o $a-e $ad "o&e$in# co&p!ee!y differ-
en, and I $a-e no idea w$a'7
7(aybe you are #ein# oo e&oiona!!y in-o!-ed,7 5aurie "u##e"ed'
7Cou!d be,7 Jack "aid' 4e wa" fee!in# a bi #ui!y abou wi"$in# $e
wor" for A&eriCare re#ardin# $e fir" ca"e' 7I%!! ry o ca!& down'
(aybe I "$ou!d #o do &ore readin# on infeciou" di"ea"e"'7
7T$a%" $e pIn, 5aurie "aid' 7In"ead of "re""in# your"e!f ou, you
"$ou!d rea $e"e ca"e" a" an opporuniy o !earn' Afer a!!, $a%" par of
$e fun of $i" :ob'7
Jack ried -ain!y o peer $rou#$ 5aurie%" p!a"ic face &a"k o #e an
idea of w$e$er "$e wa" bein# "eriou" or :u" &ockin# $i&' )nforunae!y
wi$ a!! $e ref!ecion" fro& $e o-er$ead !i#$", $e cou!dn% e!!'
5ea-in# 5aurie, Jack "opped brief!y a C$e%" ab!e' C$e wa" no in
a #ood &ood'
74e!!,7 $e "aid' 7I%" #oin# o ake &e a!! day o race $e"e bu!!e pa$"
$e way Bin#$a& "u##e"ed' If $e wan" o be $i" paricu!ar, I wonder
$y $e doe"n do $e ca"e $I&"e!f'
7<e!! if you need any $e!p,7 Jack "aid' 7I%!! be $appy o co&e down and
!end a $and'7
7I &i#$ do $a,7 C$e "aid'
Jack di"po"ed of $i" proeci-e #ear, c$an#ed ino $i" "ree c!o$e", and
&ade "ure $i" -eni!aion c$ar#er wa" p!u##ed in' T$en $e #o $e au-
op"y fo!der" for 5ope; and 5a#en$orpe' Cro& 4e"er%" fo!der $e !ooked
up $er ne+ of kin' A "i"er wa" !i"ed w$o"e addre"" wa" $e "a&e a" $e
decea"ed' Jack "ur&i"ed $ey were roo&&ae"' 4e copied down $e
p$one nu&ber'
Ne+ Jack "ou#$ ou ,innie, w$o& $e found co&in# ou of $e wa!k-
in coo!er w$ere $e%d :u" depo"ied 5a#en$orpe%" corp"e'
7=$ere are a!! $e "a&p!e" fro& our wo ca"e"?7 Jack a"ked'
7I #o %e& a!! under conro!,7 ,innie "aid'
7I wan o ake $e& up"air" &y"e!f,7 Jack "aid'
7Are you "ure?7 ,innie a"ked' Runnin# up $e "a&p!e" o $e -ariou"
!ab" wa" a!way" an e+cu"e for a coffee break' 7I%& po"ii-e,7 :ack "aid'
Once $e wa" ar&ed wi$ a!! $e "a&p!e" p!u" $e auop"y fo!der" :ack
"e ou for $i" office' Bu $e &ade wo deour"' T$e fir" wa" o $e &i-
crobio!o#y !ab, w$ere $e "ou#$ ou A#ne" Cinn'
7I wa" i&pre""ed wi$ your dia#no"i" of u!are&ia,7 A#ne" "aid'
7I%& #ein# a !o of co&p!i&en" ou of $a one,7 :ack "aid'
7Go "o&e$in# for &e oday?7 A#ne" a"ked, eyein# :ack%" ar&fu! of
"a&p!e"'
7I do, indeed,7 :ack "aid' 4e found $e appropriae "a&p!e fro& 5ope;
and pu i on $e corner of A#ne"%" de"k' 7T$i" i" ano$er probab!e
!are&ia' Ano$er "a&p!e wi!! co&e up fro& a ca"e 5aurie (on#o&ery
i" doin# a" we "peak' I wan $e& bo$ e"ed for u!are&ia'7
7T$e reference !ab i" -ery ea#er o fo!!ow up on $e 4ard ca"e, "o $a
won% be difficu!' I "$ou!d $a-e re"u!" back oday' =$a e!"e?7
7=e!!, $i" one i" a &y"ery,7 :ack "aid' 4e pu "e-era! "a&p!e" fro&
5a#en$orpe on A#ne"%" de"k' 7I don% $a-e any idea w$a $i" paien
$ad' A!! I know i" $a i%" no p!a#ue, and i%" no u!are&ia'7
:ack wen on o de"cribe $e 5a#en$orpe ca"e, #i-in# A#ne" a!! $e
po"ii-e findin#"' *$e wa" e"pecia!!y inere"ed $a no baceria $ad been
repored on $e #ra& "ain of $e "puu&'
74a-e you $ou#$ of -iru"?7 A#ne" a"ked'
7A" &uc$ a" &y !i&ied infeciou" di"ea"e know!ed#e wou!d a!!ow,7
:ack ad&ied' 74ana-iru" cro""ed &y &ind, bu $ere wa" no a !o of
$e&orr$a#e'7
7I%!! "ar "o&e -ira! "creenin# wi$ i""ue cu!ure",7 A#ne" "aid'
7I p!an o do "o&e readin# and &aybe I%!! $a-e ano$er idea,7 :ack "aid'
7I%!! be $ere,7 A#ne" a""ured $i&'
5ea-in# &icrobio!o#y, :ack wen up o $e fif$-f!oor $i"o!o#y !ab'
7=ake up, #ir!", we $a-e a -i"ior,7 one of $e $i"o!o#y ec$" "$oued'
5au#$er ec$oed around $e roo&'
:ack "&i!ed' 4e a!way" en:oyed -i"iin# $i"o!o#y' T$e enire #roup
of wo&en w$o worked $ere a!way" "ee&ed o be in $e be" of &ood"'
Jack wa" paricu!ar!y fond of (aureen O%Conner, a bu"y red$ead wi$
a de-i!i"$ wink!e in $er eye' 4e wa" p!ea"ed w$en $e "aw $er round $e
corner of $e !ab benc$, wipin# $er $and" on a owe!' T$e fron of $er
!ab coa wa" "ained a rainbow of co!or"'
7=e!! now, 2r' *ap!eon,7 "$e "aid in $er p!ea"an bro#ue' 7=$a can
we do for $e !ike" of you?7
7I need a fa-or,7 Jack "aid'
7A fa-or, $e "ay",7 (aureen repeaed' 7<ou $ear $a, #ir!"? =$a
"$ou!d we a"k in reurn?7
(ore !au#$er eruped' I wa" co&&on know!ed#e $a Jack and C$e
were $e on!y wo un&arried &a!e docor", and $e $i"o!o#y wo&en
!iked o ea"e $e&'
Jack un!oaded $i" ar&fu! of "a&p!e bo!e", "eparain# 5a#en$orpe%"
fro& 5ope;%"'
7I%d !ike o do fro;en "ecion" on 5a#en$orpe,7 $e "aid' 7Ju" a few
"!ide" fro& eac$ or#an' Of cour"e, I wan a "e of $e re#u!ar "!ide" a" we!!'7
7=$a abou "ain"?7 (aureen a"ked'
7Ju" $e u"ua!,7 Jack "aid'
7Are you !ookin# for any$in# in paricu!ar?7 (aureen in>uired'
7*o&e "or of &icrobe,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $a%" a!! I can e!! you'7
7=e%!! #i-e you a ca!!,7 (aureen "aid' 7I%11 #e ri#$ on i'7
Back in $i" office, :ack wen $rou#$ $i" &e""a#e"' T$ere wa" no$-
in# of inere"' C!earin# a "pace in fron of $i&"e!f, $e "e down 5ope;%"
and 5a#en$orpe%" fo!der" inendin# o dicae $e auop"y findin#" and
$en ca!! $e ne+ of kin' 4e e-en inended o ca!! $e ne+ of kin of $e
ca"e 5aurie wa" doin#' Bu in"ead $i" eye cau#$ "i#$ of $i" copy of 4ar-
ri"on%" e+book of &edicine'
.u!!in# ou $e book, Jack cracked i open o $e "ecion on infeciou"
di"ea"e and be#an readin#' T$ere wa" a !o of &aeria!/ a!&o" fi-e $un-
dred pa#e"' Bu $e wa" ab!e o "can >uick!y "ince &uc$ of i wa" infor-
&aion $e%d co&&ied o &e&ory a "o&e poin & $i" profe""iona!
career'
Jack $ad #oen o $e c$aper" on "pecific baceria! infecion" w$en
(aureen ca!!ed' *$e "aid $a $e fro;en "ecion "!ide" were ready' Jack
i&&ediae!y wa!ked down o $e !ab o rerie-e $e&' 4e carried $e&
back o $i" office and &o-ed $i" &icro"cope o $e cener of $e de"k'
T$e "!ide" were or#ani;ed by or#an' Jack !ooked a $e "ecion" of $e
!un# fir"' =$a i&pre""ed $i& &o" wa" $e a&oun of "we!!in# of $e
!un# i""ue and $e fac $a $e "aw no baceria'
5ookin# a $e $ear "ecion", $e cou!d i&&ediae!y "ee w$y $e $ear
$ad appeared "wo!!en' T$ere wa" a &a""i-e a&oun of inf!a&&aion, and
$e "pace" beween $e $ear &u"c!e ce!!" were fi!!ed wi$ f!uid'
*wic$in# o a $i#$er power of &a#nificaion, Jack i&&ediae!y ap-
preciaed $e pri&ary pa$o!o#y' T$e ce!!" !inin# $e b!ood -e""e!" $a
cour"ed $rou#$ $e $ear were "e-ere!y da&a#ed' A" a re"u!, &any of
$e"e b!ood -e""e!" $ad beco&e occ!uded wi$ b!ood c!o", cau"in# &u!-
ip!e iny $ear aack"8
=i$ a "$o of adrena!ine cour"in# $rou#$ $i" own circu!aion fro&
$e e+cie&en of di"co-ery, Jack >uick!y "wic$ed back o $e "ecion of
!un#' )"in# $e "a&e $i#$ power $e "aw idenica! pa$o!o#y in $e wa!!"
of $e iny b!ood -e""e!", a findin# $e $adn% noiced on $i" fir" e+a&i-
naion'
Jack e+c$an#ed $e !un# "ecion wi$ one fro& $e "p!een' Ad:u"in#
$e focu", $e "aw $e "a&e pa$o!o#y' Ob-iou"!y i wa" a "i#nifican find-
in#, one $a i&&ediae!y "u##e"ed a po""ib!e dia#no"i"'
Jack pu"$ed back fro& $i" de"k and &ade a >uick rip back o $e
&icro !ab and "ou#$ ou A#ne"' 4e found $er a one of $e !ab%" &any
incubaor"'
74o!d up on $e i""ue cu!ure" on 5a#en$orpe,7 $e "aid brea$!e""!y'
7I #o "o&e new infor&aion you%re #oin# o !o-e'7
A#ne" re#arded $i& curiou"!y $rou#$ $er $ick #!a""e"'
7I%" an endo$e!ia! di"ea"e,7 Jack "aid e+cied!y' 7T$e paien $ad an
acue infeciou" di"ea"e wi$ou baceria "een or cu!ured' T$a "$ou!d
$a-e #i-en i away' 4e a!"o $ad $e faine" be#innin#" of a ra"$ $a in-
c!uded $i" pa!&" and "o!e"' .!u" $e%d been "u"peced of $a-in# appen-
dicii"' Gue"" w$y?7
7(u"c!e nderne"", A#ne" "aid'
e 7
73+ac!y,7 Jack "aid' 7*o w$a doe" $a &ake you $ink of?7
RIcke"Ia, A#ne" "aid'
7Bin#o,7 :ack "aid, and $e punc$ed $e air for e&p$a"i"' 7Good o!d
Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er' Now, can you confir& i?7
7I%" a" difficu! a" u!are&ia,7 A#ne" "aid' 7=e%!! $a-e o "end i ou
a#ain' T$ere i" a direc i&&unof!uore"cen ec$ni>ue, bu we don% $a-e
$e rea#en' Bu I know $e ciy reference !ab $a" i, becau"e $ere%d been
an oubreak of Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er in $e Bron+ in ei#$y-
"e-en'7
7Ge i o-er $ere ri#$ away,7 Jack "aid' 7Te!! $e& we wan a read-
in# a" "oon a" $ey can #e i o u"'7
=I11 do, A#ne" "a('
7<ou%re a do!!,7 Jack "aid'
4e "ared for $e door' Before $e #o $ere A#ne" ca!!ed ou o $i&/
7I appreciae you !ein# &e know abou $i" a" "oon a" you did,7 "$e "aid'
7Ricke"ia" are e+re&e!y dan#erou" for u" !ab worker"' In an aero"o!
for& i i" $i#$!y cona#iou"' I%" a" bad or wor"e $an u!are&ia'7
eeo!e"" o "ay, be carefu!,7 Jack o!d $er'
fRI2A<I 19'/1E .,('I (ARC4 22I 1991
4e!en Robin"on bru"$ed $er $air wi$ >uick "roke"' *$e wa" e+cied'
4a-in# :u" $un# up $e p$one wi$ $er &ain conac a Naiona!
4ea!$%" $o&e office, "$e waned o #e in o "ee Rober Barker a" "oon
a" po""ib!e' *$e knew $e wa" #oin# o !o-e w$a "$e $ad o e!! $i&'
*eppin# back fro& $e &irror, 4e!en "ur-eyed $er"e!f fro& bo$ $e
ri#$ and $e !ef' *ai"fied, "$e c!o"ed $e c!o"e door and $eaded ou of
$er office'
4er u"ua! &e$od of conacin# Rober wa" &ere!y o drop in on $i&'
Bu "$e $ou#$ $e infor&aion "$e now $ad iu"ified a &ore for&a! ap-
proac$D "$e%d a"ked one of $e "ecrearie" o ca!! a$ead' T$e "ecreary $ad
repored back $a Rober wa" a-ai!ab!e a $a -ery &o&en, no $a
4e!en wa" "urpri"ed'
4e!en $ad been cu!i-ain# Rober for $e !a" year' *$e "ared w$en
i beca&e apparen o $er $a Rober cou!d a"cend o $e pre"idency'
*en"in# $e &an $ad a "a!aciou" "reak, "$e%d de!iberae!y fanned $e
fire" of $i" i&a#inaion' I wa" ea"y, a!$ou#$ "$e knew "$e readed a fine
!ine' *$e waned o encoura#e $i&, bu no o $e poin w$ere "$e wou!d
$a-e o open!y deny $i&' In rea!iy, "$e found $i& p$y"ica!!y unp!ea"an
a be"'
4e!en%" #oa! wa" Rober%" po"iion' *$e waned o be e+ecui-e direc-
or of accoun" and cou!d "ee no rea"on w$y "$e "$ou!dn% be' 4er on!y
prob!e& wa" $a "$e wa" youn#er $an $e o$er" in $e depar&en' *$e
fe! $a wa" $e $andicap $a $er 7cu!i-aion7 of Rober cou!d o-erco&e'
7A$, 4e!en, &y dear,7 Rober "aid a" 4e!en de&ure!y "epped ino $i"
office' 4e !eaped o $i" fee and c!o"ed $e door be$ind $er'
4e!en perc$ed on $e ar& of $e c$air a" wa" $er cu"o&' *$e cro""ed
$er !e#" and $er "kir $iked up we!! abo-e $er knee' *$e noiced $e p$oo
of Rober%" wife wa" !yin# facedown a" u"ua!'
74ow abou "o&e coffee?7 Rober offered, akin# $i" "ea and a"-
"u&in# $i" cu"o&ary $ypnoic "are'
7I%-e :u" "poken wi$ Gerrude =i!"on o-er a Naiona! 4ea!$,7
4e!en be#an' 7I%& "ure you know $er'7
7Of cour"e,7 Rober "aid' 7*$e%" one of $e &ore "enior -ice pre"i-
den"'7
7*$e%" a!"o one of &y &o" ru"ed conac",7 4e!en "aid' 7And "$e i"
a fan of =i!!ow and 4ea$'7 7)$-$u$,7 Rober "aid'
7*$e o!d &e wo -ery inere"in# $in#",7 4e!en "aid' 7Cir" of a!!, Na-
iona! 4ea!$%" &ain $o"pia! $ere in $e ciy co&pare" -ery fa-orab!y wi$
o$er "i&i!ar $o"pia!" w$en i co&e" o $o"pia!-ba"ed infecion", or
w$a $ey !ike o ca!! no"oco&ia! infecion"'7 7)$-$u$,7 Rober repeaed'
7Naiona! 4ea!$ $a" fo!!owed a!! $e reco&&endaion" of $e C2C
and $e Ioin Co&&i""ion on Accrediaion,7 4e!en "aid'
Rober "$ook $i" $ead "!i#$!y, a" if wakin# up' I $ad aken a &o&en
for 4e!en%" co&&en" o penerae $i" preoccupied brain' 7=ai a "ec-
ond,7 $e "aid' 4e !ooked away o or#ani;e $i" $ou#$"' 7T$i" doe"n%
"ound !ike #ood new" o &e' I $ou#$ &y "ecreary o!d &e you $ad #ood
new"'7
74ear &e ou,7 4e!en "aid' 7A!$ou#$ $ey $a-e an o-era!! #ood no"o-
co&ia! record, $ey%-e $ad "o&e recen roub!e" in $eir New <ork fa-
ci!iy $a $ey%re -ery "en"ii-e abou and wou!d $ae o be &ade pub!ic'
T$ere were $ree epi"ode" in paricu!ar' One in-o!-ed an e+ended ou-
break of"ap$ in $e inen"i-e-care uni"' T$a #a-e $e& a rea! prob!e&
uni! i wa" di"co-ered a nu&ber of $e nur"in# "aff were carrier" and
$ad o be #i-en cour"e" of anibioic"' I e!! you, $i" "uff i" fri#$enin#
w$en you $ear abou i'7
7=$a were $e o$er prob!e&"?7 Rober a"ked' Cor $e &o&en $e
ried o a-oid !ookin# a 4e!en'
7T$ey $ad ano$er kind of baceria! prob!e& ori#inae in $eir
kic$en,7 4e!en "aid' 7A !o of paien" #o "eriou" diarr$ea' A few e-en
died' And $e !a" prob!e& wa" an oubreak of $o"pia!-ba"ed $epaii"'
T$a ki!!ed "e-era! a" we!!'7
7T$a doe"n% "ound !ike "uc$ a #ood record o &e,7 Rober "aid'
7I i" w$en you co&pare i wi$ "o&e of $e o$er $o"pia!",7 4e!en
"aid' 7I e!! you, i%" "cary' Bu $e poin i" $a Naiona! 4ea!$ i" "en"i-
i-e abou $i" no"oco&ia! infecion i""ue' Gerrude "pecifica!!y o!d &e
$a Naiona! 4ea!$ wou!d ne-er in a &i!!ion year" con"ider runnin# an
ad ca&pai#n ba"ed on i'7
7.erfec87 Rober e+c!ai&ed' 7T$a i" #ood new"' =$a $a-e you o!d
Tere"e 4a#en ?7
7No$in#, of cour"e,7 4e!en "aid' 7<ou o!d &e o brief you fir"'7
73+ce!!en :ob87 Rober "aid' 4e pu"$ed $i&"e!f up ono $i" !on#, $in
!e#" and paced' 7T$i" cou!dn% be beer' I%-e #o Tere"e :u" w$ere I wan
$er'7
7=$a do you wan &e o e!! $er?7 4e!en a"ked'
7Ju" e!! $er $a you $a-e confir&ed Naiona! 4ea!$ $a" an e+ce!-
!en record -i"-i--i" no"oco&ia! infecion,7 Rober "aid' 7I wan o en-
coura#e $er o #o a$ead wi$ $er ca&pai#n, becau"e i wi!! "ure!y bo&b'7
7Bu we%!! !o"e $e accoun,7 4e!en "aid'
7No nece""ari!y,7 Rober "aid' 7<ou%-e found ou in $e pa" $a $ey
are inere"ed in %a!kin# $ead"% "po" wi$ ce!ebriie"' =e%-e co&&uni-
caed $a o Tere"e i&e and i&e a#ain and "$e $a" i#nored i' I%& #oin#
o #o be$ind $er back and !ine up a few of $e "ar" fro& "o&e of $e cur-
ren $o"pia!-ba"ed T, dra&a"' T$ey%d be perfec for e"i&onia!"' Tere"e
4a#en wi!! bo&b and we%!! be ab!e o "ep in wi$ our own ca&pai#n'7
n#e&ou", 4e!en "aid' *$e "!id off $e ar& of $er c$air' 7I%11 "ar $e
ba!! ro!!in# by ca!!in# Tere"e 4a#en i&&ediae!y'7
4e!en "cooed back o $er own office and $ad a "ecreary pu in a ca!!
o Tere"e' A" "$e waied, "$e co&p!i&ened $er"e!f on $e con-er"aion
"$e%d :u" $ad wi$ Rober' I cou!dn% $a-e #one any beer $ad "$e
"criped i' 4er po"iion in $e fir& wa" !ookin# beer and beer'
7(i"" 4a#en i" down"air" in $e arena,7 $e "ecreary repored' 72o
you wan &e o ca!! down $ere?7
7No,7 4e!en "aid' 7I%11 $ead down $ere in per"on'7
5ea-in# $e carpeed ran>ui!!iy of $e accoun e+ecui-e area, 4e!en
de"cended $e "air" o $e "udio f!oor' 4er pu&p" ec$oed !oud!y on $e
&ea! "ep"' *$e !iked $e idea of a!kin# wi$ Tere"e in per"on, a!$ou#$
"$e%d no waned o #o o Tere"e%" office, w$ere "$e%d fee! ini&idaed'
4e!en rapped !oud!y on $e door:a&b before enerin#' Tere"e wa" "i-
in# a a !ar#e ab!e co-ered wi$ "oryboard" and i""ue"' A!"o pre"en
were Co!!een Ander"on, A!ice Gerber, and a &an 4e!en did no know'
4e wa" inroduced a" Ne!"on Cried&an'
7I%-e #o $e infor&aion you re>ue"ed,7 4e!en "aid o Tere"e' *$e
forced $er face ino a broad "&i!e'
7Good new" or bad ?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%d "ay -ery #ood,7 4e!en "aid'
75e%" $a-e i,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e !eaned back in $er c$air'
4e!en de"cribed Naiona! 4ea!$%" po"ii-e no"oco&ia! record' *$e
e-en o!d Tere"e "o&e$in# "$e $adn% o!d Rober/ Naiona! 4ea!$%" $o"-
pia! infecion rae" were beer $an A % %
&enCare " a $e Genera!'
7Cabu!ou",7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a%" :u" w$a I waned o know' <ou%-e
been a bi# $e!p' T$ank you'7
7G!ad o be of "er-ice,7 4e!en "aid' 74ow are you co&in# wi$ $e
ca&pai#n ?7
7I fee! #ood abou i,7 Tere"e "aid' 7By (onday we%!! $a-e "o&e$in#
for Tay!or and Brian o "ee'7
73+ce!!en,7 4e!en "aid' 7=e!!, if I can do any$in# e!"e, :u" !e &e
know'7
7Cerain!y,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e wa!ked 4e!en o $e door, $en wa-ed
a" 4e!en di"appeared ino $e "airwe!!'
Tere"e reurned o $e ab!e and "a back down'
72o you be!ie-e $er?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7I do,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Accoun" wou!dn% ri"k !yin# abou "a" $a we
cou!d pre"u&ab!y #e e!"ew$ere'7
7I don% "ee $ow you can ru" $er,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I $ae $a p!a"ic
"&i!e' I%" unnaura!'7
74ey, I "aid I be!ie-ed $er,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I didn% "ay I ru"ed $er'
T$a%" w$y I didn% "$are wi$ $er w$a we are doin# $ere'7
7*peakin# of w$a we are doin# $ere,7 Co!!een "aid, 7you $a-en% e+-
ac!y "aid you !ike i'7
Tere"e "i#$ed a" $er eye" ran#ed around a $e "caered "oryboard"'
7I !ike $e 4ippocrae" "e>uence,7 "$e "aid' 7Bu I don% know abou $i"
O!i-er =ende!! 4o!&e" and $i" Lo"ep$ 5i"er &aeria!' I under"and
$ow i&poran wa"$in# $and" i" e-en in a &odern $o"pia!, bu i%" no
;ippy'7
7=$a abou $a docor w$o wa" up $ere wi$ you !a" ni#$?7 A!ice
a"ked' 7*ince $c "u##e"ed $i" $andwa"$in# "uff, &aybe $e%!! $a-e &ore
of an idea now $a we%-e "kec$ed i ou'7
Co!!een #!anced up a Tere"e' *$e wa" du&bfounded' 7<ou and :ack
ca&e $ere !a" ni#$?7 "$e a"ked'
7<ea$, we "opped by,7 Tere"e "aid ca"ua!!y' *$e reac$ed ou and ad-
iu"ed one of $e "oryboard" "o "$e cou!d "ee i beer' 7<ou didn% e!! &e
$a,7 Co!!een "aid'
7<ou didn% a"k,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu i%" no "ecre, if $a%" w$a you are
i&p!yin#' (y re!aion"$ip wi$ Jack i" no ro&anic'7
7And you #uy" a!ked abou $i" ad ca&pai#n?7 Co!!een a"ked' 7I
didn% $ink you waned $i& o know abou i, e"pecia!!y "ince $e%d been
kinda re"pon"ib!e for $e idea'7
7I c$an#ed &y &ind,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ou#$ $e &i#$ !ike i "ince i
dea!" wi$ $e >ua!iy of &edica! care'7
7<ou%re fu!! of "urpri"e",7 Co!!een co&&ened'
74a-in# Jack and C$e ake a !ook a $i" i" no a bad idea,7 Tere"e
"aid' 7A profe""iona! re"pon"e &i#$ be $e!pfu!'7
7I%d be $appy o &ake $e ca!!,7 Co!!een offered'
CRI2A<, 2/AE .'(', (AR.%4 22I 1991
Jack $ad been on $e p$one for o-er an $our, ca!!in# $e ne+ of kin of
$a day%" $ree infeciou" di"ea"e ca"e"' 4e%d a!ked wi$ 5aurie before
ca!!in# Joy 4e"er%" "i"er and roo&&ae' Jack didn% wan 5aurie o
$ink $e wa" ryin# o ake o-er $er ca"e, bu "$e a""ured $i& "$e didn%
&ind'
)nforunae!y Jack did no !earn any$in# po"ii-e' A!! $e wa" ab!e o
do wa" o confir& a "erie" of ne#ai-e", "uc$ a" $a none of $e paien"
$ad $ad conac wi$ wi!d ani&a!" in #enera! or wi!d rabbi" in paricu-
!ar' On!y 2ona!d 5a#en$orpe $ad $ad conac wi$ a pe, and $a wa"
$i" #ir!friend%" new!y ac>uired ca, w$ic$ wa" a!i-e and we!!'
4an#in# up a $e end of $e fina! ca!!, Jack "!ouc$ed down in $i" c$air
and "ared &oodi!y a $e b!ank wa!!' T$e adrena!ine ru"$ $e%d fe! ear-
!ier wi$ $e enai-e dia#no"i" of Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er $ad
#i-en way o fru"raion' 4e "ee&ed o be &akin# no $eadway'
T$e p$one "ar!ed Jack and pu!!ed $i& ou of $i" #!oo&' T$e ca!!er
idenified $i&"e!f a" 2r' Gary 3ck$ar, a &icrobio!o#i" a $e ciy ref-
erence !ab'
7Are you 2r' *ap!eon?7
7<e", I a&,7 Jack "aid'
7I%& reporin# a po"ii-e reacion for Ricke"ia ricke"ii,7 2r' 3ck$ar
"aid' 7<our paien $ad Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er' =i!! you be re-
porin# $i" o $e Board of 4ea!$ or do you wan &e o do i?7
7<ou do i,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no e-en "ure I%d know w$o& o ca!!'7
7Con"ider i done,7 2r' 3ck$ar "aid' 4e $un# up'
Jack "!ow!y rep!aced $e recei-er' T$a $i" dia#no"i" $ad been con-
fir&ed wa" a" &uc$ of a "$ock a" i $ad been w$en $i" dia#no"e" of $e
p!a#ue and u!are&ia $ad been confir&ed' T$e"e de-e!op&en" were in-
credib!e' =i$in $ree day" $e%d "een $ree re!ai-e!y rare infeciou" di"-
ea"e"'
On!y in New <ork, $e $ou#$' In $i" &ind%" eye $e "aw a!! $o"e
p!ane" Ca!-in $ad &ade reference o arri-in# a 6ennedy Airpor fro&
a!! o-er $e wor!d'
Bu Jack%" "$ock be#an o &ea&orp$o"e o di"be!ief' 3-en wi$ a!! $e
p!ane" and a!! $e peop!e arri-in# fro& e+oic !oca!e" carryin# a!! &an-
ner of -er&in, bu#", and &icrobe", i "ee&ed oo &uc$ of a coincidence
o "ee back-o-back ca"e" of p!a#ue, u!are&ia, and now Rocky (ounain
"poed fe-er' Jack%" ana!yica! &ind ried o i&a#ine w$a $e probabi!-
iy of "uc$ an occurrence wou!d be'
7I%d "ay abou ;ero,7 $e "aid ou !oud'
*udden!y Jack pu"$ed back fro& $i" de"k and "or&ed ou of $i" office'
4i" di"be!ief wa" now c$an#in# o "o&e$in# akin o an#er' Jack wa" "ure
"o&e$in# weird wa" #oin# on, and for $e &o&en $e wa" akin# i per-
"ona!!y' Be!ie-in# $a "o&e$in# $ad o be done, $e $eaded down"air"
and pre"ened $i&"e!f o (r"' *anford' 4e de&anded o a!k wi$ $e c$ief'
7I%& afraid 2r' Bin#$a& i" o-er a Ciy 4a!! &eein# wi$ $e &ayor
and $e c$ief of po!ice,7 (r"' *anford "aid'
7O$, $e!!87 Jack e+c!ai&ed' 7I" $e &o-in# in o-er $ere or w$a?7
7T$ere%" a !o of conro-er"y "urroundin# $a #un"$o ca"e $i" &orn-
in#,7 (r"' *anford "aid wari!y'
7=$en wi!! $e be back ?7 Jack de&anded' Bin#$a&%" bein# una-ai!-
ab!e wa" addin# o $i" fru"raion'
7I :u" don% know,7 (r"' *anford "aid' 7Bu I%!! be "ure o e!! $i& you
wan o "peak wi$ $i&'7
7=$a abou 2r' =a"$in#on?7
74e%" a $e "a&e &eein#,7 (r"' *anford "aid'
7O$, #rea87
7I" $ere "o&e$in# I can $e!p you wi$?7 (r"' *anford a"ked'
:ack $ou#$ for a &o&en' 74ow abou a piece of paper,7 $e "aid' 7I
$ink I%!! !ea-e a noe'7
(r"' *anford $anded $i& a "$ee of ypin# paper' In b!ock !eer" Lack
wroe/ 5AG3NT4OR.3 4A2 ROC6< (O)NTAIN *.OTT32
C3,3R' T$en $e drew a $a!f do;en !ar#e >ue"ion &ark" and e+c!a&a-
ion poin"' Benea$ $a $e wroe/ T43 CIT< BOAR2 OC 43A5T4
4A* B33N NOTICI32 B< T43 CIT< (ICROBIO5OGICA5 R3C-
3R3NC3 5AB'
Jack $anded $e "$ee o (r"' *anford, w$o pro&i"ed $a "$e%d per-
"ona!!y "ee o i $a 2r' Bin#$a& #o i a" "oon a" $e ca&e in' T$en "$e
a"ked Jack w$ere $e%d be if $e c$ief waned o "peak wi$ $i&'
72epend" on w$en $e #e" back,7 Jack "aid' 7I p!an o be ou of $e of-
fice for a w$i!e' Of cour"e, $e &i#$ $ear abou &e before $e $ear" fro&
&e'7
(r"' *anford re#arded $i& >ui;;ica!!y, bu Jack didn% e!aborae'
Jack reurned o $i" office and #rabbed $i" :acke' T$en $e de"cended
o $e &or#ue and un!ocked $i" bike' Bin#$a&%" e+$oraion" nowi$-
"andin#, Jack wa" on $i" way o $e (an$aan Genera! 4o"pia!' Cor
wo day" $e%d $ad $e "u"picion $a "o&e$in# unu"ua! wa" #oin# on o-er
$ereD now $e wa" "ure of i'
Afer a >uick ride, Jack !ocked $i" bike o $e "a&e "i#n $e%d u"ed on
$i" pre-iou" -i"i" and enered $e $o"pia!' =i$ -i"iin# $our" :u" be-
#innin#, $e !obby wa" :a&&ed wi$ peop!e, paricu!ar!y around $e in-
for&aion boo$'
Jack wor&ed $i" way $rou#$ $e crowd and c!i&bed $e "air" o $e
"econd f!oor' 4e wen direc!y o $e !ab and waied in !ine o "peak wi$
$e recepioni"' T$i" i&e $e a"ked o "ee $e direcor, e-en $ou#$ $i"
i&pu!"e wa" o &arc$ ri#$ in'
(arin C$e-eau &ade Jack wai for a $a!f $our before "eein# $i&' Jack
ried o u"e $e i&e o ca!& $i&"e!f' 4e reco#ni;ed $a o-er $e !a" four
or fi-e year" $e%d beco&e !e"" $an acfu! in $e be" of circu&"ance"D
w$en $e wa" up"e, a" $e wa" now, $e cou!d be abra"i-e'
A !aboraory ec$ e-enua!!y ca&e ou and infor&ed Jack $a 2r' (ar-
in C$e-eau wou!d "ee $i& now'
7T$ank" for "eein# &e "o pro&p!y,7 Jack "aid a" $e enered $e of-
rice' 2e"pie $i" be" inenion" $e cou!dn% a-oid a ouc$ of "arca"&'
7I%& a bu"y &an,7 (arin "aid, no bo$erin# o "and up'
7I can we!! i&a#ine,7 Jack "aid' 7=i$ $e "rin# of rare infeciou" di"-
ea"e" e&anain# fro& $i" $o"pia! on a dai!y ba"i", I%d $ink you%d be
puin# in o-eri&e'7
72r' *ap!eon,7 (arin "aid in a conro!!ed -oice' 7I $a-e o e!! you
$a I find your aiude di"inc!y di"a#reeab!e'7
7I find your" confu"in#,7 Jack "aid' 7On &y fir" -i"i you were $e pic-
ure of $o"pia!iy' On &y "econd -i"i, you were :u" $e oppo"ie'7
7)nforunae!y I don% $a-e i&e for $i" con-er"aion,7 (arin "aid'
7I" $ere "o&e$in# in paricu!ar you waned o "ay o &e?7
7Ob-iou"!y,7 Jack "aid' 7I didn% co&e o-er $ere :u" for abu"e'
I waned o a"k your profe""iona! opinion abou $ow you $ink $ree rare,
ar$ropod-borne di"ea"e" $a-e &y"eriou"!y occurred in $i" $o"pia!'
I%-e been cu!i-ain# &y own opinion, bu a" $e direcor of $e !ab I%&
curiou" abou your"'7
7=$a do you &ean $ree di"ea"e"?7 (arin a"ked'
7I :u" #o confir&aion $a a paien na&ed 5a#en$orpe w$o e+pired
$ere in $e Genera! !a" ni#$ $ad Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er'7 7I don%
be!ie-e you,7 (arin "aid'
Jack eyed $e &an and ried o decide if $e wa" a #ood acor or ru!y
"urpri"ed'
7=e!! $en, !e &e a"k you a >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid' 7=$a wou!d I ac-
co&p!i"$ by co&in# o-er $ere and e!!in# you "o&e$in# $a wa"n%
rue ? 2o you $ink of &e a" "o&e "or of $ea!$-care pro-ocaeur ?7
(arin didn% an"wer' In"ead $e picked up $e p$one and pa#ed 2r'
(ary Gi&&er&an'
7Ca!!in# in reinforce&en"?7 Jack a"ked' 7=$y can% you and I $a-e
a a!k ?7
7I%& no "ure you are capab!e of nor&a! con-er"aion,7 (arin "aid'
7Good ec$ni>ue,7 Jack co&&ened' 7=$en defen"e doe"n% work,
"wic$ o offen"e' T$e prob!e& i", "rae#ie" won% c$an#e $e fac"' Rick-
e"ia" are e+re&e!y dan#erou" in $e !aboraory' (aybe we "$ou!d &ake
"ure w$oe-er $and!ed 5a#en$orpe%" "peci&en" did "o wi$ proper pre-
cauion"'7
(arin pre""ed $i" inerco& buon and pa#ed $i" c$ief &icrobio!o#y
ec$, Ric$ard O-er"ree'
7Ano$er $in# I%d !ike o di"cu"",7 Jack "aid' 7On &y fir" -i"i $ere
you o!d &e $ow di"coura#in# i wa" o run your !ab wi$ $e bud#e"
foi"ed on you by A&eriCare' On a "ca!e of one o en, $ow di"#run!ed
are you?7
7=$a are you i&p!yin#?7 (arin de&anded o&inou"!y'
7A $e &o&en I%& no i&p!yin# any$in#,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& :u" a"k-
in#'7
T$e p$one ran# and (arin picked i up' I wa" 2r' (ary Gi&&er-
&an' (arin a"ked $er if "$e cou!d co&e down o $e !ab "ince "o&e$in#
i&poran $ad :u" co&e up'
7T$e prob!e& a" I "ee i i" $a $e probabi!iy of $e"e $ree i!!ne""e"
poppin# up a" $ey $a-e i" c!o"e o ;ero,7 Jack "aid' 74ow wou!d you e+-
p!ain i?7
78 don% $a-e o !i"en o $i",7 (arin "nar!ed'
7Bu I $ink you $a-e o con"ider i,7 Jack "aid'
Ric$ard O-er"ree appeared in $e doorway dre""ed a" $e%d been be-
fore, in a w$ie !ab coa o-er "ur#ica! "crub"' 4e appeared $arried'
7=$a i" i, C$ief?7 $e a"ked' 4e nodded a #reein# o Jack, w$o re-
urned $e #e"ure'
7I%-e :u" !earned a paien by $e na&e of 5a#en$orpe e+pired fro&
Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er,7 (arin "aid #ruff!y' 7Cind ou w$o #o
$e "a&p!e" and w$o proce""ed $e&'7
Ric$ard "ood for a &o&en, ob-iou"!y "$ocked by $e new"' 7T$a
&ean" we $ad ricke"ia in $e !ab,7 $e "aid'
7I%& afraid "o,7 (arin "aid' 7Ge ri#$ back o &e'7 Ric$ard -ani"$ed
and (arin urned back o Jack' 7Now $a you $a-e brou#$ u" $i"
$appy new", per$ap" you cou!d do u" $e fa-or and !ea-e'7
7I%d prefer o $ear your opinion a" o $e ori#in of $e"e di"ea"e",7 Jack
"aid'
(arin%" face f!u"$ed, bu before $e cou!d re"pond 2r' (ary Gi&-
&er&an appeared a $i" door'
7=$a can I do for you, (arin?7 "$e a"ked' *$e "ared o e!! $i&
$a "$e%d :u" been pa#ed o $e 3R w$en "$e cau#$ "i#$ of Jack' 4er
eye" narrowed' *$e wa" ob-iou"!y no $appier $an (arin o "ee Jack'
74owdy, 2ocor,7 Jack "aid c$eerfu!!y'
7I wa" a""ured we wou!d no "ee you a#ain,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid'
7<ou can ne-er be!ie-e e-ery$in# you $ear,7 Jack "aid'
Ju" $en Ric$ard reurned, c!ear!y di"rau#$' 7I wa" Nancy
=i##en",7 $e b!ured ou' 7*$e%" $e one w$o #o $e "a&p!e and
proce""ed i $er"e!f' *$e ca!!ed in "ick $i" &ornin#'7
2r' Gi&&er&an con"u!ed a noe "$e $e!d in $er $and' 7=i##en" i"
one of $e paien" I%-e :u" been ca!!ed o "ee in $e 3R,7 "$e "aid' 7Ap-
paren!y "$e%" "ufferin# fro& "o&e "or of fu!&inan infecion'7 7O$, no87
Ric$ard "aid'
7=$a%" #oin# on $ere?7 2r' Gi&&er&an de&anded'
72r' *ap!eon :u" brou#$ new" $a a paien of our" died fro&
Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er,7 (arin "aid' 7Nancy wa" e+po"ed'7
7No $ere in $e !ab,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%-e been a bear abou "afey' 3-er
"ince $e p!a#ue ca"e I $a-e in"i"ed a!! infeciou" &aeria! be $and!ed in
$e bio"afey III cabine' If "$e were e+po"ed i $ad o be fro& $e paien'7
7T$a%" no !ike!y,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e on!y o$er po""ibi!iy i" $a $e $o"-
pia! i" !ou"y wi$ ick"'7
72r' *ap!eon, your co&&en" are a"e!e"" and inappropriae,7 2r'
Gi&&er&an "aid'
7T$ey are a !o wor"e $an $a,7 (arin "aid' 7Ju" before you #o $ere,
2r' Gi&&er&an, $e "!anderou"!y "u##e"ed $a I $ad "o&e$in# o do
wi$ $e "pread of $e"e !ae" i!!ne""e"'7
7T$a%" no rue,7 Jack correced' 7I wa" &ere!y i&p!yin# $a $e idea
of de!iberae "pread $a" o be con"idered w$en $e probabi!iy of $e&
occurrin# by c$ance i" "o ne#!i#ib!e' I on!y &ake" "en"e' =$a%" wron#
wi$ you peop!e?7
7I $ink "uc$ $ou#$" are $e produc of a paranoid &ind,7 2r' Gi&-
&er&an "aid' 7And frank!y I don% $a-e i&e for $i" non"en"e' I%-e #o
o #e o $e 3R' In addiion o (i"" =i##en", $ere are wo o$er e&-
p!oyee" wi$ $e "a&e "e-ere "y&po&"' Good-bye, 2r' *ap!eon87
7Ju" a &inue,7 Jack "aid' 75e &e #ue"" w$a area" $e"e wo o$er
"ricken e&p!oyee" work in' Cou!d $ey be fro& nur"in# and cenra!
"upp!y?7
2r' Gi&&er&an, w$o wa" a!ready "e-era! "ep" away fro& (arin%"
door, pau"ed and !ooked back a Jack' 74ow did you know $a?7 "$e
a"ked'
7I%& be#innin# o "ee a paern,7 Jack "aid' 7I can% e+p!ain i, bu i%"
$ere' I &ean, $e nur"e i" re#reab!e bu under"andab!e' Bu "o&eone
fro& cenra! "upp!y?7
75i"en, 2r' *ap!eon,7 2r' Gi&&er&an "aid' 7.er$ap" we%re in your
deb for once a#ain $a-in# a!ered u" o a dan#erou" di"ea"e' Bu we wi!!
ake o-er fro& $ere, and we cerain!y don% need any of your paranoid
de!u"ion"' Good day, 2r' *ap!eon'7
74o!d on a &inue,7 (arin ca!!ed ou o 2r' Gi&&er&an' 7I%!! co&e
wi$ you o $e 3R' If $i" i" ricke"ia! di"ea"e I wan o be "ure a!! "a&-
p!e" are $and!ed "afe!y'7
(arin #rabbed $i" !on# w$ie !ab coa fro& a $ook be$ind $e door
and ran afer 2r' Gi&&er&an'
Jack "$ook $i" $ead in di"be!ief' 3-ery -i"i $e%d &ade o $e Genera!
$ad been "ran#e, and $i" one wa" no e+cepion' On pre-iou" occa"ion"
$e%d been c$a"ed ou' T$i" i&e $e%d been a!! bu de"ered'
72o you rea!!y $ink $e"e i!!ne""e" cou!d $a-e been "pread de!iber-
ae!y?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
Jack "$ru##ed' 7To e!! you $e ru$, I don% know w$a o $ink' Bu
$ere cerain!y $a" been "o&e defen"i-e be$a-ior, paricu!ar!y on $e par
of $o"e wo w$o :u" !ef' Te!! &e, i" 2r' C$e-eau #enera!!y &ercuria!?
4e "ee&ed o urn on &e ra$er "udden!y'7
74e%" a!way" been a #en!e&an wi$ &e,7 Ric$ard "aid'
Jack #o o $i" fee' 7I &u" be &e, $en,7 $e "aid' 7And I "uppo"e our
re!aion" won% i&pro-e afer oday' *uc$ i" !ife' Anyway, I%d beer be
#oin#' I "ure $ope Nancy i" okay'7
7<ou and &e bo$,7 Ric$ard "aid'
Jack wandered ou of $e !ab debain# w$a o do ne+' 4e $ou#$
abou ei$er #oin# o $e e&er#ency roo& o "ee abou $e $ree "ick pa-
ien" or $eadin# up o cenra! "upp!y for ano$er -i"i' 4e decided on $e
e&er#ency roo&' 3-en $ou#$ 2r' Gi&&er&an and 2r' C$e-eau $ad
$eaded down $ere, Jack $ou#$ $e c$ance of ano$er run-in wa" re-
&oe, #i-en $e "i;e of $e 3R and $e con"an aci-iy $ere'
A" "oon a" $e arri-ed $e deeced a #enera! panic' C$ar!e" 6e!!ey wa"
an+iou"!y conferrin# wi$ "e-era! o$er ad&ini"raor"' T$en C!in
Abe!ard ca&e da"$in# $rou#$ $e &ain a&bu!ance enry on!y o di"ap-
pear down $e cenra! corridor'
Jack wen o-er o one of $e nur"e" w$o wa" bu"y%be$ind $e &ain
couner' 4e inroduced $i&"e!f and a"ked if $e $ubbub wa" abou $e
$ree "ick $o"pia! "aff'
7I &o" cerain!y i",7 "$e "aid' 7T$ey%re ryin# o decide $ow be" o
i"o!ae $e&'7
7Any dia#no"i"?7 Jack a"ked'
7I :u" $eard $ey "u"pec Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er,7 $e nur"e
"aid'
7.rey "cary,7 Jack "aid'
7,ery,7 $e nur"e "aid' 7One of $e paien" i" a nur"e'7
Ou of $e corner of $i" eye Jack "aw 6e!!ey approac$in#' Jack >uick!y
faced away' 6e!!ey ca&e o $e de"k and a"ked $e nur"e for $e p$one'
Jack !ef $e bu"!in# 3R' 4e $ou#$ abou #oin# up o cenra! "up-
p!y, bu decided a#ain" i' 4a-in# co&e c!o"e o ano$er confronaion
wi$ C$ar!e" 6e!!ey, $e $ou#$ i be" o $ead back o $e office' A!-
$ou#$ $e $adn% acco&p!i"$ed any$in#, a !ea" $e wa" !ea-in# on $i"
own -o!iion'
7)$-o$8 =$ere $a-e you been?7 C$e a"ked a" Jack ca&e ino $eir of-
fice'
7O-er a $e Genera!,7 Jack ad&ied' 4e "ared or#ani;in# $e c!u-
er on $i" de"k'
7A !ea" you &u" $a-e be$a-ed your"e!fD $ere $a-en% been any fran-
ic ca!!" fro& $e fron office'7
7I wa" a #ood boy,7 Jack "aid' 7=e!!, rea"onab!y #ood' T$e p!ace i" in
an uproar' T$ey $a-e ano$er oubreak' T$i" one i" Rocky (ounain
"poed fe-er' Can you be!ie-e i?7 7T$a%" incredib!e,7 C$e "aid'
7T$a%" &y fee!in# e+ac!y,7 Jack "aid' 4e wen on o e!! C$e $ow
$e%d i&p!ied o $e $ead of $e !ab $a oubreak" of $ree rare, infeciou",
ar$ropod-borne di"ea"e" in a" &any day" cou!dn% occur naura!!y' 7I be $a
wen o-er we!!,7 C$e "aid'
7O$, $e wa" indi#nan,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $en $e #o preoccupied wi$
"o&e fre"$ ca"e" and for#o abou &e'7
7I%& "urpri"ed you weren% $rown ou a#ain,7 C$e "aid' 7=$y do you
do $i" o your"e!f?7
7Becau"e I%& con-inced $a $ere%" %"o&e$in# roen in $e "ae of
2en&ark,% 7Jack "aid' 7Bu enou#$ abou &e' 4ow did your ca"e #o?7
C$e #a-e a "$or, "cornfu! !au#$' 7And o $ink I u"ed o !ike #un-
"$o ca"e",7 $e "aid' 7T$i" one i" kickin# up a "or&' T$ree of $e fi-e bu!-
!e" enered $rou#$ $e back'7
7T$a%" #oin# o #i-e $e po!ice depar&en a $eadac$e,7 Jack "aid'
7And &e oo,7 Jack "aid' 7O$, by $e way, I #o a ca!! fro& Co!!een'
*$e wan" you and &e o co&e by $eir "udio w$en we !ea-e work
oni#$' 5i"en o $i"/ T$ey wan our opinion abou "o&e ad"' =$a do
you "ay?7
7<ou #o,7 :ack "aid' 7I%-e #o o #e "o&e of $e"e ca"e" of &ine "i#ned
ou' I%& "o far be$ind i%" "carin# &e'7
7Bu $ey wan bo$ of u",7 C$e "aid' 7Co!!een "pecifica!!y "aid $a'
In fac, "$e "aid $ey paricu!ar!y waned you $ere becau"e you $ad
$e!ped a!ready' Co&e on, i wi!! be fun' T$ey are #oin# o "$ow u" a bunc$
of "kec$e" ou!inin# "o&e poenia! T, co&&ercia!"'7 7I" $a rea!!y your idea
of fun?7 :ack a"ked'
7Okay,7 C$e ad&ied' 7I%-e an u!erior &oi-e' I%& en:oyin# "pend-
in# i&e wi$ Co!!een' Bu $ey wan bo$ of u"' 4e!p &e ou'7
7A!! ri#$,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu for $e !ife of &e I don% under"and w$y
you $ink you need &e'7
CIII2A<I I/BB .'('I (ARO4 I%, 1991
:ack $ad in"i"ed on workin# !ae' C$e $ad ob!i#ed by fec$in# C$ine"e
akeou "o :ack cou!d coninue' Once :ack #o "ared, $e $aed o "op'
By ei#$-$iry Co!!een $ad ca!!ed, wonderin# w$ere $ey were' C$e $ad
o na# Jack o #e $i& o urn off $i" &icro"cope and !ay down $i" pen'
T$e ne+ prob!e& wa" :ack%" bike' Afer &uc$ di"cu""ion i wa" de-
cided $a C$e wou!d ake a a+i and Jack wou!d ride a" $e nor&a!!y did'
T$ey $en &e in fron of =i!!ow and 4ea$ afer $a-in# arri-ed a!&o"
"i&u!aneou"!y'
A ni#$ wac$&an opened $e door for $e& and &ade $e& "i#n in'
T$ey boarded $e on!y funcionin# e!e-aor, and :ack pro&p!y pre""ed
$e e!e-en$ f!oor'
7<ou rea!!y were $ere,7 C$e "aid'
7I o!d you I wa",7 Jack "aid'
7I $ou#$ you were pu!!in# &y !e#,7 C$e re&arked'
=$en $e door" opened C$e wa" a" "urpri"ed a" :ack $ad been $e
ni#$ before' T$e "udio wa" in fu!! "win#, a" if i were "i!! "o&ei&e be-
ween nine and fi-e, in"ead of a!&o" nine in $e e-enin#'
T$e wo &en "ood for a few &inue" wac$in# $e bu"!e' T$ey were
oa!!y i#nored'
7*o&e we!co&in# pary,7 :ack co&&ened'
7(aybe "o&eone "$ou!d e!! $e& i%" afer >uiin# i&e,7 C$e "aid'
Jack peered ino Co!!een%" office' T$e !i#$" were on bu no one wa"
$ere' Turnin# around, $e reco#ni;ed A!ice oi!in# a $er drawin# board'
4e wa!ked o-er o $er, bu "$e didn% !ook up'
73+cu"e &e?7 Jack "aid' *$e wa" workin# wi$ "uc$ concenraion $e
$aed o bo$er $er' 74e!!o, $e!!o'7
Cina!!y A!ice%" $ead bobbed up, and w$en "$e cau#$ "i#$ of $i&, $er
face ref!eced in"an reco#niion'
7O$, #o"$, "orry,7 "$e "aid, wipin# $er $and" on a owe!' 7=e!co&e87
*$e aced "e!f-con"ciou"D "$e%d no "een $e& arri-e a" "$e "ood and &o-
ioned for $e& o fo!!ow $er' 7Co&e on8 I%& "uppo"ed o ake you down
o $e arena'7
7)$-o$,7 C$e "aid' 7T$a doe"n% "ound #ood' T$ey &u" $ink we%re
C$ri"ian"'7
A!ice !au#$ed' 7Creai-e" are "acrificed in $e arena, no C$ri"ian",7
"$e e+p!ained'
Tere"e and Co!!een #reeed $e& wi$ air ki""e"/ $e &ere ouc$in# of
c$eek" acco&panied by a "&ackin# "ound' I wa" $e kind of riua! $a
&ade Jack fee! di"inc!y unco&forab!e'
Tere"e #o ri#$ o bu"ine""' *$e $ad $e &en "i a $e ab!e w$i!e "$e
and Co!!een be#an puin# "oryboard" in fron of $e&, &ainainin# a
runnin# co&&enary on w$a $e "oryboard" repre"ened'
Bo$ :ack and C$e were enerained fro& $e "ar' T$ey were par-
icu!ar!y aken by $e $u&orou" "kec$e" in-o!-in# O!i-er =ende!!
4o!&e" and Jo"ep$ 5i"er -i"iin# $e Naiona! 4ea!$ $o"pia! and in-
"pecin# $e $o"pia!%" $and-wa"$in# prooco!"' A $e conc!u"ion of eac$
co&&ercia! $e"e fa&ou" c$aracer" in $e $i"ory of &edicine co&-
&ened on $ow &uc$ &ore "crupu!ou"!y $e Naiona! 4ea!$ $o"pia!
fo!!owed $eir eac$in#" $an $a 7o$er7 $o"pia!'
7=e!!, $ere you $a-e i,7 Tere"e "aid afer $e !a" "oryboard wa" e+-
p!ained and wi$drawn' 7=$a do you &en $ink?7
7T$ey%re cue,7 Jack ad&ied' 7And probab!y effeci-e' Bu $ey are
$ard!y wor$ $e &oney $a%" #oin# o be "pen on $e&'7
7Bu $ey dea! wi$ "o&e$in# a""ociaed wi$ $e >ua!iy of care,7
Tere"e "aid defen"i-e!y'
7Bare!y,7 :ack "aid' 7T$e Naiona! 4ea!$ "ub"criber" wou!d be be-
er off if $e &i!!ion" "pen on $i" were pu ino acua! $ea!$ care'7
7=e!!, I !o-e $e&,7 C$e "aid' 7T$ey%re "o fre"$ and de!i#$fu!!y $u-
&orou"' I $ink $ey%re #rea'7
7I a""u&e $e %o$er% $o"pia! refer" o $e co&peiion,7 :ack "aid'
7(o" a""ured!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=e fee! i wou!d be in bad a"e o &en-
ion $e Genera! by na&e, e"pecia!!y in !i#$ of $e prob!e&" i%" been $a--
in#'7
7T$eir prob!e&" are #ein# wor"e,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ey%-e $ad an ou-
break of ano$er "eriou" di"ea"e' T$i" &ake" $ree in $ree day"'7
7Good God87 Tere"e e+c!ai&ed' 7T$a%" awfu!' I cerain!y $ope $i"
#e" o $e &edia, or i" $i" one #oin# o be a "ecre?7
7I don% know w$y you keep &akin# $i" an i""ue,7 :ack "napped'
7T$ere%" no way i can be kep a "ecre'7
7I wou!d be if A&eriCare $ad i" way,7 Tere"e "aid $eaed!y'
74ey, are you #uy" a i a#ain?7 C$e "aid'
7I%" an on#oin# ar#u&en,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I :u" can% #e o-er $e fac
$a Jack doe" no fee! i i" $i" :ob a" a pub!ic "er-an o !e $e &edia and
$ence $e pub!ic know abou $e"e awfu! di"ea"e"'7
7I o!d you I%-e been "pecifica!!y infor&ed i i" no &y :ob,7 :ack "$o
back'
7=ai8 Ti&e ou,7 C$e ca!!ed ou' 75i"en, Tere"e, Jack i" ri#$' =e
can% #o o $e &edia our"e!-e"' T$a%" $e c$ief" do&ain -ia $e .R of-
rice' Bu Jack i" no "!ouc$ in a!! $i"' Today $e wen f!yin# o-er o $e Gen-
era! and i&p!ied ri#$ o $eir face" $a $e"e recen oubreak" aren%
naura!'7
7=$a do you &ean, no %naura!% ?7 Tere"e a"ked'
73+ac!y $a,7 C$e "aid' 7If $ey are no naura!, $en $ey are de!ib-
erae' *o&ebody i" cau"in# $e&'7
7I" $a rue?7 Tere"e a"ked Jack' *$e wa" "$ocked'
7I%" #one $rou#$ &y &ind,7 Jack ad&ied' 7I%& $a-in# roub!e e+-
p!ainin# "cienifica!!y e-ery$in# $a $a" been #oin# on o-er $ere'7
7=$y wou!d "o&eone do $a?7 Tere"e wondered' 7I%" ab"urd'7
7I" i?7 Jack a"ked'
7Cou!d i be $e work of "o&e cra;y per"on?7 Co!!een offered'
7T$a I%d doub,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ere i" oo &uc$ e+peri"e in-o!-ed'
And $e"e bu#" are dan#erou" o $and!e' One of $e curren -ici&" i" a
!ab ec$nician'7
7=$a abou a di"#run!ed e&p!oyee?7 C$e "u##e"ed' 7*o&eone
wi$ $e know!ed#e and a #rud#e w$o%" "napped'7
7T$a I $ink i" &ore !ike!y $an "o&e &ad&an,7 Jack "aid' 7In fac,
$e direcor of $e $o"pia! !ab i" un$appy wi$ $e &ana#e&en of $e
$o"pia!' 4e o!d &e "o $i&"e!f' 4e%" $ad o !ay off weny percen of $i"
workforce'7
7O$ &y God,7 Co!!een e+c!ai&ed' 72o you $ink i cou!d be $i&?7
7Acua!!y I don%,7 Jack "aid' 7Crank!y, oo &any arrow" wou!d poin
o $e direcor of $e !ab' 4e%d be $e fir" "u"pec' 4e%" been acin# de-
fen"i-e, bu $e%" no "upid' I $ink $a if $i" "erie" of di"ea"e" $a" been
"pread de!iberae!y i $a" o be for a &ore -ena! rea"on'7
75ike w$a?7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ink we%re a!! :u&pin# off $e deep end
$ere'I%
7(aybe "o,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu we $a-e o re&e&ber $a A&eriCare i"
fir" and fore&o" a bu"ine""' I e-en know "o&e$in# abou $eir p$i!o"-
op$y' Be!ie-e &e, i i" boo&-!ine oriened a!! $e way'7
7<ou%re "u##e"in# $a A&eriCare &i#$ be "preadin# di"ea"e in i"
own faci!iy?7 Tere"e a"ked incredu!ou"!y' 7T$a doe"n% &ake any
O "en"e'7
7I%& :u" $inkin# ou !oud,7 Jack e+p!ained' 7Cor $e "ake of ar#u-
&en !e%" a""u&e $e"e i!!ne""e" $a-e been de!iberae!y "pread' Now, !e%"
I1ook a $e inde+ ca"e in eac$ incidence' Cir", $ere wa" Node!&an, w$o
$ad diabee"' *econd, $ere wa" 4ard, w$o $ad a c$ronic or$opedic
prob!e&, and !a"!y $ere wa" 5a#en$orpe, w$o "uffered fro& c$ronic
a"$&a'7
7I "ee w$a you%re "u##e"in#,7 C$e "aid' 7A!! of $e inde+ ca"e" were
$e ype of paien prepaid p!an" $ae becau"e $ey !o"e &oney on $e&'
T$ey "i&p!y u"e oo &uc$ &edica! care'7
7O$, co&e on87 Tere"e co&p!ained' 7T$i" i" ridicu!ou"' No wonder
you docor" &ake "uc$ $orrid bu"ine""&en' A&eriCare wou!d ne-er
ri"k $i" kind of pub!ic re!aion" di"a"er o rid i"e!f of $ree prob!e& pa-
ien"' I wou!d &ake no "en"e' Gi-e &e a break87
7Tere"e i" probab!y ri#$,7 Jack ad&ied' 7If A&eriCare wa" be$ind
a!! $i", $ey cerain!y cou!d $a-e done i &ore e+pediiou"!y' =$a ru!y
worrie" &e i" $a infeciou" a#en" are in-o!-ed' If $e"e oubreak" $a-e
been de!iberae, $e indi-idua! be$ind $e& wan" o "ar epide&ic", no
:u" e!i&inae "pecific paien"'7
7T$a%" e-en &ore diabo!ica!,7 Tere"e "aid'
7I a#ree,7 :ack "aid' 7I kind of force" u" back o con"iderin# $e i&-
probab!e idea of a cra;y per"on'7
7Bu if "o&eone i" ryin# o "ar epide&ic", w$y $a"n% $ere been
one ?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7Cor "e-era! rea"on",7 :ack "aid' 7Cir" of a!!, $e dia#no"i" $a" been
&ade re!ai-e!y rapid!y in a!! $ree ca"e"' *econd, $e Genera! $a" aken
$e"e oubreak" "eriou"!y and $a" aken appropriae "ep" o conro! $e&'
And $ird, $e a#en" in-o!-ed are poor c$oice" for creain# an epide&ic
$ere in New <ork in (arc$'7
7<ou%!! $a-e o e+p!ain,7 Co!!een "aid'
7.!a#ue, u!are&ia, and Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er can be ran"-
&ied by airborne "pread, bu i i" no $eir u"ua! roue' T$e u"ua! roue
i" $rou#$ an ar$ropod -ecor, and $o"e "pecific bu#" are no a-ai!ab!e
$i" i&e of year, e"pecia!!y no in a $o"pia!'7
7=$a do you $ink of a!! $i"?7 Tere"e a"ked C$e'
7(e?7 C$e a"ked wi$ a "e!f-con"ciou" !au#$' 7I don% know w$a o
$ink'7
7Co&e on,7 Tere"e prodded' 72on% ry o proec your friend $ere'
=$a%" your #u reacion?7
7=e!!, i i" New <ork,7 C$e "aid' 7=e "ee a !o of infeciou" di"ea"e",
"o I "uppo"e I%& dubiou" abou $i" noion of a de!iberae "pread' I #ue""
I%d $a-e o "ay i "ound" a !i!e paranoid o &e' I do know $a :ack di"-
!ike" A&enCare'
7I" $a rue?7 Tere"e a"ked Jack'
7I $ae e&, :ack ad&ied'
$ ''''
7=$y?7
7I%d ra$er no a!k abou i,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" p "ona!'

er 7
7=e!!,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e pu $er $and on op of $e "ack of "ory-
board"' 72r' *ap!eon%" di"dain for &edica! ad-eri"in# a"ide, you &en
$ink $e"e "kec$e" are okay?7
7I o!d you, I $ink $ey%re #rea,7 C$e "aid'
7I i&a#ine $ey wi!! be effeci-e,7 Jack #rud#in#!y a#reed'
72o ei$er oHyou $a-e any o$er "u##e"ion" we cou!d u"e re#ardin#
pre-enin# $o"pia! infecion"?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7(aybe you cou!d do "o&e$in# concernin# "ea& "eri!i;aion for in-
"ru&en" and de-ice",7 Jack "aid' 74o"pia!" differ in $eir prooco!"'
Rober 6oc$ wa" in-o!-ed wi$ $a ad-ance, and $e wa" a co!orfu! c$ar-
acer'7
Tere"e wroe down $e "u##e"ion' 7Any$in# e!"e?7 "$e a"ked'
7I%& afraid I%& no -ery #ood a $i",7 C$e ad&ied' 7Bu w$y don%
we a!! $ead o-er o $e Aucion 4ou"e for a coup!e of drink"' =i$ $e
proper !ubrican, w$o know" w$a I &i#$ co&e up wi$?7
T$e wo&en dec!ined' Tere"e e+p!ained $a $ey $ad o coninue
workin# on $e "kec$e"' *$e "aid $a by (onday $ey $ad o $a-e "o&e-
$in# "i#nifican o "$ow o $e pre"iden and $e C3O'
74ow abou o&orrow ni#$?7 C$e "u##e"ed'
e I "ee, Tere"e "aid'
Ci-e &inue" !aer Jack and C$e were $eadin# down in $e e!e-aor'
7T$a wa" $e bu&%" ru"$,7 C$e co&p!ained'
7T$ey are dri-en wo&en,7 Jack "aid'
74ow abou you?7 C$e a"ked' 7=an o "op for a beer?7
7I $ink I%!! $ead $o&e and "ee if $e #uy" are p!ayin# ba"keba!!,7 Jack
"aid' 7I cou!d u"e "o&e e+erci"e' I fee! wired'7
7Ba"keba!! a $i" $our?7 C$e >ue"ioned'
7Criday ni#$ i" a bi# ni#$ in $e nei#$bor$ood,7 Jack "aid'
T$e wo &en pared co&pany in fron of $e =i!!ow and 4ea$ bui!d-
in#' C$e :u&ped ino a cab, and Jack undid $i" &ed!ey of !ock"' C!i&b-
in# on $i" bike, Jack peda!ed nor$ on (adi"on, $en cro""ed o-er o Cif$
A-enue a Cify-nin$ *ree' Cro& $ere $e enered Cenra! .ark'
A!$ou#$ $i" u"ua! "y!e wa" o ride fa", Jack kep $i" pace "!ow' 4e
wa" &u!!in# o-er $e con-er"aion $e%d :u" $ad' I $ad been $e fir" i&e
$a $e%d pu $i" "u"picion" ino word"D $e fe! an+iou" a" a re"u!'
C$e $ad "u##e"ed $e wa" paranoid, and Jack $ad o ad&i $ere $ad
o be "o&e ru$ in i' 3-er "ince A&eriCare $ad effeci-e!y #obb!ed up
$i" pracice, Jack fe! $a dea$ $ad been "a!kin# $i&' Cir" i $ad robbed
$i& of $i" fa&i!y, $en i $ad $reaened $i" own !ife wi$ depre""ion' I
$ad e-en fi!!ed $i" dai!y rouine wi$ $e "econd "pecia!y $e%d c$o"en'
And now dea$ "ee&ed o be ea"in# $i& wi$ $e"e oubreak", e-en
&ockin# $i& wi$ ine+p!icab!e deai!"'
A" Jack rode deeper ino $e dark, de"ered park, i" #!oo&y and
"o&ber -iew" added o $i" di">uieude' In area" w$ere $e%d "een beauy
$a &ornin# on $i" way o work, now $e "aw #$a"!y "ke!eon" of !eaf-
!e"" ree" "i!$oueed a#ain" an eeri!y b!eac$ed "ky' 3-en $e di"an "aw-
oo$ "ky!ine of $e ciy "ee&ed o&inou"'
Jack pu &u"c!e ino $i" peda!in#, and $i" bike #ained "peed' Cor an
irraiona! &o&en $e wa" afraid o !ook back o-er $i" "$ou!der' 4e $ad
$e creepy fee!in# $a "o&e$in# wa" bearin# down on $i&'
Jack "reaked ino a pudd!e of !i#$ benea$ a !one!y "ree!i#$, braked,
and "kidded o a "op' 4e forced $i&"e!f o urn around and face $i" pur-
"uer' Bu $ere wa" no$in# $ere' Jack "rained o "ee ino $e di"an
"$adow", and a" $e did, $e under"ood $a w$a wa" $reaenin# $i& wa"
co&in# fro& in"ide $i" own $ead' I wa" $e depre""ion $a $ad para-
!y;ed $i& afer $i" fa&i!y%" ra#edy'
An#ry wi$ $i&"e!f, Jack be#an peda!in# a#ain' 4e wa" e&barra""ed
by $i" c$i!d!ike fear' 4e $ou#$ $e $ad &ore conro!' Ob-iou"!y $e wa"
!ein# $i" epi"ode wi$ $e oubreak" affec $i& far oo &uc$' 5aurie
$ad been ri#$/ $e wa" oo e&oiona!!y in-o!-ed'
4a-in# faced $i" fear", Jack fe! beer, bu $e noiced $a $e park
"i!! !ooked "ini"er' .eop!e $ad warned $i& abou ridin# in $e park a
ni#$, bu Jack $ad a!way" i#nored $eir ad&oniion"' Now, for $e fir"
i&e, $e wondered if $e wa" bein# foo!i"$'
3&er#in# fro& $e park ono Cenra! .ark =e" wa" !ike e"capin#
fro& a ni#$&are' Cro& $e dark, "cary !one!ine"" of $e park%" inerior
$e wa" in"an!y $ru" ino a ra!!y!ike bu"!e of ye!!ow cab" racin# nor$-
ward' T$e ciy $ad co&e a!i-e' T$ere were e-en peop!e ca!&!y wa!kin#
on $e "idewa!k"'
T$e far$er nor$ Jack rode $e &ore $e en-iron&en deerioraed'
Beyond 1BB$ *ree $e bui!din#" beca&e noiceab!y "$abbier' *o&e
were e-en boarded up and appeared abandoned' T$ere wa" &ore !ier
in $e "ree' *ray do#" p!undered o-erurned ra"$ can"'
Jack urned !ef ono 1B1$ *ree' A" $e rode a!on# $i" "ree $e
nei#$bor$ood "ee&ed &ore depre""ed $an u"ua! o $i&' T$e &inor
epip$any in $e park $ad opened Jack%" eye" o :u" $ow di!apidaed $e
area wa"'
Jack "opped a $e p!ay#round w$ere $e p!ayed ba"keba!! by #rab-
bin# ono $e c$ain-!ink fence $a "eparaed i fro& $e "ree' 4i" fee
re&ained "nu# in $i" oe c!ip"'
A" Jack $ad e+peced, $e cour wa" in fu!! u"e' T$e &ercury -apor
!i#$" $a $e%d paid o be in"a!!ed were ab!a;e' Jack reco#ni;ed &any of
$e p!ayer" a" $ey "ur#ed up and down $e cour' =arren, by far $e be"
p!ayer, wa" $ere, and Jack cou!d $ear $i& ur#in# $i" ea&&ae" o
#reaer effor' T$e ea& $a !o" wou!d $a-e o "i ou, "ince a be-y of
O o$er p!ayer" waied i&paien!y on $e "ide!ine"' T$e co&peiion wa"
a!way" fierce'
=$i!e Jack wa" wac$in#, =arren "ank $e fina! ba"ke of $e #a&e
and $e !o"in# ea& "!unk off $e cour, &o&enari!y di"#raced' A" $e
new #a&e wa" bein# or#ani;ed =arren cau#$ "i#$ of Jack' 4e wa-ed
and "rued o-er' I wa" $e winnin# ea& wa!k'
74ey, 2oc, w$ac$a know?7 =arren a"ked' 7<ou co&in# ou o run
or w$a?7
=arren wa" a $and"o&e African-A&erican wi$ a "$a-ed $ead, a
#roo&ed &u"ac$e, and a body !ike one of $e Greek "aue" in $e (e-
ropo!ian (u"eu&' I $ad aken :ack "e-era! &on$" o cu!i-ae =ar-
ren%" ac>uainance' T$ey $ad de-e!oped a friend"$ip of "or", bu i wa"
ba"ed &ore on a "$ared !o-e of "ree ba"keba!! $an any$in# e!"e' Jack
didn% know &uc$ abou =arren e+cep $a $e wa" $e be" ba"keba!!
p!ayer and a!"o $e de faco !eader of $e !oca! #an#' :ack "u"peced $a
$e wo po"iion" wen $and in $and'
7I wa" $inkin# abou co&in# ou for a run,7 :ack "aid' 7=$o%" #o
winner"?7
Gein# ino $e #a&e cou!d be a ricky bu"ine""' =$en Jack $ad fir"
&o-ed o $e nei#$bor$ood, i $ad aken $i& a &on$ of co&in# o $e
cour and paien!y waiin# uni! $e%d been in-ied o p!ay' T$en $e%d $ad
o pro-e $i&"e!f' Once $e%d de&on"raed $e wa" capab!e of puin# $e
ba!! in $e ba"ke on a con"i"en ba"i", $e%d been o!eraed'
T$in#" #o a bi beer w$en Jack $ad paid o $a-e $e !i#$" in"a!!ed
and $e backboard" refurbi"$ed, bu no a !o' T$ere were on!y wo o$er
$onkie" be"ide" :ack w$o were a!!owed o p!ay' Bein# Cauca"ian wa" a
definie di"ad-ana#e on $e nei#$bor$ood p!ay#round/ you $ad o know
$e ru!e"'
7Ron%" #o winner" and $en !ake,7 =arren "aid' 7Bu I can #e you
on &y ea&' C!a"$%" o!d !ady wan" $i& $o&e'7
7I%11 be ou,7 Jack "aid' 4e pu"$ed off fro& $e fence and rode $e re"
of $e way o $i" bui!din#'
:ack #o off% $i" bike and $efed i up ono $i" "$ou!der' Before $e en-
ered $i" bui!din# $e !ooked up a i" facade' In $i" curren criica! "ae
of &ind $e $ad o ad&i i wa"n% prey' In fac, i wa" a downri#$
"orry "rucure, a!$ou#$ a one i&e i &u" $a-e been ra$er fancy, be-
cau"e a "&a!! "e#&en of $i#$!y decorai-e cornice "i!! c!un# precari-
ou"!y o $e roof!ine' Two of $e window" on $e $ird f!oor were
boarded up'
T$e bui!din# wa" "i+ "orie", con"ruced of brick, and $ad wo apar-
&en" per f!oor' :ack "$ared $e four$ f!oor wi$ 2eni"e, a $u"band!e""
eena#er wi$ wo c$i!dren'
:ack pu"$ed $e fron door open wi$ $i" foo' I $ad no !ock' 4e
"ared up $e "air", carefu! o a-oid any debri"' A" Jack pa""ed $e "ec-
ond f!oor $e $eard $e "orry "ound" of a -e$e&en ar#u&en, fo!!owed
by $e noi"e of breakin# #!a""' )nforunae!y, $i" wa" a ni#$!y occur-
rence'
=i$ $e bike ba!anced on $i" "$ou!der, i ook Jack "o&e &aneu-er-
in# o #e $i&"e!f "iuaed in fron of $i" apar&en door' 4e wa" fu&-
b!in# in $i" pocke for $i" key w$en $e noiced $e didn% need i' T$e
door:a&b oppo"ie $i" !ock wa" "p!inered'
Jack pu"$ed $i" door open' I wa" dark in"ide' 4e !i"ened bu on!y
$eard renewed ye!!in# fro& 2A and $e raffic ou in $e "ree' 4i" apar-
&en wa" eeri!y >uie' 4e pu $i" bike down and reac$ed in and urned
on $e o-er$ead !i#$'
T$e !i-in# roo& wa" in "$a&b!e"' Jack didn% $a-e &uc$ furniure,
bu w$a $e $ad wa" ei$er ipped o-er, e&pied, or broken' 4e noiced
$a a "&a!! radio $a u"ua!!y "ood on $e de"k wa" #one'
Jack w$ee!ed $e bike ino $e roo& and !eaned i a#ain" $e wa!!' 4e
ook off $i" :acke and draped i o-er $e bike' T$en $e wa!ked o-er o
$e de"k' T$e drawer" $ad been pu!!ed ou and du&ped' A&id $e rub-
b!e on $e f!oor wa" a p$oo a!bu&' Jack ben down and picked i up' 4e
opened $e co-er and brea$ed a "i#$ of re!ief' I wa" un"ca$ed' I wa"
$e on!y po""e""ion $e cared abou'
Jack p!aced $e p$oo a!bu& on $e window"i!! and wa!ked ino $e
O bedroo&' 4e "wic$ed on $e !i#$ and "aw a "i&i!ar "cene' (o" of $i"
c!o$e" $ad been pu!!ed fro& $i" c!o"e and fro& $i" bureau and o""ed
ono $e f!oor'
T$e condiion of $e ba$roo& &Irrored $a of $e !i-in# roo& and
$e bedroo&' T$e conen" of $e &edicine cabine $ad been du&ped ino
$e ba$ub'
:ack wa!ked fro& $e bedroo& o $e kic$en' 3+pecin# &ore of $e
"a&e, $e f!ipped on $e !i#$' A "!i#$ #a"p e"caped fro& $i" !ip"'
7=e were be#innin# o wonder abou you,7 a !ar#e African-A&eri-
can &a!e "aid' 4e wa" "iin# a Jack%" ab!e, dre""ed oa!!y in b:ack
!ea$er, inc!udin# #!o-e" and a -i"or!e"" $a' 7=e%d run ou of your beer
and we were #ein# an"y'7
T$ere were $ree o$er &en dre""ed in idenica! fa"$ion o $e fir"'
One wa" $a!f "iin# on $e window"i!!' T$e wo o$er" were o :ack%" i&-
&ediae ri#$, !eanin# a#ain" $e kic$en cabine' On $e ab!e wa" an
i&pre""i-e array of weaponry, inc!udin# &ac$ine pi"o!"'
:ack didn% reco#ni;e any of $e"e &en' 4e wa" "$ocked $a $ey
were "i!! $ere' 4e%d been robbed before bu nobody $ad "ayed o drink
$i" beer'
74ow abou co&in# o-er and "iin# your"e!f down ?7 $e !ar#e b:ack
&an "aid'
:ack $e"iaed' 4e knew $e door o $e $a!! wa" open' Cou!d $e &ake
i before $ey picked up $eir #un"? :ack doubed i, and $e wa"n% abou
o ry'
7Co&e on, &an,7 $e b:ack &an "aid' 7Ge your w$ie a"" o-er $ere87
Re!ucan!y :ack did a" $e wa" o!d' =ari!y $e "a down and faced $i"
unin-ied -i"ior'
7=e &i#$ a" we!! be ci-i!i;ed abou $i",7 $e b:ack &an "aid' 7(y
na&e i" Twin' T$i" $ere%" Re#ina!d'7 Twin poined o $e &an a $e win-
dow'
:ack #!anced in Re#ina!d%" direcion' 4e wa" oyin# wi$ a oo$pick
and "uckin# $i" ee$' 4e re#arded :ack wi$ ob-iou" di"dain' A!$ou#$
$e wa"n% >uie a" &u"cu!ar a" =arren, $e wa" in $e "a&e cae#ory' :ack
cou!d "ee $e $ad $e word" 7B:ack 6in#"7 aooed on $e -o!ar "urface
of $i" ri#$ forear&'
7Now Re#ina!d i" pi""ed,7 Twin coninued, 7becau"e you ain% #o "$i
$ere in $i" apar&en' I &ean, $ere i"n% e-en a T,' <ou "ee, par of $e
dea! wa" $a we%d $a-e pickin#" o-er your "uff'7
7=$a kind of dea! are you a!kin# abou?7 Jack a"ked'
75e%" pu i $i" way,7 Twin "aid' 7(e and &y bro$er" are bein# paid
"o&e "&a!! c$an#e o co&e way $e $e!! o-er $ere o rou#$ you up a bi'
No$in# &a:or, de"pie $e ari!!ery you "ee on $e ab!e' I%" "uppo"ed o
be "o&e kind of warnin#' Now, I don% know $e deai!", bu apparen!y
you%-e been &akin# a pain of your"e!f a "o&e $o"pia! and #o a bunc$
of peop!e a!! ri!ed up' I%& "uppo"ed o re&ind you o do your :ob and !e
$e& do $eir"' 2oe" $a &ake any &ore "en"e o you $an i doe" o &e?
I &ean, I%-e ne-er done any$in# !ike $i" before'7 7I $ink I cac$ your
drif,7 :ack "aid'
7I%& #!ad,7 Twin "aid' 7O$erwi"e we%d $a-e o break a few fin#er"
or "o&e$in#' =e weren% "uppo"ed o $ur you bad, bu w$en Re#ina!d
"ar", i%" $ard o "op $i&, e"pecia!!y w$en $e%" pi""ed' 4e need" "o&e-
$in#' Are you "ure you don% $a-e a T, or "o&e$in# $idden around
$ere?7
74e Lu" ca&e in wi$ a bike,7 one of $e o$er &en "aid'
7=$a abou $a, Re#ina!d?7 Twin a"ked' 7<ou wan a new bike?7
Re#ina!d !eaned forward "o $e cou!d "ee ino $e !i-in# roo&' 4e
"$ru##ed $i" "$ou!der"'
7I $ink you #o your"e!fa dea!,7 Twin "aid' 4e "ood up'
7=$o%" payin# you o do $i"?7 Jack a"ked'
Twin rai"ed $i" eyebrow" and !au#$ed' 7Now, i wou!dn% be ko"$er
of &e o e!! you $a, now wou!d i? Bu a !ea" you%-e #o $e ba!!" o
a"k'7
Jack wa" abou o a"k ano$er >ue"ion w$en $e wa" -iciou"!y co!d-
cocked by Twin' T$e force of $e "ucker punc$ knocked :ack o-er back-
ward, and $e "praw!ed !i&p!y on $e f!oor' T$e roo& "wa& before $i"
%eye"' 4o-erin# c!o"e o uncon"ciou"ne"", $e fe! $i" wa!!e bein# pu!!ed
fro& $i" rou"er"' T$ere wa" &uff!ed !au#$er fo!!owed by a fina! a#o-
ni;in# kick in $e "o&ac$' T$en $ere wa" ab"o!ue b:ackne""'
CRI2A<I I %! /A'I .'('I (AII.%4 I-2, %! I9@
T$e fir" $in# Jack wa" aware of wa" a rin#in# in $i" $ead' *!ow!y $e
opened $i" eye" and found $i&"e!f "arin# direc!y up a $e cei!in# fi+-
ure in $e kic$en' =onderin# w$a $e wa" doin# on $e kic$en f!oor,
$e ried o #e up' =$en $e &o-ed $e fe! a "$arp pain in $i" :aw $a
&ade $i& !ie back down' T$a wa" w$en $e rea!i;ed $e rin#in# wa" in-
er&ien and i wa"n% in $i" $ead/ i wa" $e wa!! p$one direc!y abo-e
$i&'
Jack ro!!ed o-er ono $i" "o&ac$' Cro& $a po"iion $e pu"$ed $i&-
"e!f up ono $i" knee"' 4e%d ne-er been knocked ou before, and $e
cou!dn% be!ie-e $ow weak $e fe!' Gin#er!y $e fe! a!on# $i" :aw!ine'
T$ankfu!!y $e didn% fee! any :a##ed ed#e" of broken bone"' 3>ua!!y
carefu!!y $e pa!paed $i" ender abdo&en' T$a wa" !e"" painfu! $an $e
:aw, "o $e a""u&ed $ere%d been no inerna! da&a#e'
T$e p$one coninued o rin# in"i"en!y' Cina!!y Jack reac$ed up and
ook i off $e $ook' A" $e "aid $e!!o $e ea"ed $i&"e!f ino a "iin# po"i-
ion on $e f!oor wi$ $i" back a#ain" $e kic$en cabine"' 4i" -oice
"ounded "ran#e e-en o $i&"e!f'
7O$, no8 I%& "orry,7 Tere"e "aid w$en "$e $eard $i" -oice' 7<ou%-e
been a"!eep' I "$ou!dn% $a-e ca!!ed "o !ae'7 7=$a i&e i" i?7 :ack a"ked'
7I%" a!&o" we!-e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=e%re "i!! $ere in $e "udio, and
"o&ei&e" we for#e $a $e re" of $e wor!d "!eep" nor&a! $our"' I
waned o a"k a >ue"ion abou "eri!i;aion, bu I%!! ca!! you o&orrow'
I%& "orry o $a-e awakened you'7
7Acua!!y I%-e been uncon"ciou" on &y kic$en f!oor,7 :ack "aid'
7I" $a "o&e kind of :oke?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I wi"$,7 :ack "aid' 7I ca&e $o&e o a ran"acked apar&en, and un-
forunae!y $e ran"acker" were "i!! $ere' To add in"u! o in:ury $ey a!"o
kind of $ea &e up'7
7Are you a!! ri#$?7 Tere"e a"ked ur#en!y'
7I $ink "o,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu I $ink I c$ipped a oo$'7
7=ere you rea!!y uncon"ciou"?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%& afraid "o,7 :ack "aid' 7I "i!! fee! weak'7
75i"en,7 Tere"e "aid deci"i-e!y' 7I wan you o ca!! $e po!ice i&&e-
diae!y, and I%& co&in# o-er'7
7=ai a "ee,7 :ack "aid' 7Cir" of a!!, $e po!ice won% do any$in#' I
&ean, w$a can $ey do? I wa" four #an# &e&ber", and $ere%" a &i!-
!ion of $e& in $e ciy'7
7I don% care, I wan you o ca!! $e po!ice,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%11 be o-er
$ere in fifeen &inue"'7
7Tere"e, $i" i"n% $e be" nei#$bor$ood,7 :ack "aid' 4e cou!d e!!
"$e%d &ade up $er &ind, bu $e per"i"ed' 7<ou don% $a-e o co&e' I%&
okay' 4one"87
7I don% wan o $ear any e+cu"e" abou no ca!!in# $e po!ice,7 Tere"e
"aid' 7I "$ou!d be $ere in fifeen &inue"'7
:ack found $i&"e!f $o!din# a dead e!ep$one' Tere"e $ad $un# up'
2uifu!!y :ack dia!ed 911 and #a-e $e infor&aion' =$en $e wa"
a"ked if $e wa" in any curren dan#er, $e "aid no' T$e operaor "aid $e
officer" wou!d be $ere a" "oon a" po""ib!e'
Jack pu"$ed $i&"e!f up ono wobb!y !e#" and wa!ked ou ino $i" !i--
in# roo&' Brief!y $e !ooked for $i" bike, bu $en -a#ue!y re&e&bered
"o&e$in# abou $i" aacker" wanin# i' In $e ba$roo& $e bared $i"
ee$ and e+a&ined $e&' A" $e%d "u"peced fro& ouc$in# i wi$ $i"
on#ue, $i" !ef fron oo$ $ad a "&a!! c$ip' Twin &u" $a-e $ad "o&e-
$in# !ike bra"" knuck!e" under $i" #!o-e"'
To Jack%" "urpri"e $e po!ice arri-ed wi$in en &inue"' T$ere were
wo officer", an African-A&erican by $e na&e of 2a-id Jeffer"on k&AI% a
5aino, Juan *anc$e;' T$ey !i"ened po!ie!y o Jack%" a!e of woe, wroe
down $e paricu!ar", inc!udin# $e &ake of $e &i""in# bike, and a"ked
Jack if $e%d care o co&e o $e precinc o !ook a &u# "$o" of -ariou"
!oca! #an# &e&ber"'
Jack dec!ined' T$rou#$ =arren $e under"ood $a $e #an#" did no
fear $e po!ice' Con"e>uen!y, Jack knew $e po!ice cou!d no proec $i&
fro& $e #an#", "o $e decided no o e!! $e po!ice e-ery$in#' Bu a !ea"
$e%d "ai"fied Tere"e%" de&and and wou!d be ab!e o co!!ec in"urance on
$i" bike'
73+cu"e &e, 2oc,7 2a-id Jeffer"on "aid a" $e po!ice were !ea-in#' Jack
$ad infor&ed $e& $e wa" a &edica! e+a&iner' 74ow co&e you !i-e in
$i" nei#$bor$ood? Aren% you a"kin# for roub!e?7 7I a"k &y"e!f $e "a&e
>ue"ion,7 Jack "aid'
Afer $e po!ice $ad !ef, :ack c!o"ed $i" "p!inered door and !eaned
a#ain" i w$i!e "ur-eyin# $i" apar&en' *o&e$ow $e wou!d $a-e o find
$e ener#y o c!ean i up' A $e &o&en i "ee&ed !ike an o-erw$e!&-
in# a"k'
A knock $a $e cou!d fee! &ore $an $ear &ade $i& reopen $e door'
I wa" Tere"e'
7A$, $ank God i%" you,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e ca&e ino $e apar&en'
7<ou weren% kiddin# w$en you "aid $i" wa"n% $e be" nei#$bor$ood'
Ju" c!i&bin# $e"e "air" wa" a rau&a' If i $adn% been you openin# $e
door I &i#$ $a-e "crea&ed'7
7I ried o warn you,7 :ack "aid'
75e &e !ook a you,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=$ere%" $e be" !i#$?7
Jack "$ru##ed' 7<ou c$oo"e,7 $e "aid' 7(aybe $e ba$roo&'7
Tere"e dra##ed :ack ino $e ba$roo& and e+a&ined $i" face' 7<ou
$a-e a iny cu o-er your :awbone,7 "$e "aid'
7I%& no urpn"ed, Jack "aid' 4e $en "$owed $er $e c$ipped oo$'
7=$y did $ey bea you up?7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ope you eren p!ay-
= %
in# $ero'7
7Fuie $e conrary,7 Jack "aid' 7I wa" errified ino oa! i&&obi!iy'
I wa" "ucker-punc$ed' T$i" wa" e-iden!y "o&e kind of warnin# for &e
o "ay ou of $e (an$aan G 7
enera!'
7=$a on ear$ are you a!kin# abou?7 Tere"e de&anded'
Jack o!d $er a!! $e $in#" $e $adn% o!d $e po!ice' 4e e-en o!d $er
w$y $e $adn% o!d $e po!ice'
7T$i" i" #ein# &ore and &ore unbe!ie-ab!e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=$a are
you #oin# o do?7
To e!! $e ru$, I $a-en $ad a !o of i&e o $ink abou i,7 Jack
"aid'
7=e!!, I know one $in# you are #oin# o do,7 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou are
#oin# o $e e&er#ency roo&'7
7Co&e on87 Jack co&p!ained' 7I%& fine' (y :aw i" "ore, bu bi# dea!'7
7<ou were knocked ou,7 Tere"e re&inded $i&' 7<ou "$ou!d be "een'
I%& no e-en a docor and I know $a &uc$'7
Jack opened $i" &ou$ o proe" fur$er, bu $e didn%D $e knew "$e
wa" ri#$' 4e "$ou!d be "een' Afer a $ead in:ury "eriou" enou#$ o ren-
der $i& uncon"ciou", $ere wa" $e worry ofinracrania! $e&orr$a#e' 4e
"$ou!d $a-e a ba"ic neuro!o#ica! e+a&'
Jack re"cued $i" :acke fro& $e f!oor' T$en $e fo!!owed Tere"e down
$e "air" o $e "ree' To cac$ a cab $ey wa!ked o Co!u&bu" A-enue'
7=$ere do you wan o #o?7 Tere"e a"ked once $ey were in $e a+i'
7I $ink I%!! "ay away fro& $e Genera! for $e i&e bein#,7 Jack "aid
wi$ a "&i!e' 5e " #o upown o Co!u&bia-.re"byerian'
Cree, Tere"e "aid' *$e #a-e direcion" o $e cabdri-er and "e!ed
back in $er "ea'
7Tere"e, I rea!!y appreciae your co&in# o-er,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou didn%
$a-e o, and I cerain!y didn% e+pec i' I%& ouc$ed'7
7<ou wou!d $a-e done i for &e,7 Tere"e "aid'
=ou!d $e $a-e? Jack wondered' 4e didn% know' T$e w$o!e day $ad
been confu"in#'
T$e -i"i o $e e&er#ency roo& wen "&oo$!y' T$ey $ad o wai a"
auo acciden", knife wound", and $ear aack" were #i-en prioriy' I
e-enua!!y Jack wa" "een' Tere"e in"i"ed on "ayin# $e w$o!e i&e and
e-en acco&panied $i& ino $e e+a&inin# roo&'
=$en $e 3R re"iden !earned Jack wa" a &edica! e+a&iner, $e in"i"ed
Jack be "een by $e neuro!o#y con"u!' T$e neuro!o#y re"iden wen o-er
Jack wi$ u&o" care' 4e dec!ared $i& fi and "aid $e didn% e-en $ink
an N ray wa" indicaed un!e"" Jack fe! "ron#!y o$erwi"e' Jack didn%'
7T$e one $in# I do reco&&end i" $a you be ob"er-ed o-erni#$,7
$e neuro!o#y re"iden "aid' 4e $en urned o Tere"e and "aid/ 7(r"' *a-
p!eon, :u" wake $i& up occa"iona!!y and &ake "ure $e be$a-e" nor&a!!y'
A!"o c$eck $a $i" pupi!" re&ain $e "a&e "i;e' Okay?7 7Okay,7 Tere"e "aid'
5aer a" $ey were wa!kin# ou of $e $o"pia! Jack co&&ened $a
$e wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $er e>uani&iy w$en "$e%d been addre""ed a" (r"'
*ap!eon'
7I $ou#$ i wou!d $a-e e&barra""ed $e &an o $a-e correced $i&,7
Tere"e "aid' 7Bu I%& #oin# o ake $i" reco&&endaion" >uie "eriou"!y'
<ou are co&in# $o&e wi$ &e'7
7Tere"e'''7 Jack co&p!ained'
7No ar#u&en"87 Tere"e co&&anded' 7<ou $eard $e docor' T$ere%"
no way I%d a!!ow you o #o back o $a $e!!$o!e of your" oni#$'7
=i$ $i" $ead &i!d!y $robbin# and $i" :aw ac$in# and $i" "o&ac$
"ore, Jack "urrendered' 7Okay,7 $e "aid' 7Bu $i" i" a!! far beyond $e ca!!
of duy'7
Jack fe! ru!y #raefu! a" $ey rode up in $e e!e-aor in Tere"e%" po"$
$i#$-ri"e' No one $ad been a" #raciou" o $i& a" Tere"e in year"' Beween
$er concern and #enero"iy $e fe! $a $e%d &i":ud#ed $er'
7I%-e a #ue" roo& $a I%& confiden you%!! find co&forab!e,7 "$e "aid
a" $ey wa!ked down a carpeed $a!!way' 7=$ene-er &y fo!k" co&e o
own i i" $ard o #e $e& o !ea-e'7
Tere"e%" apar&en wa" picure perfec' Jack wa" a&a;ed $ow nea i
wa"' 3-en $e &a#a;ine" were arran#ed carefu!!y on $e coffee ab!e, a"
if "$e e+peced Arc$iecura! 2i#e" o do a p$oo "$oo'
T$e #ue" roo& wa" >uain wi$ f!ower-prin drape", carpe, and bed-
"pread $a a!! &ac$ed' Jack :oked $a $e $oped $e didn% #e di"ori-
ened "ince $e &i#$ $a-e roub!e findin# $e bed'
Afer pro-idin# Jack wi$ a bo!e of a"pirin, Tere"e !ef $i& o "$ower'
Afer $e%d fini"$ed, $e donned a erry-c!o$ ba$robe, w$ic$ "$e%d !aid
ou' T$u" aired, $e poked $i" $ead ou ino $e !i-in# roo& and "aw $er
"iin# on $e couc$ readin#' 4e wa!ked ou and "a acro"" fro& $er'
7Aren% you #oin# o bed?7 $e a"ked'
7I waned o be "ure you were okay,7 "$e "aid' *$e !eaned forward o
"are direc!y ino $i" face' 7<our pupi!" !ook e>ua! o &e'7
7To &e oo,7 Jack "aid' 4e !au#$ed' 7<ou are akin# $o"e docor%" or-
der" "eriou"!y'7
7<ou%d beer be!ie-e i,7 "$e "aid' 7I%11 be co&in# in o wake you up,
"o be prepared'7
7I know beer $an o ar#ue,7 Jack "aid'
74ow do you fee! in #enera! ?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7.$y"ica!!y or &ena!!y?7
7(ena!!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7.$y"ica!!y I $a-e a prey #ood idea'7
7To be ru$fu!, $e e+perience $a" "cared &e,7 Jack ad&ied' 7I know
enou#$ abou $e"e #an#" o be afraid of $e&'7
7T$a%" w$y I waned you o ca!! $e po!ice,7 Tere"e "aid'
7<ou don% under"and,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e po!ice can% rea!!y $e!p &e' I
&ean, I didn% e-en bo$er o e!! $e& $e po""ib!e na&e of $e #an# or
$e fir" na&e" of $e inruder"' 3-en if $e po!ice picked $e& up, a!!
$ey%d do i" "!ap $eir wri""' T$en $ey%!! be back on $e "ree'7 7*o w$a
are you #oin# o do?7 Tere"e
a"ked'
7I "uppo"e I%& #oin# o "ay $e $e!! away fro& $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid'
7*ee&" !ike $a%" #oin# o &ake e-erybody $appy' 3-en &y own bo""
i,i!
o!d &e no o #o' I "uppo"e I can do &y :ob wi$ou #oin# o-er $ere'7
7I%& re!ie-ed,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I wa" worried you%d ry o be a $ero and
ake $e warnin# a" a c$a!!en#e'7
7<ou "aid $a before,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu don% worry' I%& no $ero'7
7=$a abou $i" bike-ridin# around $i" ciy ?7 Tere"e a"ked' 7And
ridin# $rou#$ $e park a ni#$? And w$a abou !i-in# w$ere you do?
T$e fac i", I do worry' I worry $a you%re ei$er ob!i-iou" o dan#er or
courin# i' =$ic$ i" i?7
:ack !ooked ino Tere"e%" pa!e b!ue eye"' *$e wa" a"kin# >ue"ion" $a
$e "ric!y a-oided' T$e an"wer" were oo per"ona!' Bu afer $e concern
$a "$e%d de&on"raed $a e-enin# and $e effor "$e%d e+pended on
$i" be$a!f, $e fe! "$e de"er-ed "o&e e+p!anaion' 7I "uppo"e I $a-e been
courin# dan#er,7 $e "aid' 7Can I a"k w$y?7
7I #ue"" I $a-en% been worried abou dyin#,7 :ack "aid' 7In fac, $ere
wa" a i&e w$en I fe! dyin# wou!d be a re!ief' A few year" back I $ad
roub!e wi$ depre""ion, and I "uppo"e i%" a!way" #oin# o be $ere in $e
back#round'7
7I can re!ae o $a,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ad a bou wi$ depre""ion a" we!!'
=a" your" a""ociaed wi$ a paricu!ar e-en, if I &ay a"k ?7
:ack bi $e in"ide of $i" !ip' 4e fe! unco&forab!e a!kin# abou "uc$
i""ue", bu now $a $e%d "ared i wa" $ard o urn back'
7(y wife died,7 :ack &ana#ed' 4e cou!dn% #e $i&"e!f o &enion $e
c$i!dren'
7I%& "orry,7 Tere"e "aid erapa$eica!!y' *$e pau"ed a &o&en and $en
"aid/ 7(ine wa" due o $e dea$ of &y on!y c$i!d'7
Jack urned $i" $ead away' Tere"e%" ad&i""ion brou#$ in"an ear"
o $i" eye"' 4e ook a deep brea$ and $en !ooked back a $i" co&p!i-
caed wo&an' *$e wa" a $ard-dri-in# e+ecui-eD of $a $e wa" "ure fro&
$e &o&en $e%d &e $er' Bu now $e knew $ere wa" &ore'
7P #ue"" we $a-e &ore in co&&on $an :u" di"!ikin# di"co",7 $e "aid
in an ae&p o !i#$en $e a&o"p$ere'
7I $ink we%-e bo$ been e&oiona!!y "carred,7 Tere"e "aid' 7And
we%-e bo$ o-er!y in-e"ed our"e!-e" in our career"'7
7I%& no "o "ure we "$are $a,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no a" co&&ied o
&y career a" I once wa", nor a" I $ink you are' T$e c$an#e" $a $a-e
co&e o &edicine $a-e robbed &e of "o&e of $a'7
Tere"e "ood up' Jack did $e "a&e' T$ey were "andin# c!o"e enou#$
o appreciae eac$ o$er p$y"ica!!y'
7I #ue"" I &ean &ore $a we bo$ are afraid of e&oiona! co&&i-
&en,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=e%-e bo$ been wounded'7 7T$a I can a#ree o,7 Jack
"aid'
Tere"e ki""ed $e ip" of $er fin#er" and $en ouc$ed $e& #en!y o
Qack%" !ip"'
7I%!! be in o wake you in a few $our",7 "$e "aid' 7*o be prepared'7
7I $ae o be puin# you $rou#$ a!! $i",7 Jack "aid'
7I%& en:oyin# $i" !i!e bi of &o$erin#,7 Tere"e "aid' 7*!eep we!!'7
T$ey pared' Jack wa!ked back oward $e #ue" roo&, bu before $e
#o o $e door, Tere"e ca!!ed ou/ 7One &ore >ue"ion/ =$y do you !i-e
in $a awfu! "!u&?7
7I #ue"" I don% fee! a" ifI de"er-e o be a!! $a $appy,7 Jack "aid'
Tere"e $ou#$ abou $a for a &o&en, $en "&i!ed' 7=e!!, I
"$ou!dn% i&a#ine I%d under"and e-ery$in#,7 "$e "aid' 7Good ni#$'7
7Good ni#$,7 Jack ec$oed'
*AT)II2A<, B/0B A'(', (ARC4 20, %1991
True o $er word, Tere"e $ad co&e ino Jack%" roo& and awakened $i&
"e-era! i&e" durin# $e ni#$' 3ac$ i&e $ey%d a!ked for a few &in-
ue"' By $e i&e Jack awakened in $e &ornin# $e fe! conf!iced' 4e wa"
"i!! $ankfu! for Tere"e%" &ini"raion", bu $e fe! e&barra""ed by $ow
&uc$ of $i&"e!f $e%d re-ea!ed'
A" Tere"e &ade $i& breakfa", i beca&e apparen $a "$e fe! a" awk-
ward a" $e' A ei#$-$iry, wi$ &uua! re!ief, $ey pared co&pany in
fron of Tere"e%" bui!din#' *$e wa" off o $e "udio for w$a "$e $ou#$
wou!d be a &ara$on "e""ion' 4e $eaded for $i" apar&en'
Jack "pen a few $our" c!eanin# up $e debri" !ef by $e B:ack 6in#"'
=i$ "o&e rudi&enary oo!" $e e-en repaired $i" door a" be" $e cou!d'
=i$ $i" apar&en aken care of, Jack $eaded o $e &or#ue' 4e
wa"n% "c$edu!ed o work $a weekend, bu $e waned o "pend &ore
i&e on $i" back!o# of auop"ie" $a $ad ye o be "i#ned ou' 4e a!"o
waned o c$eck on any infeciou" ca"e" $a &i#$ $a-e co&e in durin#
$e ni#$ fro& $e Genera!' 6nowin# $a $ere $ad been $ree repor-
ed!y fu!&inan ca"e" of Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er in $e e&er#ency
roo& $e day before, $e wa" afraid of w$a $e &i#$ find'
Jack &i""ed $i" bike and $ou#$ abou #ein# ano$er one' To #e o
work $e ook $e "ubway, bu i wa"n% con-enien' 4e $ad o c$an#e
rain" wice' T$e New <ork "ubway "y"e& wa" fine for #ein# fro&
nor$ o "ou$, bu we" o ea" wa" ano$er "ory enire!y'
3-en wi$ $e &u!ip!e rain c$an#in# Jack "i!! $ad o wa!k "i+ b!ock"'
=i$ a !i#$ rain fa!!in# and no u&bre!!a, $e wa" we by $e i&e $e #o
o $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office a noon'
=eekend" were far differen $an weekday" a $e &or#ue' T$ere wa"
&uc$ !e"" co&&oion' :ack u"ed $e fron enrance and $ad $e recep-
ioni" bu;; $i& ino $e I2 area' A di"rau#$ fa&i!y wa" in one of $e
idenificaion roo&"' Jack cou!d $ear "obbin# a" $e pa""ed by'
Jack found $e "c$edu!e $a !i"ed $e docor" on ca!! for $e weekend
and wa" p!ea"ed o "ee $a 5aurie wa" a&on# $e&' 4e a!"o found $e
&a"er !i" of ca"e" $a $ad co&e in $e pre-iou" ni#$' *cannin# i, $e
wa" "ickened o "ee a fa&i!iar na&e' Nancy =i##en" $ad been brou#$
in a four K'('8 T$e pro-i"iona! dia#no"i" wa" Rocky (ounain "poed
fe-er'
Jack found wo &ore ca"e" wi$ $e "a&e dia#no"i"/ ,a!erie *c$afer,
a#ed $iry-$ree, and Car&en C$a-e;, a#ed fory-"e-en' Jack a""u&ed
$ey were $e o$er wo ca"e" in $e Genera!%" e&er#ency roo& $e day
before'
:ack wen down"air" and peeked ino $e auop"y roo&' Two ab!e"
were in u"e' Jack cou!dn% e!! w$o $e docor" were, bu :ud#in# by
$ei#$ $e #ue""ed one of $e& wa" 5aurie'
Afer c$an#in# ino "crub" and donnin# proeci-e #ear, Jack enered
$rou#$ $e wa"$roo&'
7=$a are you doin# $ere?7 5aurie a"ked w$en "$e cau#$ "i#$ of
Jack' 7<ou%re "uppo"ed o be off en:oyin# your"e!f'7
7Ju" can% keep away,7 Jack >uipped' 4e !eaned o-er o "ee $e face
%of $e paien 5aurie wa" workin# on and $i" $ear "ank' *arin# up a
$i& wi$ !ife!e"" eye" wa" Nancy =i##en"' In dea$ "$e appeared e-en
youn#er $an "$e $ad in !ife'
:ack >uick!y !ooked away'
72id you know $i" indi-idua!?7 5aurie a"ked' 4er own e&oiona!
anennae $ad in"an!y picked up :ack%" reacion' 7,a#ue!y,7 Jack ad&ied'
7I%" a errib!e $in# w$en $ea!$-care worker" "uccu&b o $eir pa-
ien"% i!!ne""e",7 5aurie re&arked' 7T$e paien I did before $i" one wa"
a nur"e w$o%d &ini"ered o $e paien you did ye"erday'7
7I%d a""u&ed a" &uc$,7 Jack "aid' 7=$a abou $e $ird ca"e?7
7I did $er fir",7 5aurie "aid' 7*$e wa" fro& cenra! "upp!y' I cou!dn%
>uie fi#ure $ow "$e conraced i'7
7Te!! &e abou i,7 :ack "aid' 7I%-e done wo o$er peop!e fro& cen-
ra! "upp!y' One wi$ p!a#ue and one wi$ u!are&ia' I can% under"and
i ei$er'7
7*o&ebody beer fi#ure I ou , 5aurie "aid'
7I cou!dn% a#ree &ore, Jack "aid' T$en $e poined o Nancy " or#an '
7=$a%d you find ?7
7I%" a!! been con"i"en wi$ Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er,7 5aurie
"aid' 7Are you inere"ed o "ee?7 7I "ure a&,7 Jack "aid'
5aurie ook i&e ou o "$ow a!! $e re!e-an pa$o!o#y o Jack' Jack
o!d $er $e findin#" were $e &irror i&a#e of $o"e $e%d "een wi$ 5a-
#en$orpe'
7I &ake" you wonder w$y :u" $ree #o "ick, "ince $ey were "o "ick,7
5aurie "aid' 7T$e iner-a! fro& $e on"e of "y&po&" o $e i&e of dea$
wa" a !o "$orer $an u"ua!' I "u##e"" $a $e &icrobe" were paricu-
!ar!y pa$o#enic, ye if $ey were, w$ere are $e o$er paien"? Janice o!d
&e $a a" far a" $e $o"pia! know" $ere are no &ore ca"e"'7
7T$ere wa" a "i&i!ar paern wi$ $e o$er di"ea"e",7 Jack "aid' 7I can%
e+p!ain i, :u" !ike I can% e+p!ain "o &any o$er a"pec" of $e"e
oubreak"'
T$a%" w$y $ey%-e been dri-in# &e cra;y'7
5aurie #!anced up a $e c!ock and wa" "urpri"ed by $e i&e' 7I%-e #o
o #e a &o-e on $ere,7 "$e "aid' 7*a! $a" o !ea-e ear!y'7
7=$y don% I $e!p?7 :ack offered' 7Te!! *a! $e can #o now'7
7Are you "eriou"?7 5aurie a"ked'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid' 75e%" #e i done'7
*a! wa" $appy o !ea-e a !i!e ear!y' 5aurie and Jack worked we!! o-
#e$er and fini"$ed up $e ca"e in #ood i&e' T$ey wa!ked ou of $e au-
op"y roo& o#e$er'
74ow abou a bie up in $e !unc$roo&?7 5aurie a"ked' 7(y rea'7
7<ou%re on,7 Jack "aid'
T$ey di"po"ed of $eir i"o!aion #ear and di"appeared ino $eir re-
"peci-e !ocker roo&"' =$en Jack wa" dre""ed, $e wen ou ino $e $a!!
and waied for 5aurie o appear'
7<ou didn% $a-e o wai for'''7 5aurie be#an o "ay, bu "opped'
7<our :aw i" "wo!!en,7 "$e "aid'
7T$a%" no a!!,7 Jack "aid' 4e bared $i" ee$ and poined o $i" !ef
inci"or' 7*ee $e c$ip?7 $e a"ked'
7Of cour"e I do,7 5aurie "aid' 4er $and" wen ono $er $ip" and $er
eye" narrowed' *$e !ooked !ike an irae &o$er confronin# a nau#$y
c$i!d' 72id you fa!! off of $a bike?7 "$e a"ked'
7I wi"$,7 :ack "aid wi$ a &ir$!e"" !au#$' 4e $en o!d $er $e w$o!e
"ory &inu" $e par abou Tere"e' 5aurie%" e+pre""ion c$an#ed fro&
&ock an#er o di"be!ief'
7T$a%" e+orion,7 "$e "aid indi#nan!y'
7I "uppo"e i i" in a way,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu co&e on, !e%" no !e i up"e
our #our&e !unc$'7
T$ey did $e be" $ey cou!d wi$ $e -endin# &ac$ine" on $e "ec-
ond f!oor' 5aurie #o a "oup w$i!e Jack "e!ed on a una-fi"$ "a!ad "and-
wic$' T$ey ook $eir food o a ab!e and "a down'
7T$e &ore I $ink abou w$a you%-e o!d &e, $e cra;ier I $ink i
"ound",7 5aurie "aid' 74ow%" your apar&en?7
7A bi di!apidaed,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu i wa"n% "o #rea before $i"
$appened,
%"o i doe"n% &uc$ &aer' T$e wor" $in# i" $a $ey ook &y bike'7
7I $ink you "$ou!d &o-e,7 5aurie "aid' 7<ou "$ou!dn% be !i-in# $ere
anyway'7
7I%" on!y $e "econd break-in,7 Jack "aid'
7I $ope you%re no p!annin# on "ayin# in oni#$,7 5aurie "aid' 74ow
depre""in#'7
7No, I%& bu"y oni#$,7 Jack "aid' 7I%-e #o a #roup of nun" co&in#
ino own w$o I%& "uppo"ed o "$ow around'7
5aurie !au#$ed' 74ey, &y fo!k" are $a-in# a !i!e dinner pary oni#$'
=ou!d you care o co&e a!on#? I wou!d be a !o &ore c$eerfu! $an "i-
in# in your p!undered apar&en'7
7T$a%" -ery $ou#$fu! of you,7 Jack "aid' A" wi$ Tere"e%" acion" $e
ni#$ before, $i" in-iaion wa" oa!!y une+peced' Jack wa" &o-ed'
7I wou!d en:oy your co&pany,7 5aurie "aid' 7=$a do you "ay?7
7<ou do rea!i;e $a I%& no paricu!ar!y "ocia!,7 Jack "aid'
7I%& aware of $a,7 5aurie "aid' 7I don% &ean o pu you on $e "po'
<ou don% e-en $a-e o e!! &e now' T$e dinner i" a ei#$ and you can
ca!! &e a $a!f $our before if you decide o co&e' 4ere%" &y nu&ber'7 *$e
wroe i on a napkin and $anded i o $i&'
7I%& afraid I%& no "uc$ #ood co&pany a dinner parie",7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, i%" up o you,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$e in-iaion "and"' Now, if you%!!
e+cu"e &e, I%-e #o wo &ore ca"e" o do'7
Jack wac$ed 5aurie !ea-e' 4e%d been i&pre""ed wi$ $er fro& $e
fir" day, bu $e%d a!way" $ou#$ of $er a" one of $i" &ore a!ened co!-
!ea#ue", no$in# &ore' Bu now "udden!y $e "aw $ow "rikin#!y arac-
i-e "$e wa" wi$ $er "cu!pured feaure", "of "kin, and beauifu! auburn
$air'
5aurie wa-ed before "!ippin# ou $e door, and Jack wa-ed back' 2i"-
concered!y $e "ood up, di"carded $i" ra"$, and $eaded up o $i" office'
In $e e!e-aor $e wondered w$a wa" $appenin# o $i&' I $ad aken
$i& year" o "abi!i;e $i" !ife, and now $i" we!!-con"ruced cocoon "ee&ed
o be unra-e!in#'
Once in"ide $i" office Jack "a down a $i" de"k' 4e rubbed $i" e&-
p!e" o ry o ca!& $i&"e!f' 4e wa" beco&in# a#iaed a#ainD and $e knew
$a w$en $e beca&e a#iaed $e cou!d be i&pu!"i-e'
A" "oon a" $e fe! capab!e of concenrain# $e pu!!ed $e c!o"e" fo!der
oward $i& and f!ipped i open' T$en $e wen o work'
By four o%c!ock Jack $ad acco&p!i"$ed a" &uc$ paperwork a" $e cou!d
$and!e' 5ea-in# $e &edica! e+a&incr%" office, $e ook $e "ubway' A"
$e "a in $e bouncin# rai! car" wi$ $e o$er "i!en, ;o&bie!ike peop!e,
$e o!d $i&"e!f $e $ad o #e ano$er bike' Co&&uin# under#round !ike
a &o!e wa" no #oin# o work for $i&'
Arri-in# $o&e, Jack !o" no i&e' 4e ook $i" "air" wo a a i&e' Cind-
in# a drunk, $o&e!e"" per"on a"!eep on $e fir" !andin# didn% fa;e $i&'
4e :u" "epped o-er $e &an and coninued' =i$ $i" an+iey Jack
needed e+erci"e, and $e "ooner $e #o ou on $e ba"keba!! cour $e $ap-
pier $e%d be'
Jack $e"iaed brief!y a $i" door' I "ee&ed o be in $e "a&e "$ape a"
$e%d !ef i' 4e un!ocked i and peered ino $e apar&en' I, oo, "ee&ed
undi"urbed' *o&ew$a "uper"iiou"!y Jack wa!ked o-er o $e kic$en
and !ooked in' 4e wa" re!ie-ed o "ee $a no one wa" $ere'
In $e bedroo& Jack pu!!ed ou $i" ba"keba!! #ear/ o-er"i;ed "wea-
pan", a ur!eneck, and a "weaer' 4e >uick!y c$an#ed' Afer !acin# up
$i" $i#$op", $e #rabbed a $eadband, a ba"keba!!, and wa" back ou $e
door'
*aurday afernoon wa" a!way" a bi# day a $e p!ay#round, pro-ided
$e wea$er cooperaed' )"ua!!y weny o $iry peop!e "$owed up ready
o run, and $i" paricu!ar *aurday wa" no e+cepion' T$e &ornin# rain
$ad !on# "ince "opped' A" Jack approac$ed $e cour $e couned four-
een peop!e waiin# o p!ay' T$a &ean $e%d probab!y $a-e o wai
$rou#$ wo &ore #a&e" beyond $e pre"en &ac$ before $e cou!d $ope
o :oin'
Jack nodded "ubdued #reein#" o "o&e of $e peop!e $e reco#ni;ed'
T$e ei>uee re>uired $a no e&oion be "$own' Afer $e%d "ood on $e
"ide!ine" for $e appropriae a&oun of i&e $e a"ked w$o $ad winner"'
4e wa" o!d $a 2a-id $ad winner"' Jack wa" ac>uained wi$ 2a-id'
i
Carefu! o "uppre"" $e ea#erne"" $e fe!, Jack "id!ed up o 2a-id'
7<ou #o winner"?7 Jack a"ked, preendin# o be uninere"ed'
7<ea$, I #o winner",7 2a-id "aid' 4e wen $rou#$ "o&e &inor
duckin# and wea-in# $a Jack $ad !earned o reco#ni;e a" po"urin# '
Jack $ad a!"o !earned by "ore e+perience no o i&iae i' 7<ou #o fi-e?7
:ack a"ked'
2a-id a!ready $ad $i" ea& !ined up "o :ack $ad o #o $rou#$ $e "a&e
proce"" wi$ $e ne+ fe!!ow w$o $ad winner"' T$a wa" *pi, w$o"e nick-
na&e wa" ba"ed on one of $i" !e"" endearin# &anneri"&"' 5ucki!y for
Jack, *pi on!y $ad four p!ayer" and "ince $e knew :ack%" ou"ide "$oo-
in# abi!iy, $e a#reed o add Jack o $i" ro"er'
=i$ $i" enrance ino $e #a&e now a""ured, Jack ook $i" ba!! o one
of $e unu"ed "ide ba"ke" and be#an war&in# up' 4e $ad a &i!d
$eadac$e and $i" :aw ac$ed, bu o$erwi"e $e fe! beer $an $e%d e+-
peced' 4e%d been &ore concerned abou $i" "o&ac$ once $e "ared run-
nin# around, bu $a didn% bo$er $i& in $e "!i#$e"'
=$i!e Jack wa" bu"y "$ooin# fou! "$o" =arren "$owed up' Afer $e%d
#one $rou#$ $e "a&e proce"" $a :ack $ad done in order o #e ino $e
#a&e, $e wandered o-er o w$ere Jack wa" pracicin#'
74ey, 2oc, w$a%" $appenin#?7 =arren a"ked' 4e "nac$ed $e ba!!
fro& :ack%" $and" and >uick!y o""ed in a "$o $a $i no$in# bu ne'
=arren%" &o-e&en" were uncanni!y fa"'
7No &uc$,7 :ack "aid, w$ic$ wa" $e correc rep!y' =arren%" >ue"-
ion wa" rea!!y a #reein# in di"#ui"e'
T$ey "$o for a w$i!e in a riua! fa"$ion' Cir" =arren wou!d "$oo
uni! $e &i""ed, w$ic$ wa"n% ofen' T$en :ack wou!d do $e "a&e' =$i!e
one wa" "$ooin# $e o$er rebounded'
7=arren, !e &e a"k you a >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid durin# one of $i" urn"
"$ooin#' 7<ou e-er $ear of a #an# by $e na&e of $e B:ack 6in#"?7
7<ea$, I $ink "o,7 =arren "aid' 4e fed Jack $e ba!! afer :ack $ad
pu in one of $i" paened !on#-di"ance :u&p "$o"' %I $ink $ey%re a
bunc$ of !o"er" fro& down near $e Bowery' 4ow co&e you re a"kin#?
7:u" curiou",7 Jack "aid' 4e "ank ano$er !on# :u&p "$o' 4e wa" fee!-
in# #ood'
=arren "nac$ed $e ba!! ou of $e air a" i ca&e $rou#$ $e ba"ke'
Bu $e didn% pa"" i back o Jack' In"ead $e wa!ked i o Jack'
7=$a do you &ean, %curiou"%?7 =arren a"ked' 4e dri!!ed Jack wi$
$i" #un-barre! eye"' 7<ou ain% been curiou" abou any #an#" before'7
One of $e o$er $in#" $a Jack knew abou =arren wa" $a $e wa"
keen!y ine!!i#en' 4ad $e $ad $e opporuniy, Jack wa" "ure $e%d be a
docor or a !awyer or "o&e o$er profe""iona!'
7I $appened o *ee i aooed or a #uy%" forear&,7 Jack "aid'
7T$e #uy dead ?7 =arren a"ked' 4e wa" aware Of w$a Jack did for
a !i-in#'
7No ye,7 Jack "aid' 4e rare!y ri"ked "arca"& wi$ $i" p!ay#round ac-
>uainance", bu on $i" occa"ion i $ad :u" "!ipped ou'
=arren re#arded $i& wari!y and coninued o $o!d $e ba!!' 7<ou
pu!!in# &y c$ain, or w$a?7
74e!! no,7 Jack "aid' 7I &i#$ be w$ie, bu I ain% "upid'7
=arren "&i!ed' 74ow co&e you #o ban#ed up on your :aw?7
=arren didn% &i"" a rick' 7Ju" cau#$ an e!bow,7 Jack "aid' 7I wa"
in $e wron# p!ace a $e wron# i&e'7
=arren $anded o-er $e ba!!' 75e%" war& up wi$ a !i!e one-on-one,7
$e "aid' 74i-or-&i"" for $e ba!!'7
=arren #o in $e #a&e before Jack, bu :ack e-enua!!y p!ayed, and
p!ayed we!!' *pi%" p!ayer" "ee&ed unbeaab!e, o $e c$a#rin of =arren,
w$o $ad o p!ay a#ain" $e& on "e-era! occa"ion"' By "i+ o%c!ock Jack wa"
e+$au"ed and "oaked o $e "kin'
Jack wa" perfec!y $appy o !ea-e w$en e-eryone e!"e depared en
&a""e for dinner and $eir u"ua! *aurday-ni#$ re-e!ry' T$e ba"keba!!
cour wou!d be e&py uni! $e fo!!owin# afernoon'
A !on#, $o po"#a&e "$ower wa" a di"inc p!ea"ure for Jack' =$en
$e wa" fini"$ed $e dre""ed in c!ean c!o$e" and !ooked ino $i" refri#er-
aor' I wa" a "ad *cene' A!! $i" beer $ad been drunk by $e B:ack 6in#"'
Carefu! o "uppre"" $e ea#erne"" $e fe!, :ack "id!ed up o 2a-id'
7<ou #o winner"?7 Jack a"ked, preendin# o be uninere"ed'
7<ea$, I #o winner",7 2a-id "aid' 4e wen $rou#$ "o&e &inor
duckin# and wea-in# $a :ack $ad !earned o reco#ni;e a" po"urin#'
Jack $ad a!"o !earned by "ore e+perience no o i&iae i' 7<ou #o fi-e?7
:ack a"ked'
2a-id a!ready $ad $i" ea& !ined up "o :ack $ad o #o $rou#$ $e "a&e
proce"" wi$ $e ne+ fe!!ow w$o $ad winner"' T$a wa" *pi, w$o"e nick-
na&e wa" ba"ed on one of $i" !e"" endearin# &anneri"&"' 5ucki!y for
:ack, *pi on!y $ad four p!ayer" and "ince $e knew Jack%" ou"ide "$oo-
in# abi!iy, $e a#reed o add :ack o $i" ro"er'
=i$ $i" enrance ino $e #a&e now a""ured, :ack ook $i" ba!! o one
of $e unu"ed "ide ba"ke" and be#an war&in# up' 4e $ad a &i!d
$eadac$e and $i" :aw ac$ed, bu o$erwi"e $e fe! beer $an $e%d e+-
peced' 4e%d been &ore concerned abou $i" "o&ac$ once $e "ared run-
nin# around, bu $a didn% bo$er $i& in $e "!i#$e"'
=$i!e Jack wa" bu"y "$ooin# fou! "$o" =arren "$owed up' Afer $e%d
#one $rou#$ $e "a&e proce"" $a Jack $ad done in order o #e ino $e
#a&e, $e wandered o-er o w$ere :ack wa" pracicin#'
74ey, 2oc, w$a%" $appenin#?7 =arren a"ked' 4e "nac$ed $e ba!!
fro& Jack%" $and" and >uick!y o""ed in a "$o $a $i no$in# bu ne'
=arren%" &o-e&en" were uncanni!y fa"'
7No &uc$,7 :ack "aid, w$ic$ wa" $e correc rep!y' =arren%" >ue"-
ion wa" rea!!y a #reein# in di"#ui"e'
T$ey "$o for a w$i!e in a riua! fa"$ion' Cir" =arren wou!d "$oo
uni! $e &i""ed, w$ic$ wa"n% ofen' T$en Jack wou!d do $e "a&e' =$i!e
one wa" "$ooin# $e o$er rebounded'
7=arren, !e &e a"k you a >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid durin# one of $i" urn"
"$ooin#' 7<ou e-er $ear of a #an# by $e na&e of $e B:ack 6in#" ?7
7<ea$, I $ink "o,7 =arren "aid' 4e fed Jack $e ba!! afer Jack $ad
pu in one of $i" paened !on#-di"ance :u&p "$o"' 7I $ink $ey%re a
bunc$ of !o"er" fro& down near $e Bowery' 4ow co&e you%re a"kin#?7
7Ju" curiou",7 :ack "aid' 4e "ank ano$er !on# :u&p "$o' 4e wa" fee!-
in# #ood'
=arren "nac$ed $e ba!! ou of $e air a" i ca&e $rou#$ $e ba"ke'
Bu $e didn% pa"" i back o :ack' In"ead $e wa!ked i o :ack'
7=$a do you &ean, %curiou"%?7 =arren a"ked' 4e dri!!ed :ack wi$
$i" #un-barre! eye"' 7<ou ain% been curiou" abou any #an#" before'7
One of $e o$er $in#" $a :ack knew abou =arren wa" $a $e wa"
keen!y ine!!i#en' 4ad $e $ad $e opporuniy, :ack wa" "ure $e%d be a
docor or a !awyer or "o&e o$er profe""iona!'
7I $appened o "ee i aooed on a #uy%" forear&,7 :ack "aid'
7T$e #uy dead ?7 =arren a"ked' 4e wa" aware of w$a :ack did for
a !i-in#'
7No ye,7 :ack "aid' 4e rare!y ri"ked "arca"& wi$ $i" p!ay#round ac-
>uainance", bu on $i" occa"ion i $ad :u" "!ipped ou'
=arren re#arded $i& wari!y and coninued o $o!d $e ba!!' 7<ou
pu!!in# &y c$ain, or w$a?7
74e!! no,7 :ack "aid' 7I &i#$ be w$ie, bu I ain% "upid'7
=arren "&i!ed' 74ow co&e you #o ban#ed up on your :aw?7
=arren didn% &i"" a rick' 7!u" cau#$ an e!bow,7 :ack "aid' 7I wa"
in $e wron# p!ace a $e wron# i&e'7
=arren $anded o-er $e ba!!' 75e%" war& up wi$ a !i!e one-on-one,7
$e "aid' 74i-or-&i"" for $e ba!!'7
=arren #o in $e #a&e before :ack, bu Jack e-enua!!y p!ayed, and
p!ayed we!!' *pi%" p!ayer" "ee&ed unbeaab!e, o $e c$a#rin of =arren,
w$o $ad o p!ay a#ain" $e& on "e-era! occa"ion"' By "i+ o%c!ock Jack wa"
e+$au"ed and "oaked o $e "kin'
:ack wa" perfec!y $appy o !ea-e w$en e-eryone e!"e depared en
&a""e for dinner and $eir u"ua! *aurday-ni#$ re-e!ry' T$e ba"keba!!
cour wou!d be e&py uni! $e fo!!owin# afernoon'
A !on#, $o po"#a&e "$ower wa" a di"inc p!ea"ure for :ack' =$en
$e wa" fini"$ed $e dre""ed in c!ean c!o$e" and !ooked ino $i" refri#er-
aor' I wa" a "ad "cene' A!! $i" beer $ad been drunk by $e B:ack 6in#"'
A" far a" food wa" concerned $e wa" !i&ied o an o!d wed#e of c$eddar
c$ee"e and wo e##" of dubiou" a#e' Jack c!o"ed $e refri#eraor' 4e
wa"n% a!! $a $un#ry anyway'
In $e !i-in# roo& Jack "a on $i" $readbare couc$ and picked up one
of $i" &edica! :ourna!"' 4i" u"ua! e-enin# rouine wa" o read uni! nine-
$iry or en and $en fa!! a"!eep' Bu oni#$ $e wa" "i!! re"!e"" de"pie
$e e+erci"e, and $e found $e cou!dn% concenrae'
Jack o""ed $e :ourna! a"ide and "ared a $e wa!!' 4e wa" !one!y, and
a!$ou#$ $e wa" !one!y a!&o" e-ery ni#$, $e fe! i &ore keen!y a $a
&o&en' 4e kep $inkin# abou Tere"e and $ow co&pa""ionae "$e%d
been $e ni#$ before'
Jack i&pu!"i-e!y wen o $e de"k, #o ou $e p$one book, and ca!!ed
=i!!ow and 4ea$' 4e wa"n% "ure if $e p$one" wou!d be &anned afer
$our", bu e-enua!!y "o&eone an"wered' Afer "e-era! wron# e+en"ion"
$e fina!!y #o Tere"e on $e p$one'
=i$ $i" $ear ine+p!icab!y poundin# in $i" c$e", Jack ca"ua!!y%o!d
$er $e wa" $inkin# of #ein# "o&e$in# o ea' 7I" $i" an in-iaion?7
Tere"e >ue"ioned'
7=e!!,7 Jack "aid $e"ian!y' 7(aybe you%d !ike o co&e a!on#, pro-ided
you $a-en% eaen ye'7
7T$i" i" $e &o" roundabou in-iaion I%-e #oen "ince (ary
Ber&an a"ked &e o $e :unior pro&,7 Tere"e "aid wi$ a !au#$' 7<ou
know w$a $e did? 4e u"ed $e condiiona!' 4e "aid/ %=$a wou!d you
"ay ifI a"ked you?%7
7I #ue"" (ary and I $a-e "o&e $in#" in co&&on,7 Jack "aid'
74ard!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7(ary wa" a "kinny run' Bu a" for dinner,
I%!! $a-e o ake a rain c$eck' I%d Jo-e o "ee you, bu you know abou $i"
dead!ine we $a-e' =e%re $opin# $a we can #e i under conro! oni#$'
I $ope you under"and'7
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid' 7No prob!e&'7
7Ca!! &e o&orrow,7 Tere"e "aid' 7(aybe in $e afernoon we can #e
o#e$er for coffee or "o&e$in#'7
Jack pro&i"ed $e%d ca!! and wi"$ed $er #ood !uck' T$en $e $un# up
$e p$one, fee!in# e-en !one!ier for $a-in# &ade an effor o be "ociab!e
afer "o &any year" and $a-in# been urned down'
*urpri"in# $i&"e!f anew, Jack found 5aurie%" nu&ber and ca!!ed $er'
Tryin# o co-er $i" ner-ou"ne"" wi$ $u&or, $e o!d $er $a $e #roup
of nun" $e wa" e+pecin# $ad o cance!'
72oe" $a &ean you%d !ike o co&e o dinner?7 5aurie a"ked'
7If you%!! $a-e &e,7 Jack "aid'
7I%d be de!i#$ed,7 5aurie "aid'
*)N2A<I 9/BB A'(', (ARC4 2A, I c:91
Jack wa" porin# o-er one of $i" foren"ic "cience :ourna!" w$en $i" p$one
ran#' *ince $e $ad ye o "peak $a &ornin# $i" -oice wa" #ra-e!!y w$en
$e an"wered'
7I didn% wake you, did I?7 5aurie a"ked'
7I%-e been up for $our",7 Jack a""ured $er'
7I%& ca!!in# becau"e you a"ked &e o,7 5aurie "aid' 7O$erwi"e I
wou!dn% ca!! $i" ear!y on a *unday &ornin#'7 7I%" no ear!y for &e,7 Jack
"aid'
7Bu i wa" !ae w$en you wen $o&e,7 5aurie "aid'
7I wa"n% $a !ae,7 Jack "aid' 7Be"ide", no &aer w$a i&e I #o o
bed I a!way" wake up ear!y'7
7Anyway, you waned &e o !e you know if $ere were any infeciou"
dea$" fro& $e Genera! !a" ni#$,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$ere weren%' Janice
e-en o!d &e before "$e !ef $a $ere wa"n% e-en anyone i!! wi$ Rocky
(ounain "poed fe-er in $e $o"pia!' T$a%" #ood new", i"n% i?7
7,ery #ood new",7 Jack a#reed'
7(y paren" were >uie i&pre""ed wi$ you !a" ni#$,7 5aurie added'
7I $ope you en:oyed your"e!f'7
7I wa" a de!i#$fu! e-enin#,7 Jack "aid' 7Crank!y I%& e&barra""ed I
"ayed "o !on#' T$ank you for in-iin# &e and $ank your paren"' T$ey
cou!dn% $a-e been &ore $o"piab!e'7
7=e%!! $a-e o do i a#ain "o&ei&e,7 5aurie "aid'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid'
Afer $ey $ad "aid #ood-bye", Jack $un# up $e p$one and ried o #o
back o readin#' Bu $e wa" &o&enari!y di"raced by $ou#$" of $e
pre-iou" e-enin#' 4e $ad en:oyed $i&"e!f' In fac $e%d en:oyed $i&"e!f
&uc$ &ore $an $e cou!d $a-e i&a#ined, and $a confu"ed $i&' 4e%d
purpo"efu!!y kep o $i&"e!f for fi-e year", and now wi$ou warnin# $e
found $i&"e!f en:oyin# $e co&pany of wo -ery differen wo&en'
=$a $e !iked abou 5aurie wa" $ow ea"y "$e wa" o be wi$' Tere"e,
on $e o$er $and, cou!d be o-erbearin# e-en w$i!e "$e wa" bein# war&!y
carin#' Tere"e wa" &ore ini&idain# $an 5aurie, bu "$e wa" a!"o c$a!-
!en#in# in a way $a wa" &ore con"i"en wi$ Jack%" reck!e"" !ife"y!e'
Bu now $a $e%d $ad $e opporuniy o "ee 5aurie inerac wi$ $er par-
en", $e appreciaed $er open, war& per"ona!iy a!! $e &ore' 4e i&a#-
ined $a-in# a po&pou" cardio-a"cu!ar "ur#eon for a fa$er cou!dn% $a-e
been ea"y'
5aurie $ad ried o en#a#e Jack in per"ona! con-er"aion afer $e
o!der #eneraion $ad reired, bu Jack $ad re"i"ed, a" wa" $i" $abi' <e
$e%d been e&ped' 4a-in# opened up a !i!e wi$ Tere"e $e ni#$ be-
fore, i $ad "urpri"ed $i& $ow #ood i fe! o a!k wi$ "o&eone carin#'
Bu Jack $ad fa!!en back on $i" u"ua! "raa#e& of urnin# $e con-er"a-
ion back o 5aurie, and $e%d !earned "o&e une+peced $in#"'
(o" "urpri"in# wa" $a "$e wa" unaac$ed' Jack $ad :u" a""u&ed
"o&eone a" de"irab!e and "en"ii-e a" 5aurie wou!d $a-e been in-o!-ed
wi$ "o&eone, bu 5aurie in"i"ed "$e didn% e-en dae &uc$' *$e%d e+-
p!ained $a "$e%d $ad a re!aion"$ip wi$ a po!ice deeci-e for a i&e,
bu i $adn% worked ou'
3-enua!!y Jack #o back o $i" :ourna!' 4e read uni! $un#er dro-e
$i& o a nei#$bor$ood de!i' On $i" way $o&e fro& !unc$ $e "aw $a a
#roup of #uy" wa" a!ready be#innin# o appear on $e ba"keba!! cour'
i!! I
3a#er for &ore p$y"ica! aci-iy, Jack da"$ed $o&e, c$an#ed, and :oined
$e&'
Jack p!ayed for "e-era! $our"' )nforunae!y $i" "$o wa"n% a" "&oo$
or accurae a" on $e pre-iou" day' =arren ea"ed $i& un&ercifu!!y, e"-
pecia!!y w$en $e #uarded Jack durin# "e-era! of $e #a&e"' =arren wa"
&akin# up for $e i#no&iny of $e pre-iou" day%" defea"'
A $ree o%c!ock afer ano$er !o"", w$ic$ &ean Jack wou!d be "iin#
ou for a !ea" $ree #a&e", &aybe &ore, $e #a-e up and reurned o $i"
apar&en' Afer a "$ower $e "a down o ry o read a#ain, bu found
$i&"e!f $inkin# abou Tere"e'
Concerned abou bein# re:eced a "econd i&e, Jack $ad no p!anned
on ca!!in# $er' Bu by four $e re!enedD afer a!!, "$e $ad a"ked $i& o ca!!'
(ore i&poran, $e ru!y waned o a!k wi$ $er' 4a-in# paria!!y
opened up o $er, $e fe! curiou"!y di"urbed no o $a-e o!d $er $e w$o!e
"ory' 4e fe! $e owed $er &ore'
3-en &ore an+iou" $an $e $ad been $e e-enin# before, Jack dia!ed
$e nu&ber'
T$i" i&e Tere"e wa" &uc$ &ore recepi-e' In fac, "$e wa" ebu!!ien'
7=e &ade #rea pro#re"" !a" ni#$,7 "$e announced proud!y' 7To-
&orrow we%re #oin# o knock $e "ock" off $e pre"iden and $e C3O'
T$ank" o you $i" idea of $o"pia! c!ean!ine"" and !ow infecion rae i" a
#rea $ook' =e%re e-en $a-in# "o&e fun wi$ your "eri!i;aion idea'7
Cina!!y Jack #o around o a"kin# $er if "$e%d !ike o #e o#e$er for
"o&e coffee' 4e re&inded $er i $ad been $er "u##e"ion'
7I%d !o-e i,7 Tere"e "aid wi$ou $e"iaion' 7=$en?7
74ow abou ri#$ now?7 Jack "aid'
7Cine by &e,7 Tere"e "aid'
T$ey &e a a "&a!! Crenc$-"y!e cafI on (adi"on A-enue beween
*i+y-fir" and *i+y-"econd con-enien!y c!o"e o $e =i!!ow and 4ea$
bui!din#' Jack #o $ere a$ead of Tere"e and ook a ab!e in $e window
and ordered an e"pre""o'
Tere"e arri-ed "oon afer' *$e wa-ed $rou#$ $e window, and afer
enerin#, "$e forced Jack ino a repea of $e c$eek-pre""in# rouine' *$e
wa" -ibran' *$e ordered a deca! cappuccino fro& $e aeni-e waier'
A" "oon a" $ey were a!one, "$e !eaned acro"" $e ab!e and #ra"ped
Jack%" $and' 74ow are you?7 "$e a"ked' *$e !ooked direc!y ino $i" eye"
and $en a $i" :aw!ine' 7<our pupi!" are e>ua!, and you !ook okay' I
$ou#$ you%d be b:ack and b!ue'7
7I%& beer $an I wou!d $a-e e+peced,7 Jack ad&ied'
Tere"e $en !aunc$ed ino an e+cied &ono!o#ue abou $er upco&in#
re-iew and $ow wonderfu!!y e-ery$in# wa" fa!!in# ino p!ace' *$e e+-
p!ained w$a a 7ripo&aic7 wa" and $ow $ey $ad &ana#ed o pu one
o#e$er wi$ ape "e>uence" fro& $eir pre-iou" Naiona! 4ea!$ ca&-
pai#n' *$e "aid i wa" errific and #a-e a #ood i&pre""ion of $e 2o-No-
4ar& 4ippocrae" idea'
Jack !e $er carry on uni! "$e%d e+$au"ed $e "ub:ec' Afer akin# a
few #u!p" of $er cappuccino, "$e a"ked $i& w$a $e%d been doin#'
7I%-e been $inkin# a !o abou $e con-er"aion we $ad Criday ni#$,7
$e "aid' 7I%" been bo$erin# &e'7 74ow "o?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7=e were bein# open wi$ eac$ o$er, bu I wa"n% co&p!ee!y for$-
ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no accu"o&ed o a!kin# abou &y prob!e&"' T$e
ru$ i"/ I didn% e!! you $e w$o!e "ory'7
Tere"e pu $er coffee cup down and "udied Jack%" face' 4i" dark b!ue
eye" were inen"e' 4i" face wa" "ubb!edD $e%d ob-iou"!y no "$a-ed $a
day' *$e $ou#$ $a under differen circu&"ance" Jack cou!d appear
ini&idain#, &aybe e-en "cary'
7(y wife wa"n% $e on!y per"on w$o died,7 Jack "aid $a!in#!y' 7I !o"
&y wo dau#$er" a" we!!' I wa" a co&&uer p!ane cra"$'7
Tere"e "wa!!owed wi$ difficu!y' *$e%d fe! a we!!in# of e&oion c!o#
$er $roa' Jack%" "ory wa" $ard!y w$a "$e%d e+peced'
7T$e prob!e& i", I%-e a!way" fe! "o da&n re"pon"ib!e,7 $c coninued'
7If i $adn% been for &e $ey wou!dn% $a-e been on $a p!ane'7
Tere"e fe! an inen"e "ab of e&pa$y' Afer a few &o&en" "$e "aid/
7I wa"n% enire!y for$ri#$ ei$er' I o!d you I%d !o" &y c$i!d' =$a I
didn% "ay i" $a i wa" an unborn c$i!d, and a $e "a&e i&e I !o" $e
c$i!d, I !o" &y abi!iy o $a-e any &ore' To add in"u! o in:ury, $e &an
I%d &arried de"ered &e'7
Cor a few e&oiona!!y c$oked &inue" nei$er Jack nor Tere"e "poke'
Cina!!y, Jack broke $e "i!ence/ 7I "ound" !ike we%re ryin# o oudo eac$
o$er wi$ our per"ona! ra#edie",7 $e "aid, &ana#in# a "&i!e'
7Ju" !ike a coup!e of depre""i-e",7 Tere"e a#reed' 7(y $erapi" wou!d
!o-e $i"'7
7Of cour"e, w$a I%-e o!d you i" for your ear" on!y,7 Jack "aid'
72on% be "i!!y,7 Tere"e a""ured $i&' 7*a&e #oe" for you' I $a-en% o!d
&y "ory o anyone bu &y $erapi"'7
7I $a-en% o!d anybody,7 Jack "aid' 7No e-en a $erapi"'7
Cee!in# a "en"e of re!ief fro& $a-in# bo$ bared $eir inner&o" "e-
cre", Jack and Tere"e wen on o a!k abou $appier $in#"' Tere"e,
w$o%d #rown up in $e ciy, wa" "$ocked o $ear $ow !i!e of $e area
Jack $ad -i"ied "ince $e%d been $ere' *$e a!ked abou akin# $i& o $e
C!oi"er" w$en "prin# $ad ru!y arri-ed'
7<ou%!! !o-e i,7 "$e pro&i"ed'
7I%11 !ook forward o i,7 Jack "aid'
(ON2A<, ?/0B A'(', (AIIC4 2E, 1 c:c:1
Jack wa" irriaed a $i&"e!f' 4e%d $ad i&e o buy a new bike on *aur-
day, bu $e%d fai!ed o do "o' Con"e>uen!y, $e $ad o u"e $e "ubway a#ain
o co&&ue o work, a!$ou#$ $e%d con"idered :o##in#' T$e prob!e&
wi$ :o##in# wa" $a $e%d $a-e o $a-e a c$an#e of c!o$e" in $i" office'
To #i-e $i& $e opion in $e fuure $e brou#$ "o&e o work in a "&a!!
"$ou!der ba#'
Co&in# in fro& Cir" A-enue, Jack a#ain enered $e &edica! e+a&-
iner%" faci!iy $rou#$ $e fron enrance' A" $e pa""ed $rou#$ $e #!a""
door, $e wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $e nu&ber of fa&i!ie" waiin# in $e ouer
recepion area' I wa" $i#$!y unu"ua! for "o &any peop!e o be $ere $a
ear!y' *o&e$in# &u" be up, $e "ur&i"ed'
Jack $ad $i&"e!f bu;;ed in' 4e wa!ked ino $e "c$edu!in# roo& and
"aw Geor#e Conwor$ "iin# a $e de"k 5aurie $ad occupied eac$
&ornin# $e pre-iou" week'
Jack wa" "orry 5aurie%" week a" "uper-i"or wa" o-er' Geor#e $ad ro-
aed o $e po"iion' 4e wa" a "$or, &oderae!y o-erwei#$ docor of
w$o& Jack $ad a !ow opinion' 4e wa" perfuncory and ofen &i""ed i&-
poran findin#"'
I#norin# Geor#e, Jack $eaded o-er o ,innie and pu"$ed down $e
ed#e of $i" new"paper'
7=$y are $ere "o &any peop!e ou in $e I2 area?7 Jack a"ked'
7Becau"e $ere%" a &inor di"a"er o-er a $e Genera!,7 Geor#e "aid,
an"werin# for ,innie' ,innie reaed Jack o a :auny bu di"dainfu! e+-
pre""ion and wen back o $i" paper'
7=$a kind of di"a"er?7 Jack a"ked'
Geor#e paed $e op of a "ack of fo!der"' 7A w$o!e bunc$ of
&enin#ococca! dea$",7 $e "aid' 7Cou!d be an epide&ic in $e &akin#'
=e%-e #o ei#$ "o far'7
Jack ru"$ed o-er o Geor#e%" de"k and "napped up a fo!der a rando&'
4e opened i and "$uff!ed $rou#$ i" conen" uni! $e ca&e o $e in-
-e"i#ai-e repor' *cannin# i >uick!y, $e !earned $a $e paien%" na&e
wa" Rober Caru"o, and $a $e $ad been a nur"e on $e or$opedic f!oor
a $e Genera!'
Jack o""ed $e fo!der back ono $e de"k and !iera!!y ran $rou#$ co&-
&unicaion" o $e office" of $e .A"' 4e wa" re!ie-ed o "ee Janice wa"
"i!! $ere, puin# in o-eri&e a" u"ua!'
*$e !ooked errib!e' T$e dark circ!e" under $er eye" were "o di"inc,
"$e re"e&b!ed a baered wo&an' *$e pu $er pen down and !eaned back'
*$e "$ook $er $ead' 7I &i#$ $a-e o #e ano$er :ob,7 "$e "aid' 7I can%
keep $i" up' T$ank God I $a-e o&orrow and $e ne+ day off'7
7=$a $appened ?7 Jack a"ked'
7I "ared on $e "$if before &ine,7 Janice "aid' 7T$e fir" ca"e wa"
ca!!ed in around "i+-$iry' Apparen!y $e paien $ad died abou "i+ p'IA'7
7An or$opedic paien?7 Jack a"ked'
74ow%d you know?7
7I :u" "aw a fo!der fro& an or$opedic nur"e,7 Jack "aid'
7O$, yea$, $a wa" (r' Caru"o,7 Janice "aid wi$ a yawn' *$e e+cu"ed
$er"e!f before coninuin#' 7Anyway, I "ared #ein# ca!!ed "$or!y afer
I arri-ed a e!e-en' *ince $en i%" been non"op' I%-e been back and for$
a!! ni#$' In fac, I :u" #o back $ere weny &inue" a#o' I e!! you, $i"
i" wor"e $an $e $e o$er oubreak"' One of $e paien" i" a nine-year-
o!d #ir!' =$a a ra#edy'7
7=a" "$e re!aed o $e fir" ca"e?7 Jack a"ked'
7*$e wa" a niece,7 Janice "aid'
74ad "$e been in o -i"i $er unc!e?7 Jack a"ked'
7Around noon ye"erday,7 Janice "aid' 7<ou don% $ink $a cou!d
$a-e conribued o $er dea$, do you? I &ean, $a wa" on!y abou we!-e
$our" before $er dea$'7
7)nder cerain circu&"ance" &enin#ococcu" $a" a fri#$fu! capaciy
o ki!!, and ki!! incredib!y "wif!y,7 Jack "aid' 7In fac, i can ki!! in :u"
a
few $our"'7
7=e!!, $e $o"pia! i" in a panic'7
7I can I&a#&e, Jack "aid' 7=$a wa" $e na&e of $e fir" ca"e?7
7Car!o .acini,7 Janice "aid' 7Bu $a%" abou a!! I know' 4e ca&e in
on $e "$if before &ine' *e-e (ario $and!ed i'7 7Cou!d I a"k a fa-or?7
Jack a"ked'
7T$a depend",7 Janice "aid' 7I%& awfu!!y ired'7
7Ju" !ea-e word for Bar $a I wan you .A" o #e a!! $e c$ar" of
$e inde+ ca"e in eac$ of $e"e oubreak"' 5e%" "ee, $a%" Node!&an wi$
$e p!a#ue, 4ard wi$ u!are&ia, 5a#en$orpe wi$ Rocky (ounain
"poed fe-er, and .acini wi$ &enin#ococcu"' 2o you $ink $a wi!! be
a prob!e& ?7
7No a a!!,7 Janice "aid' 7T$ey are a!! aci-e (3 ca"e"'7
Jack "ood up and #a-e Janice a pa on $e back' 7(aybe you "$ou!d
#o o-er o $e c!inic on your way $o&e,7 $e "aid' 7*o&e c$e&oprop$yR
!a+i" &i#$ no be a bad idea'7
Janice%" eye" widened' 7<ou $ink $a i" nece""ary?7
7Beer "afe $an "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7Anyway, di"cu"" i wi$ one of $e
infeciou" di"ea"e #uru"' T$ey know beer $an I' T$ere%" e-en a era-a-
!en -accine, bu $a ake" a few day" o kick in'7
Jack da"$ed back o $e I2 roo& and a"ked Geor#e for Car!o .acini%"
fo!der'
7I%" no $ere,7 Geor#e "aid' 75aurie ca&e in ear!y, and w$en "$e
$eard abou w$a wa" #oin# on, "$e re>ue"ed $e ca"e' *$e%" #o $e
fo!der'7
7=$ere i" "$e?7 :ack a"ked'
7)p in $er office,7 ,innie re"ponded fro& be$ind $i" paper'
Jack $u"!ed up o 5aurie%" office' Conrary o $e way :ack worked,
"$e !iked o #o o-er eac$ fo!der in $er office before doin# $e auop"y'
7.rey fri#$enin#, I%d "ay,7 5aurie "aid a" "oon a" "$e "aw Jack'
7I%" errifyin#,7 :ack "aid' 4e #rabbed 5aurie%" office&ae%" c$air,
pu!!ed i o-er o 5aurie%" de"k, and "a down' 7T$i" i" :u" w$a I%-e been
worryin# abou' T$i" cou!d be a rea! epide&ic' =$a $a-e you !earned
abou $i" inde+ ca"e ?7
7No &uc$,7 5aurie ad&ied' 74e%d been ad&ied *aurday e-enin#
wi$ a fracured $ip' Apparen!y $e%d $ad a bri!e bone prob!e&D $e%d
$ad a w$o!e "rin# of fracure" o-er $e !a" few year"'7
7Ci" $e paern,7 :ack "aid'
7=$a paern?7 5aurie a"ked'
7A!! $e inde+ ca"e" fro& $e"e recen oubreak" $a-e $ad "o&e "or
of c$ronic i!!ne"",7 :ack "aid'
7A !o of peop!e w$o are $o"pia!i;ed $a-e c$ronic i!!ne""e",7 5aurie
"aid' 7In fac, &o" of $e&' =$a doe" $a $a-e o do wi$ any$in#?7
7I%!! e!! you w$a%" on $i" paranoid, "ick &ind,7 C$e "aid' C$e $ad
appeared a 5aurie%" door' 4e "epped ino $e roo& and !eaned a#ain"
$e "econd de"k' 74e%" #o $i" $in# abou A&eriCare and wan" o "ee
con"piracy be$ind a!! $i" roub!e'7 7I" $a rue ?7 5aurie a"ked'
7I $ink i%" !e"" $a I wan o "ee con"piracy $an i%" "arin# &e in $e
face,7 Jack "aid'
7=$a do you &ean by %con"piracy%?7 5aurie a"ked'
74e $a" $i" noion $a $e"e unu"ua! i!!ne""e" are bein# "pread de-
!iberae!y,7 C$e "aid' C$e "u&&ari;ed Jack%" $eory $a $e cu!pri wa"
ei$er "o&eone a A&eriCare ryin# o proec i" boo& !ine or "o&e
cra;y per"on wi$ errori" inc!inaion"'
5aurie !ooked >ue"ionin#!y a :ack' Jack "$ru##ed'
7T$ere are a !o of unan"wered >ue"ion",7 :ack offered'
7A" $ere are in :u" abou any oubreak,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu rea!!y8 T$i"
i" a!! a bi farAfec$ed' I $ope you didn% &enion $i" $eory o $e pow-
er" $a be o-er a $e Genera!'7
7<ea$, I did,7 :ack "aid' 7In fac I "or of a"ked $e direcor of $e !ab
if $e wa" in-o!-ed' 4e%" ra$er di"#run!ed wi$ $i" bud#e' 4e i&&e-
diae!y infor&ed $e infecion-conro! officer' I i&a#ine $ey%-e !e $e ad-
&ini"raion know'7
5aurie !e ou a "$or, cynica! !au#$' 7O$, bro$er,7 "$e "aid' 7No won-
der you%-e beco&e per"ona non #raa around $ere'7
7<ou $a-e o ad&i $ere%" been an awfu! !o oH>ue"ionab!e no"oco-
&ia! infecion a $e Genera!,7 :ack "aid'
7I%& no e-en "o "ure abou $a,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bo$ $e u!area!c pa-
ien and $e paien wi$ Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er de-e!oped $eir
i!!ne""e" wi$in fory-ei#$ $our" of ad&i""ion' By definiion, $ey are no
no"oco&ia! infecion"'7
7Tec$nica!!y $a%" rue,7 :ack ad&ied' 7Bu'''7
7Be"ide", a!! $e"e i!!ne""e" $a-e been "een in New <ork,7 5aurie "aid'
7I%-e done "o&e recen readin# &y"e!H T$ere wa" a "eriou" oubreak of
Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er in ei#$y-"e-en'7
7T$ank you, 5aurie,7 C$e "aid' 7I ried o e!! :ack $e "a&e $in#'
3-en Ca!-in $a" o!d $i&'7
7=$a abou $e "erie" of ca"e" co&in# Hro& cenra! "upp!y?7 Jack
a"ked 5aurie' 7And w$a abou $e rapidiy wi$ w$ic$ $e paien" wi$
Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er de-e!oped $eir i!!ne""e"? <ou were >ue"-
ionin# $a :u" $i" *aurday'7
7Of cour"e I%d >ue"ion $o"e $in#",7 5aurie "aid' 7T$ey%re $e ype
oH>ue"ion" $a $a-e o be a"ked in any epide&io!Sica! "iuaion'7
Jack "i#$ed' 7I%& "orry,7 $e "aid' 7Bu I%& con-inced "o&e$in# $i#$!y
unu"ua! i" #oin# on' A!! a!on# I%-e been worried $a we &i#$ "ee a rea!
epide&ic crop up' T$i" oubreak of&enin#ococcu" &ay be i' If i peer"
Ou !ike $e o$er oubreak", I%!! be re!ie-ed, of cour"e, in $u&an er&"'
I
i 8
Bu i wi!! on!y add o &y "u"picion"' T$i" paern of &u!ip!e fu!&inan
ca"e", $en no$in#, i" $i#$!y unu"ua! in i"e!f'7
7Bu $i" i" $e "ea"on for &enin#ococcu",7 5aurie "aid' 7I%" no "o
unu"ua!'7
75aurie%" ri#$,7 C$e "aid' 7Bu re#ard!e"", &y concern i" $a you%re
#oin# o #e your"e!f ino rea! roub!e' <ou%re !ike a do# wi$ a bone' Ca!&
down8 I don% wan o "ee you fired' A !ea" rea""ure &e you%re no #oin#
back o $e Genera!'7
7I can% "ay $a,7 :ack "aid' 7No wi$ $i" new oubreak' T$i" one
doe"n% depend on "o&e ar$ropod" $a aren% around' T$i" i" an airborne
prob!e&, and a" far a" I%& concerned, i c$an#e" $e ru!e"'7
7Ju" a &o&en,7 5aurie "aid' 7=$a abou $a warnin# you #o fro&
$o"e $u#"?7
7Now w$a?7 C$e >ue"ioned' 7=$a $u#"?7
7:ack $ad a co;y -i"i fro& "o&e c$ar&in# &e&ber" of a #an#,7 5au-
rie "aid' 7I "ee&" $a a !ea" one of $e New <ork #an#" i" #oin# ino
$e e+orion bu"ine""'7
7*o&ebody $a" o e+p!ain,7 C$e "aid'
5aurie o!d C$e w$a "$e knew of Jack%" beain#'
7And you%re "i!! $inkin# of #oin# o-er $ere?7 C$e a"ked w$en "$e
wa" $rou#$'
7I%11 be carefu!,7 Jack "aid' 7Be"ide", I $a-en% e+ac!y decided o #o ye'7
C$e ro!!ed $i" eye" o $e cei!in#' 7I $ink I wou!d $a-e preferred you
a" a "uburbanie op$$a!&o!o#i"'7
7=$a do you &ean, op$$a!&o!o#i"?7 5aurie >ue"ioned'
7Co&e on, you #uy",7 :ack "aid' 4e "ood up' 73nou#$ i" enou#$'
=e%-e #o work o do'7
Jack, 5aurie, and C$e did no e&er#e fro& $e auop"y roo& uni! afer
one in $e afernoon' A!$ou#$ Geor#e $ad >ue"ioned $e need o po"
a!! $e &enin#ococca! ca"e", $e riu&-irae $ad in"i"edD Geor#e re!ened
in $e end' 2oin# "o&e on $eir own and "o&e o#e$er, $ey auop"ied
$e iniia! paien, one or$opedic re"iden, wo nur"e", one order!y, wo
peop!e w$o%d -i"ied $e paien, inc!udin# $e nine-year-o!d #ir!, and par-
icu!ar!y i&poran a" far a" Jack wa" concerned, one wo&an fro& cen-
ra! "upp!y'
Afer $e &ara$on $ey a!! c$an#ed back o $eir "ree c!o$e" and
&e up in $e !unc$roo&' Re!ie-ed o be away fro& $e &ay$e& and a
bi o-erw$e!&ed by $e findin#", $ey didn% a!k a fir"' T$ey &ere!y
#o $eir "e!ecion" fro& $e -endin# &ac$ine" and "a down a one of
$e free ab!e"'
7I $a-en% done &any &enin#ococca! ca"e" in $e pa",7 5aurie "aid fi-
na!!y' 7Bu $e"e oday were a !o &ore I&pre""i-e $an $e one" I did do'7
7<ou won% "ee a &ore dra&aic ca"e of $e =aer$ou"e-Crideric$"en
"yndro&e,7 C$e "aid' 7None of $e"e peop!e $ad a c$ance' T$e baceria
&arc$ed $rou#$ $e& !ike a (on#o! $orde' T$e a&oun of inerna!
$e&orr$a#e wa" e+raordinary' I e!! you, i "care" $e pan" off &e'7
7I wa" one i&e $a I acua!!y didn% &ind bein# in $e &oon "ui,7
Jack a#reed' 7I cou!dn% #e o-er $e a&oun of #an#rene on $e e+re&-
iie"' I wa" e-en &ore $an on $e recen p!a#ue ca"e"'7
7=$a "urpri"ed &e wa" $ow !i!e &enin#ii" wa" in-o!-ed,7 5aurie
"aid' 73-en $e c$i!d $ad -ery !i!e, and I wou!d $a-e $ou#$ a !ea"
"$e wou!d $a-e $ad e+en"i-e in-o!-e&en'7
7=$a pu;;!e" &e,7 :ack "aid, 7i" $e a&oun of pneu&onii"' Ob-i-
ou"!y i i" an airborne infecion, bu i u"ua!!y in-ade" $e upper par of
$e re"piraory ree, no $e !un#"'7
7I can #e $ere ea"i!y enou#$ once i #e" ino $e b!ood,7 C$e "aid'
7Ob-iou"!y a!! $e"e peop!e $ad $i#$ !e-e!" cour"in# $rou#$ $eir -a"-
cu!ar "y"e&"'7
74a-e ei$er of you $eard if any &ore ca"e" $a-e co&e in oday?7 Jack
a"ked'
C$e and 5aurie e+c$an#ed #!ance"' Bo$ "$ook $eir $ead"'
:ack "craped back $i" c$air and wen o a wa!! p$one' 4e ca!!ed down
o co&&unicaion" and po"ed $e "a&e >ue"ion o one of $e operaor"'
T$e an"wer wa" no' Jack wa!ked back o $e ab!e and rec!ai&ed $i" "ea'
7=e!!, we!!,7 $e "aid' 7I"n% $i" curiou"' No new ca"e"'7
7I%d "ay i wa" #ood new",7 5aurie "aid'
7I%d "econd $a,7 C$e "aid'
72oe" ei$er of you know any of $e inerni"" o-er a $e Genera!?7
Jack a"ked'
7I do,7 5aurie "aid' 7One of &y c!a""&ae" fro& &edica! "c$oo! i" o-er
$ere'7
74ow abou #i-in# $er a ca!! and "eein# if $ey $a-e &any &enin#o-
cocca! ca"e" under rea&en?7 :ack a"ked'
5aurie "$ru##ed and wen o u"e $e "a&e p$one :ack $ad :u" u"ed'
7I don% !ike $a !ook in your eye,7 C$e "aid'
7I can% $e!p i,7 :ack "aid' 7!u" !ike wi$ $e o$er oubreak", !i!e
di"-
urbin# fac" are be#innin# o appear' =e%-e :u" auop"ied "o&e of $e
"icke" &enin#ococca! paien" any of u" $a" e-er "een and $en, boo&8
No &ore ca"e", a" ifa fauce $ad been urned off' I%" :u" w$a I wa" a!k-
in# abou ear!ier'7
7I"n% $a c$araceri"ic of $e di"ea"e?7 C$e a"ked' 7.eak" and -a!-
!ey"'7
7No $i" fa",7 :ack "aid' T$en $e pau"ed' 7=ai a "econd,7 $e added'
7I :u" $ou#$ of "o&e$in# e!"e' =e know w$o $e fir" per"on wa" o
die in $i" oubreak, bu w$o wa" $e !a"?7
7I don% know, bu we%-e #o a!! $e fo!der",7 C$e "aid'
5aurie reurned' 7No &enin#ococca! ca"e" pre"en!y,7 "$e "aid' 7Bu
$e $o"pia! doe"n% con"ider i"e!f ou of $e wood"' T$ey%-e in"iued a
&a""i-e ca&pai#n of -accinaion and c$e&oprop$y!a+i"' Apparen!y $e
p!ace i" in an uproar'7
Bo$ :ack and C$e &ere!y #runed a $i" new"' T$ey were preoccu-
pied wi$ #oin# $rou#$ $e ei#$ fo!der" and :oin# down noaion" on
$eir napkin"'
7=$a on ear$ are you #uy" doin#?7 5aurie a"ked'
7=e%re ryin# o fi#ure ou w$o wa" $e !a" o die,7 :ack "aid'
7=$a on ear$ for?7 5aurie a"ked'
7I%& no "ure,7 :ack "aid'
7T$i" i" i,7 C$e "aid' 7I wa" I&o#ene .$i!ber"on'7
74one"?7 :ack >ue"ioned' 75e &e "ee'7
C$e urned around $e paria!!y fi!!ed-ou dea$ cerificae $a !i"ed
$e i&e of dea$'
7I%11 be da&ned,7 :ack "aid'
7Now w$a?7 5aurie a"ked'
7*$e wa" $e one w$o worked in cenra! "upp!y,7 :ack "aid'
7I" $a "i#nifican?7 5aurie a"ked'
:ack pondered for a few &inue", $en "$ook $i" $ead' 7I don% know,7
$e "aid' 7P%1! $a-e o !ook back a $e o$er oubreak"' A" you know, eac$
oubreak $a" inc!uded "o&eone fro& cenra! "upp!y' I%!! "ee if i i" a pa-
ern I%d &i""ed'7
7<ou #uy" weren% paricu!ar!y i&pre""ed wi$ &y new" $a $ere are
curren!y no &ore ca"e" of &enin#ococca! di"ea"e o-er a $e Genera!'7
7I a&,7 C$e "aid' 7:ack "ee" i a" confir&aion of $i" $eorie"'7
7I%& worried i i" #oin# o fru"rae our $ypo$eica! errori",7 Jack
"aid' 7I%" a!"o #oin# o eac$ $i& an unforunae !e""on'7
Bo$ 5aurie and C$e ro!!ed $eir eye" o $e cei!in# and !e ou audi-
b!e #roan"'
7Co&e on, you #uy",7 Jack "aid' 74ear &e ou' 5e%" :u" "ay for $e
"ake of ar#u&en $a I%& ri#$ abou "o&e weirdo "preadin# $e"e &i-
crobe" in $ope" of "arin# an epide&ic' A fir" $e pick" $e "carie",
&o" e+oic di"ea"e" $e can $ink of, bu $e doe"n% know $a $ey won%
rea!!y "pread paien o paien' T$ey are "pread by ar$ropod" $a-in# ac-
ce"" o an infeced re"er-oir' Bu afer a few f!op" $e fi#ure" $i" ou and
urn" o a di"ea"e $a i" "pread airborne' Bu $e pick" &enin#ococcu"'
T$e prob!e& wi$ &enin#ococcu" i" $a i rea!!y i"n% a paien-o-
paien di"ea"e ei$er/ i%" a carrier di"ea"e $a%" &ain!y "pread by an i&-
&une indi-idua! wa!kin# around and #i-in# i o o$er"' *o now our
weirdo i" rea!!y fru"raed, bu $e ru!y know" w$a $e need"' 4e need"
a di"ea"e $a i" "pread &ain!y paien-o-paien by aero"o!'7
7And w$a wou!d you c$oo"e in $i" $ypo$eica! "cenario?7 C$e
a"ked "uperci!iou"!y'
%75e%" "ee,7 Jack "aid' 4e pondered for a &o&en' 7I%d u"e dru#-
re"i"an dip$$eria, or &aybe e-en dru#-re"i"an peru""i"' T$o"e
o!d "andby" are &akin# "o&e de-a"ain# co&eback"' Or you know
w$a e!"e wou!d be perfec? Inf!uen;a8 A pa$o!o#ica! "rain of in-
f!uen;a'7
7=$a an I&a#inaion87 C$e co&&ened'
5aurie "ood up' 7I%-e #o o #e back o work,7 "$e "aid' 7T$i" con-
-er"aion i" oo $ypo$eica! for &e'7 C$e did $e "a&e'
74ey, i"n% anybody #oin# o co&&en?7 Jack "aid'
7<ou know $ow we fee!,7 C$e "aid' 7T$i" i" :u" &ena! &a"urba-
ion' I "ee&" !ike $e &ore you $ink and a!k abou $i" "uff $e &ore
you be!ie-e i' I &ean, rea!!y, if i were one di"ea"e, okay, bu now we%re
up o four' =$ere wou!d "o&eone #e $e"e &icrobe"? T$ey are no $e
kind of $in# you can #o ino your nei#$bor$ood de!! and order' I%!! "ee
you up"air"'
:ack wac$ed 5aurie and C$e di"po"e of $eir ra"$ and !ea-e $e
!unc$roo&' 4e "a for a few &o&en" and con"idered w$a C$e $ad
"aid' C$e $ad a #ood poin, one $a :ack $ad no e-en con"idered'
=$ere wou!d "o&eone #e pa$o!o#ica! baceria? 4e rea!!y $ad no
idea'
:ack #o up and "rec$ed $i" !e#"' Afer di"cardin# $i" ray and "and-
wic$ wrappin#", $e fo!!owed $e o$er" up o $e fif$ f!oor' By $e i&e
$e #o o $e office, C$e wa" a!ready en#ro""ed and didn% !ook up'
*iin# down a $i" de"k, :ack #o a!! $e fo!der" o#e$er p!u" $i" noe"
and !ooked up $e i&e of dea$ of eac$ of $e wo&en -ici&" fro& cen-
ra! "upp!y' To dae, cenra! "upp!y $ad !o" four peop!e' :ack i&a#ined
$a $e depar&en $ead wou!d $a-e o be aci<e!y recruiin# o keep up
wi$ $a ype of ariion'
Ne+ :ack !ooked up $e i&e of dea$ of eac$ of $e o$er infeciou"
ca"e"' Cor $e i&e" of dea$ of $e few $e%d no auop"ied, $e ca!!ed
down o Bar Arno!d, $e c$ief .A'
=$en :ack $ad a!! $e infor&aion i beca&e i&&ediae!y apparen
$a wi$ eac$ oubreak, i $ad been $e wo&an fro& cenra! "upp!y o
be $e !a" o "uccu&b' T$a "u##e"ed, bu cerain!y didn% pro-e, $a in
eac$ in"ance $o"e fro& cenra! "upp!y were $e !a" o beco&e infeced'
Jack a"ked $i&"e!f w$a $a &ean, bu cou!dn% co&e up wi$ an an-
"wer' *i!!, i wa" an e+re&e!y curiou" deai!'
7I $a-e o #o back o $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid "udden!y' 4e "ood up'
C$e didn% e-en bo$er o !ook up' 72o w$a you $a-e o do,7 $e "aid
wi$ re"i#naion' 7No $a &y opinion coun"'7
Jack pu!!ed on $i" bo&ber :acke' 72on% ake i per"ona!!y,7 $e "aid'
7I appreciae your concern, bu I%-e #o o #o' I%-e #o o !ook ino $i"
"ran#e cenra! "upp!y connecion' I cou!d :u" be a coincidence, I a#ree,
bu i "ee&" un!ike!y'7
7=$a abou Bin#$a& and w$a abou $o"e #an# &e&ber" 5aurie
&enioned?7 C$e a"ked' 7<ou%re akin# a !o of ri"k'7
7*uc$ i" !ife,7 Jack "aid' 4e #a-e C$e a ap on $e "$ou!der on $i" way
o $e $a!!way' Jack $ad :u" reac$ed $e $re"$o!d w$en $i" p$one ran#'
4e debaed w$e$er o ake $e i&e o an"wer i' I wa" u"ua!!y "o&e-
one fro& one of $e !ab"'
7=an &e o #e i?7 C$e offered w$en $e "aw Jack $e"iae'
7No, I%& $ere, and I &i#$ a" we!!,7 Jack "aid' 4e reurned o $i" de"k
and picked up $e recei-er'
7T$ank God you are $ere87 Tere"e "aid wi$ ob-iou" re!ief' 7I wa"
errified I wou!dn% #e you, a !ea" no in i&e'7
7=$a on ear$ i" $e &aer ?7 Jack a"ked' 4i" pu!"e >uickened' 4e
cou!d e!! by $e "ound of $er -oice $a "$e wa" acue!y up"e'
7T$ere%" been a caa"rop$e,7 "$e "aid' 7I $a-e o "ee you i&&ediae!y'
Can I co&e o-er o your office?7
7=$a $appened ?7 Jack a"ked'
7I can% a!k now,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I can% ri"k i wi$ e-ery$in# $a $a"
$appened' I%-e :u" #o o "ee you'7
7=e%re "or of in $e &idd!e of an e&er#ency our"e!-e",7 Jack "aid'
7And I%& :u" on &y way ou'7
7I%" -ery i&poran,7 Tere"e "aid' 7.!ea"e87
Jack i&&ediae!y re!ened, e"pecia!!y wi$ Tere"e%" "e!f!e"" re"pon"e o
$i" e&er#ency Criday ni#$' ' ,
O I7
7A!! n#n , :ack "aid' 7*ince I wa" :u" !ea-in#, I 1! co&e o you' =$ere
wou!d you !ike o &ee?7
7=ere you #oin# upown or downown?7 Tere"e a"ked'
,, ,I
)pown, :ack "aid'
7T$en !e%" &ee a $e caf1 w$ere we $ad coffee on *unday,7 Tere"e
"aidO
7I%11 be ri#$ $ere,7 Jack "aid'
7=onderfu!87 Tere"e a""ered' 7I%11 be waiin#O7 T$en "$e $un# up'
:ack rep!aced $e recei-er and "e!f-con"ciou"!y !ooked o-er a C$e'
72id you $ear any of $a?7 Jack a"ked'
7I wa" $ard no o,7 C$e "aidO 7=$a do you $ink $appened?7
7I $a-en% $e faine" idea,7 Jack "aidO
True o $i" word, Jack !ef i&&ediae!yO 3+iin# fro& $e fron of
$e &edica! e+a&iner faci!iy, $e cau#$ a cab on Cir" A-enue' 2e-
"pie $e nor&a! afernoon raffic, $e &ade i upown in rea"onab!e
i&eO
T$e card wa" crowded' 4e found Tere"e "iin# oward $e rear a a
"&a!! ban>uee' 4e ook $e "ea oppo"ie $er' *$e didn% &ake any &o-
ion o #e up' *$e wa" dre""ed a" u"ua! in a "&ar "ui' 4er :aw wa"
c!enc$edO *$e !ooked an#ry'
*$e !eaned forward' 7<ou are no #oin# o be!ie-e $i",7 "$e "aid in a
forced w$i"per'
72id $e pre"iden and $e C3O no !ike your pre"enaion?7 Jack
a"ked' I wa" $e on!y $in# $e cou!d $ink of'
Tere"e &ade a &oion of di"&i""a! wi$ $er $and' 7I cance!ed $e pre-
"enaion,7 "$e "aid'
7=$y*7 :ack a"ked'
O breakfa" wi$ a wo&an
7 *e
Becau I%d $ad $e "en"e o "c$edu!e an ear!y
7 %d 7*$e%" a -ice pre"iden in
ac>uainance a Naiona! 4ea!$, Tere"e "aI
&arkein# w$o I $appened o $a-e #one o *&i$ Co!!e#e wi$' I%d $ad
a brain"or& abou !eakin# $e ca&pai#n o "o&e $i#$er-up" $rou#$ $er'
I wa" "o confiden' Bu "$e "$ocked &e by e!!in# &e $a under no cir-
cu&"ance" wou!d $e ca&pai#n f!y'7
7Bu w$y?7 Jack a"ked' A" &uc$ a" $e di"!iked &edica! ad-eri"in#,
$e%d con"idered $e ad" Tere"e $ad co&e up wi$ $e be" $e%d "een'
7Becau"e Naiona! 4ea!$ i" dea$!y afraid of any reference o no"o-
co&ia! infecion",7 Tere"e "aid an#ri!y' T$en "$e !eaned forward a#ain
and w$i"pered' 7Apparen!y $ey $a-e $ad "o&e of $eir own roub!e
!ae!y'7
7=$a kind of roub!e?7 Jack a"ked'
7No$in# !ike $e (an$aan Genera!,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu "eriou"
none$e!e"", e-en wi$ a few dea$"' Bu $e rea! poin i" $a our own
accoun e+ecui-e peop!e, "pecifica!!y 4e!en Robin"on and $er bo"",
Rober Barker, knew a!! $i" and didn% e!! &e'7
7T$a%" counerproduci-e,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ou#$ you corporae ype"
were a!! workin# oward $e "a&e end'7
7Counerproduci-e87 Tere"e pracica!!y "$oued, cau"in# $e nearby
diner" o urn $eir $ead"' Tere"e c!o"ed $er eye" for a &o&en o co!!ec
$er"e!f'
7%Counerproduci-e% i" no $e er& I%d u"e,7 Tere"e "aid, keepin# $er
-oice down' 7T$e way I%d de"cribe i wou!d &ake a "ai!or b!u"$' <ou "ee,
$i" wa" no an o-er"i#$' I wa" done de!iberae!y o &ake &e !ook
bad'7
7I%& "orry o $ear $i",7 Jack "aid' 7I can "ee i%" up"ein# for you'7
7T$a%" an under"ae&en,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%" $e dea$ of &y pre"i-
denia! a"piraion" ifI don% co&e up wi$ an a!ernai-e ca&pai#n in $e
ne+ coup!e of day"'7
7A coup!e of day"?7 Jack >ue"ioned' 7Cro& w$a you%-e "$own &e
abou $ow $i" proce"" work", $a%" a &i#$y a!! order'7
73+ac!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a%" w$y I $ad o "ee you' I need ano$er
$ook' <ou ca&e up wi$ $i" infecion idea, or a !ea" you were $e
"ource of i' Can you co&e up wi$ ano$er concep? *o&e$in# $a I
can con"ruc an ad ca&pai#n around' I%& de"perae87
:ack !ooked off and ried o $ink' T$e irony of $e "iuaion didn% e"-
cape $i&D a" &uc$ a" $e de"pi"ed &edica! ad-eri"in#, $ere $e wa" rack-
in# $i" brain" for "o&e "or of an idea' 4e waned o $e!pD afer a!!, Tere"e
$ad been "o wi!!in# o $e!p $i&'
7T$e rea"on I $ink &edica! ad-eri"in# i" "uc$ a wa"e of &oney i"
$a i u!i&ae!y $a" o re!y on "uperficia! a&eniie",7 $e "aid' 7T$e prob-
!e& i" $a wi$ou >ua!iy bein# an i""ue $ere iu" i"n% enou#$ differ-
ence beween A&eriCare and Naiona! 4ea!$ or any of $e o$er bi#
con#!o&erae"'7
7I don% care,7 Tere"e "aid' 7!u" #i-e &e "o&e$in# I can u"e'7
7=e!!, $e on!y $in# $a co&e" o &y &ind a $e &o&en i" $e i""ue
abou waiin#,7 :ack "aid'
7=$a do you &ean, %waiin#% ?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7<ou know,7 :ack "aid' 7Nobody !ike" waiin# for $e docor, bu
e-erybody doe"' I%" one of $o"e irriain# uni-er"a! annoyance"'7
7<ou%re ri#$87 Tere"e "aid e+cied!y' 7I !o-e i' I can a!ready "ee a a#
!ine !ike/ No waiin# wi$ Naiona! 4ea!$8 Or e-en beer/ =e wai for
you, you don% wai for u"8 God, $a%" #rea8 <ou%re a #eniu" a $i"' 4ow
abou a :ob?7
Jack c$uck!ed' 7=ou!dn% $a be a rip,7 $e "aid' 7Bu I%& $a-in#
enou#$ roub!e wi$ $e one I $a-e'7
7I" $ere "o&e$in# wron#?7 Tere"e a"ked' 7=$a did you &ean w$en
you "aid you were in $e &idd!e of an e&er#ency?7
7T$ere%" &ore roub!e a $e (an$aan Genera!,7 :ack "aid' 7T$i"
i&e i%" an i!!ne"" cau"ed by &enin#ococcu" baceria' I can be e+re&e!y
dead!y, a" i $a" been in $i" in"ance'7 74ow &any ca"e"?7
73i#$,7 Jack "aid' 7Inc!udin# a c$i!d'7
74ow awfu!,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e wa" appa!!ed' 72o you $ink i wi!!
"pread?7
7I wa" worried a fir",7 Jack "aid' 7I $ou#$ we were #oin# o $a-e a
bona fide epide&ic on our $and"' Bu $e ca"e" :u" "opped' *o far i
$a"n% "pread beyond $e iniia! co$or'7
7I $ope $i" i"n% #oin# o be kep a "ecre !ike w$ae-er ki!!ed $e peo-
p!e a Naiona! 4ea!$,7 Tere"e "aid'
7No worry on $a accoun,7 :ack "aid' 7T$i" epi"ode i" no "ecre' I%-e
$eard $e $o"pia! i" in an uproar' Bu I%!! find ou fir"$and' I%& on &y
way o-er $ere'7
7O$, no you%re no87 Tere"e co&&anded' 7I" your &e&ory "o "$or
$a Criday ni#$ i" a!ready a b!ur?7
7<ou "ound !ike "e-era! of &y co!!ea#ue",7 :ack "aid' 7I appreciae your
concern, bu I can% "ay away' I $a-e a "en"e $a $e"e oubreak" are de-
!iberae, and &y con"cience won% !e &e i#nore $e&'7
7=$a abou $o"e peop!e w$o bea you up?7 "$e de&anded'
7I%11 $a-e o be carefu!,7 :ack "aid'
Tere"e &ade a di"para#in# "ound' 7Bein# carefu! $ard!y "ound" ade-
>uae,7 "$e "aid' 7I%" cerain!y no con"i"en wi$ $ow you de"cribed
$o"e $ood!u&" Criday ni#$'7
7I%11 :u" $a-e o ake &y c$ance" and i&pro-i"e,7 :ack "aid' 7I%& #oin#
o-er o $e Genera! no &aer w$a anybody "ay"'7
7=$a I can% under"and i" w$y you are "o a#iaed abou $e"e in-
fecion"' I%-e read $a infeciou" di"ea"e" are #enera!!y on $e ri"e'7
7T$a%" rue,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu $a%" no due o de!iberae "pread' T$a%"
fro& $e in:udiciou" u"e of anibioic", urbani;aion, and $e in-a"ion of
pri&e-a! $abia"'7
7Gi-e &e a break,7 Tere"e co&&ened' 7I%& concerned abou you
#ein# your"e!f $ur or wor"e, and you%re #i-in# &e a !ecure'7 Jack "$ru##ed'
7I%& #oin# o $e Genera!,7
$e "aid'
7Cine, #o87 Tere"e "aid' *$e "ood up' 7<ou%re bein# $a ridicu!ou"
$ero I wa" afraid you%d be'7 T$en "$e "ofened' 72o w$a you &u", bu
if you need &e, ca!! &e'7
7I wi!!,7 Jack "aid' 4e wac$ed $er $urry ou of $e re"auran, $ink-
in# $a "$e wa" a bewi!derin# b!end of a&biion and "o!iciude' I wa"
no wonder $e wa" confu"ed by $er/ one &inue araced, $e ne+ &inue
&i!d!y pu off'
:ack o""ed down $e re&ain" of $i" coffee and "ood up' Afer !ea--
in# an appropriae ip, $e, oo, $urried ou of $e cafT
(nN2A<I 2/02 .,('I (ARC4 2EI 1991
Jack wa!ked rapid!y oward $e Genera!' Afer $e con-er"aion wi$
Tere"e $e needed "o&e fre"$ air' *$e $ad a way of a#iain# $i&' No on!y
wa" "$e e&oiona!!y confu"in#, bu "$e wa" a!"o ri#$ abou $e B:ack
6in#"' A" &uc$ a" Jack didn% wan o $ink abou i, $e wa" akin# a
c$ance defyin# $eir $rea' T$e >ue"ion" were/ =$o& $ad $e irriaed
enou#$ o "end a #an# o $reaen $i&, and did $e $rea confir& $i"
"u"picion"? )nforunae!y $ere wa" no way o know' A" $e%d o!d Tere"e,
$e wou!d $a-e o be carefu!' T$e prob!e& wi$ $a f!ippan an"wer, of
cour"e, wa" $a $e $ad no idea wi$ w$o& $e $ad o be carefu!' 4e a"-
"u&ed i wou!d $a-e o be 6e!!ey, Gi&&er&an, C$e-eau, or Abe!ard be-
cau"e $o"e were $e peop!e $e%d irriaed' T$e rick wa" o a-oid $e&
a!!'
A" Jack rounded $e fina! corner, i wa" i&&ediae!y apparen $a
$in#" were abnor&a! a $e $o"pia!' *e-era! wooden po!ice "aw$or"e"
"ood on $e "idewa!k, and wo New <ork Ciy unifor&ed po!ice&en
!oun#ed on ei$er "ide of $e &ain door' Jack "opped o wac$ $e& for
a &o&en, "ince $ey "ee&ed o be "pendin# &ore i&e a!kin# wi$ eac$
o$er $an any$in# e!"e'
8i!
Cee!in# confu"ed abou $eir ro!e, Jack wen up o $e& and a"ked'
7=e were "uppo"ed o di"coura#e peop!e fro& #oin# ino $e $o"pi-
a!, one officer "aId' 7T$ere wa" "o&e kind of epide&ic in $ere, bu $ey
$ink i%" under conro!'7
7=e%re rea!!y $ere &ore for crowd conro!,7 $e o$er officer ad&i-
ed' 7T$ey were e+pecin# roub!e ear!ier w$en $ey were oyin# wi$ $e
idea of >uaraninin# $e faci!iy, bu $in#" $a-e "e!ed down'7
7Cor $a we can a!! be $ankfu!,7 Jack "aid' 4e "ared forward, bu
one of $e officer" re"rained $i&'
7<ou "ure you wan o #o in?7 $e a"ked'
7Afraid "o,7 Jack "aid'
T$e officer "$ru##ed and !e :ack pa""'
T$e &inue :ack enered $rou#$ $e door $e wa" confroned by a uni-
for&ed $o"pia! "ecuriy officer wearin# a "ur#ica! &a"k'
7I%& "orry,7 $e officer "aid' 7No -i"ior" oday'7
Jack pu!!ed ou $i" &edica! e+a&iner%" bad#e'
7*orry, 2ocor,7 $e officer "aid' 4e "epped a"ide'
A!$ou#$ ca!& ou"ide, $e in"ide of $e $o"pia! wa" "i!! in a &inor
furor' T$e !obby wa" fi!!ed wi$ peop!e' =$a #a-e $e "cene a "urrea!-
i"ic aura wa" $a e-eryone wa" wearin# a &a"k'
=i$ $e "udden ce""aion of new &enin#ococca! ca"e" "o&e we!-e
$our" ear!ier, Jack wa" rea"onab!y confiden $a a &a"k wa" "uperf!u-
ou"' <e $e waned one, no "o &uc$ for proecion a" for di"#ui"e' .ie
a"ked $e "ecuriy officer if $ey were a-ai!ab!e' 4e wa" direced o $e
un&anned infor&aion de"k, w$ere $e found "e-era! bo+e"' :ack ook one
ou and pu i on'
Ne+ $e !ocaed $e docor"% coaroo&' 4e enered w$en one of $e
"aff docor" wa" e+iin#' In"ide $e ook off $i" bo&ber iacke and
"earc$ed for an appropriae!y "i;ed !on# w$ie coa' =$en $e found one,
$e pu i on, $en reurned o $e !obby'
Jack%" de"inaion wa" cenra! "upp!y' 4e fe! $a if $e wa" o !earn
any$in# on $i" -i"i, i wou!d be $ere' 4e #o off $e e!e-aor on $e
$ird f!oor and wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $ow &uc$ !e"" paien raffic $ere
wa" $an $ere $ad been on $i" -i"i $e pre-iou" T$ur"day' A #!ance
$rou#$ $e #!a"" pora! on $e OR "uie door" o!d $i& w$y' Apparen!y
$e OR%" $ad been e&porari!y "$u down' =i$ "o&e know!ed#e of $o"-
pia! ca"$ f!ow, Jack "ur&i"ed $a A&eriCare &u" be $a-in# a finan-
cia! "roke'
Jack pu"$ed $rou#$ $e "win#in# door" ino cenra! "upp!y' 3-en
$ere $e !e-e! of aci-iy wa" a >uarer of w$a i $ad been on $i" fir"
-i"i' 4e on!y "aw wo wo&en near $e end of one of $e !on# ai"!e" be-
ween $e f!oor-o-cei!in# "$e!-in#' 5ike e-eryone e!"e $e%d "een "o far,
$ey were wearin# &a"k"' Ob-iou"!y $e $o"pia! wa" akin# $i" !a" ou-
break paricu!ar!y "eriou"!y'
A-oidin# $e ai"!e wi$ $e wo&en, Jack "e off for G!ady" Gare!!i%"
office' *$e%d been recepi-e on $i" fir" -i"i, and "$e wa" $e "uper-i"or'
Jack cou!dn% $ink of a beer per"on wi$ w$o& o a!k'
A" $e wa!ked $rou#$ $e depar&en, Jack eyed $e &yriad $o"pia!
"upp!ie" and e>uip&en "acked on $e "$e!-e"' *eein# "uc$ a profu"ion
of ie&" &ade $i& wonder if $ere $ad been any$in# uni>ue "en fro&
cenra! "upp!y o $e inde+ ca"e"' I wa" an inere"in# $ou#$, $e rea-
"oned, bu $e cou!dn% i&a#ine $ow i wou!d &aer' T$ere wa" "i!! $e
>ue"ion of $ow $e wo&en in cenra! "upp!y cou!d $a-e co&e in conac
wi$ $e paien and $e infecin# baceria' A" $e%d been o!d, $e e&-
p!oyee" rare!y, if e-er, e-en "aw a paien'
Jack found G!ady" in $er office' *$e wa" on $e p$one, bu w$en "$e
"aw $i& "andin# a $er door, "$e &oioned e+uberan!y for $i& o co&e
in' Jack "a down on a "rai#$-back c$air oppo"ie $er narrow de"k'
=i$ $e "i;e of $e office, $e cou!d no $e!p o-er$earin# bo$ "ide" of
G!ady"%" con-er"aion' A" $e &i#$ $a-e i&a#ined, "$e wa" bu"y re-
cruiin#'
7*orry o keep you waiin#,7 "$e "aid w$en "$e fini"$ed $er ca!!' 2e-
"pie $er prob!e&" "$e wa" a" affab!e a" $e !a" i&e :ack $ad a!ked wi$
$er' 7Bu I%& in de"perae need of &ore $e!p'7
Jack reinroduced $i&"e!f, bu G!ady" "aid "$e%d reco#ni;ed $i& de-
"pie $e &a"k' *o &uc$ for $e di"#ui"e, Jack $ou#$ #!u&!y'
7I%& "orry abou w$a%" $appened,7 Jack "aid' 7I &u" be difficu! for
you for a!! "or" of rea"on"'7
7I%" been errib!e,7 "$e ad&ied' 7Ju" errib!e' =$o wou!d $a-e
#ue""ed ? Cour wonderfu! peop!e87
7I%" "$ockin#,7 Jack "aid' 73"pecia!!y "ince i%" "o unu"ua!' A" you "aid
!a" i&e I wa" $ere, no one in $i" depar&en $ad e-er cau#$ any$in#
"eriou" before'7
G!ady" rai"ed $er up!ifed $and"' 7=$a can you do?7 "$e "aid' 7I%"
in God%" $and"'7
7I &i#$ be in God%" $and",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu u"ua!!y $ere i" "o&e way
o e+p!ain $i" kind of cona#ion' 4a-e you #i-en i any $ou#$ a a!!?7
G!ady" nodded -i#orou"!y' 7I%-e $ou#$ abou i uni! I wa" b!ue in
$e face,7 "$e "aid' 7I don% $a-e a c!ue' 3-en ifI didn% wan o $ink abou
i, I%-e $ad o becau"e e-erybody $a" been a"kin# &e $e "a&e >ue"ion'7
7Rea!!y,7 Jack "aid wi$ a win#e of di"appoin&en' 4e%d $ad $e idea
$e wa" e+p!orin# -ir#ina! erriory'
72r' Gi&&er&an wa" in $ere ri#$ afer you on T$ur"day,7 G!ady"
"aid' 7*$e ca&e wi$ $i" cue !i!e &an w$o kep "ickin# $i" c$in ou
a" if $i" co!!ar buon were oo i#$'7
7T$a "ound" !ike 2r' C!in Abe!ard,7 :ack "aid, rea!i;in# $e ru!y wa"
"ro!!in# a beaen pa$'
7T$a wa" $i" na&e,7 G!ady" "aid' 74e "ure cou!d a"k a !o of >ue"-
ion"' And $ey%-e been back eac$ i&e "o&eone e!"e $a" #oen "ick'
T$a%" w$y we%re a!! wearin# our &a"k"' T$ey e-en $ad (r' 3-er"$arp
down $ere fro& en#ineerin#, $inkin# $ere &i#$ $a-e been "o&e$in#
&e""ed up wi$ our air-condiionin# "y"e&, bu apparen!y $a%" fine'7
7*o $ey $a-en% co&e up wi$ any e+p!anaion?7 Jack "aid'
7Nope,7 G!ady" "aid' 7)n!e"" $ey $a-en% o!d &e' Bu I doub $a'
I%" been !ike Grand Cenra! in $ere' )"ed o be no one ca&e' *o&e of
$e"e docor", $ou#$, $ey%re a !i!e "ran#e'7 74ow "o?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" weird,7 G!ady" "aid' 75ike $e docor fro& $e !ab' 4e%" co&e
down $ere p!eny of i&e" !ae!y'7
7I" $a 2r' C$e-eau?7 Jack a"ked'
7I $ink "o,7 G!ady" "aid'
7In w$a way wa" $e "ran#e?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" unfriend!y,7 G!ady" "aid' *$e !owered $er -oice a" if e!!in# a "e-
cre' 7I a"ked $i& ifI cou!d $e!p $i& a coup!e of i&e", and $e bie" &y
$ead off' 4e "ay" $e :u" wan" o be !ef a!one' Bu, you know, $i" i" &y
depar&en' I%& re"pon"ib!e for a!! $i" in-enory' I don% !ike peop!e
wanderin# around, e-en docor"' I $ad o e!! $i&'7 7=$o e!"e $a" been around
?7 Jack a"ked'
7A bunc$ of $e bi#wi#",7 G!ady" "aid' 73-en (r' 6e!!ey' )"ua!!y I%d
on!y "ee $i& a $e C$ri"&a" pary' 5a" coup!e of day" $e%" been down
$ere $ree or four i&e", a!way" wi$ a bunc$ of peop!e' Once wi$ $a
!i!e docor'7
72r' Abe!ard ?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$a%" $e one,7 G!ady" "aid' 7I can ne-er re&e&ber $i" na&e'7
7I $ae o a"k you $e "a&e >ue"ion" a" $e o$er",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu
did $e wo&en w$o died perfor& "i&i!ar a"k"? I &ean, did $ey "$are
"o&e "pecific :ob?7
75ike I o!d you !a" i&e,7 G!ady" "aid, 7we a!! pic$ in'7
7None of $e& wen up o $e paien"% roo&" w$o died of $e "a&e
i!!ne""e"?7 Jack a"ked'
7No, no$in# !ike $a,7 G!ady" "aid' 7T$a wa" $e fir" $in# $a 2r'
Gi&&er&an c$ecked'7
75a" i&e I wa" $ere you prined ou a bi# !i" of a!! $e "uff $a
you%d
"en up o $e "e-en$ f!oor,7 Jack "aid' 7Cou!d you &ake $e "a&e !i"
for an indi-idua! paien?7
7T$a wou!d be &ore difficu!,7 G!ady" "aid' 7T$e order u"ua!!y
co&e" fro& $e f!oor, and $en i i" $e f!oor $a ener" i ino $e paien%"
daa'7
7I" $ere any way you cou!d co&e up wi$ "uc$ a !i"?7 Jack a"ked'
7I "uppo"e,7 G!ady" "aid' 7=$en we do in-enory $ere i" a way of
doub!e-c$eckin# $rou#$ bi!!in#' I cou!d e!! bi!!in# I%& doin# $a kind
ofI$eck e-en $ou#$ we%re no officia!!y doin# in-enory'7
%i
7I%d appreciae i,7 Jack "aid' 4e ook ou one of $i" card"' 7<ou cou!d
ei$er ca!! &e or :u" "end i o-er'7
G!ady" ook $e card and e+a&ined i' 7I%!! do any$in# $a &i#$
$e!p,7 "$e "aid'
7One o$er $in#,7 Jack "aid' 7I%-e $ad &y own run-in wi$ (r' C$e-
-eau and e-en a few of $e o$er peop!e around $ere' I%d appreciae i if
$i" wa" :u" beween you and &e'7
7I"n% $e weird87 G!ady" "aid' 7*ure, I won% e!! anybody'7
3a"in# ou fro& in fron of G!ady"%" de"k, Jack bid #ood-bye o $e ro-
bu" wo&an and e+ied cenra! "upp!y' 4e wa"n% in $e be" of &ood"'
Afer be#innin# wi$ $i#$ e+pecaion", $e on!y $in# of noe $e%d been
o!d wa" "o&e$in# $e a!ready knew/ (arin C$e-eau wa" ira"cib!e'
Jack pu"$ed $e down buon a $e bank of e!e-aor" w$i!e $e pon-
dered $i" ne+ &o-e' 4e $ad wo c$oice"/ ei$er $e cou!d :u" !ea-e and
&ini&i;e $i" ri"k, or $e cou!d &ake a carefu! -i"i o $e !ab' )!i&ae!y,
$e decided in fa-or of $e !ab' C$e%" co&&en abou $e :ack of a-ai!-
abi!iy of pa$o!o#ica! baceria carried $e day, "ince i $ad rai"ed a >ue"-
ion :ack needed o an"wer'
=$en $e e!e-aor door" opened, Jack "ared o board, bu $en $e $e"-
iaed' *andin# direc!y in fron of $e crowded car wa" C$ar!e" 6e!!ey'
:ack reco#ni;ed $i& in"an!y de"pie $i" &a"k'
Jack%" fir" i&pu!"e wa" o back away and !e $e e!e-aor #o' Bu "uc$
a &o-e wou!d $a-e on!y drawn aenion' In"ead $e pu $i" $ead down,
proceeded ono $e e!e-aor, and i&&ediae!y urned o face $e c!o"in#
door' T$e ad&ini"raor wa" "andin# ri#$ be$ind $i&' :ack $a!f e+-
peced a ap on $e "$ou!der'
5ucki!y, 6e!!ey $ad no reco#ni;ed $i&' T$e ad&ini"raor wa" deep
in con-er"aion wi$ a co!!ea#ue abou $ow &uc$ i wa" co"in# $e $o"-
pia! o ran"por $e 3R paien" by a&bu!ance and $e c!inic paien" by
bu" o $eir neare" faci!iy' 6e!!ey%" a#iaion wa" pa!pab!e' 4e "aid $eir
"e!f-i&po"ed "e&i->uaranine wou!d $a-e o end'
6e!!ey%" co&panion a""ured $i& $a e-ery$in# wa" bein# done $a
cou!d be done, "ince $e ciy and "ae re#u!aory peop!e were a!! $ere
&akin# an e-a!uaion'
=$en $e door" opened on $e "econd f!oor, Jack e+ied wi$ #rea re-
!ief, e"pecia!!y w$en 6e!!ey didn% #e off a" we!!' =i$ "uc$ a c!o"e ca!!,
Jack wondered if $e wa" doin# $e ri#$ $in#, bu afer a &o&en ofin.
deci"ion $e e!eced o coninue wi$ a >uick -i"i o $e !ab' Afer a!!, $e
wa" ri#$ $ere'
In conra" o $e re" of $e $o"pia!, $e !ab wa" in fu!! "win#' T$e
ouer !obby area wa" $ron#ed wi$ $o"pia! per"onne!, a!! of w$o& were
&a"ked'
Jack wa" confu"ed a" o w$y "o &any $o"pia! e&p!oyee" were $ere
bu $ankfu! becau"e i wa" ea"y o b!end in wi$ $e crowd' =i$ $i"
&a"k and w$ie !ab coa $e fi in perfec!y' *ince (arin%" office wa" :u"
off $i" &ain recepion, Jack $ad worried $a $e%d be ap o run ino $i&'
Now $e fe! $e c$ance" were ne+ o ni!'
A $e far end of $e roo& wa" a "erie" of cubic!e" u"ed by $e ec$ni-
cian" o draw b!ood or obain o$er "a&p!e" fro& c!inic paien"' Near
$e& $e crowd concenraed' A" :ack wor&ed $i" way pa" $i" area i
dawned on $i& w$a wa" #oin# on' T$e enire $o"pia! "aff wa" $a-in#
$roa cu!ure" aken'
Jack wa" i&pre""ed' I wa" an appropriae re"pon"e o $e curren ou-
break' *ince &o" &enin#ococca! epide&ic" re"u!ed fro& a carrier "ae,
$ere wa" a!way" a c$ance $e carrier wa" a $o"pia! e&p!oyee' I $ad $ap-
pened in $e pa"'
A #!ance ino $e !a" cubic!e &ade Jack do a doub!e ake' 2e"pie a
&a"k and e-en a "ur#ica! cap, Jack reco#ni;ed (arin' 4e !iera!!y $ad
$i" "!ee-e" ro!!ed up a" $e worked a" a ec$nician, "wabbin# $roa afer
$roa' Ne+ o $i& on a ray $e u"ed "wab" were pi!in# up in an i&-
pre""i-e pyra&id' Ob-iou"!y, e-eryone in $e !ab wa" pic$in# in'
Cee!in# e-en &ore confiden, Jack "!ipped $rou#$ $e door" ino $e
!ab i"e!f' No one paid $i& any aenion' In "$arp conra" o $e co&-
parai-e pande&oniu& in recepion, $e !ab%" inerior wa" a "udy in au-
o&aed "o!iude' T$e on!y "ound" were a &ued c$oru" of &ec$anica!
c!ick" and !ow-pic$ed beep"' T$ere were no ec$nician" in "i#$'
Jack &ade a bee!ine for $e &icrobio!o#y "ecion' 4i" $ope wa" o run
acro"" ei$er $e $ead ec$, Ric$ard, or $e -i-aciou" Be$ 4o!derne""'
Bu w$en $e arri-ed $e found no one' T$e &icro area appeared a" de-
"ered a" $e re" of $e !ab'
:ack approac$ed $e "po w$ere Be$ $ad been workin# on $i" !a" -i"i'
T$ere $e found "o&e$in# encoura#in#' A Bun"en burner wa" af!a&e'
Ne+ o i wa" a ray of $roa cu!ure "wab" and a !ar#e "ack of fre"$ a#ar
p!ae"' On $e f!oor "ood a p!a"ic ra"$ barre! bri&&in# wi$ di"carded
cu!ure ube"'
*en"in# $a Be$ &u" be in $e i&&ediae area, :ack be#an o e+-
p!ore' T$e &icrobio!o#y "ecion wa" a roo& abou $iry fee ">uare di-
-ided by wo row" of counerop' :ack wa!ked down $e cener ai"!e'
A!on# $e back wa!! were "e-era! bio"afey cabine"' Jack rounded $e !ab
benc$ o $i" ri#$ and #!anced ino a "&a!! office' I $ad a de"k and a fi!e
cabine' On a bu!!ein board $e cou!d "ee "o&e p$oo"' =i$ou #oin#
ino $e roo&, Jack reco#ni;ed Ric$ard, $e $ead ec$, in "e-era! of
$e&'
(o-in# on, Jack ca&e abrea" of "e-era! po!i"$ed a!u&inu& in"u!aed
door" $a !ooked !ike wa!k-in refri#eraor"' G!ancin# o-er o $e oppo-
"ie "ide of $e roo&, $e "aw a re#u!ar door $a $e $ou#$ cou!d !ead
ino a "oreroo&' A" $e wa" abou o $ead in $a direcion one of $e in-
"u!aed door" opened wi$ a !oud c!ick $a &ade $i& :u&p'
Be$ 4o!derne"" e&er#ed a!on# wi$ a waf of war&, &oi" air and
near!y co!!ided wi$ :ack' 7<ou "cared &e o dea$,7 "$e "aid, pre""in# a
$and o $er c$e"'
7I%& no "ure w$o "cared w$o& &ore,7 :ack "aid' 4e $en reinro-
duced $i&"e!f'
72on% worry, I re&e&ber you,7 Be$ "aid' 7<ou cau"ed >uie a "ir,
and I don% $ink you "$ou!d be $ere'7
7O$ ?7 :ack >ue"ioned innocen!y'
72r' C$e-eau i" rea!!y &ad a you,7 Be$ "aid'
7I" $e now?7 Jack "aid' 7I%-e noiced $e%" been ra$er #ru&py'7
74e can be cranky,7 Be$ ad&ied' 7Bu Ric$ard "aid "o&e$in#
abou your accu"in# $i& of "preadin# $e baceria $a we%-e been e+pe-
riencin# $ere a $e Genera!'7
7Acua!!y, I didn% accu"e your bo"" of any$in#,7 :ack "aid' 7I wa" on!y
an i&p!icaion I &ade afer $e irriaed &e' I%d co&e o-er $ere :u" o $a-e
a con-er"aion wi$ $i&' I rea!!y waned $i" opinion abou $e p!au"ibi!-
iy of a!! $e"e re!ai-e!y rare i!!ne""e" $a-in# appeared "o c!o"e o#e$er
and a $i" i&e of year' Bu for rea"on" unknown o &e, $e wa" in a" in-
$o"piab!e a &ood a" $e%d been on &y pre-iou" -i"i'7
7=e!!, I &u" ad&i I wa" "urpri"ed $ow $e reaed you $e day we
&e,7 Be$ "aid' 7*a&e wi$ (r' 6e!!ey and 2r' Gi&&er&an' I :u"
$ou#$ you were ryin# o $e!p'7
Jack $ad o re"rain $i&"e!f fro& #i-in# $i" !i-e!y youn# wo&an a
$u#' I "ee&ed a" if "$e were $e on!y per"on on $e p!ane w$o appreci-
aed w$a $e wa" doin#'
7I wa" "o "orry abou your co-worker, Nancy =i##en",7 Jack "aid' 7I
i&a#ine i%" been difficu! for you a!!'7
Be$%" c$eerfu! face c!ouded o-er o $e poin :u" "$y of ear"'
7(aybe I "$ou!dn% $a-e "aid any$in#,7 Jack "aid w$en $e noiced $er
reacion'
7I%" a!! ri#$,7 Be$ &ana#ed' 7Bu i wa" a errib!e "$ock' =e a!! worry
abou "uc$ a $in#, bu $ope i wi!! ne-er $appen' *$e wa" "uc$ a war&
per"on, a!$ou#$ "$e cou!d be a bi reck!e""'7 74ow "o?7 Jack a"ked'
7*$e :u" wa"n% a" carefu! a" "$e "$ou!d $a-e been,7 Be$ "aid' 7*$e
ook c$ance", !ike no u"in# one of $e $ood" w$en i wa" indicaed or
no wearin# $er #o##!e" w$en "$e wa" "uppo"ed o'7 Jack cou!d under"and $a
aiude'
7*$e didn% e-en ake $e anibioic 2r' Gi&&er&an pre"cribed for $er
afer $e p!a#ue ca"e,7 Be$ "aid'
74ow unforunae,7 Jack "aid' 7T$a &i#$ $a-e proeced $er a#ain"
$e Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er'7
7I know,7 Be$ "aid' 7I wi"$ $a I $ad ried $arder o con-ince $er' I
&ean, I ook i, and I don% $ink I wa" e+po"ed'7
72id "$e $appen o "ay "$e did any$in# differen w$en "$e #o "a&-
p!e" fro& 5a#en$orpe?7 Jack a"ked'
7No, "$e didn%,7 Be$ "aid' 7T$a%" w$y we fee! "$e wa" e+po"ed down
$ere in $e !ab w$en "$e proce""ed $e "a&p!e"' Ricke"ia are nooriou"!y
dan#erou" in $e !ab'7
:ack wa" abou o re"pond w$en $e noiced $a Be$ $ad be#un o fid-
#e and !ook o-er $i" "$ou!der' Jack #!anced in $e direcion "$e wa" !ook-
in#, bu $ere wa" no one $ere'
7I rea!!y "$ou!d be #ein# back o work,7 Be$ "aid' 7And I "$ou!dn%
be a!kin# wi$ you' 2r' C$e-eau o!d u" "pecifica!!y'7
72on% you find $a "ran#e?7 Jack "aid' 7Afer a!!, I a& a &edica! e+-
a&iner in $i" ciy' 5e#a!!y I $a-e a ri#$ o in-e"i#ae $e dea$" of $e
paien" a""i#ned o u"'7
7I #ue"" I do,7 Be$ ad&ied' 7Bu w$a can I "ay? I :u" work $ere'7
*$e "epped around Jack and wen back o $er work"aion'
Jack fo!!owed $er' 7I don% &ean o be a pe",7 $e "aid' 7Bu &y inu-
iion e!!" &e "o&e$in# weird i" #oin# on $ereD $a%" w$y I keep co&-
in# back' A nu&ber of peop!e $a-e been acin# defen"i-e, inc!udin# your
bo""' Now $ere cou!d be an e+p!anaion' A&eriCare and $i" $o"pia!
are a bu"ine"", and $e"e oubreak" $a-e been re&endou"!y di"rupi-e
econo&ica!!y' T$a%" rea"on enou#$ for peop!e o be acin# "ran#e!y' Bu
fro& &y poin of -iew i%" &ore $an $a'7
7*o w$a do you wan fro& &e?7 Be$ a"ked' *$e%d aken $er "ea and
#one back o ran"ferrin# $e $roa cu!ure" o $e a#ar p!ae"'
7I%d !ike o a"k you o !ook around,7 Jack "aid' 7If pa$o!o#ica! bace-
ria are bein# de!iberae!y "pread $ey $a-e o co&e fro& "o&ew$ere, and
$e &icrobio!o#y !ab wou!d be a #ood p!ace o "ar !ookin#' I &ean, $e
e>uip&en i" $ere o "ore and $and!e $e "uff' I%" no a" if p!a#ue bac-
eria i" "o&e$in# you%d find anyw$ere'7
7I wou!dn% be "o "ran#e o find i on occa"ion in any "andard !ab,7
Be$ "aid'
7Rea!!y?7 Jack >ue"ioned' 4e%d a""u&ed $a ou"ide of $e C2C
and &aybe a few acade&ic cener", p!a#ue baceria wou!d be a rariy'
7Iner&ien!y !ab" $a-e o #e cu!ure" of a!! differen baceria o e"
$e efficacy of $eir rea#en",7 Be$ "aid a" "$e coninued o work' 7An-
ibodie", w$ic$ are ofen $e &ain in#redien in &any &odern rea#en",
can deeriorae, and if $ey do $e e"" wou!d #i-e fa!"e ne#ai-e"'7
7O$, of cour"e,7 :ack "aid' 4e fe! "upid' 4e "$ou!d $a-e re&e&bered
a!! $i"' A!! !aboraory e"" $ad o be con"an!y c$ecked'
7=$ere do you #e "o&e$in# !ike p!a#ue baceria ?7
7Cro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" in ,ir#inia,7 Be$ "aid'
7=$a%" $e proce"" for #ein# i?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" ca!! up and order i,7 Be$ "aid'
7=$o can do $a?7 Jack a"ked'
7Anybody,7 Be$ "aid'
7<ou%re :okin#,7 Jack "aid' *o&e$ow $e%d $ou#$ $e "ecuriy a a
&ini&u& wou!d be co&parab!e o $a in-o!-ed in #ein# a conro!!ed
dru# !ike &orp$ine'
7I%& no :okin#,7 Be$ "aid' 7I%-e done i &any i&e"'7
7<ou don% need "o&e "pecia! per&i?7 Jack a"ked'
7I $a-e o #e $e "i#naure of $e direcor of $e !ab on $e purc$a"e
order,7 Be$ "aid' 7Bu $a%" :u" o #uaranee $a $e $o"pia! wi!! pay
for i'7
7*o !e &e #e $i" "rai#$,7 :ack "aid' 7Anyone can ca!! $e"e peop!e
up and $a-e p!a#ue "en o $e&?7
7A" !on# a" $eir credi i" okay,7 Be$ "aid'
74ow do $e cu!ure" co&e?7 Jack "aid'
7)"ua!!y by &ai!,7 Be$ "aid' 7Bu if you pay e+ra and need i fa"er
you can #e o-erni#$ "er-ice'7
Jack wa" appa!!ed, bu $e ried o $ide $i" reacion' 4e wa" e&bar-
ra""ed a $i" own nai%-e1' 72o you $a-e $i" or#ani;aion%" p$one nu&-
ber?7 $e a"ked'
Be$ pu!!ed open a fi!e drawer o $er i&&ediae ri#$, !eafed $rou#$
"o&e fi!e", and pu!!ed ou a fo!der' Openin# i up, "$e ook ou a "$ee
and indicaed $e !eer$ead'
Jack wroe $e nu&ber down' T$en $e poined o $e p$one' 72o you
&ind ?7 $e a"ked'
Be$ pu"$ed $e p$one in $i" direcion bu #!anced up a $e c!ock a"
"$e did "o'
7I%!! :u" be a "econd,7 Jack "aid' 4e "i!! cou!dn% be!ie-e w$a $e%d :u"
been o!d'
:ack dia!ed $e nu&ber' T$e p$one wa" an"wered and a recordin# #a-e
$i& $e na&e of $e co&pany and a"ked $i& o &ake a "e!ecion' Jack
pre""ed wo for "a!e"' .re"en!y a c$ar&in#!y friend!y -oice ca&e on $e
!ine and a"ked if "$e cou!d be of a""i"ance'
7<e",7 Jack "aid' 7T$i" i" 2r' Bi!!y Rubin and I%d !ike o p!ace an
order'7
72o you $a-e an accoun wi$ Naiona! Bio!o#ica!"?7 $e wo&an
a"ked'
7No ye,7 :ack "aid' 7In fac, for $i" order I%d :u" !ike o u"e &y A&er-
ican 3+pre"" card'7
7I%& "orry, bu we on!y accep ,i"a or (a"erCard,7 $e wo&an "aid'
7No prob!e&,7 Jack "aid' 7,i"a wi!! be fine'7
7Okay,7 $e wo&an "aid c$eerfu!!y' 7Cou!d I $a-e your fir" order?7
74ow abou "o&e &cnin#ococcu",7 :ack "aid'
T$e wo&an !au#$ed' 7<ou%!! $a-e o be &ore "pecific,7 "$e "aid' 7I
need $e "ero!o#ic #roup, $e "eroype, and $e "ubype' =e $a-e $un-
dred" of &enin#ococcu" "ub"pecie"'7
7)$-o$87 Jack "aid, preendin# o $a-e been "udden!y pa#ed' 7An
e&er#ency $a" :u" co&e up8 I%& afraid I%!! $a-e o ca!! back'7
7No prob!e&,7 $e wo&an "aid' 7Ca!! anyi&e' A" you know, we%re
$ere weny-four $our" a day o "er-e your cu!ure need"'7 Jack $un# up $e
p$one' 4e wa" "unned'
7I $a-e $e fee!in# you didn% be!ie-e &e,7 Be$ "aid'
7I didn%,7 Jack ad&ied' 7I didn% rea!i;e $e a-ai!abi!iy of $e"e
pa$o#en"' Bu I%d "i!! !ike you o !ook around $ere and "ee if $e"e of-
fendi/n# bu#" &i#$ "o&e$ow be "a"$ed $ere now' Cou!d you do $a?7
7I Iuppo"e,7 Be$ "aid wi$ou $er u"ua! en$u"ia"&'
7B%u I wan you o be di"cree,7 Jack "aid' 7And carefu!' I wan $i"
:u" beween you and &e'7
Jack ook ou one of $i" card" and wroe $i" $o&e nu&ber on $e back'
4e $anded i o $er' 7<ou can ca!! &e anyi&e, day or ni#$, if you find
any$in# or if you #e ino any roub!e becau"e of &e' Okay?7
Be$ ook $e card, e+a&ined i brief!y, and $en "uck i ino $er !ab
coa pocke' 7Okay,7 "$e "aid'
7=ou!d you &ind if I a"ked for your nu&ber?7 Jack "aid' 7I &i#$
$a-e "Do&e &ore >ue"ion" &y"e!f' Ob-iou"!y &icrobio!o#y i"n% &y fore'7
Be$ $ou#$ for a &o&en, $en re!ened' *$e #o ou a piece of paper
and wroe $er p$one nu&ber down' *$e $anded i o Jack, w$o pu i
ino $i" wa!!e'
7I $ink you%d beer #o now,7 "$e "aid'
7I%& on &y way,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ank" for your $e!p'7
7<ou%re we!co&e,7 Be$ "aid' *$e wa" $er o!d "e!f a#ain'
.reoccupied, Jack wa!ked ou of $e &icrobio!o#y "ecion and $eaded
acro"" $e &ain porion of $e !ab' 4e "i!! cou!dn% be!ie-e $ow ea"y i
wa" o order pa$o!o#ica! cu!ure"'
Abou weny fee fro& $e doub!e "win#in# door" $a conneced $e
!ab o $e recepion area, Jack "opped dead in $i" rack"' Backin# $rou#$
$e door" wa" a fi#ure $a !ooked a!ar&in#!y !ike (arin' T$e indi-id-
ua! wa" carryin# a ray !oaded wi$ prepared $roa "wab" ready for p!a-
in#'
Jack fe! !ike a cri&ina! cau#$ in $e ac' Cor a fracion of a "econd $e
cone&p!aed f!eein# or ryin# o $ide' Bu $ere wa" no i&e' Be"ide",
irriaion a $e ab"urdiy of $i" fear of bein# reco#ni;ed in"pired $i& o
"and $i" #round'
(arin $e!d $e door open for a "econd fi#ure Jack reco#ni;ed a"
Ric$ard' 4e, oo, wa" carryin# a ray of $roa "wab"' I wa" Ric$ard w$o
"aw Jack fir"'
(arin wa" a >uick "econd' 4e reco#ni;ed Jack i&&ediae!y, de"pie
$e &a"k'
74i, fo!k",7 Jack "aid'
7<ou''' 87 (arin cried'
7I i" I,7 Jack "aid c$eerfu!!y' 4e #rabbed $e end of $i" face &a"k wi$
$i" $u&b and forefin#er and pu!!ed i away fro& $i" face o #i-e (ar-
in an unob"ruced !ook'
7<ou%-e been warned abou "neakin# around in $ere,7 (arin "napped'
7<ou%re re"pa""in#'7
7No "o,7 Jack "aid' 4e produced $i" &edica! e+a&iner bad#e and
poined i oward (arin%" face' 7Ju" &akin# an officia! "ie -i"i'
T$ere%re been a few &ore re#reab!e infeciou" dea$" o-er $ere a $e
Genera!' A !ea" $i" i&e you were ab!e o &ake $e dia#no"i" on your
own,7
7=e%!! "ee w$e$er $i" i" a !e#ii&ae "ie -i"i,7 (arin "aid' 4e
$ea-ed $e ray of $roa "wab" ono $e counerop and "nac$ed up $e
neare" p$one' 4e o!d $e operaor o pu $i& $rou#$ o C$ar!e" 6e!-
!ey'
7Cou!dn% we :u" di"cu"" $i" !ike #rown-up"?7 Jack a"ked'
(arin i#nored $e >ue"ion a" $e waied for 6e!!ey'
7Ou of curio"iy, &aybe you cou!d :u" e!! &e w$y you were "o ac-
co&&odain# on &y fir" -i"i and "o na"y on &y ne+,7 Jack "aid'
7In $e ineri& (r' 6e!!ey infor&ed &e w$a your aiude $ad been
on $a fir" day,7 (arin "aid' 7And $e o!d &e $e $ad !earned $a you
were $ere wi$ou au$ori;aion'7
Jack wa" abou o re"pond w$en i beca&e c!ear $a 6e!!ey $ad co&e
on $e !ine' (arin infor&ed $e ad&ini"raor $a $e%d a#ain found 2r'
*ap!eon !urkin# in $e !ab'
=$i!e (arin !i"ened o an apparen &ono!o#ue fro& 6e!!ey, Jack
&o-ed o-er and !eaned ca"ua!!y a#ain" $e neare" counerop' Ric$ard,
on $e o$er $and, "ood rooed in p!ace, "i!! "upporin# $i" ray of$roa
"wab"'
(arin puncuaed 6e!!ey%" apparen irade wi$ a few "rae#ica!!y
p!aced ye"e" and a fina! 7<e" "ir87 a $e end of $e con-er"aion' A" $e
$un# up $e p$one $e reaed Jack o a "uperci!iou" "&i!e'
7(r' 6e!!ey o!d &e o infor& you,7 (arin "aid $au#$i!y, 7$a $e
wi!! be per"ona!!y ca!!in# $e &ayor%" office, $e Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$,
and your c$ief' 4e%!! be !od#in# a for&a! co&p!ain concernin# your $a-
ra""&en of $i" $o"pia! w$i!e we%-e been &akin# e-ery effor o dea!
wi$ a "ae of e&er#ency' 4e a!"o o!d &e o infor& you $a our "ecu-
riy wi!! be up $ere in a few &o&en" o e"cor you off $e pre&i"e"'7
7T$a%" errib!y con"iderae of $i&,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I rea!!y don% need
o be "$own $e way ou' In fac, I wa" on &y way w$en we $appened o
bu&p ino eac$ o$er' Good day, #en!e&en'7
(i-iN2A<I 0/1 E .'(', (ARC4
7*o $ere you $a-e i,7 Tere"e "aid a" "$e !ooked ou on $e e+panded ea&
of creai-c" for $e Naiona! 4ea!$ accoun' In $e pre"en e&er#ency
"$e and Co!!een $ad pu!!ed key peop!e away fro& o$er pro:ec"' Ri#$
now $ey needed a!! $e &an- and wo&anpower $ey cou!d &u"er o
concenrae on $e new ca&pai#n'
7Any >ue"ion"?7 Tere"e a"ked' T$e enire #roup wa" ">uee;ed ino
Co!!een%" office' =i$ no roo& o "i $ey were wed#ed in !ike "ardine",
c$eek by :ow!' Tere"e $ad ou!ined $e 7no wai7 idea in an e+panded
for& $a "$e and Co!!een $ad de-i"ed ba"ed on Lack%" iniia! "u##e"ion'
7=e on!y $a-e wo day" for $i"?7 A!ice >ue"ioned'
7I%& afraid "o,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I &i#$ be ab!e o ">uee;e ou ano$er
day, bu we can% coun on i' =e%-e #o o #o for broke'7 T$ere wa" a &ur&ur
of incredu!iy'
7I know I%& a"kin# a !o,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu $e fac of $e &aer i",
a" I%-e o!d you, we were "aboa#ed by $e accoun" depar&en' =e%-e
e-en #o confir&aion $a $ey are e+pecin# o pre"en a a!kin# $ead"
"po wi$ one of $e 3R "ar"' T$ey are counin# on u" o "e!f-de"ruc
wi$ $e o!d idea'7
7Acua!!y I $ink $e %no wai% concep i" beer $an $e %c!ean!ine""%
concep,7 A!ice "aid' 7T$e %c!ean!ine""% idea wa" #ein# oo ec$nica!
wi$ $a a"ep"i" &a!arkey' .eop!e are #oin# o under"and %no waiin#%
&uc$ beer'7
7T$ere%" a!"o a !o &ore opporuniy for $u&or,7 ano$er -oice co&-
&ened'
7I !ike i oo,7 "o&eone e!"e "aid' 7I $ae waiin# for $e #yneco!o#i"'
By $e i&e I #e in $ere I%& a" en"e a" a ban:o wire'7
A wa-e of en"ion-re!ie-in# !au#$er ripp!ed $rou#$ $e #roup'
7T$a%" $e "piri,7 Tere"e "aid' 75e%" #e o work' 5e%" "$ow $e&
w$a we can do w$en our back" are a#ain" $e wa!!'7
.eop!e "ared o !ea-e, ea#er o #e o $eir drawin# board"'
74o!d up87 Tere"e "$oued o-er $e bu;; of -oice" $a $ad eruped'
7One o$er $in#' T$i" $a" o "ay >uie' 2on% e-en e!! o$er creai-e"
un!e"" ab"o!ue!y nece""ary' I don% wan accoun" o $a-e any ink!in# of
w$a%" #oin# on' Okay ?7
A &ur&ur of a#ree&en aro"e'
7A!! ri#$87 Tere"e ye!!ed' 7Ge o i87
T$e roo& e&pied a" if $ere $ad been a fire' Tere"e f!opped back ino
Co!!een%" c$air, e+$au"ed fro& $e e&oiona! effor of $e day' Typica!
of $er !ife in ad-eri"in#, "$e%d "ared ou $a &ornin# on a $i#$, $en
"ank o a new !ow, and wa" now "o&ew$ere in beween'
7T$ey%re en$u"ia"ic,7 Co!!een "aid' 7<ou &ade a #rea pre"enaion'
I kind of wi"$ "o&eone fro& Naiona! 4ea!$ were $ere'7
7A !ea" i%" a #ood idea for a ca&pai#n,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$e >ue"ion
i" w$e$er $ey can pu i o#e$er enou#$ for a rea! pre"enaion'7
7T$ey%!! cerain!y #i-e i $eir be" "$o,7 Co!!een "aid' 7<ou rea!!y &o-
i-aed $e&'7
7God, I $ope "o,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I can% !e Barker $a-e a free fie!d wi$
$i" "upid %a!kin# $ead"% :unk' T$a%" !ike akin# ad-eri"in# back o pre-
Bernbac$ day"' I wou!d be an e&barra""&en for $e a#ency if $e c!ien
!iked i, and we $ad o acua!!y do i'7
7God forbid,7 Co!!een "aid'
7=e%!! be ou of a :ob if $a $appen",7 Tere"e "aid'
75e%" no #e oo pe""i&i"ic,7 Co!!een warned'
7A$, w$a a day,7 Tere"e co&p!ained' 7On op of e-ery$in# e!"e I%-e
#o o worry abou Jack'7
74ow "o?7 Co!!een a"ked'
7=$en I &e wi$ $i& and $e #a-e &e $e %no wai% idea $e o!d &e
$e wa" #oin# back o $e Genera!'7
7)$-o$,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I"n% $a w$ere $o"e #an# &e&ber" warned
$i& a#ain" #oin#?7
73+ac!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Ta!k abou a Tauru", $e%" $e epio&e' 4e%"
"o da&n bu!!$eaded and reck!e""' 4e doe"n% $a-e o #o o-er $ere' T$ey
$a-e peop!e a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office w$o"e :ob i i" o #o ou o
$o"pia!"' I &u" be "o&e &a!e $in#, !ike $e $a" o be a $ero' I don% un-
der"and i'7
7Are you "arin# o #e aac$ed o $i&?7 Co!!een a"ked #in#er!y,
aware i wa" a ouc$y "ub:ec wi$ Tere"e' Co!!een knew enou#$ abou
$er bo"" o know $a "$e e"c$ewed ro&anic enan#!e&en", $ou#$ "$e
$ad no idea w$y'
Tere"e on!y "i#$ed' 7I%& araced o $i& and pu off by $i& a $e
"a&e i&e,7 "$e "aid' 74e #o &e o open up a !i!e, and apparen!y I
coa+ed $i& ou a !i!e oo' I $ink bo$ of u" fe! #ood a!kin# o "o&e-
one w$o "ee&ed o care'7
7T$a "ound" encoura#in#,7 Co!!een "aid'
Tere"e "$ru##ed, $en "&i!ed' 7=e%re bo$ carryin# around a !o of
e&oiona! ba##a#e,7 "$e "aid' 7Bu enou#$ abou &e' 4ow abou you and
C$e?7
7I%" #oin# #rea,7 Co!!een "aid' 7I cou!d rea!!y fa!! for $a #uy'7
Jack fe! a" if $e were "iin# $rou#$ $e "a&e &o-ie for $e $ird i&e'
Once a#ain $e wa" !iera!!y on Bin#$a&%" carpe endurin# a proraced
irade abou $ow $i" c$ief $ad been ca!!ed by e-ery &a:or ci-i! "er-an in
$e ciy o co&p!ain bier!y abou Jack *ap!eon'
7*o w$a do you $a-e o "ay for your"e!f?7 Bin#$a& de&anded, fina!!y
runnin# ou of "ea& wi$ $i" ranin#' 4e wa" !iera!!y ou of brea$'
7I don% know w$a o "ay,7 Jack ad&ied' 7Bu in &y defen"e, I
$a-en% #one o-er $ere wi$ $e inenion of irriain# peop!e' I wa" :u"
!ookin# for infor&aion' T$ere%" a !o abou $i" "erie" of oubreak" $a
I don% under"and'7
7<ou%re a #odda&n parado+,7 Bin#$a& re&arked a" $e -i"ib!y ca!&ed
down' 7A $e "a&e i&e you%-e been "uc$ a pain in $e bu you%-e &ade
"o&e co&&endab!e dia#no"e"' I wa" i&pre""ed w$en Ca!-in o!d &e
abou $e u!are&ia and $e Rocky (ounain "poed fe-er' I%" !ike you%re
wo differen peop!e' =$a a& I o do?7
7Cire $e irriain# one and keep $e o$er?7 Jack "u##e"ed'
Bin#$a& #runed a re!ucan c$uck!e, bu any "i#n of a&u"e&en
>uick!y faded' 7T$e &ain prob!e& fro& &y e % 7
p r"pecI-e, be#ru&b!ed,
7i" $a you are "o #odda&ned conu&aciou"' ou -e "pecifica!!y di"-
y ,
obeyed &y order" o "ay away fro& $e Genera!, no once bu wice'7
7I%& #ui!y,7 Jack "aid, rai"in# $i" $and" a" if o "urrender'
7I" a!! $i" &oi-aed by $a per"ona! -endea you $a-e a#ain" A&eri-
Care?7 Bin#$a& de&anded'
7No,7 Jack "aid' 7T$a wa" a &inor facor o be#in wi$, bu &y in-
ere" in $e &aer $a" #one way beyond $a' I o!d you !a" i&e $a I
$ou#$ "o&e$in# "ran#e wa" #oin# on' I fee! e-en &ore "ron#!y now,
and $e peop!e o-er $ere are coninuin# o ac fen"I-e'
2efen"!-e? Bin#$a& >ue"ioned >ueru!ou"!y' 7I wa" o!d $a you
accu"ed $e Genera!%" !ab direcor of "preadin# $e"e i!% 7
!ne""e"'
7T$a "ory $a" been b!own way ou of proporion,7 Jack "aid' 4e $en
e+p!ained o Bin#$a& $a $e%d &ere!y i&p!ied a" &uc$ by re&indin#
$e !ab direcor $a $e, $e direcor, wa" di"#run!ed abou $e bud#e
A&eriCare wa" #i-in# $i&'
7T$e &an wa" acin# !ike an a"",7 Jack added' 7I wa" ryin# o a"k $i"
opinion abou $e po""ib!e ineniona! "pread of $e"e i!!ne""e", bu $e
ne-er #a-e &e a c$ance, and I #o &ad a $i&' I "uppo"e I "$ou!dn% $a-e
"aid w$a I did, bu "o&ei&e" I can% $e!p &y"e!f'7
7*o you%re con-inced abou $i" idea %7I7
your"ei' Bin#$a& a"ked'
7I don% know if I%& con-inced,7 :ack ad&ied' 7Bu i i" $ard o a"-
cribe $e& a!! o coincidence' On op of $a i" $e way peop!e a $e Gen-
era! $a-e been acin#, fro& $e ad&ini"raor on down'7 Jack $ou#$
abou e!!in# Bin#$a& abou $i" bein# beaen up and $reaened, bu $e
decided a#ain" i' 4e feared i &i#$ #e $i& #rounded a!o#e$er'
7Afer Co&&i""ioner (ark$a& ca!!ed &e,7 Bin#$a& "aid, 7I a"ked
$er o $a-e $e c$iefepide&io!o#i", 2r' Abe!ard, #e in ouc$ wi$ &e'7
=$en $e did, I a"ked $i& w$a $e $ou#$ of $i" ineniona! "pread idea'
<ou wan o know w$a $e "aid ?7 7I can% wai,7 :ack "aid'
74e "aid e+cep for $e p!a#ue ca"e, w$ic$ $e "i!! canno e+p!ain bu
i" workin# on wi$ $e C2C, $e fee!" $e o$er" a!! $a-e -ery rea"onab!e
e+p!anaion"' T$e 4ard wo&an $ad been in conac wi$ wi!d rabbi",
and (r' 5a#en$orpe $ad been ou in $e de"er in Te+a"' And a" far a"
&enin#ococcu" i" concerned, i%" $e "ea"on for $a'7
7I don% $ink $e i&e "e>uence" are correc,7 :ack "aid' 7Nor are $e
c!inica! cour"e" con"i"en wi$--7
74o!d on,7 Bin#$a& inerruped' 75e &e re&ind you $a 2r'
Abe!ard i" an epide&io!o#i"' 4e%" #o a .$'2' a" we!! a" an ('2' 4i"
w$o!e iob i" o fi#ure ou $e w$ere and $e w$y of di"ea"e'7
7I don% doub $i" credenia!",7 :ack "aid' 7Ju" $i" conc!u"ion"' 4e
didn% i&pre"" &e fro& $e "ar'7
7<ou cerain!y are opinionaed,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
% I 17 Jack ad-
7I &i#$ $a-e ruff!ed fea$er" on pa" -i"i" o !Ie 5, enera,
reied, 7bu $i" i&e a!! I did wa" a!k o $e "uper-i"or of cenra! "up-
p!y and one of $e &icrobio!o#y ec$"'7
7Cro& $e ca!!" I #o you were de!iberae!y $a&perin# $eir effor" o
dea! wi$ $e &enin#ococca! oubreak,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7God i" &y wine"",7 Jack "aid, $o!din# up $i" $and' 7A!! I did wa"
a!k o ("' Gare!!i and ("' I-o!derne"", w$o $appen o be wo p!ea"an,
cooperai-e peop!e'7
7<ou do $a-e a way of rubbin# peop!e $e wron# way,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7I "uppo"e you know na'
7)"ua!!y, I on!y $a-e $a effec on $o"e I inend o pro-oke,7 :ack
"aid'
7I #e $e fee!in# I%& one of $o"e peop!e,7 Bin#$a& "napped'
7Fuie $e conrary,7 :ack "aid' 7Irriain# you I" enire!y uninen-
iona!'7
7I wou!dn% $a-e known,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7In "peakin# wi$ ("' 4o!der$e"", $e !ab ec$, I did unco-er an in-
ere"in# fac,7 Jack "aid' 7I !earned $a :u" abou anyone wi$ rea"on-
ab!e credi can ca!! up and order pa$o!o#ica! baceria' T$e co&pany
doe"n% do any back#round c$eck'7
7<ou don% need a !icen"e or a per&i?7 Bin#$a& a"ked'
7Apparen!y no,7 Jack "aid'
7I "uppo"e I%d ne-er $ou#$ abou i,7 Bin#$a& "aid'
7Nor $ad I,7 Jack "aid' 7Need!e"" o "ay, $ou#$-pro-okin#'7
7Indeed,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 4e appeared o ponder $i" for a &o&en a"
$i" r$eu&y eye" #!a;ed o-er' Bu $en $ey >uick!y c!eared'
7*ee&" o &e you%-e &ana#ed o #e $i" con-er"aion off rack,7 $e
"aid, re#ainin# $i" #ruff po"ure' 7T$e i""ue $ere i" w$a o do wi$ you'7
7<ou cou!d a!way" "end &e on -acaion o $e Caribbean,7 Jack "u#-
#e"ed' 7I%" nice down $ere $i" i&e of year'7
73nou#$ of your i&perinen $u&or,7 Bin#$a& "napped' 7I%& ryin#
o be "eriou" wi$ you'7
7I%11 ry o conro! &y"e!f,7 Jack "aid' 7(y prob!e& i" $a durin# $e
!a" fi-e year" of &y !ife cynici"& $a" !ed o ref!e+ "arca"&'7
7I%& no #oin# o fire you,7 Bin#$a& announced' 7Bu I%-e #o o
warn you a#ain, you%-e co&e -ery c!o"e' In fac w$en I $un# up $e
p$one fro& $e &ayor%" office, I wa" #oin# o !e you #o' I%-e c$an#ed &y
&ind for now' Bu $ere i" one $in# $a we $a-e o be c!ear on/ <ou are
o "ay away fro& $e Genera!' 2o we $a-e an under"andin#?7 7I $ink i%"
fina!!y #ein# $rou#$,7 :ack
"aid'
7If you need &ore infor&aion, "end $e .A",7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7Cor
c$ri""ake $a%" w$a $ey%re $ere for'7
7I%!! ry o re&e&ber $a,7 :ack "aid'
7A!! ri#$, #e ou of $ere,7 Bin#$a& "aid wi$ a "weep of $i" $and'
=i$ re!ief :ack "ood up and !ef Bin#$a&%" office' 4e wen "rai#$
up o $i" own' =$en $e arri-ed $e found C$e a!kin# wi$ Geor#e
Conwor$' :ack ">uee;ed by $e wo of $e& and draped $i" coa o-er
$e back of $i" c$air'
7=e!!?7 C$e a"ked'
7=e!! w$a?7 :ack a"ked back'
7T$e dai!y >ue"ion,7 C$e "aid' 7Are you "i!! e&p!oyed $ere?7
7,ery funny,7 :ack "aid' 4e wa" perp!e+ed by $e "ack of four !ar#e
&ani!a en-e!ope" a $e cener of $i" de"k' 4e picked one up' I wa"
abou wo inc$e" $ick' T$ere were no &arkin#" on $e e+erior' Open-
in# $e !ac$, $e "!id ou $e conen"' I wa" a copy of *u"anne 4ard%"
$o"pia! c$ar'
7<ou%-e "een Bin#$a&?7 C$e a"ked'
7I iu" ca&e fro& $ere,7 :ack "aid' 74e wa" "wee' 4e waned o
co&&end &e on &y dia#no"e" of u!are&ia and Rocky (ounain "po-
ed fe-er'7
7Bu!!87 C$e e+c!ai&ed'
74one",7 :ack "aid wi$ a c$uck!e' 7Of cour"e, $e a!"o baw!ed &e ou
for #oin# o-er o $e Genera!'7 =$i!e :ack wa" a!kin#, $e ook $e con-
en" ou of a!! $e &ani!a en-e!ope"' 4e now $ad copie" of $e $o"pia!
c$ar" of $e inde+ ca"e" of eac$ oubreak'
7=a" your -i"i wor$ i?7 C$e a"ked'
7=$a do you &ean, %wor$ i% ?7 :ack a"ked'
72id you !earn enou#$ o :u"ify "irrin# up $e po once &ore?7 C$e
"aid' 7=e $eard you #o e-eryone o-er $ere an#ry a#ain'7
7No a !o of "ecre" around $ere,7 :ack co&&ened' 7Bu I did !earn
"o&e$in# $a I didn% know'7 :ack e+p!ained o C$e and Geor#e abou
$e ea"e of orderin# pa$o!o#ica! baceria'
7I knew $a,7 Geor#e "aid' 7I worked in a &icro !ab durin# "u&&er"
w$i!e I wa" in co!!e#e' I re&e&ber $e "uper-i"or orderin# a c$o!era cu!-
ure' =$en i ca&e in I picked i up and $e!d i' I #a-e &e a $ri!!'7
Jack #!anced a Geor#e' 7A $ri!!?7 $e >ue"ioned' 7<ou%re weirder
$an I $ou#$'7
7*eriou"!y,7 Geor#e "aid' 7I know o$er peop!e w$o $ad $e "a&e re-
acion' Co&pre$endin# $ow &uc$ pain, "ufferin#, and dea$ $e !i!e
bu##er" $ad cau"ed and cou!d cau"e wa" bo$ "cary and "i&u!ain# a
$e "a&e i&e, and $o!din# i in &y $and :u" b!ew &e away'7
7I #ue"" &y idea of a $ri!! and your" are a bi differen,7 Jack "aid' 4e
wen back o $e c$ar" and or#ani;ed $e& c$rono!o#ica!!y "o $a
Node!&an wa" on op'
7I $ope $e &ere a-ai!abi!iy of pa$o!o#ica! baceria doe"n% encour-
a#e your paranoid $inkin#,7 C$e "aid' 7I &ean, $a%" $ard!y proof of
your $eory'7
7)&& $&&,7 :ack &ur&ured' 4e wa" a!ready be#innin# o #o o-er
$e c$ar"' 4e p!anned o read $rou#$ $e& rapid!y o "ee if any$in#
:u&ped ou a $i&' T$en $e wou!d #o back o-er $e& in deai!' =$a
$e wa" !ookin# for wa" any way $e ca"e" cou!d $a-e been re!aed $a
wou!d "u##e" $ey were no rando& occurrence"'
C$e and Geor#e wen back o $eir con-er"aion w$en i wa" appar-
en Jack wa" preoccupied' Cifeen &inue" !aer Geor#e #o up and !ef'
A" "oon a" $e did C$e wen o $e door and c!o"ed i' 7Co!!een ca!!ed &e a
!i!e w$i!e a#o,7 $e "aid'
7I%& $appy for you,7 Jack "aid, "i!! ryin# o concenrae on $e c$ar"'
7*$e o!d &e w$a $ad $appened o-er $ere a $e a#ency,7 C$e "aid'
7I $ink i "ink"' I can% i&a#ine one par of $e "a&e co&pany under-
&inin# ano$er' I doe"n% &ake "en"e'7
Jack !ooked up fro& $i" readin#' 7I%" $e bu"ine"" &ena!iy,7 $e "aid'
75u" for power i" $e &a:or &oi-aor'7
C$e "a down' 7Co!!een a!"o o!d &e $a you #a-e Tere"e a errific
idea for a new ca&pai#n'7
72on% re&ind &e,7 Jack "aid' 4e redireced $i" aenion o $e c$ar"'
7I rea!!y don% wan o be a par of i' I don% know w$y "$e a"ked &e'
*$e know" $ow I fee! abou &edica! ad-eri"in#'7
7Co!!een a!"o "aid $a you and Tere"e are $iin# i off,7 C$e "aid'
7Rea!!y now?7 Jack "aid'
7*$e "aid $a you wo $ad #oen eac$ o$er o open up' I $ink $a
i" errific for bo$ of you'7
72id "$e #i-e any "pecific"?7 :ack a"ked'
7I didn% #e $e "en"e "$e $ad any "pecific",7 C$e "aid'
7T$ank God,7 Jack "aid wi$ou !ookin# up'
=$en :ack an"wered C$e%" ne+ few >ue"ion" wi$ &ere #run", i
dawned on C$e $a Jack wa" a#ain en#ro""ed in $i" readin#' C$e #a-e
up ryin# o $a-e a con-er"aion and urned $i" aenion o $i" own work'
By fi-e-$iry C$e wa" ready o ca!! i a day' 4e #o up and "rec$ed
noi"i!y, $opin# $a Jack wou!d re"pond' :ack didn%' In fac, Jack $ad no
&o-ed for $e !a" $our or "o e+cep o urn pa#e" and :o down &ore
noe"'
C$e #o $i" coa fro& $e op drawer of $i" fi!e cabine and c!eared
$i" $roa "e-era! i&e"' *i!! :ack did no re"pond' Cina!!y C$e re"ored
o "peec$'
74ey, o!d "por,7 C$e ca!!ed ou' 74ow !on# are you #oin# o work
on $a "uff?7
7)ni! I%& done,7 :ack "aid wi$ou !ookin# up'
7I%& &eein# Co!!een for a >uick bie,7 C$e "aid 7=e%re &eein# a
"i+' Are you inere"ed ? (aybe Tere"e cou!d :oin u"' Apparen!y $ey are
p!annin# o work &o" of $e ni#$'7
7I%& "ickin# $ere,7 :ack "aid' 73nioy your"e!-e"' *ay $e!!o for &e'7
C$e "$ru##ed, pu!!ed on $i" coa, and !ef'
Jack $ad been $rou#$ $e c$ar" wice' *o far $e on!y #enuine "i&i-
!ariy a&on# $e four ca"e" wa" $e fac $a $eir infeciou" di"ea"e "y&p-
o&" $ad "ared afer $ey $ad been ad&ied for o$er co&p!ain"' Bu
a" 5aurie $ad poined ou, by definiion, on!y Node!&an wa" a no"oco-
&ia! ca"e' In $e o$er $ree "iuaion" $e "y&po&" $ad co&e on wi$in
fory-ei#$ $our" of ad&i""ion'
T$e on!y o$er po""ib!e "i&i!ariy wa" $e one $a Jack $ad a!ready
con"idered/ na&e!y $a a!! four paien" were peop!e w$o%d been $o"pi-
a!i;ed fre>uen!y and $ence were econo&ica!!y unde"irab!e in a capiaed
"y"e&' Bu o$er $an $a, Jack found no$in#'
T$e a#e" ran#ed fro& weny-ei#$ o "i+y-$ree' Two $ad been on
$e &edica! ward, one in OB-G<N, and one in or$opedic"' T$ere were
no &edicaion" co&&on o $e& a!!' Two were on 7keep open7 I,"' *o-
cia!!y $ey ran#ed fro& !ower- o upper-&idd!e c!a"", and $ere wa" no
indicaion $a any of $e four knew any of $e o$er"' T$ere wa" one fe-
&a!e and $ree &a!e"' 3-en $eir b!ood ype" differed'
Jack o""ed $i" pen ono $i" de"k and !eaned back in $i" c$air o "are
a $e cei!in#' 4e didn% know w$a $e e+peced fro& $e c$ar", bu "o
far $e $adn% !earned any$in#'
76nock, knock,7 a -oice ca!!ed'
Jack urned o "ee 5aurie "andin# in $e doorway'
7I "ee you &ade i back fro& your foray o $e Genera!,7 "$e "aid'
7I don% $ink I wa" in any dan#er uni! 8 #o back $ere,7 Jack "aid'
7I know w$a you &ean,7 5aurie "aid' 7Ru&or $ad i $a Bin#$a&
wa" fi o be ied'7
74e wa"n% $appy, bu we &ana#ed o work i ou,7 Jack "aid'
7Are you worried abou $e $rea fro& $e peop!e w$o bea you up?7
5aurie a"ked'
7I "uppo"e,7 Jack "aid' 7I $a-en% $ou#$ oo &uc$ abou i' I%& "ure
I%!! fee! differen!y w$en I #e o &y apar&en'7
7<ou%re we!co&e o co&e o-er o &ine,7 5aurie "aid' 7I $a-e a "ad
couc$ in &y !i-in# roo& $a pu!!" ou ino a decen bed'7
7<ou%re kind o offer,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I $a-e o #o $o&e "o&ei&e'
I%!! be carefu!'7
72id you !earn any$in# o e+p!ain $e cenra! "upp!y connecion?7
5aurie a"ked'
7I wi"$,7 Jack "aid' 7No on!y didn% I !earn any$in#, bu I found ou
$a a nu&ber of peop!e, inc!udin# $e ciy epide&io!o#i" and $e $o"-
pia! infecion conro! officer, $a-e been in $ere beain# $e bu"$e" for
c!ue"' I $ad $e &i"aken noion i wa" a no-e! idea'7
7Are you "i!! $inkin# of $e con"piracy "!an?7 5aurie a"ked'
7In "o&e for& or fa"$ion,7 Jack ad&ied' 7)nforunae!y, i "ee&" o
be a !one!y "ance'7
5aurie wi"$ed $i& #ood !uck' 4e $anked $er, and "$e !ef' A &inue
!aer "$e wa" back'
7I%& p!annin# on #ein# a bie on $e way $o&e,7 5aurie "aid' 7Are
you inere"ed ?7
7T$ank", bu I%-e "ared on $e"e c$ar", and I wan o keep a i
w$i!e $e &aeria! i" fre"$ in &y &ind'7
7I under"and' Good ni#$'7
7Good ni#$, 5aurie,7 Jack "aid'
No "ooner $ad Jack opened Node!&an%" c$ar for $e $ird i&e $an
$e p$one ran#' I wa" Tere"e'
7Co!!een i" abou o !ea-e o &ee up wi$ C$e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Can I
a!k you ino co&in# ou for a >uick dinner? =e cou!d a!! ea o#e$er'7
Jack wa" a&a;ed' Cor fi-e year" $e%d been a-oidin# "ocia! aac$&en"
of any kind' Now "udden!y wo ine!!i#en, araci-e wo&en were bo$
a"kin# $i& o dine wi$ $e& on $e "a&e ni#$'
7I appreciae $e offer,7 Jack "aid' 4e $en o!d Tere"e $e "a&e $in#
$e%d o!d 5aurie abou $e c$ar" $e wa" workin# on'
7I keep $opin# you%!! #i-e up on $a cru"ade,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ard!y
"ee&" wor$ $e ri"k", "ince you%-e a!ready been beaen up and $rea-
ened wi$ $e !o"" of your Lob'7
7IfI can pro-e "o&eone i" be$ind $i" affair i wi!! cerain!y be wor$
$e ri"k",7 Jack "aid' 7(y fear i" $a $ere &i#$ be a rea! epide&ic'7
7C$e "ee&" o $ink you%re acin# foo!i"$!y,7 Tere"e per"i"ed'
74e%" eni!ed o $i" opinion,7 Jack "aid'
7.!ea"e be carefu! w$en you #o $o&e,7 Tere"e inoned'
7I wi!!,7 Jack "aid' 4e wa" #ein# weary of e-eryone%" "o!iciude' T$e
dan#er of #oin# $o&e $a e-enin# wa" "o&e$in# $e%d con"idered a"
ear!y a" $a &ornin#'
7=e%!! be workin# &o" of $e ni#$,7 "$e added' 7If you need o ca!!,
ca!! &e a work'7
7Okay,7 Jack "aid' 7Good !uck'7
7Good !uck o you,7 Tere"e "aid' 7And $ank" for $i" %no waiin#% idea'
3-eryone !o-e" i "o far' I%& -ery #raefu!' %Bye87
Jack wen back o Node!&an%" c$ar a" "oon a" $e pu $e p$one down'
4e wa" ae&pin# o #e $rou#$ $e rea&" of nur"e"% noe"' Bu afer
fi-e &inue" of readin# $e "a&e para#rap$ o-er and o-er, $e acknow!-
ed#ed $e wa"n% concenrain#' 4i" &ind kep &u!!in# o-er $e irony of
bo$ 5aurie and Tere"e a"kin# $i& o dine wi$ $e&' T$inkin# abou
$e wo wo&en !ed o ponderin# a#ain $e "i&i!ariie" and difference" in
$eir per"ona!iie", and once $e "ared $inkin# abou per"ona!iy, Be$
4o!der$e"" popped ino $i" &ind' A" "oon a" $e $ou#$ abou Be$, $e
be#an &u"in# abou $e ea"e of orderin# baceria'
Jack c!o"ed Node!&an%" c$ar and dru&&ed $i" fin#er" on $i" de"k'
4e be#an o wonder' If "o&eone $ad obained a cu!ure of a pa$o!o#i-
ca! baceria fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" and $en ineniona!!y "pread i o
peop!e, cou!d Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" e!! i $ad been $eir baceria?
T$e idea inri#ued $i&' =i$ $e ad-ance" in 2NA ec$no!o#y $e
$ou#$ i wa" "cienifica!!y po""ib!e for Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" o a# $eir
cu!ure", and for rea"on" of bo$ !iabi!iy and econo&ic proecion, $e
$ou#$ i wa" a rea"onab!e $in# o do' T$e >ue"ion $en beca&e
w$e$er $ey did i or no'
Jack "earc$ed for $e p$one nu&ber' Once $e found i, $e pu $rou#$
a "econd ca!! o $e or#ani;aion'
3ar!y $a afernoon on Jack%" fir" ca!! $e%d pre""ed 7wo7 for "a!e"'
T$i" i&e $e pre""ed 7$ree7 for 7"uppor'7 Afer bein# forced o !i"-
en o a rock &u"ic "aion for a few &inue", Jack $eard a you$fu!-
"oundin# &a!e -oice #i-e $i" na&e, I#or 6ra"nyan"ky, and a"k $ow $e
cou!d be of a""i"ance'
Jack inroduced $i&"e!f proper!y on $i" occa"ion and in>uired if $e
cou!d po"e a $eoreica! >ue"ion'
7Of cour"e,7 I#or "aid wi$ a "!i#$ *!a-ic accen' 7I wi!! ry o an"wer'7
7If I $ad a cu!ure of baceria,7 Jack be#an, 7i" $ere any way $a I
cou!d deer&ine $a i $ad ori#ina!!y co&e fro& your co&pany e-en if
i $ad #one $rou#$ "e-era! pa""a#e" in -i-o?7
7T$a%" an ea"y one,7 I#or "aid' 7=e p$a#e-ype a!! our cu!ure"' *o,
"ure, you cou!d e!! i ca&e fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!"'7 7=$a%" $e
idenificaion proce""?7 :ack a"ked'
7=e $a-e a f!uore"cein-!abe!ed 2NA probe,7 I#or "aid' 7I%" -ery
"i&p!e'7
7IfI waned o &ake "uc$ an idenificaion, wou!d I $a-e o "end $e
"a&p!e o you?7 :ack a"ked'
73i$er $a or I cou!d "end you "o&e of $e probe,7 I#or "aid'
:ack wa" p!ea"ed' 4e #a-e $i" addre"" and a"ked for $e probe o be
"$ipped -ia o-erni#$ e+pre""' 4e "aid $e waned i a" "oon a" po""ib!e'
4an#in# up $e p$one, :ack fe! p!ea"ed wi$ $i&"e!f' 4e $ou#$ $e%d
co&e up wi$ "o&e$in# $a &i#$ !end con"iderab!e wei#$ o $i" $e-
ory of ineniona! "pread if any of $e paien"% baceria e"ed po"ii-e'
:ack !ooked down a $e c$ar" and con"idered #i-in# up on $e& for
$e i&e bein#' Afer a!!, if $e oppo"ie urned ou o be $e ca"e, and none
of $e baceria wa" fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!", per$ap" $e wou!d $a-e o
re$ink $e w$o!e affair'
:ack "craped back $i" c$air and "ood up' 4e%d $ad enou#$ for one day'
.u!!in# on $i" iacke, $e prepared o $ead $o&e' *udden!y $e idea of
"o&e -i#orou" e+erci"e $ad a "ron# appea!'
4ON2A<I 1/BB .'NI', (ARC4 2E, 1991
Be$ 4o!derne"" $ad "ayed !ae o #e a!! $e $roa cu!ure" of $e $o"-
pia! e&p!oyee" p!aned' T$e e-enin# crew $ad co&e in a $e u"ua! i&e,
bu a $a &o&en $ey were down in $e cafeeria $a-in# $eir dinner'
3-en Ric$ard $ad di"appeared, a!$ou#$ Be$ wa"n% "ure if $e%d !ef for
$e day or no'
*ince $e &icro "ecion of $e !ab wa" de"ered e+cep for $er, Be$
$ou#$ $a if "$e were o do any c!ande"ine "earc$in#, $i" wa" a" #ood
a i&e a" any' *!idin# off $er "oo!, "$e wa!ked o-er o $e door o $e &ain
par of $e !ab' *$e didn% "ee a "ou!, w$ic$ encoura#ed $er fur$er'
Turnin# back o &icrobio!o#y, Be$ $eaded o-er o $e in"u!aed
door"' *$e wa"n% "ure "$e "$ou!d be doin# w$a "$e wa" doin#, bu $a--
in# "aid "$e wou!d, "$e fe! "o&e ob!i#aion' *$e wa" confu"ed abou 2r'
:ack *ap!eon, bu "$e wa" e-en &ore confu"ed abou $er own bo"", 2r'
(arin C$e-eau' 4e%d a!way" been e&pera&ena!, bu !ae!y $a &ood-
ine"" $ad reac$ed ridicu!ou" proporion"'
T$a afernoon $e%d "or&ed in afer 2r' *ap!eon $ad !ef, de-
&andin# o know w$a "$e $ad o!d $e &edica! e+a&iner' Be$ $ad ried
o "ay $a "$e%d o!d $i& no$in# of con"e>uence and $ad ried o #e
$i& o !ea-e, bu 2r' C$e-eau wou!dn% !i"en' 4e e-en $reaened o fire
Be$ for wi!!fu!!y di"obeyin# $i&' 4i" ranin# $ad brou#$ $er c!o"e o
ear"'
Afer $e%d !ef Be$ $ad $ou#$ abou 2r' *ap!eron%" co&&en $a
peop!c a $e $o"pia!, inc!udin# $cr bo"", $ad becn acin# defen"i-e!y'
Con"iderin# 2r' C$e-eau " be$a-ior, "$e d $ou#$ 2r' *ap!eon &i#$
be ri#$' I &ade $er e-en &ore wi!!in# o fo!!ow up on 2r' *ap!eron%"
re>ue"'
Be$ "ood in fron of $e wo in"u!aed door"' T$e one on $c !ef wa"
$e wa!k-in free;er, $e o$cr $e wa!k-in incubaor' *$e debaed w$ic$
onc o "carc$ fir"' *ince "$e%d been in and ou of $e incubaor a!! day
wi$ $e $roa cu!ure", "$e decided o ack!e $a fir"' Afer a!!, $ere
wa" on!y a "&a!! area in $e incubaor w$ere $e concn" were unfa&i!-
iar o $er'
Be$ pu!!ed open $e door and enered' I&&ediac!y "$e wa" en-e!oped
by $c &oi", war& air' T$e e&pcraure wa" kep c!o"e o body c&-
peraurc, a 9@'1U Ca$ren$ei' (any baceria and -iru"e", e"pecia!!y $o"c
$a affeced $u&an", $ad under"andab!y e-o!-ed o #row be" a $u&an
body e&peraure'
T$e door be$ind Be$ c!o"ed auo&aica!!y o "ea! in $e $ea' T$e
co&par&en wa" abou ei#$ by en' T$e !i#$in# ca&e fro& wo bu!b"
co-ered wi$ wire &e"$ &ouned on $e cei!in#' T$e "$e!-in# wa" per-
foraed "ain!e"" "ee!' I e+ended f!oor o cei!in# on bo$ wa!!", a!on# $c
back, and down $e cener, creain# wo narrow ai"!e"'
Bc$ &ade $cr way o $e rear of $e co&par&en' T$ere were
"ain!e""-"ee! bo+e" back $ere $a "$e%d "een on nu&erou" occa"ion" bu
$ad ne-er e+a&ined'
Gra"pin# one of $e bo+e" wi$ bo$ $and", Be$ "!id i ou fro& i"
"$e!f and pu i on $e f!oor' I wa" abou $e "i;e of a "$oe bo+' =$en
"$e ried o open i, "$e rca!i;cd i $ad a !ac$ $a wa" "ecured wi$ a
&iniaure pad!ockL
Be$ wa" a&a;ed and in"an!y "u"piciou"' Cew $in#" in $e !ab were
kep under !ock and key' .ickin# $e bo+ up, Be$ "!id i back ino p!ace'
(o-in# a!on# $e "$e!f, "$e reac$ed around eac$ bo+ in urn' 3-ery one
of $e& $ad $e "a&e ype of !ock'
Bendin# down, Be$ did $e "a&e on $e !ower "$e!f' T$e condiion
of $e fif$ bo+ wa" differen' A" Be$ "uck $er $and around i" back,
"$e cou!d fee! $a $e pad!ock%" c!a"p $ad no been c!o"ed'
In"inuain# $er fin#er" beween $e un!ocked bo+ and i" nei#$bor",
Be$ wa" ab!e o "!ide i ou' A" "$e !ifed i, "$e cou!d e!! i wa"n% >uie
a" $ea-y a" $e fir" !ocked bo+D "$e feared i wou!d be e&py' Bu i
wa"n%' A" "$e !ifed i" co-er, "$e "aw $a i conained a few peri di"$e"'
*$e a!"o noed $a $e peri di"$e" did no bear $e cu"o&ary !abe! $a
wa" u"ed in $e !ab' In"ead $ey on!y $ad #rea"e-penci! a!p$anu&eric de"-
i#naor"'
Be$ #in#er!y reac$ed ino $e bo+ and !ifed ou a peri di"$ !abe!ed
A-@1' *$e !ifed $e op and !ooked in a e+pandin# baceria! co!onie"'
T$ey were ran"paren and &ucoid and $ey were #row&# on a &ediu&
"$e reco#ni;ed a" c$oco!ae a#ar'
A "$arp &ec$anica! c!ick of $e in"u!aed door openin# "ar!ed Be$'
4er pu!"e raced' 5ike a c$i!d cau#$ in a forbidden ac, "$e franica!!y
ried o #e $e peri di"$ back in $e bo+ and $e bo+ back on $e "$e!f
before w$oe-er wa" enerin# "aw w$a "$e wa" doin#'
)nforunae!y, $ere wa"n% enou#$ i&e' *$e%d on!y $ad a c$ance o
c!o"e $e bo+ and pick i up before "$e found $er"e!fface-o-face wi$ 2r'
(arin C$e-eau' Ironica!!y, $e wa" a $a &o&en carryin# a bo+ iden-
ica! o $e one "$e wa" $o!din#'
7=$a are you doin#?7 $e "nar!ed'
7I%&'''7 Be$ -oiced, bu $a wa" a!! "$e cou!d "ay' )nder $e pre"-
"ure of $e circu&"ance, no poenia! e+p!anaion ca&e o &ind'
2r' C$e-eau noi"i!y "a"$ed $i" bo+ on one of $e "$e!-e", $en #rabbed
Be$%" away fro& $er' 4e !ooked a $e open !ac$' 7=$ere%" $e !ock ?7 $e
#row!ed'
Be$ e+ended $er $and and $en opened i' In $er pa!& wa" $e c, pen
pad!ock' (arin "nac$ed i and e+a&ined i'
74ow did you #e i open?7 $e de&anded'
7I wa" open,7 Be$ a""ered'
7<ou%re !yin#,7 (arin "napped'
7I%& no,7 Be$ "aid' 74one"' I wa" open and i &ade &e curiou"'7
3!ke!y "ory, (arin ye!!ed' 4i" -oice re-erberaed around $e con-
fined "pace'
7I didn% di"urb any$in#,7 Be$ "aid'
74ow do you know you didn% di"urb any$in#?7 (arin "aid' 4e
opened $e bo+ and #!anced in"ide' *ee&in#!y "ai"fied, $e c!o"ed i and
!ocked i' 4e e"ed $e !ock' I $e!d'
7I on!y !ifed $e co-er and !ooked a one cu!ure di"$,7 Be$ "aid' *$e
wa" be#innin# o re#ain "o&e co&po"ure, a!$ou#$ $er pu!"e wa" "i!! rac-
in#'
(arin "!ipped $e bo+ ino i" po"iion' T$en $e couned $e& a!!'
=$en $e wa" fini"$ed, $e ordered $er ou of $e incubaor'
7I%& "orry,7 Be$ "aid afer (arin $ad c!o"ed $e in"u!aed door be-
d
$ind $e&' 7I didn% know $a I wa"n "uppo"e o ouc$ $o"e bo+e"'7
A $a &o&en Ric$ard appeared in $e doorway' (arin ordered $i&
o-er, $en an#ri!y re!aed $ow $e%d cau#$ Be$ $and!in# $i" re"earc$ cu!-
ure"'
Ric$ard aced a" up"e a" (arin w$en $e $eard' Turnin# o Be$, $e
de&anded o know w$y "$e wou!d do "uc$ a $in#' 4e wondered
w$e$er $ey weren% #i-in# $er enou#$ work o do'
7No one o!d &e no o ouc$ $e&,7 Be$ proe"ed' *$e wa" a#ain
c!o"e o ear"' *$e $aed confronaion" and $ad a!ready wea$ered a pre-
-iou" one on!y $our" ear!ier'
7No one o!d you o $and!e $e& ei$er,7 Ric$ard "napped'
72id $a 2r' *ap!eon pu you up o $i"?7 (arin de&anded'
Be$ $e"iaed, no knowin# $ow o re"pond' A" far a" (arin wa" con-
cerned $er $e"iaion wa" incri&inain#' 7I $ou#$ a" &uc$,7 $e "napped'
74e probab!y e-en o!d you abou $i" prepo"erou" idea $a $e p!a#ue
ca"e" and $e o$er" were "ared on purpo"e'7
7I o!d $i& I wa"n% "uppo"ed o a!k wi$ $i&,7 Be$ cried'
7Bu a!k $e did,7 (arin "aid' 7And ob-iou"!y you !i"ened' =e!!, I%&
no #oin# o "and for i' <ou are fired, (i"" 4o!derne""' Take your
$in#" and #e ou' I don% wan o "ee your face a#ain'7 Be$ "puered a
proe" and wi$ i ca&e ear"'
7Cryin# i" no #oin# o #e you anyw$ere,7 (arin "pa ou' 7Nor are
e+cu"e"' <ou &ade your c$oice, now !i-e wi$ $e con"e>uence"' Ge ou'7
Twin reac$ed acro"" $e "carred de"k and $un# up $e p$one' 4i" rea!
na&e wa" (ar-in T$o&a"' 4e%d #oen $e nickna&e 7Twin7 becau"e
$e%d $ad an idenica! win' No one $ad been ab!e o e!! $e wo of $e&
apar uni! one of $e& #o ki!!ed in a proraced di"a#ree&en beween
$e B:ack 6in#" and a #an# fro& $e 3a" ,i!!a#e o-er crack erriorie"'
Twin !ooked acro"" $e de"k a .$i!' .$i! wa" a!! and "kinny and
$ard!y i&po"in#, bu $e $ad brain"' I $ad been $i" brain", no $i" bra-ado
or &u"c!e", $a $ad cau"ed Twin o e!e-ae $i& o nu&ber-wo &an in
$e #an#' 4e $ad been $e on!y per"on o know w$a o do wi$ a!! $e
dru# &oney $ey%d been rakin# in' )p uni! .$i! ook o-er, $ey%d been
buryin# $e #reenback" in .,C pipe in $e ba"e&en of Twin%" ene&en'
7I don% under"and $e"e peop!e,7 Twin "aid' 7Apparen!y $a $onky
docor didn% #e our &e""a#e, and $e%" been ou doin# :u" w$a $e
da&ned we!! p!ea"e"' Can you be!ie-e i? I $i $a "ucker wi$ :u" abou
e-ery$in# I #o, and $ree day" !aer $e%" #i-in# u" $e fin#er' I don% ca!!
$a re"pec, no way'7
7T$e peop!e wan u" o a!k o $i& a#ain?7 .$i! a"ked' 4e%d been on
$e -i"i o :ack%" apar&en and wine""ed $ow $ard Twin $ad $i $e
&an'
7Beer $an $a,7 Twin "aid' 7T$ey wan u" o ice $e ba"ard' =$y
$ey didn% $a-e u" do i $e fir" i&e i" anybody%" #ue""' T$ey%re offer-
in# u" fi-e bi# one"'7 Twin !au#$ed' 7Cunny $in# i", I wou!d $a-e done
i for no$in#' =e can% $a-e peop!e i#norin# u"' =e%d be ou of bu"ine""'7
7*$ou!d we "end Re#ina!d?7 .$i! a"ked'
7=$o e!"e?7 Twin >ue"ioned' 7T$i" i" $e kind of aci-iy $e !o-e"'7
.$i! #o o $i" fee and #round ou $i" ci#aree' 4e !ef $e office and
wa!ked down $e !ier-"rewn $a!!way o $e fron roo&, w$ere a $a!f
do;en &e&ber" were p!ayin# card"' Ci#aree "&oke $un# $ea-i!y in
$e air'
74ey, Re#ina!d,7 .$i! ca!!ed ou' 7<ou up for "o&e acion?7
Re#ina!d #!anced up fro& $i" card"' 4e ad:u"ed $e oo$pick pro-
rudin# fro& $i" &ou$' 7I depend",7 $e "aid'
7I $ink you%d !ike $i" one,7 .$i! "aid' 7Ci-e bi# one" o do away wi$
$e docor w$o"e bike you #o'7
74ey, &an, I%!! do i,7 BJ "aid' BJ wa" $e nickna&e for Bruce Jeffer-
"on' 4e wa" a "ocky fe!!ow wi$ $i#$" a" $ick a" .$i!%" wai"' 4e%d a!"o
been on $e -i"i o Jack%"'
7Twin wan" Re#ina!d,7 .$i! "aid'
Re#ina!d "ood up and o""ed $i" card" on $e ab!e' 7I $ad a crap $and
anyway,7 $e "aid' 4e fo!!owed .$i! back o $e office'
72id .$i! e!! you $e "ory?7 Twin a"ked w$en $ey enered'
7Ju" $a $e docor #oe",7 .$i! "aid' 7And fi-e bi# one" for u"' Any-
$in# e!"e?7
7<ea$,7 Twin "aid' 7<ou #oa do a w$ie c$ick oo' (i#$ a" we!! do
$er fir"' 4ere%" $e addre""'7
Twin $anded o-er a "crap of paper wi$ Be$ 4o!derne""%" na&e and
addre"" wrien on i'
7<ou care $ow I do $e"e $onkie"?7 Re#ina!d a"ked'
7I cou!dn% care !e"",7 Twin "aid' 7Ju" be "ure you #e rid of $e&'7
7I%d !ike o u"e $e new &ac$ine pi"o!,7 Re#ina!d "aid' 4e "&i!ed wi$
$e oo$pick "i!! "uck in $e corner of $i" &ou$'
7I%!! be #ood o "ee if i%" wor$ $e &oney we paid for i,7 Twin "aid'
Twin opened up one of $e de"k drawer" and wi$drew a new Tec pi"-
o!' I "i!! $ad "o&e packin# #rea"e on $e $and!e' 4e #a-e $e #un a "$o-e
acro"" $e de"k' Re#ina!d "napped i up before i #o o $e ed#e' 73n:oy
your"e!f,7 Twin added'
7I inend o,7 Re#ina!d "aid'
Re#ina!d &ade i a poin ne-er o "$ow any e&oion, bu $a didn%
&ean $e didn% fee! i' A" $e wa!ked ou of $e bui!din#, $i" &ood wa"
"oarin#' 4e !o-ed $i" kind of work'
4e un!ocked $ % % %
e dri-er "-"Ide door of $i" :e-b:ack Ca&aro and "!ipped
in be$ind $e w$ee!' 4e pu $e Tec pi"o! on $e pa""en#er "ea and co--
ered i wi$ a new"paper' A" "oon a" $e &oor wa" $u&&in#, $e urned
on $i" ape deck and pu"$ed in $i" curren fa-orie rap ca""ee' T$e car
$ad a "ound "y"e& $a wa" $e en-y of $e #an#' I $ad enou#$ "ub-
woofer power o !oo"en cera&ic i!e in w$ae-er nei#$bor$ood Re#ina!d
crui"ed'
=i$ one !a" #!ance a Be$ 4o!derne""%" addre"" and wi$ $i" $ead
bobbin# wi$ $e &u"ic, Re#ina!d pu!!ed away fro& $e curb and $eaded
upown'
Be$ $adn% #one direc!y $o&e' In $er di"re""ed "ae, "$e needed o a!k
wi$ "o&eone' *$e%d "opped a a friend%" $ou"e and e-en $ad $ad a #!a""
of wine' Afer a!kin# $e "iuaion o-er, "$e fe! "o&ew$a beer, bu wa"
"i!! depre""ed' *$e cou!dn% be!ie-e "$e%d been fired' T$ere wa" a!"o $e
#nawin# po""ibi!iy $a "$e%d "u&b!ed ono "o&e$in# "i#nifican in $e
incubaor'
Be$ !i-ed in a fi-e-"ory ene&en on 3a" 3i#$y-$ird *ree beween
Cir" and *econd A-enue"' I wa"n% $e #reae" nei#$bor$ood, bu i
wa"n% bad ei$er' T$e on!y prob!e& wa" $a $er bui!din# wa" no one
of $e be"' T$e !and!ord did $e !ea" po""ib!e in er&" of repair, and $ere
wa" a!way" roub!e wi$ "o&e$in#' A" Be$ arri-ed, "$e "aw $ere wa"
a new prob!e&' T$e ouer fron door $ad been "prun# open wi$ a crow-
bar' Be$ "i#$ed' I $ad $appened before and i $ad aken $ree &on$"
for $e !and!ord o fi+ i'
Cor "e-era! &on$" Be$ $ad been inendin# o &o-e ou of $e bui!d-
in#, and $ad been "a-in# $er &oney for a depo"i on a new apar&en'
Now $a "$e wa" ou of work, "$e%d $a-e o dip ino $er "a-in#"' *$e
probab!y cou!dn% &o-e, a !ea" no for $e fore"eeab!e fuure'
A" "$e c!i&bed $e !a" f!i#$ of "air" "$e o!d $er"e!f $a a" bad a"
$in#" "ee&ed, $ey cou!d be wor"e' *$e re&inded $er"e!f $a a !ea" "$e
wa" $ea!$y'
Ou"ide of $er door, Be$ fu&b!ed wi$ $e c!uer in $e dep$" of $er
pur"e o find $er apar&en key, w$ic$ "$e kep "eparae fro& $e bui!d-
in# key' 4er idea wa" $a if "$e !o" one, "$e wou!dn% nece""ari!y !o"e
$e o$er'
Cina!!y co&in# up wi$ $e key, "$e !e $er"e!f ino $er apar&en' *$e
c!o"ed and !ocked $e door, a" wa" $er $abi' Afer akin# off $er coa and
$an#in# i up, Be$ a#ain "earc$ed $rou#$ $er pur"e for Jack *ap!eron%"
card' =$en "$e found i, "$e "a on $e couc$ and #a-e $i& a ca!!'
A!$ou#$ i wa" afer "e-en, Be$ ca!!ed $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office'
An operaor o!d $er $a 2r' *ap!eon $ad !ef for $e day' Turnin# $e
card o-er, "$e ried Jack%" $o&e nu&ber' *$e #o $i" an"werin# &ac$ine'
72r' *ap!eon,7 Be$ "aid afer Jack%" beep "ounded' 7T$i" i" Be$
4o!derne""' I $a-e "o&e$in# o e!! you'7 Be$ c$oked back ear" fro& a
"udden "ur#e of e&oion' *$e con"idered $an#in# up o co!!ec $er"e!f, bu
in"ead "$e c!eared $er $roa and coninued $a!in#!y/ 7I $a-e o a!k wi$
you' I did find "o&e$in#' )nforunae!y I wa" a!"o fired' *o p!ea"e ca!!'7
Be$ depre""ed $e di"connec and $en $un# up $e p$one' Cor a "ec-
ond "$e debaed ca!!in# back o de"cribe w$a "$e found, bu "$e decided
a#ain" i' *$e%d wai for Jack o ca!! $er'
Be$ wa" abou o "and up w$en a re&endou" cra"$ "$ocked $er ino
co&p!ee i&&obi!iy' T$e door o $er apar&en $ad bur" open, and i
"!a&&ed back a#ain" $e wa!! $ard enou#$ o dri-e $e doorknob ino
$e p!a"er' T$e deadbo! $a "$e%d fe! "o "ecure abou $ad "p!inered $e
door:a&b a" if $e :a&b $ad been &ade of ba!"a wood'
A fi#ure "ood on $e $re"$o!d !ike a &a#ician appearin# ou of a c!oud
of "&oke' 4e wa" dre""ed fro& $ead o foo in b:ack !ea$er' 4e #!anced
a Be$, $en urned and yanked $e door c!o"ed' Fuie reurned o $e
apar&en wi$ $e "a&e "uddenne"" a" $e e+p!o"i-e cra"$' A $e &o-
&en on!y $e &uff!ed "ound of a T, in a nei#$borin# apar&en cou!d
be $eard'
If Be$ cou!d $a-e en-i"ioned $i" "iuaion "$e wou!d $a-e $ou#$
"$e%d "crea& or f!ee or bo$, bu "$e didn% do ei$er' *$e%d been para-
!y;ed' *$e%d e-en been $o!din# $er brea$, w$ic$ "$e now !e ou wi$
an audib!e "i#$'
T$e &an ad-anced oward $er' 4i" face wa" e+pre""ion!e""' A oo$-
pick :auni!y "uck ou of $i" &ou$' In $i" !ef $and $e brandi"$ed $e
!ar#e" pi"o! Be$ $ad e-er "een' I" a&&uniion c!ip proruded down
a!&o" a foo'
T$e &an "opped direc!y in fron of Be$' 4e didn% "ay a word' In-
"ead $e "!ow!y rai"ed $e pi"o! and poined i a $er fore$ead' Be$
c!o"ed $er eye"'''
Jack e+ied $e "ubway a 1B0rd *ree and :o##ed nor$' T$e wea$er
wa" fine and $e e&peraure rea"onab!e' 4e e+peced a bi# urnou a
$e p!ay#round, and $e wa"n% di"appoined' =arren "aw $i& $rou#$
$e c$ain-!ink fence and o!d $i& o #e $i" a"" in #ear and #e o-er $ere'
Jack :o##ed $e re" of $e way $o&e' A" $e approac$ed $i" bui!din#,
$ou#$" of Criday ni#$ and $i" unin-ied -i"ior" unwe!co&e!y enered
$i" &ind' 4a-in# been a $e Genera! $a day and $a-in# been di"co--
ered, Jack $ou#$ i wa" -ery po""ib!e $a $e B:ack 6in#" wou!d be
back' If $ey were, Jack waned o know abou i'
In"ead of #oin# in $e fron door, Jack de"cended a few "ep" and
wa!ked down a dank unne! $a conneced $e fron and $e back of $i"
bui!din#' I reeked of urine' 4e e&er#ed in $e backyard, w$ic$ !ooked
!ike a :unkyard' In $e $a!f-!i#$ $e cou!d &ake ou $e wi"ed re&ain"
of di"carded bed"prin#", broken baby carria#e", ba!d car ire", and o$er
unwaned ra"$'
A#ain" $e back of $e bui!din# wa" a fire e"cape' I didn% de"cend a!!
$e way o $e #round' T$e !a" "e#&en wa" a &ea! !adder wi$ a ce-
&en counerwei#$' By urnin# o-er a #arba#e can and "andin# on i"
ba"e, Jack wa" ab!e o reac$ up and #rab $e !owe" run#' A" "oon a" $e
pu $i" wei#$ on i, i ca&e down wi$ a c!aer'
Jack c!i&bed up $e !adder' =$en $e "epped off ono $e #rae of $e
fir" !andin#, $e !adder reraced o i" ori#ina! po"iion wi$ e>ua!
c!a&or' Jack "ood "i!! for a few &inue" o be "ure $a $e din didn%
di"urb anyone' =$en no one "uck $eir $ead ou of a window o co&-
p!ain, Jack coninued c!i&bin#'
On eac$ f!oor Jack $ad a&p!e opporuniy o #!ance in a $e -ariou"
do&e"ic "cene", bu $e a""iduou"!y a-oided doin# "o' I wa"n% prey'
=$en $e "aw i c!o"e-up, Jack found rue po-ery ener-ain#' Jack a!"o
kep $i" eye" e!e-aed o a-oid !ookin# down' 4e%d a!way" been afraid of
$ei#$", and c!i&bin# $e fire e"cape wa" a e" of $i" foriude'
A" Jack approac$ed $i" own f!oor $e "!owed down' T$e fire e"cape
"er-iced bo$ $i" kic$en window and $i" bedroo& window, bo$ of
w$ic$ were ab!a;e wi$ !i#$' =$en $e%d !ef $a &ornin#, $e%d !ef a!!
$e !i#$" on'
Jack "id!ed up o $e kic$en window fir" and peered in' T$e roo&
wa" e&py' A #roupin# of frui $e%d !ef on $e ab!e wa" undi"urbed'
Cro& w$ere $e wa" "andin# $e cou!d a!"o "ee $rou#$ o $i" door o $e
co&&on $a!!' 4i" repair wa" "i!! in p!ace' T$e door $ad no been forced
open'
(o-in# o $e "econd window, Jack &ade "ure $a $e bedroo& wa"
a" $e%d !ef i' *ai"fied, $e opened $e window and c!i&bed in' 4e knew
$e%d been akin# a c$ance !ea-in# $e bedroo& window un!ocked, bu
$e $ou#$ i wor$ $e ri"k' Once in"ide $i" apar&en, $e &ade a rapid
fina! c$eck' I wa" e&py wi$ no "i#n of any une+peced -i"ior" $a-in#
been $ere'
Jack >uick!y c$an#ed ino $i" ba"keba!! #ear and e+ied $e "a&e way
$e%d enered' Gi-en $i" acrop$obia, de"cen wa" &ore difficu! $an a"-
cen, bu Jack forced $i&"e!f o do i' )nder $e circu&"ance", $e
wa"n% wi!d abou "eppin# ou of $i" fron door unproeced'
=$en Jack #o o $e "ree end of $e unne!, $e pau"ed in $e "$ad-
ow" o -iew $e area i&&ediae!y in fron of $i" bui!din#' 4e wa" par-
icu!ar!y concerned abou "eein# any #roup" of &en "iin# in car"' =$en
$e wa" rea"onab!y confiden $ere were no $o"i!e #an# &e&ber" wai-
in# for $i&, $e :o##ed down o $e p!ay#round'
)nforunae!y, durin# $e i&e $e%d aken o c!i&b up and down $e
fire e"cape and c$an#e c!o$e" $e crowd a $e p!ay#round $ad "we!!ed'
I ook Jack e-en !on#er $an u"ua! o #e ino $e #a&e, and w$en $e
did, $e ended up on a co&parai-e!y poor ea&'
A!$ou#$ Jack%" "$o wa" on, paricu!ar!y $i" !on# :u&per, $i" ea&-
&ae"% weren%' T$e #a&e wa" a rou, o =arron%" de!i#$D $i" ea& $ad
been winnin# a!! ni#$'
2i"#u"ed wi$ $i" !uck, Jack wen o $e "ide!ine" and picked up $i"
"wea"$ir' .u!!in# i o-er $i" $ead, $e "ared for $e #ae'
74ey, &an, you !ea-in# a!ready?7 =arren ca!!ed ou' 7Co&e on, "ick
around' =e%!! !e you win one of $e"e day"'7 =arren #uffawed' 4e
wa"n% bein# a bad "porD ridicu!in# $e defeaed wa" par of $e acceped
p!ay#round be$a-ior' 3-erybody did i and e-erybody e+peced i'
7I don% &ind #ein# w$ipped if i%" by a decen ea&,7 Jack "$o back'
7Bu !o"in# o a bunc$ of pan"ie" i" e&barra""in#'7
7O$$$$,7 =arren%" ea&&ae" crooned' Jack%" reor $ad been a #ood
one'
=arren "rued o-er o :ack and "uck $i" inde+ fin#er ino Jack%"
c$e"' an"Ie", $u$?7 $e "aid' e!! you w$a' (y fi-e wou!d de-a"ae
7. % 7I
any fi-e you cou!d pu o#e$er ri#$ now8 <ou pick, we p!ay'7
:ack%" eye" "wep around $e cour' 3-erybody wa" !ookin# in $eir di-
recion' Jack con"idered $e c$a!!en#e and wei#$ed $e p!u"e" and $e &i-
nu"e"' Cir" of a!!, $e waned &ore e+erci"e "o $e did wan o p!ay, and
$e knew $a =arren cou!d &ake i $appen'
A $e "a&e i&e, Jack under"ood $a pickin# four peop!e ou of $e
crowd wou!d irriae $e one" $e didn% pick' T$e"e were peop!e Jack $ad
been pain"akin#!y cu!i-ain# o-er $e pa" &on$" o accep $i&' Be-
yond $a, $e peop!e w$o were "uppo"ed o $a-e winner" wou!d be e"-
pecia!!y -e+ed, no a =arren, w$o wa" in"u!aed fro& "uc$ e&oion, bu
a Jack' Con"iderin# a!! $e an#!e", :ack decided i wa"n% wor$ i' 7I%&
#oin# runnin# in $e park,7 Jack
"aid'
4a-in# be"ed :ack%" reor and wi!!in# o accep Jack%" refu"a! o &ee
$i" c$a!!en#e a" ano$er -icory, =arren bowed in reco#niion of $i"
ea&%" c$eerin#' 4e $i#$-ri-ed wi$ one of $e& and $en "wa##ered
back ono $e cour' 75e%" run87 $e ye!!ed'
:ack "&i!ed o $i&"e!f, $inkin# $ow &uc$ $e dyna&ic" of $e p!ay-
#round ba"keba!! cour re-ea!ed abou curren inra-ciy "ociey' ,a#ue!y
$e wondered if any p"yc$o!o#i" $ad e-er $ou#$ abou "udyin# i fro&
an acade&ic poin of -iew' 4e $ou#$ i wou!d be fruifu! indeed'
Jack "epped $rou#$ $e c$ain-!ink #ae ono $e "idewa!k and "ared
:o##in#' 4e ran due ea"' A$ead, a $e end of $e b!ock $e cou!d "ee $e
dark "i!$ouee" of :a##ed rock" and !eaf!e"" ree"' 4e knew $a in a few
&inue" $e%d !ea-e be$ind $e bu"!e of $e ciy and ener $e p!acid in-
erior of Cenra! .ark' I wa" $i" fa-orie p!ace o run'
Re#ina!d $ad been "y&ied' T$ere wa" no way $e cou!d $a-e wa!ked ou
ino a p!ay#round in a $o"i!e nei#$bor$ood' 4a-in# found $e doc p!ay-
in# b-ba!!, $e%d re"i#ned $i&"e!f o waiin# in $i" Ca&aro' 4i" $ope wa"
$a :ack wou!d "eparae $i&"e!f fro& $e crowd, per$ap" by $eadin# for
one of $e nearby de!i" for a drink'
=$en $e%d "een :ack >ui $e #a&e and pu!! on $i" "weaer, $e%d been
encoura#ed enou#$ o reac$ under $e new"paper and "nap $e "afey off
$e Tec' Bu $en $e $eard =arren%" c$a!!en#e and wa" "ure $e%d be "i-
in# $rou#$ a !ea" ano$er #a&e'
4e wa" wron#' To $i" de!i#$, a few &inue" !aer Lack ca&e ou of
$e p!ay#round' Bu $e didn% $ead we" in $e direcion of $e "$op" a"
Re#ina!d $ad anicipaed' In"ead $e $eaded ea"8
Cur"in# under $i" brea$, Re#ina!d $ad o &ake a )-urn ri#$ in $e
&idd!e of a!! $e raffic' A cabdri-er co&p!ained bier!y by !eanin# on
$i" $orn' I wa" a!! Re#ina!d cou!d do o keep fro& reac$in# for $e Tec'
T$e cabdri-er wa" one of $o"e #uy" fro& $e Car 3a" w$o& Re#ina!d
wou!d $a-e !o-ed o "urpri"e wi$ a coup!e of bur""'
Re#ina!d%" di"appoin&en urned back o de!i#$ w$en $e beca&e
aware of Jack%" de"inaion' A" Jack "prined acro"" Cenra! .ark =e",
Re#ina!d >uick!y parked' 5eapin# fro& $e car, $e #rabbed $e Tec
a!on# wi$ $e new"paper' Crad!in# $e packa#e in $i" $and", $e, oo,
da"$ed acro"" Cenra! .ark =e", dod#in# $e raffic'
A $a poin an enrance o $e park%" =e" 2ri-e coninued ea"ward
ino $e park' Nearby wa" a "weepin# "one "airway $a ro"e up around
a rocky oucroppin#' 5a&ppo"" paria!!y !i $e wa!kway before i di"-
appeared ino $e b:ackne""'
Re#ina!d "ared up $e "air" w$ere $e%d "een Jack #o "econd" ear!ier'
Re#ina!d wa" p!ea"ed' 4e cou!dn% be!ie-e $i" !uck' In fac, c$a"in# $i"
prey ino $e dark, de"ered park wa" &akin# $e :ob a!&o" oo ea"y'
Cro& Jack%" poin of -iew a $a &o&en $e park%" de"o!ae darkne""
wa" &ore a "ource of co&for $an unea"ine"", un!ike w$en $e%d cro""ed
$e park on $i" bike Criday ni#$' 4e fe! con"o!aion in $e fac $a a!-
$ou#$ $i" -i"ion wa" $a&pered, "o wa" e-eryone e!"e%"' 4e fir&!y be-
!ie-ed if $e B:ack 6in#" were o $ara"" $i& i wou!d be in and around
$i" apar&en'
T$e errain w$ere Jack%" run be#an wa" "urpri"in#!y $i!!y and rocky'
T$e area wa" ca!!ed $e Grea 4i!! for #ood rea"on' 4e wa" fo!!owin# an
a"p$a! wa!kway $a wi"ed, urned, and unne!ed benea$ $e !eaf!e""
branc$e" of $e "urroundin# ree"' T$e !i#$" fro& $e !a&ppo"" i!!u-
&inaed $e branc$e" in an eerie fa"$ion, #i-in# $e i&pre""ion $e park
wa" co-ered by a #ian "pider%" web'
A!$ou#$ $e fe! winded a fir", Jack "e!ed ino a co&forab!e pace
and be#an o re!a+' =i$ $e ciy ou of -iew, $e $ad a c$ance o $ink &ore
c!ear!y' 4e be#an o wonder if $i" cru"ade wa" ba"ed on $i" $ared for
A&eriCare, a" C$e and Bin#$a& $ad i&p!ied' Cro& $i" pre"en per-
"peci-e Jack $ad o a#ree i wa" po""ib!e' Afer a!!, $e idea of $e inen-
iona! "pread of $e four di"ea"e" wa" i&p!au"ib!e if no prepo"erou"' And
if $e found $e peop!e a $e Genera! defen"i-e, &aybe $e%d &ade $e&
re"pond $a way' A" Bin#$a& $ad re&inded $i&/ Jack cou!d be abra"i-e'
In $e &idd!e of $i" &u"in#" Jack beca&e aware of a new "ound $a
coincided wi$ $i" own foofa!!"' I wa" a &ea!!ic c!ick, a" if $i" ba"ke-
ba!! "$oe" $ad $ee!-"a-er"' .erp!e+ed, Jack a!ered $i" pace' T$e "ound
wen ou of "ync for a &o&en bu $en #radua!!y &er#ed back'
Jack $a;arded a #!ance be$ind $i&' =$en $e did, $e "aw a fi#ure run-
nin# in $i" direcion and c!o"in#' A $e &o&en Jack "poed $e fi#ure,
$e &an wa" pa""in# under a !a&ppo"' Jack cou!d "ee $e wa" no dre""ed
a" a :o##er' In fac, $e wa" wearin# b:ack !ea$er, and in $i" $and $e bran-
di"$ed a #un8
Jack%" $ear !eaped in $i" c$e"' Aided by an adrena!ine ru"$, $e pu
on a bur" of "peed' Be$ind $i& $e cou!d $ear $i" pur"uer do !ikewi"e'
Jack franica!!y ried o fi#ure $e fa"e" way ou of $e park' If $e wa"
ab!e o #e a&on# raffic and o$er peop!e $e &i#$ $a-e a c$ance' A!! $e
knew for "ure wa" $a $e c!o"e" way o $e ciy wa" $rou#$ $e fo!ia#e
o $i" ri#$' 4e $ad no idea $ow far' I cou!d $a-e been a $undred fee
or a $undred yard"'
*en"in# $i" pur"uer wa" "ayin# wi$ $i& and per$ap" e-en #ainin#,
Jack -eered ri#$ and p!un#ed ino $e fore"' =i$in $e wood" i wa"
con"iderab!y darker $an on $e wa!kway' Jack cou!d bare!y "ee w$ere
$e wa" #oin# a" $e "u&b!ed up a "eep #rade' 4e wa" in a fu!! panic,
cra"$in# o-er underbru"$ and "cra&b!in# $rou#$ den"e e-er#reen"'
T$e $i!! !e-e!ed off a $e "u&&i and Jack bur" $rou#$ o an area
wi$ con"iderab!y !e"" under#row$' I wa" :u" a" dark, bu $ere were
on!y dead !ea-e" o conend wi$ a" $e ran beween $e c!o"e!y "paced ree
runk"'
4appenin# upon a &a""i-e oak ree, Jack "!ipped be$ind and !eaned
a#ain" i" rou#$ "urface' 4e wa" brea$in# $ard' 4e ried o conro! $i"
panin# o !i"en' A!! $e cou!d $ear wa" $e "ound of di"an raffic $a
re-erberaed !ike $e &uff!ed roar of a waerfa!!' On!y occa"iona! car
$orn" and undu!ain# "iren" puncuaed $e ni#$'
Jack "ayed be$ind $e broad runk of $e oak for "e-era! &inue"'
4earin# no &ore foofa!!", $e pu"$ed off $e ree and coninued $eadin#
we"' Now $e &o-ed "!ow!y and a" "i!en!y a" po""ib!e, nud#in# $i" fee
forward in $e !ea-e" o keep $e noi"e down' 4i" $ear wa" racin#'
Jack%" foo $i up a#ain" "o&e$in# "of, and o $i" $orror i "ee&ed
o e+p!ode in fron of $i&' Cor a "econd Jack $ad no idea w$a wa" $ap-
penin#' =i$ #rea co&&oion a p$ano& fi#ure "wa$ed in ra#" !urc$ed
ou of $e #round a" if re"urrecin# i"e!f fro& $e dead' T$e creaure
w$ir!ed abou !ike a der-i"$, f!ai!in# a $e air and "$ouin# 7Ba"ard"7
o-er and o-er a#ain'
In"an!y ano$er fi#ure !oo&ed up a" we!!, e>ua!!y franic' 7<ou%re no
#onna #e our "$oppin# car,7 $e "econd &an ye!!ed' 7=e%!! ki!! you fir"'7
Jack $ad on!y &ana#ed o ake a "in#!e "ep backward w$en $e fir"
fi#ure $rew $i&"e!f a $i&, "&o$erin# $i& wi$ a wrec$ed "enc$ and
ineffecua! b!ow"' Jack ried o pu"$ $i& away, bu $e &an reac$ed up
and drew $i" fin#ernai!" down Jack%" face'
Jack &ar"$a!ed $i" "ren#$ o rid $i&"e!f of $i" feid -a#ran w$o
c!un# o $i" c$e"' Before Jack cou!d "$ake $i& !oo"e, a bur" of #unfire
"$aered $e ni#$' Jack fe! $i&"e!f "prayed wi$ f!uid a" $e ra&p
"iffened, $en co!!ap"ed forward' Jack $ad o pu"$ $i& a"ide o keep fro&
bein# knocked o-er backward'
T$e o$er -a#ran%" keenin# brou#$ for$ a "econd bur" of #unfire'
4i" wai!" of #rief were cu off "udden!y wi$ a #ur#!e'
4a-in# "een $e direcion fro& w$ic$ $e "econd bur" of #unfire $ad
co&e, Jack urned and f!ed in $e oppo"ie direcion' Once a#ain $e wa"
in $ead!on# f!i#$ de"pie $e darkne"" and $e ob"ac!e"' *udden!y $e
#round dropped off, and Jack "u&b!ed down a "eep $i!!"ide, bare!y
keepin# $i" fee under $i& uni! $e p!un#ed ino a den"e under#row$
of -ine" and $ornbu"$e"'
Jack c!awed $i" way $rou#$ $e $ick bu"$e" uni! $e bur" ou ono
a wa!kway wi$ "uc$ "uddenne"", $e fe!! o $i" $and" and knee"' A$ead
$e cou!d "ee a f!i#$ of di&!y !i, #ranie "air"' *cra&b!in# o $i" fee, $e
da"$ed oward $e "air" and ook $e& wo a a i&e' A" $e neared $e
op a "in#!e "$o ran# ou' A bu!!e ricoc$eed off $e "one o Jack%" ri#$
and w$ined off ino $e ni#$'
Tryin# o duck and wea-e, Jack reac$ed $e op of $e "air" and
e&er#ed ono a errace' A founain $a $ad been urned off for $e win-
er "ood e&py in i" cener' T$ree "ide" of $e errace were enc!o"ed by
an arcade' In $e cener of $e rear arcade wa" ano$er "one "airway !ead-
in# o ano$er !e-e!'
:ack $eard $e rapid &ea!!ic c!ick" of $i" pur"uer%" "$oe" "ar up $e
"one "airway be$ind $i&' 4e wou!d be $ere in an in"an' Jack knew
$e $ad no i&e o &ake i o $e "econd "airway, "o $e ran ino $e ine-
rior of $e arcade' =i$in $e arc$ed "pace $e darkne"" wa" co&p!ee'
:ack ad-anced b!ind!y by $o!din# $i" $and" ou in fron of $i&'
T$e poundin# foofa!!" on $e fir" "airway abrup!y "opped' :ack
knew $i" pur"uer $ad reac$ed $e errace' Jack coninued forward, &o--
in# fa"er, $eadin# for $e "econd run of "air"' To $i" $orror $e co!!ided
in $e b:ackne"" wi$ a &ea! ra"$ can' T$e noi"e wa" !oud and un&i"-
akab!e a" $e can ipped o-er and ro!!ed o a "op' A!&o" i&&ediae!y
a bur" of #unfire "ounded' T$e bu!!e" enered $e arcade and ricoc$eed
wi!d!y off $e #ranie wa!!"' :ack !ay fia, c!a"pin# $i" ar&" o-er $i" $ead
uni! $e fina! "$e!! w$ined off ino $e ni#$'
*andin# up a#ain, Jack coninued forward, &ore "!ow!y $i" i&e'
=$en $e reac$ed $e corner $e encounered &ore ob"ac!e"/ bo!e" and
beer can" were "rewn on $e f!oor wi$ no way for Jack o a-oid $e&'
Jack winced e-ery i&e one of $i" fee "ruck an ob:ec and $e re"u!-
in# noi"e ec$oed in $e arcade' Bu $ere wa" no "oppin#' A$ead a fain
#!ow indicaed w$ere $e "econd "airway ro"e up o $e ne+ !e-e!' A"
"oon a" :ack reac$ed i, $e "ared c!i&bin#, &o-in# &ore >uick!y now
$a $ere wa" !i#$ enou#$ o "ee w$ere o pu $i" fee'
:ack wa" a!&o" o $e op w$en a "$arp, au$oriai-e co&&and ran#
ou in $e "i!!ne""'
74ey, &an, $o!d up or you%re #one87
Jack cou!d e!! fro& $e "ound of $e &an%" -oice $a $e wa" a $e
foo of $e "air"' A $a ran#e :ack $ad no c$oice' 4e "opped'
7Turn around87
Jack did a" $e wa" o!d' 4e cou!d "ee $a $i" pur"uer $ad a $u#e pi"-
o! !e-e!ed a $i&'
7Re&e&ber &e? I%& Re#ina!d'7
7I re&e&ber you,7 Jack "aid'
7Co&e down $ere87 Re#ina!d ordered in beween brea$"' 7I%& no
c!i&bin# ano$er "air for you' No way'7
:ack de"cended "!ow!y' =$en $e #o o $e $ird "air $e "opped' T$e
on!y !i#$ wa" a "uffu"ed #!ow fro& $e "urroundin# ciy ref!eced off $e
c!oud co-er' :ack cou!d bare!y &ake ou $e &an%" feaure"' 4i" eye" ap-
peared o be boo&!e"" $o!e"'
7(an, you #o ba!!",7 Re#ina!d "aid' *!ow!y $e !e $i" $and $o!din# $e
Tec pi"o! fa!! uni! i wa" dan#!in# a $i" "ide' 7And you%re in "$ape' I
#oa $and you $a'7
7=$a do you wan fro& &e?7 :ack a"ked' 7=$ae-er i i" you can
$a-e i'7
74ey, I%& no e+pecin# any$in#,7 Re#ina!d "aid'7 %Cau"e I can e!!
you ain% #o &uc$' Cerain!y no in $o"e $read", and I%-e a!ready been
o $a "$i$o!e apar&en of your"' To be $one", I%& :u" "uppo"ed o
ice you' =ord $a" i you didn% ake Twin%" reco&&endaion'7
7I%11 pay you,7 :ack "aid' 7=$ae-er you%re bein# paid o do $i", I%!!
pay you &ore'7
7*ound" inere"in#,7 Re#ina!d "aid' 7Bu I can% dea!' O$erwi"e I%d
$a-e o an"wer o Twin, and you cou!dn% pay &e enou#$ o ake on $a
kind of "$i' No way'7
7T$en e!! &e w$o%" payin# you,7 Jack "aid' 7Ju" "o I know'7
74ey, o e!! you $e ru$, I don% e-en know,7 Re#ina!d "aid' 7A!! I
know i" $a $e &oney%" #ood' =e%re #ein# fi-e bi# one" :u" for &e o
c$a"e you around $e park for fifeen &inue"' I%d "ay $a%" no bad'7
7I%11 pay a $ou"and,7 :ack "aid' 4e wa" de"perae o keep Re#ina!d
a!kin#'
7*orry,7 Re#ina!d "aid' 7Our !i!e rap i" o-er and your nu&ber%" up'7
A" "!ow!y a" Re#ina!d $ad !owered $e #un, now $e rai"ed i'
Jack cou!dn% be!ie-e $e wa" #oin# o be "$o a poin-b!ank ran#e by
"o&eone $e didn% know and w$o didn% know $i&' I wa" prepo"erou"'
:ack knew $e $ad o #e Re#ina!d a!kin#, bu a" #!ib a" Jack wa", $e
cou!dn% $ink of any$in# &ore o "ay' 4i" #if for reparee $ad de"ered
$i& a" $e wac$ed $e #un ri"e up o $e poin w$ere $e wa" "arin# di-
rec!y down $e barre!'
7(y bad,7 Re#ina!d "aid' I wa" a co&&en $a :ack under"ood fro&
$i" "ree ba"keba!!' I &ean $a Re#ina!d wa" akin# re"pon"ibi!iy for
w$a $e wa" abou o do'
T$e #un fired, and Jack winced ref!e+i-e!y' 3-en $i" eye" c!o"ed' Bu
$e didn% fee! any$in#' T$en $e rea!i;ed $a Re#ina!d wa" oyin# wi$
$i& !ike a ca wi$ a capured &ou"e' Jack opened $i" eye"' A" errori;ed
a" $e fe!, $e wa" deer&ined no o #i-e Re#ina!d any "ai"facion' Bu
w$a $e "aw "$ocked $i&' Re#ina!d $ad di"appeared'
Jack b!inked "e-era! i&e", a" if $e $ou#$ $i" eye" were p!ayin# rick"
on $i&' =$en $e !ooked &ore c!o"e!y $e cou!d :u" &ake ou Re#ina!d%"
body "praw!ed on $e pa-in# "one"' A dark "ain !ike an ocopu"%" ink
wa" "preadin# ou fro& $i" $ead'
Jack "wa!!owed bu didn% &o-e' 4e wa" ran"fi+ed' Ou of $e "$ad-
ow" of $e arcade "epped a &an' 4e wa" wearin# a ba"eba!! $a back-
ward' In $i" $and $e $e!d a pi"o! "i&i!ar o $e one Re#ina!d $ad been
carryin#' 4e wen fir" o Re#ina!d%" #un, w$ic$ $ad "kidded en fee
away, and picked i up' 4e e+a&ined i brief!y, $en $ru" i ino $e op
of $i" rou"er"' 4e "epped o-er o $e dead &an and wi$ $e ip of $i"
foo urned Re#ina!d%" $ead o-er o !ook a $e wound' *ai"fied, $e ben
down and fri"ked $e body uni! $e found a wa!!e' 4e pu!!ed i ou, pock-
eed i, $en "ood up'
75e%" #o, 2oc,7 $e &an "aid'
Jack de"cended $e !a" $ree "ep"' =$en $e #o o $e boo& $e rec-
o#ni;ed $i" re"cuer' I wa" *pi8
7=$a are you doin# $ere?7 Jack a"ked in a forced w$i"per' 4i" $roa
$ad #one bone dry'
7T$i" ain% no i&e for rappin#, &an,7 *pi "aid' 4e $en indu!#ed in
$e ac $a $ad been $e "ource of $i" "obri>ue' 7=e #oa #e $e $e!!
ou of $ere' One of $o"e bu&" back on $e $i!! wa" on!y win#ed, and $e%"
#oin# o $a-e $i" p!ace craw!in# wi$ cop"'7
Cro& $e &o&en *pi%" #un $ad #one off in $e arcade, Jack%" &ind $ad
been "pinnin#' Jack $ad no idea $ow *pi $appened o be $ere a "uc$ a
crucia! i&e, or w$y $e wa" now $u"!in# $i& ou of $e park'
Jack ried o proe"' 4e knew !ea-in# a &urder "cene wa" a fe!ony,
and $ere $ad been wo &urder", no one' Bu *pi wa" no o be di"-
"uaded' In fac, w$en Jack fina!!y "opped runnin# and "ared o e+p!ain
w$y $ey "$ou!dn% f!ee, *pi "!apped $i&' I wa"n% a #en!e "!apD i wa"
a b!ow wi$ -en#eance'
Jack pu $i" $and o $i" face' 4i" "kin wa" $o w$ere $e%d been "ruck'
7=$a $e $e!! are you doin#?7 Jack a"ked'
7Tryin# o knock "o&e "en"e ino you, &an,7 *pi "aid' 7=e #o o #e
our a""e" o-er o A&"erda&' 4ere, you carry $i" &o$er'7 *pi $ru"
Re#ina!d%" &ac$ine pi"o! ino Jack%" $and"'
7=$a a& I "uppo"ed o do wi$ i?7 Jack a"ked' A" far a" $e wa" con-
cerned i wa" a &urder weapon $a "$ou!d be $and!ed wi$ !ae+ #!o-e"
and reaed a" e-idence'
7*ick i under your "weaer,7 *pi "aid' 75e%" #e'7
7*pi, I don% $ink I can run away !ike $i",7 Jack "aid' 7<ou #o if you
&u", and ake $i" $in#'7 Jack e+ended $e #un oward *pi'
*pi e+p!oded' 4e #rabbed Re#ina!d%" #un ou of Jack%" $and and i&-
&ediae!y pre""ed $e barre! a#ain" Jack%" fore$ead' 7<ou%re pi""in# &e
off, &an,7 $e "aid' 7=$a%" $e &aer wi$ you? T$ere "i!! cou!d be "o&e
of $e"e B:ack 6in# a""$o!e" $an#in# around $ere' I e!! you w$a/ If you
don% #e your a"" in #ear I%& #oin# o wa"e you' <ou under"and ? I &ean
I wou!dn% be ou $ere ri"kin# &y b:ack a"" if i $adn% been for =arren
e!!in# &e o do i'7
7=arren ?7 Jack >ue"ioned' 3-ery$in# wa" #ein# oo co&p!icaed'
Bu $e be!ie-ed *pi%" $rea, "o $e didn% ry o >ue"ion $i& fur$er' Jack
knew *pi o be an i&pu!"i-e &an on $e ba"keba!! cour wi$ a >uick
e&per' Jack $ad ne-er been wi!!in# o ar#ue wi$ $i&' 7Are you co&in# or
w$a?7 *pi de&anded'
7I%& co&in#,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& bowin# o your beer :ud#&en'7
72a&n "rai#$,7 *pi "aid' 4e $anded $e &ac$ine pi"o! back o
Jack and #a-e Jack a "$o-e o &o-e ou'
On A&"erda& *pi u"ed a pay p$one w$i!e Jack waied ner-ou"!y'
A!! a once $e ubi>uiou" "iren" $eard in $e di"ance in New <ork Ciy
$ad a new &eanin# for Jack' *o did $e concep of bein# a fe!on' Cor year"
:ack $ad been $inkin# of $i&"e!f a" a -ici&' Now $e wa" $e cri&ina!'
*pi $un# up $e p$one and #a-e Jack a $u&b"%up "i#n' Jack $ad no
idea w$a $e #e"ure &ean, bu $e "&i!ed anyway "ince *pi "ee&ed o
be conen'
5e"" $an fifeen &inue" !aer a !owered &aroon Buick pu!!ed o $e
curb' T$e iner&ien $ud of rap &u"ic cou!d be $eard $rou#$ $e
ined window"' *pi opened $e back door and &oioned for :ack o "!ide
in' Jack co&p!ied' 3-en" were c!ear!y no in $i" conro!'
*pi #a-e a fina! !ook around before c!i&bin# ino $e fron "ea' T$e
car "$o away fro& $e curb'
7=$a%" $appenin#?7 $e dri-er a"ked' 4i" na&e wa" 2a-id' 4e wa"
a!"o a re#u!ar on $e b-ba!! cour'
7A !o of "$i,7 *pi "aid' 4e ro!!ed $i" window down and noi"i!y e+-
pecoraed'
Jack winced eac$ i&e $e ba"" "ounded in one of $e &any "ereo
"peaker"' 4e "!ipped $e &ac$ine pi"o! ou fro& under $i" "weaer' 4a--
in# $e $in# c!o"e o $i" body #a-e $i& a di"inc!y unp!ea"an fee!in#'
7=$a do you wan &e o do wi$ $i"?7 Jack a"ked *pi' 4e $ad o a!k
!oud!y o be $eard o-er $e "ound of $e &u"ic'
*pi "wun# around and ook $e #un' 4e "$owed i o 2a-id, w$o
w$i"!ed in ad&iraion' 7T$a%" $e new &ode!,7 $e co&&ened'
=i$ !i!e a!k $e $ree"o&e dro-e nor$ o 1B1$ *ree and urned
ri#$' 2a-id braked acro"" fro& $e p!ay#round' T$e ba"keba!! #a&e
wa" "i!! in pro#re""'
7=ai $ere,7 *pi "aid' 4e #o ou of $e car and $eaded ino $e p!ay-
#round'
Jack wac$ed *pi a" $e wa!ked o $e ba"keba!! cour and "ood on
$e "ide!ine" a" $e #a&e "wep back and for$ in fron of $i&' Jack wa"
e&ped o a"k 2a-id w$a wa" $appenin#, bu $i" inuiion o!d $i& o
keep "i!!' 3-enua!!y *pi #o =arren%" aenion and =arren "opped $e
#a&e'
Afer a brief con-er"aion durin# w$ic$ *pi pa""ed Re#ina!d%" wa!!e
o =arren, $e wo &en ca&e back o 2a-id%" car' 2a-id !owered $e
window' =arren "uck $i" $ead in and !ooked a Jack' 7=$a $e $e!!
$a-e you been doin#?7 $e de&anded an#ri!y'
7No$in#,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& $e -ici& $ere' =$y be an#ry wi$ &e?7
=arren didn% an"wer' In"ead, $e ran $i" on#ue around $e in"ide of
$i" dry &ou$ w$i!e $e $ou#$' .er"piraion !ined $i" fore$ead' A!! a
once $e "ood up and opened $e door for Jack' 7Ge ou,7 $e "aid' 7=e
$a-e o a!k' 5e%" #o up o your p!ace'7
Jack "!id ou of $e car' 4e ried o !ook =arren in $e eye, bu =ar-
ren a-oided $i" "are' =arren "ared ou acro"" $e "ree, and Jack fo!-
!owed' *pi ca&e be$ind Jack'
T$ey c!i&bed :ack%" "air" in "i!ence'
7<ou #o any$in# o drink ?7 =arren a"ked once $ey were in"ide'
7Gaorade or beer,7 Jack "aid' 4e $ad re"ocked $i" refri#eraor'
7Gaorade,7 =arren "aid' 4e =a!ked o-er o Jack%" couc$ and "a
$ea-i!y'
Jack offered *pi $e "a&e c$oice"' 4e ook beer'
Afer Jack $ad pro-ided $e drink" $e "a in $e c$air oppo"ie $e
couc$' *pi preferred o !ean a#ain" $e de"k'
7I wan o know w$a%" #oin# on,7 =arren "aid'
7<ou and I bo$,7 Jack "aid'
7I don% wan o $ear any "$i,7 =arren "aid'7 %Cau"e you $a-en% been
"rai#$ wi$ &e'7
7=$a do you &ean?7 Jack a"ked'
7*aurday you a"ked &e abou $e B:ack 6in#",7 =arren re&inded
$i&' 7<ou "aid you were :u" curiou"' Now oni#$ one of $o"e &o$-
er" rie" o knock you off' Now I know "o&e$in# abou $o"e !o"er"'
T$ey%re ino dru#" bi# i&e' <ou cac$ &y drif? =$a I wan you o
know i" if you%re &i+ed up wi$ dea!in#, I don% wan you in $i" nei#$-
bor$ood' I%" a" "i&p!e a" $a'7
Jack !e ou a "$or !au#$ of incredu!iy' 7I" $a w$a $i" i" abou?7
$e a"ked' 7<ou $ink I%& dea!in# dru#"?7
%72oc, !i"en o &e,7 =arren "aid' 7<ou%re a "ran#e dude' I ne-er un-
der"ood w$y you%re !i-in# $ere' Bu i%" okay a" !on# a" you don% "crew
up $e nei#$bor$ood' Bu if you%re $ere becau"e of dru#", you #oa re-
$ink your "iuaion'7
Jack c!eared $i" $roa' 4e $en ad&ied o =arren $a $e%d no been
ru$fu! wi$ $i& w$en $e%d a"ked abou $e B:ack 6in#"' 4e o!d $i&
$a $e B:ack 6in#" $ad beaen $i& up, bu $a i in-o!-ed "o&e$in#
concernin# $i" work $a e-en $e didn% oa!!y under"and'
7<ou "ure you%re no dea!in#?7 =arren a"ked a#ain' 4e !ooked a Jack
ou of $e corner of $i" eye'7 %Cau"e if you%re no "rai#$ wi$ &e now
you%re #oin# o be one "orry "$i'7
7I%& bein# enire!y ru$fu!,7 Jack a""ured $i&'
7=e!!, $en you%re a !ucky &an,7 =arren "aid' 74ad 2a-id and *pi
no reco#ni;ed $a dude w$o ca&e crui"in# around $e nei#$bor$ood
in $i" Ca&aro, you%d be $i"ory ri#$ now' *pi "ay" $e wa" fi+in# o b!ow
you away'7
:ack !ooked up a *pi' 7I%& -ery #raefu!,7 $e "aid'
7I wa" no$in#, &an,7 *pi "aid' 7T$a &o$er wa" "o fi+ed on #e-
in# you $a $e ne-er once !ooked be$ind $i&' =e%d been on $i" ai! a!-
&o" $e &o&en $e urned on a 4undred and *i+$'7
Jack rubbed $i" $ead and "i#$ed' On!y now wa" $e ru!y be#innin# o
ca!& down' 7=$a a ni#$,7 $e "aid' 7Bu i%" no o-er' =e%-e #o o #o
o $e po!ice'7
74e!! we do,7 =arren "aid, $i" an#er reurnin#' 7Nobody%" #oin# o
$e po!ice'7
7Bu $ere%" "o&eone dead,7 Jack "aid' 7(aybe wo or $ree, counin#
$o"e $o&e!e"" #uy"'7
7T$ere%!! be four if you #o,7 =arren warned' 75i"en, 2oc, don% #e
your"e!f in-o!-ed in #an# bu"ine"", and $i" $a" beco&e #an# bu"ine""'
T$i" Re#ina!d dude knew $e wa"n% "uppo"ed o be up $ere' No way' I
&ean, we can% $a-e $e& $inkin# $ey can :u" bree;e ino our nei#$-
bor$ood and knock "o&ebody off, e-en if i i" on!y you' Ne+ $ey%d be
icin# one of $e bro$er"' 5ea-e i be, 2oc' T$e po!ice don% #i-e a "$i
anyway' T$ey%re $appy w$en u" bro$er" are knockin# eac$ o$er off'
A!! you can do i" cau"e you and u" roub!e, and if you #o o $e po!ice,
you%re no friend of our", no way'7
7Bu !ea-in# $e "cene of a cri&e i" a--7 Jack be#an'
7<ea$, I know,7 =arren inerruped' 7I%" a fe!ony' Bi# dea!' =$o $e
$e!! care"? And !e &e e!! you "o&e$in# e!"e' <ou "i!! #o a prob!e&' If
$e B:ack 6in#" wan you dead, you%d beer be our friend, becau"e we%re
$e on!y one" w$o can keep you a!i-e' T$e cop" can%, be!ie-e &e'7
Jack "ared o "ay "o&e$in#, bu $e c$an#ed $i" &ind' =i$ $i"
know!ed#e of #an# !ife in New <ork Ciy, $e knew $a =arren wa"
ri#$' If $e 6in#" waned $i& dead, w$ic$ $ey apparen!y did--and
wou!d a!! $e &ore now wi$ Re#ina!d%" dea$--$ere wa" no way for
$e po!ice o pre-en i "$or of "ecre-"er-ice-ype weny-four-$our
#uard'
=arren !ooked up a *pi' 7*o&ebody%" #oin# o $a-e o "ick i#$ o
2oc for $e ne+ few day",7 $e "aid'
*pi nodded' 7No prob!e&,7 $e "aid'
=arren "ood up and "rec$ed' 7=$a pi""e" &e off i" $a I $ad $e
be" ea& I%-e $ad in week" oni#$, and $i" "$i $a" cu i "$or'7
7I%& "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7I%!! !e you win ne+ i&e I p!ay a#ain" you'7
=arren !au#$ed' 7One $in# I can "ay abou you, 2oc,7 $e "aid' 7<ou
can "ure rap wi$ $e be" of $e&'7
=arren &oioned o *pi o !ea-e' 7=e%!! be "eein# you, 2oc,7 =ar-
ren "aid a $e door' 7Now don% do any$in# foo!i"$' <ou #oin# o run
o&orrow ni#$?7
7(aybe,7 Jack "aid' 4e didn% know w$a $e wa" #oin# o do in $e
ne+ fi-e &inue", &uc$ !e"" $e fo!!owin# ni#$'
=i$ a fina! wa-e =arren and *pi depared' T$e door c!o"ed be$ind
$e&'
Jack "a for a few &inue"' 4e fe! "$e!!-"$ocked' T$en $e #o up, wen
ino $e ba$roo&' =$en $e !ooked ino $e &irror $e crin#ed' A $e
i&e $e and *pi $ad been waiin# for 2a-id o arri-e wi$ $e car, a few
peop!e $ad #!anced a Jack, bu no one $ad "ared' Now Jack wondered
w$y $ey $adn%' Jack%" face and "weaer were "paered wi$ b!ood, pre-
"u&ab!y fro& $e -a#ran' T$ere wa" a!"o a na"y "erie" of para!!e!
"crac$e" fro& $e -a#ran%" fin#ernai!" down $i" fore$ead and o-er $i"
no"e' A cro""-$ac$in# of "crac$e" &arred $i" c$eek", fro& $e under-
bru"$, no doub' 4e !ooked !ike $e%d been in a war'
Jack c!i&bed ino $i" ub and ook a "$ower' By $en $i" &ind wa"
#oin# a &i!e a &inue' 4e cou!dn% re&e&ber e-er bein# in "uc$ a "ae
of confu"ion, e+cep afer $i" fa&i!y $ad peri"$ed' Bu $a wa" differen'
4e%d been depre""ed $en' Now $e wa" :u" confu"ed'
Jack #o ou of $e "$ower and dried $i&"e!f off' 4e wa" "i!! $a!f de-
bain# w$e$er or no o conac $e po!ice' In a "ae of indeci"ion, $e wen
o $e p$one' T$a%" w$en $e noiced $a $i" an"werin# &ac$ine wa"
b!inkin#' 4e pu"$ed $e p!ay buon and !i"ened o Be$ 4o!derne""%"
di"urbin# &e""a#e' In"an!y $e ca!!ed $er back' 4e !e $er p$one rin#
en i&e" before #i-in# up' =$a cou!d "$e $a-e found? $e wondered'
4e a!"o fe! re"pon"ib!e for $er $a-in# been fired' *o&e$ow $e wa" "ure
$e wa" o b!a&e'
Jack #o a beer and ook i ino $e !i-in# roo&' *iin# on $e win-
dow"i!!, $e cou!d "ee a "!i-er of 1B1$ *ree' T$ere wa" $e u"ua! raffic
and parade of peop!e' 4e wac$ed wi$ un"eein# eye" a" $e wre"!ed
wi$ $i" di!e&&a re#ardin# ca!!in# $e po!ice'
4our" pa""ed' Jack rea!i;ed $a by no &akin# a deci"ion $e wa" in
e""ence &akin# one' By no ca!!in# $e po!ice $e wa" a#reein# wi$ =ar-
ren' 4e%d beco&e a fe!on'
Jack wen back o $e p$one and ried Be$ for $e en$ i&e' I wa"
now afer &idni#$' T$e p$one ran# iner&inab!y' Jack "ared o worry'
4e $oped "$e%d "i&p!y f!ed o a friend%" $ou"e for "o!ace afer !o"in# $er
:ob' <e no bein# ab!e o #e in ouc$ wi$ $er na##ed a $i& a!on# wi$
e-ery$in# e!"e'
T)3-I2A<I %9/Ir! A'('I (ARC4
N3= <OR6 3/IT<
T$e fir" $in# Jack did w$en $e woke up wa" o ry ca!!in# Be$ 4o!d-
erne""' =$en "$e%d "i!! no an"wered $e%d ried o be opi&i"ic abou $er
-i"iin# a friend, bu in $e face of e-ery$in# $a $ad $appened, $e in-
abi!iy o #e a$o!d of $er wa" pro#re""i-e!y &ore di"re""in#'
*i!! wi$ou a bike, Jack wa" forced back ino $e "ubway for $i" co&-
&ue' Bu $e wa"n% a!one' Cro& $e &o&en Jack $ad e&er#ed fro&
$i" ene&en $e%d been rai!ed by one of $e youn#er &e&ber" of $e !oca!
#an#' 4i" na&e wa" *!a&, in deference o $i" dunkin# abi!iy wi$ $e
ba"keba!!' 3-en $ou#$ $e wa" Jack%" $ei#$, $e cou!d ou:u&p Jack by
a !ea" we!-e inc$e"'
Jack and *!a& did no a!k durin# $e rain ride' T$ey "a oppo"ie eac$
o$er, and a!$ou#$ *!a& didn% ry o a-oid eye conac, $i" e+pre""ion
ne-er c$an#ed fro& one of oa! indifference' 4e wa" dre""ed !ike &o"
of $e youn#er African-A&erican" in $e ciy, wi$ o-er"i;ed c!o$e"' 4i"
"wea"$ir wa" en!ike, and Jack preferred no o i&a#ine w$a i con-
cea!ed' Jack didn% be!ie-e $a =arren wou!d $a-e "en $e youn# &an
ou o proec Jack wi$ou "o&e "i#nifican weaponry'
A" Jack cro""ed Cir" A-enue and &ouned $e "ep" in fron of $e
"u&ab!y fro& $e -a#ran' T$ere wa" a!"o a na"y "erie" of para!!e!
"crac$e" fro& $e -a#ran%" fin#ernai!" down $i" fore$ead and o-er $i"
no"e' A cro""-$ac$in# of "crac$e" &arred $i" c$eek", fro& $e under-
bru"$, no doub' 4e !ooked !ike $e%d been in a war'
Jack c!i&bed ino $i" ub and ook a "$ower' By $en $i" &ind wa"
#oin# a &i!e a &inue' 4e cou!dn% re&e&ber e-er bein# in "uc$ a "ae
of confu"ion, e+cep afer $i" fa&i!y $ad peri"$ed' Bu $a wa" differen'
4e%d been depre""ed $en' Now $e wa" :u" confu"ed'
Jack #o ou of $e "$ower and dried $i&"e!f off' 4e wa" "i!! $a!f de-
bain# w$e$er or no o conac $e po!ice' In a "ae of indeci"ion, $e wen
o $e p$one' T$a%" w$en $e noiced $a $i" an"werin# &ac$ine wa"
b!inkin#' 4e pu"$ed $e p!ay buon and !i"ened o Be$ 4o!derne""%"
di"urbin# &e""a#e' In"an!y $e ca!!ed $er back' 4e !e $er p$one rin#
en i&e" before #i-in# up' =$a cou!d "$e $a-e found? $e wondered'
4e a!"o fe! re"pon"ib!e for $er $a-in# been fired' *o&e$ow $e wa" "ure
$e wa" o b!a&e'
Jack #o a beer and ook i ino $e !i-in# roo&' *iin# on $e win-
dow"i!!, $e cou!d "ee a "!i-er of 1B1$ *ree' T$ere wa" $e u"ua! raffic
and parade of peop!e' 4e wac$ed wi$ un"eein# eye" a" $e wre"!ed
wi$ $i" di!e&&a re#ardin# ca!!in# $e po!ice'
4our" pa""ed' Jack rea!i;ed $a by no &akin# a deci"ion $e wa" in
e""ence &akin# one' By no ca!!in# $e po!ice $e wa" a#reein# wi$ =ar-
ren' 4e%d beco&e a fe!on'
Jack wen back o $e p$one and ried Be$ for $e en$ i&e' I wa"
now afer &idni#$' T$e p$one ran# iner&inab!y' Jack "ared o worry'
4e $oped "$e%d "i&p!y f!ed o a friend%" $ou"e for "o!ace afer !o"in# $er
:ob' <e no bein# ab!e o #e in ouc$ wi$ $er na##ed a $i& a!on# wi$
e-ery$in# e!"e'
T)3-I2A<I %9%-0r%1 A,('I (AII.-4 2I,I 1991
N3= <2R6 CIT<
T$e fir" $in# Jack did w$en $e woke up wa" o ry ca!!in# Be$ 4o!d-
erne""' =$en "$e%d "i!! no an"wered $e%d ried o be opi&i"ic abou $er
-i"iin# a friend, bu in $e face of e-ery$in# $a $ad $appened, $e in-
abi!iy o #e a$o!d of $er wa" pro#re""i-e!y &ore di"re""in#'
*i!! wi$ou a bike, Jack wa" forced back ino $e "ubway for $i" co&-
&ue' Bu $e wa"n% a!one' Cro& $e &o&en :ack $ad e&er#ed fro&
$i" ene&en $e%d been rai!ed by one of $e youn#er &e&ber" of $e !oca!
#an#' 4i" na&e wa" *!a&, in deference o $i" dunkin# abi!iy wi$ $e
ba"keba!!' 3-en $ou#$ $e wa" Jack%" $ei#$, $e cou!d ou:u&p Jack by
a !ea" we!-e inc$e"'
Jack and *!a& did no a!k durin# $e rain ride' T$ey "a oppo"ie eac$
o$er, and a!$ou#$ *!a& didn% ry o a-oid eye conac, $i" e+pre""ion
ne-er c$an#ed fro& one of oa! indifference' 4e wa" dre""ed !ike &o"
of $e youn#er African-A&erican" in $e ciy, wi$ o-er"i;ed c!o$e"' 4i"
"wea"$ir wa" en!ike, and Jack preferred no o i&a#ine w$a i con-
cea!ed' Jack didn% be!ie-e $a =arren wou!d $a-e "en $e youn# &an
ou o proec Jack wi$ou "o&e "i#nifican weaponry'
A" :ack cro""ed Cir" A-enue and &ouned $e "ep" in fron of $e
&edica! e+a&iner%" office, $e #!anced be$ind $i&' *!a& $ad pau"ed on
$e "idewa!k, ob-iou"!y confu"ed a" o w$a $e "$ou!d do' Jack $e"iaed
a" we!!' T$e unrea"onab!e $ou#$ wen $rou#$ Jack%" &ind of in-iin#
$e &an in "o $a $e cou!d pa"" $e i&e in $e "econd-f!oor caneen, bu
$a wa" c!ear!y ou of $e >ue"ion'
Jack "$ru##ed' A!$ou#$ $e appreciaed *!a&%" effor" on $i" be$a!f,
i wa" *!a&%" prob!e& w$a $e wa" #oin# o do for $e day'
Jack urned back o $e bui!din#, "ee!in# $i&"e!f for $e po""ibi!iy of
$a-in# o face one or &ore bodie" in w$o"e dea$ $e "o&e$ow fe! co&-
p!ici'
Ga$erin# $i" coura#e, Jack pu!!ed open $e door and enered'
3-en $ou#$ $e wa" "c$edu!ed for a 7paper day7 and no auop"ie", Jack
waned o "ee w$a $ad co&e in durin# $e ni#$' No on!y wa" $e con-
cerned abou Re#ina!d and $e -a#ran", $e wa" a!"o concerned abou $e
po""ibi!iy of &ore &enin#ococcu" ca"e"'
Jack $ad $e recepioni" bu;; $i& ino $e I2 area' =a!kin# ino $e
"c$edu!in# roo&, Jack knew in"an!y $a i wa" no #oin# o be a nor-
&a! day' ,innie wa" no "iin# in $i" u"ua! !ocaion wi$ $i" &ornin#
new"paper'
7=$ere%" ,innie?7 Jack a"ked Geor#e'
=i$ou !ookin# up, Geor#e o!d Jack $a ,innie wa" a!ready in $e
pi wi$ Bin#$a&'
Jack%" pu!"e >uickened' Gi-en $i" #ui! abou $e pre-iou" e-enin#%"
e-en", $e $ad $e irraiona! $ou#$ $a Bin#$a& cou!d $a-e been ca!!ed
in o do Re#ina!d' A $i" "a#e of $i" career Bin#$a& rare!y did auop-
"ie" un!e"" $ey were of paricu!ar inere" or i&porance'
7=$a%" Bin#$a& doin# in $i" ear!y ?7 Jack a"ked, ryin# o "ound di"-
inere"ed'
7I%" been a bu"y ni#$,7 Geor#e "aid' 7T$ere wa" ano$er infeciou"
dea$ o-er a $e Genera!' Apparen!y i%" #o $e ciy a!! worked up' 2ur-
in# $e ni#$ $e ciy epide&io!o#i" ca!!ed $e Co&&i""ioner of 4ea!$,
w$o ca!!ed Bin#$a&'7
7Ano$er &enin#ococcu"?7 Jack a"ked'
7Nope,7 Geor#e "aid' 7T$ey $ink $i" one i" a -ira! pneu&onia'7
Jack nodded and fe! a c$i!! de"cend $i" "pine' 4i" i&&ediae concern
wa" $ana-iru"' 4e knew $ere $ad been a ca"e on 5on# I"!and $e pre-
-iou" year in $e ear!y "prin#' 4ana-iru" wa" a "cary propo"iion, a!-
$ou#$ i wa" "i!! no an i!!ne"" wi$ &uc$ paien-o-paien "pread'
Jack cou!d "ee $ere were &ore $an $e u"ua! nu&ber of fo!der" on
$e de"k in fron of Geor#e' 7Any$in# e!"e inere"in# !a" ni#$?7 Jack
a"ked' 4e "$uff!ed $rou#$ $e fo!der" !ookin# for Re#ina!d%" na&e'
74ey,7 Geor#e co&p!ained' 7I #o $e"e $in#" in order'7 4e !ooked
up, $en did a doub!e ake' 7=$a $e $e!! $appened o you?7 Jack $ad for#oen
$ow bad $i" face !ooked'
7I ripped w$en I wa" ou :o##in# !a" ni#$,7 Jack "aid' Jack didn%
!ike o !ie' =$a $e "aid wa" rue, bu $ard!y $e w$o!e "ory'
7=$a did you fa!! ino?7 Geor#e a"ked' 7A ro!! of barbed wire?7
7Any #un"$o wound" !a" ni#$?7 Jack a"ked, o c$an#e $e "ub:ec'
7<ou%d beer be!ie-e i,7 Geor#e "aid' 7=e #o four' Too bad i%" a
paper day for you' I%d #i-e you one'7
7=$ic$ one" are $ey ?7 Jack a"ked' 4e #!anced around $e de"k'
Geor#e apped $e op of one of $i" "ack" of fo!der"'
Jack reac$ed o-er and picked up $e fir" one' =$en $e opened $e
co-er, $i" $ear "ank' 4e $ad o reac$ ou and "eady $i&"e!f a#ain" $e
de"k' T$e na&e wa" Be$ 4o!derne""' 7O$, God, no,7 Jack &ur&ured'
Geor#e%" $ead "$o up a#ain' 7=$a%" $e &aer?7 $e a"ked' 74ey,
you%re a" w$ie a" a "$ee' <ou okay?7
Jack "a in a nearby c$air and pu $i" $ead down beween $i" !e#"' 4e%d
fe! di;;y'
7I" i "o&eone you know?7 Geor#e a"ked wi$ concern'
Jack "rai#$ened up' T$e di;;ine"" $ad pa""ed' 4e ook a deep brea$
and nodded' 7*$e wa" an ac>uainance,7 $e "aid' 7Bu I%d "poken wi$
$er :u" ye"erday'7 Jack "$ook $i" $ead' 7I can% be!ie-e i'7
Geor#e reac$ed o-er and ook $e fo!der fro& Jack%" $and"' 4e opened
i up' 7O$, yea$,7 $e "aid' 7T$i" i" $e !ab ec$ fro& o-er a $e Genera!'
*ad8 *$e wa" on!y weny-ei#$' *uppo"ed o be "$o $rou#$ $e fore-
$ead for a T, and "o&e c$eap :ewe!ry' =$a a wa"e'7
7=$a are $e o$er #un"$o wound"?7 Jack a"ked' Cor $e &o&en
$e re&ained "eaed'
Geor#e con"u!ed $i" &a"er "$ee' 7I%-e #o a 4ecor 5ope;, =e"
4undred and *i+ie$ *ree, a (u"afa Aboud, 3a" Nineeen$ *ree,
and Re#ina!d =in$rope, Cenra! .ark'7
75e &e "ee =in$rope,7 Jack "aid'
Geor#e $anded Jack $e fo!der'
Jack opened i up' 4e wa"n% !ookin# for any$in# in paricu!ar, bu
$i" "en"e of in-o!-e&en &ade $i& wan o c$eck $e ca"e' T$e "ran#e"
$in# wa" $a $ad i no been for *pi, Jack $i&"e!f wou!d $a-e been rep-
re"ened $ere on Geor#e%" de"k wi$ $i" own fo!der' Jack "$uddered' 4e
$anded Re#ina!d%" fo!der back o Geor#e' 7I" 5aurie $ere ye?7 Jack a"ked'
7*$e ca&e in :u" before you did,7 Geor#e "aid' 7*$e waned "o&e fo!d-
er", bu I o!d $er $a I%d no &ade ou $e "c$edu!e ye'7 7=$ere i" "$e?7
Jack a"ked'
7)p in $er office, I #ue"",7 Geor#e "aid' 7I rea!!y don% know'7
7A""i#n $er $e 4o!derne"" and $e =in$rope ca"e",7 Jack "aid' Jack
"ood up' 4e anicipaed fee!in# di;;y a#ain, bu $e didn%'
74ow co&e ?7 Geor#e a"ked'
7Geor#e, :u" do i,7 Jack "aid'
7A!! ri#$, don% #e &ad,7 Geor#e "aid'
7I%& "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no &ad' Ju" preoccupied'7
Jack wa!ked back $rou#$ co&&unicaion"' 4e pa""ed Janice%" office,
w$ere "$e wa" puin# in $er u"ua! o-eri&e' Jack didn% bo$er $er' 4e
wa" oo ab"orbed by $i" own $ou#$"' Be$ 4o!derne""%" dea$ &ade $i&
fee! un$in#ed' Cee!in# #ui!y abou $i" co&p!iciy in $er !o"in# $er :ob
wa" bad enou#$D $e idea $a "$e &i#$ $a-e !o" $er !ife becau"e of $i"
acion" wa" un$inkab!e'
Jack pre""ed $e buon for $e e!e-aor and waied' T$e ae&p on
$i" own !ife $e ni#$ before $ad #i-en &ore wei#$ o $i" "u"picion"'
*o&eone $ad ried o ki!! $i& afer $e refu"ed o $eed $e warnin#' T$e
-ery "a&e ni#$ Be$ 4o!derne"" $ad been &urdered' Cou!d i $a-e
been in $e cour"e of an unre!aed robbery or cou!d i $a-e been becau"e
of Jack, and, if "o, w$a did $a &ean abou (arin C$e-eau? Jack
didn% know' Bu w$a $e did know wa" $a $e cou!d no in-o!-e any-
one e!"e in $i" affair for fear of puin# $e& in :eopardy' Cro& $a &o-
&en on, Jack knew $e $ad o keep e-ery$in# o $i&"e!f'
A" Geor#e $ad "ur&i"ed, 5aurie wa" in $er office' =$i!e waiin# for
Geor#e o a""i#n $e day%" ca"e", "$e wa" u"in# $e i&e profiab!y, work-
in# on "o&e of $er unco&p!eed ca"e"' *$e ook one !ook a Jack and re-
coi!ed' Jack offered $e "a&e e+p!anaion $e%d #i-en Geor#e, bu $e cou!d
e!! $a 5aurie wa"n% >uie con-inced'
72id you $ear $a Bin#$a& i" down in $e pi?7 Jack a"ked, o &o-e
$e con-er"aion away fro& $i" pre-iou" ni#$%" e+perience"'
7I did,7 5aurie "aid' 7I wa" "$ocked' I didn% $ink $ere wa" any$in#
$a cou!d #e $i& $ere before ei#$, &uc$ !e"" in $e auop"y roo&'7
72o you know any$in# abou $e ca"e?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" $a i wa" aypica! pneu&onia,7 5aurie "aid' 7I "poke wi$ Jan-
ice for a &o&en' *$e "aid $ey%d $ad pre!i&inary confir&aion i wa"
inf!uen;a'7
7)$-o$87 Jack "aid'
7I know w$a you%re $inkin#,7 5aurie "aid, wa##in# $er fin#er' 7In-
f!uen;a wa" one of $e di"ea"e" you "aid you%d u"e if you were a errori"
ype ryin# o "ar an epide&ic' Bu before you #o :u&pin# off u"in# $i"
a" confir&aion of your $eory, :u" re&e&ber $a i i" "i!! inf!uen;a "ea-
"on'7
7.ri&ary inf!uen;a pneu&onia i" no -ery co&&on,7 Jack "aid, ry-
in# o "ay ca!&' T$e &enion of $e word 7inf!uen;a7 $ad $i" pu!"e rac-
in# a#ain'
7=e "ee i e-ery year,7 5aurie "aid'
7(aybe "o,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I e!! you w$a' 4ow abou ca!!in# $a in-
er$i" friend of your" and a"kin# if $ere are any &ore ca"e"?7
7Ri#$ now?7 Iure a"ked' *$e #!anced a $er wac$'
7I%" a" #ood a i&e a" any,7 Jack "aid' 7*$e%!! probab!y be &akin# $er
round"' *$e can u"e $e co&puer er&ina! a one of $e nur"e"% "aion"'7
5aurie "$ru##ed and picked up $er p$one' A few &inue" !aer "$e
$ad $er friend on $e !ine' *$e a"ked $e >ue"ion, $en waied' =$i!e
"$e waied "$e !ooked up a Jack' *$e wa" worried abou $i&' 4i" face
wa" no on!y "crac$ed up, i wa" now f!u"$ed'
7No ca"e",7 5aurie repeaed ino $e p$one w$en $er friend ca&e
back on $e !ine' 7T$ank", *ue' I appreciae i' Ta!k o you "oon' Bye'7
5aurie $un# up $e p$one' 7*ai"fied?7 "$e "aid'
7Cor $e &o&en,7 Jack "aid' 75i"en/ I a"ked Geor#e o a""i#n you wo
paricu!ar ca"e" $i" &ornin#' T$e na&e" are 4o!derne"" and =in-
$rope'7
7I" $ere "o&e "pecific rea"on?7 5aurie a"ked' *$e cou!d "ee $a Jack
wa" re&b!in#'
72o i a" a fa-or,7 Jack "aid'
7Of cour"e,7 5aurie "aid'
7One $in# I%d !ike you o do i" !ook for any $air" or fiber" on $e 4o!-
derne"" wo&an%" body,7 Jack "aid' 7And find ou if $o&icide $ad a cri&-
ino!o#i" a $e "cene o do $e "a&e' If $ere are any $air", "ee if $ere i"
a 2NA &ac$ wi$ =in$rope'7
5aurie didn% "ay any$in#' =$en "$e found $er -oice, "$e a"ked/
7<ou $ink $a =in$rope ki!!ed 4o!derne""?7 4er -oice ref!eced $er
di"be!ief'
Lack !ooked off and "i#$ed' 7T$ere%" a c$ance,7 $e "aid'
74ow wou!d you know?7 5aurie a"ked'
75e%" ca!! i a di"urbin# $unc$,7 Jack "aid' 4e wou!d $a-e !iked o
e!! 5aurie &ore, bu wi$ $e new pac $e $ad wi$ $i&"e!f, $e didn%'
4e wa"n% abou o pu anyone e!"e a ri"k in any for& or fa"$ion'
7Now you rea!!y $a-e &y curio"iy #oin#,7 5aurie "aid'
7I%d !ike o a"k one &ore fa-or,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou o!d &e $a you $ad
a re!aion"$ip wi$ a po!ice deeci-e w$o%" now a friend'7
7T$a%" rue,7 5aurie "aid'
72o you $ink you cou!d #i-e $i& a ca!!?7 Jack "aid' 7I%d !ike o a!k
wi$ $i& "ora off $e record'7
7<ou are "carin# &e,7 5aurie "aid' 7Are you in "o&e kind of roub!e?7
75aurie,7 Jack "aid' 7.!ea"e don% a"k any >ue"ion"' T$e !e"" you know
ri#$ now $e beer off you are' Bu I $ink I "$ou!d a!k o "o&eone $i#$
up in !aw enforce&en'7
7<ou wan &e o ca!! $i& now?7
7=$ene-er i" con-enien,7 Jack "aid'
5aurie b!ew ou $rou#$ pur"ed !ip" a" "$e dia!ed 5ou *o!dano%" nu&-
ber' *$e%d no a!ked o $i& in a few week", and "$e fe! i wa" a !i!e
awkward ca!!in# abou a "iuaion "$e knew "o !i!e abou' Bu "$e wa"
definie!y worried abou Jack and waned o $e!p'
=$en po!ice $ead>uarer" an"wered and 5aurie a"ked for 5ou, "$e
wa" o!d $e deeci-e wa"n% a-ai!ab!e' *$e !ef a &e""a#e on $i" -oice &ai!
for $i& o ca!! $er'
7T$a%" $e be" I cou!d do,7 5aurie "aid a" "$e $un# up' 76nowin#
5ou, $e%!! be back o &e a" "oon a" $e can'7
7I appreciae i,7 Jack "aid' 4e #a-e $er "$ou!der a ">uee;e' 4e $ad
$e co&forin# "en"e "$e wa" a rue friend'
Jack wen back o $i" own office :u" in i&e o run ino C$e' C$e
ook one !ook a Jack%" face and w$i"!ed'
7And w$a did $e o$er #uy !ook !ike?7 C$e a"ked :okin#!y'
7I%& no in $e &ood,7 Jack "aid' 4e ook off $i" :acke and $un# i
o-er $i" c$air'
7I $ope $i" doe"n% $a-e any$in# o do wi$ $o"e #an# &e&ber" w$o
-i"ied you Criday,7 C$e "aid'
Jack #a-e $e "a&e e+p!anaion $e%d #i-en o $e o$er"'
C$e f!a"$ed a wry "&i!e a" $e "owed $i" coa in $i" fi!e cabine' 7*ure,
you e!! w$i!e !o##in#, $e "aid' 7And I%& dain# Ju!ia Rober"' Bu, $ey,
you don% $a-e o e!! &e w$a $appenedD I%& :u" your friend'7
T$a wa" e+ac!y $e poin, Jack &u"ed' Afer c$eckin# o "ee if $e $ad
any p$one &e""a#e", $e "ared back ou of $e office'
7<ou &i""ed a nice !i!e dinner !a" ni#$,7 C$e "aid' 7Tere"e ca&e
a!on#' =e a!ked abou you' *$e%" a fan of your", bu "$e%" a" concerned
a" I a& abou your &ono&ania concernin# $e"e infeciou" ca"e"'7
Jack didn% e-en bo$er o an"wer' If C$e or Tere"e knew w$a $ad
rea!!y $appened !a" ni#$, $ey%d be &ore $an concerned'
Reurnin# o $e fir" f!oor, Jack !ooked ino Janice%" office' Now $e
waned o a"k $er abou $e inf!uen;a ca"e $a wa" bein# po"ed by Bin#-
$a&, bu "$e%d !ef' Jack de"cended o $e &or#ue !e-e! and c$an#ed ino
$i" i"o!aion #ear'
4e wen ino $e auop"y roo& and wa!ked up o $e on!y ab!e in op-
eraion' Bin#$a& wa" on $e paien%" ri#$, Ca!-in on $e !ef, and ,in-
nie a $e $ead' T$ey were a!&o" done'
7=e!!, we!!,7 Bin#$a& "aid w$en Jack :oined $e&' 7I"n% $i" con-e-
nien? 4ere%" our in-$ou"e infeciou" e+per'7
7.er$ap" $e e+per wou!d !ike o e!! u" w$a $i" ca"e i",7 Ca!-in c$a!-
!en#ed'
7I%-e a!ready $eard,7 Jack "aid' 7Inf!uen;a'7
7Too bad,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7I wou!d $a-e been fun o "ee if you ru!y
$a-e $e no"e for $i" "uff' =$en i ca&e in ear!y $i" &ornin# $ere wa"
no dia#no"i" ye' T$e "u"picion wa" "o&e "or of-ira! $e&orr$a#ic fe-er'
I $ad e-erybody up & ar&"'7
7=$en did you !earn i wa" inf!uen;a?7 Jack a"ked'
7A coup!e of $our" a#o,7 Bin#$a& an"wered' 7Ju" before we "ared'
I%" a #ood ca"e, $ou#$' <ou wan o "ee $e !un#"?7 7I wou!d,7 Jack "aid'
Bin#$a& reac$ed ino $e pan and !ifed ou $e !un#"' 4e "$owed $e
cu "urface o Jack'
7(y God, $e w$o!e !un# i" in-o!-ed87 Jack co&&ened' 4e wa" i&-
pre""ed' In "o&e area" $ere wa" frank $e&orr$a#e'
73-en "o&e &yocardii",7 Bin#$a& "aid' 4e pu $e !un# back and
!ifed up $e $ear and di"p!ayed i for Jack' 7=$en you can "ee $e in-
f!a&&aion #ro""!y !ike $i", you know i%" e+en"i-e'7
75ook" !ike a -iru!en "rain,7 Jack "aid'
7<ou%d beer be!ie-e i,7 Bin#$a& "aid' 7T$i" paien%" on!y weny-
nine year" o!d, and $i" fir" "y&po&" occurred around "i+ !a" ni#$' 4e
wa" dead a four K'(' I re&ind" &e of a ca"e I did back in &y re"idency
durin# $e pande&ic of fify-"e-en and fify-ei#$'7
,innie ro!!ed $i" eye"' Bin#$a& $ad a &ind-nu&bin# $abi of co&-
parin# e-ery ca"e o one $a $e%d $ad in $i" !on# career'
7T$a ca"e wa" a!"o a pri&ary inf!uen;a pneu&onia,7 Bin#$a& con-
inued' 7*a&e appearance of $e !un#' =$en we !ooked a i $i"o!o#i-
ca!!y we were a&a;ed a $e de#ree of da&a#e' I #a-e u" a !o of re"pec
for cerain "rain" of inf!uen;a'7
7*eein# $i" ca"e concern" &e,7 Jack "aid' 73"pecia!!y in !i#$ of $e
o$er di"ea"e" $a $a-e been poppin# up'7
7Now, don% $ead off ino !ef fie!d87 Bin#$a& warned, re&e&berin#
"o&e of Jack%" co&&en" $e day before' 7T$i" i"n% ou of $e ordinary,
!ike $e p!a#ue ca"e or e-en $e u!are&ia' I%" f!u "ea"on' .ri&ary in-
f!uen;a pneu&onia i" a rare co&p!icaion, bu we "ee i' In fac we $ad a
ca"e :u" !a" &on$'7
Jack !i"ened, bu Bin#$a& wa"n% &akin# $i& fee! any &ore co&-
forab!e' T$e paien in fron of $e& $ad $ad a !e$a! infecion wi$ an
a#en $a $ad $e capabi!iy of "preadin# fro& paien o paien !ike
wi!dfire' Jack%" on!y con"o!aion wa" $e ca!! 5aurie $ad &ade o $er in-
erni" friend w$o%d "aid $ere were no o$er ca"e" in $e $o"pia!'
7(ind ifI ake "o&e wa"$in#"?7 Jack a"ked'
74e!! no87 Bin#$a& "aid' 7Be &y #ue"' Bu be carefu! w$a you do
wi$ $e&'7
7Ob-iou"!y,7 Jack "aid'
Jack ook $e !un#" o-er o one of $e "ink", and wi$ ,innie%" $e!p
prepared "o&e "a&p!e" by wa"$in# ou "o&e of $e "&a!! bronc$io!e" wi$
"eri!e "a!ine' 4e $en "eri!i;ed $e ou"ide of $e conainer" wi$ e$er'
Jack wa" on $i" way ou w$en Bin#$a& a"ked $i& w$a $e wa" #oin#
o do wi$ $e "a&p!e"'
7Take $e& up o A#ne",7 Jack "aid' 7I%d !ike o know $e "ubype'7
Bin#$a& "$ru##edIand !ooked acro"" a Ca!-in'
7No a bad idea,7 Ca!-in "aid'
Jack did e+ac!y w$a $e "aid $e wou!d' Bu $e wa" di"appoined w$en
$e pre"ened $e bo!e" o A#ne" up on $e $ird f!oor'
7=e don% $a-e $e capabi!iy of "ubypin# i,7 "$e "aid'
7=$o doe"?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$e ciy or "ae reference !ab,7 A#ne" "aid' 7Or e-en o-er a $e uni-
-er"iy !ab' Bu $e be" p!ace wou!d be $e C2C' T$ey $a-e a w$o!e "ec-
ion de-oed o inf!uen;a' If i were up o &e, I%d "end i $ere'7
Jack #o "o&e -ira! ran"por &ediu& fro& A#ne" and ran"ferred $e
wa"$in#" ino i' T$en $e wen up o $i" office' *iin# down, $e p!aced
a ca!! o $e C2C and wa" pu $rou#$ o $e inf!uen;a uni' A p!ea"an-
"oundin# wo&an an"wered, inroducin# $er"e!f a" Nico!e (ar>uee'
Jack e+p!ained w$a $e waned, and Nico!e wa" acco&&odain#' *$e
"aid "$e%d be $appy o "ee $a $e inf!uen;a wa" yped and "ubyped'
7If I &ana#e o #e $e "a&p!e o you oday,7 Jack "aid, 7$ow !on#
wou!d i ake for you o do $e ypin#?7
7=e can% do $i" o-erni#$,7 Nico!e "aid, 7if $a%" w$a you $a-e in
&ind'7
7=$y no?7 Jack a"ked i&paien!y'
7=e!!, &aybe we cou!d,7 Nico!e correced $er"e!f' 7If $ere i" a "uffi-
cien -ia! ier in your "a&p!e, &eanin# enou#$ -ira! paric!e", I "uppo"e
i i" po""ib!e' 2o you know w$a $e ier i"?7
7I $a-en% $e faine" idea,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $e "a&p!e wa" aken di-
rec!y fro& $e !un# of a paien w$o pa""ed away fro& pri&ary in-
f!uen;a pneu&onia' T$e "rain i" ob-iou"!y -iru!en, and I%& worried
abou a po""ib!e epide&ic'7
7If i i" a -iru!en "rain, $en $e ier &i#$ be $i#$,7 Nico!e "aid'
7I%!! find a way o #e i o you oday,7 Jack pro&i"ed' 4e $en #a-e
Nico!e $i" e!ep$one nu&ber bo$ a $e office and a $o&e' 4e o!d $er
o ca!! anyi&e "$e $ad any infor&aion'
7=e%!! do $e be" we can,7 Nico!e "aid' 7Bu I $a-e o warn you% if $e
ier i" oo !ow i &i#$ be "e-era! week" before I #e back o you'7
7=eek"87 Jack co&p!ained' 7=$y?7
7Becau"e we%!! $a-e o #row $e -iru" ou,7 Nico!e e+p!ained' 7=e u"u-
a!!y u"e ferre", and i ake" a #ood wo week" for an ade>uae anibody
re"pon"e w$ic$ #uaranee" we%!! $a-e a #ood $ar-e" of -iru"' Bu once
we $a-e $e -iru" in >uaniy, we can e!! you a !o &ore $an :u" i" "ub-
ype' In fac, we can "e>uence i 7
" #eno&e'
7I%11 keep &y fin#er" cro""ed $a &y "a&p!e" $a-e a $i#$ ier,7 Jack
"aid' 7And one o$er >ue"ion' =$a "ubype wou!d you $ink wa" $e
&o" -iru!en?7
7=$oa87 Nico!e "aid' 7T$a%" a $ard >ue"ion' T$ere are a !o of fac-
or" in-o!-ed, paricu!ar!y $o" i&&uniy' I%d $a-e o "ay $e &o" -iru-
!en wou!d be an enire!y new pa$o!o#ica! "rain, or one $a $a"n% been
around for a !on# i&e' I "uppo"e $e "ubype $a cau"ed $e pande&ic
of 191@ o 1919 $a ki!!ed weny-fi-e &i!!ion peop!e wor!dwide &i#$
#e $e dubiou" $onor of $a-in# beenI $e &o" -iru!en'7 7=$a "ubype wa"
na' QacI/ a"ked'
7No one know" for "ure,7 Nico!e "aid' 7T$e "ubype doe"n% e+i"' I
di"appeared year" a#o, &aybe ri#$ afer $e epide&ic wore i"e!f ou'
*o&e peop!e $ink i wa" "i&i!ar o $e "ubype $a cau"ed $a "wine-
f!u "care back in "e-eny-"i+'7
Jack $anked Nico!e and a#ain a""ured $er $e%d #e $e "a&p!e" o $er
$a day' Afer $e $un# up, $e ca!!ed A#ne" back and a"ked $er opinion
on "$ippin#' *$e o!d $i& $e na&e of $e courier "er-ice $ey u"ed, bu
"$e "aid "$e didn% know if $ey "$ipped iner"ae'
7Be"ide",7 A#ne" added, 7i wi!! co" a "&a!! forune' I &ean o-erni#$
i" one $in#, bu you%re a!kin# abou $e "a&e day' Bin#$a& wi!! ne-er
au$ori;e%7
I'
7I don% care,7 Jack "aid' 7I%!! pay for i &y"e!f'7
Jack ca!!ed $e courier co&pany' T$ey were de!i#$ed wi$ $e re>ue"
and pu Jack $rou#$ o one of $e "uper-i"or", Tony 5i##io' =$en Jack
e+p!ained w$a $e waned, Tony "aid no prob!e&'
7Can you co&e o pick i up now?7 Jack a"ked' 4e wa" encoura#ed'
7I%11 "end "o&eone ri#$ away,7 Tony "aid'
7I wi!! be read<,7R Jack "aid'
Jack wa" abou o $an# up w$en $e $eard Tony add/ 7Aren% you in-
ere"ed in $e co"? I &ean, $i" i" no !ike akin# "o&e$in# o-er o
Fueen"' A!"o, $ere%" $e >ue"ion of $ow you p!an o pay'7 7Credi card,7 Jack
"aid' 7If $a%" okay'7
7*ure, no prob!e&, 2oc,7 Tony "aid' 7I%" #oin# o ake &e a !i!e w$i!e
o fi#ure ou $e e+ac c$ar#e'7
7Ju" #i-e &e a ba!!park fi#ure,7 Jack "aid'
7*o&ew$ere beween one and wo $ou"and do!!ar",7 Tony "aid'
Jack winced bu didn% co&p!ain' In"ead, $e &ere!y #a-e Tony $i"
credi card nu&ber' 4e%d en-i"ioned $e co" wou!d be wo or $ree $un-
dred do!!ar", bu $en $e $adn% $ou#$ abou $e fac $a "o&eone
&i#$ $a-e o f!y round-rip o A!ana'
=$i!e Jack $ad been en#a#ed in #i-in# $i" credi card infor&aion,
one of $e "ecrearie" fro& $e fron office $ad appeared a $i" door'
*$e%d $anded $i& an o-erni#$ Cedera! 3+pre"" packa#e and depared
wi$ou "ayin# a word' A" Jack $un# up fro& $e courier "er-ice $e "aw
$a $e parce! wa" fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!"' I wa" $e 2NA probe" $e%d
re>ue"ed $e day before'
Takin# $e probe" and $i" -ira! "a&p!e", Jack wen back down o
A#ne"' 4e o!d $er abou $e arran#e&en" $e%d &ade wi$ $e courier
"er-ice'
7I%& i&pre""ed,7 A#ne" "aid' 7Bu I%& no #oin# o a"k $ow &uc$ i%"
co"in#'7
72on%,7 Jack ad-i"ed' 74ow "$ou!d I packa#e $e "a&p!e"?7
7=e%!! ake o-er,7 "$e "aid' *$e ca!!ed in $e depar&en "ecreary and
co&&i""ioned $er o do i wi$ appropriae bio$a;ard conainer" and !a-
be!"'
75ook" !ike you $a-e "o&e$in# e!"e for &e,7 "$e "aid, eyein# $e -ia!"
conainin# $e probe"'
Jack e+p!ained w$a $ey were and w$a $e waned, na&e!y o $a-e
$e 2NA !ab u"e $e probe" o "ee if $ey reaced wi$ $e nuc!eoproein"
of $e cu!ure" aken fro& any of $e four recen infeciou" di"ea"e ca"e"
$e%d been workin# on' =$a $e didn% e!! $er wa" w$y $e waned i done'
7A!! I need o know i" w$e$er i i" po"ii-e or no,7 Jack "aid' 7I
doe"n% $a-e o be >uaniai-e'7
7I%!! $a-e o $and!e $e ricke"ia and $e u!are&ia a#en &y"e!f,7
A#ne" "aid' 7I%& afraid o $a-e any of $e ec$" workin# wi$ $e&'7
7I rea!!y appreciae a!! $i",7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, i%" w$a we%re $ere for,7 A#ne" "aid a#reeab!y'
Afer !ea-in# $e !ab Jack wen down"air" o $e "c$edu!in# roo& and
$e!ped $i&"e!f o "o&e coffee' 4e%d been "o franic "ince $e%d arri-ed $a
$e%d no $ad &uc$ i&e o $ink' Now, a" $e "irred $i" coffee, $e rea!-
i;ed $a nei$er of $e $o&e!e"" &en $a $e%d inad-eren!y run ino in
$i" f!i#$ fro& Re#ina!d $ad been brou#$ in' T$a &ean $a $ey were
ei$er in "o&e $o"pia!, or $ey were "i!! ou $ere in $e park'
Carryin# $i" coffee back up"air", Jack "a down a $i" de"k' =i$
bo$ 5aurie and C$e in $e auop"y roo&, $e knew $e cou!d coun on
"o&e peace and >uie'
Before $e cou!d en:oy $i" "o!iude, $e p$one inerruped' I wa"
Tere"e'
7I%& &ad a you,7 "$e "aid wi$ou prea&b!e'
7T$a%" wonderfu!,7 Jack "aid wi$ $i" u"ua! "arca"&' 7Now &y day
i" co&p!ee'7
7I a& an#ry,7 Tere"e &ainained, bu $er -oice $ad "ofened con"id-
erab!y' 7Co!!een :u" $un# up fro& a!kin# wi$ C$e' 4e o!d $er you
were beaen up a#ain'7
7T$a wa" C$e%" per"ona! inerpreaion,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e fac i", I
wa"n% beaen up a#ain'7 7<ou weren% ?7
7I e+p!ained o C$e $a I%d fa!!en w$i!e :o##in#,7 Jack "aid'
7Bu $e o!d Co!!een'''7
7Tere"e,7 Jack "aid "$arp!y' 7I wa"n% beaen up' Can we a!k abou
"o&e$in# e!"e?7
7=e!!, if you weren% a""au!ed, w$y are you "oundin# "o irriab!e?7
7I%" been a "re""fu! &ornin#,7 Jack ad&ied'
7Care o a!k abou i?7 "$e a"ked' 7T$a%" w$a friend" are for' I%-e
cerain!y ben your ear abou &y prob!e&"'7
7T$ere%" been ano$er infeciou" dea$ a $e Genera!,7 Jack "aid' 4e
wou!d $a-e !iked o e!! $er w$a wa" rea!!y on $i" &ind--$i" "en"e of
#ui! abou Be$ 4o!der$e""--bu $e dared no'
7T$a%" errib!e87 Tere"e "aid' 7=$a i" wron# wi$ $a p!ace? =$a
i" i $i" i&e?7
7Inf!uen;a,7 Jack "aid' 7A -ery -iru!en ca"e' I%" $e kind of i!!ne"" I%-e
been ru!y worried we%d "ee'7
7Bu $e f!u i" around,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%" f!u "ea"on'7
7T$a%" w$a e-erybody "ay",7 Jack ad&ied'
7Bu no you?7
7.u i $i" way,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& worried, e"pecia!!y if i i" a uni>ue
"rain' T$e decea"ed wa" a youn# paien, on!y weny-nine' In $e face
of w$a e!"e $a" been poppin# up o-er $ere a $e Genera!, I%& worried'7
7Are "o&e of your co!!ea#ue" worried a" we!!?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7A $e &o&en, I%& on &y own,7 Jack ad&ied'
7I #ue"" we%re !ucky o $a-e you,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $a-e o ad&ire your
dedicaion'7
7T$a%" kind of you o "ay,7 Jack "aid' 7Acua!!y, I $ope I%& wron#'7
7Bu you%re no #oin# o #i-e up, are you?7
7No uni! I $a-e "o&e proof one way or $e o$er,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu
!e%" a!k abou you' I $ope you are doin# beer $an I'7
7I appreciae your a"kin#,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$ank" in no "&a!! par o you,
I $ink we $a-e $e &akin#" of a #ood ad ca&pai#n' .!u", I%-e &ana#ed
o $a-e $e in-$ou"e pre"enaion pu off uni! T$ur"day, "o we $a-e an-
o$er w$o!e day of brea$in# roo&' A $e &o&en $in#" are !ookin# rea-
"onab!e, bu in $e ad-eri"in# wor!d $a cou!d c$an#e a any &o&en'7
7=e!!, #ood !uck,7 Jack "aid' 4e waned o #e off $e p$one'
7(aybe we cou!d $a-e a >uick dinner oni#$,7 Tere"e "u##e"ed' 7I%d
rea!!y en:oy i' T$ere%" a #rea !i!e Ia!ian re"auran :u" up $e "ree
on (adi"on'7
7I%" po""ib!e,7 Jack "aid' 7I%11 :u" $a-e o "ee $ow $e day pro#re""e"'7
7Co&e on, Jack,7 Tere"e co&p!ained' 7<ou $a-e o ea' =e bo$ cou!d
u"e $e re!a+aion, no o &enion $e co&panion"$ip' I can $ear $e en-
"ion in your -oice' I%& afraid I%& #oin# o $a-e o in"i"'7
7A!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid, re!enin#' 7Bu i &i#$ $a-e o be a "$or din-
ner'7 4e rea!i;ed $ere wa" "o&e ru$ o w$a Tere"e wa" "ayin#, a!-
$ou#$ a $e &o&en i wa" $ard for $i& o $ink a" far a$ead a"
dinneri&e'
7Cana"ic,7 Tere"e "aid $appi!y' 7Ca!! &e !aer and we%!! decide on $e
i&e' If I%& no $ere, I%!! be $o&e' Okay?7 7I%11 ca!! you,7 Jack pro&i"ed'
Afer $ey e+c$an#ed #ood-bye", Jack $un# up $e p$one' Cor a few
&inue" $e "ared a i' 4e knew $a con-eniona! wi"do& $e!d $a a!k-
in# abou a prob!e& wa" "uppo"ed o rerQe-e an+iey' Bu a $e &o&en,
$a-in# a!ked abou $e ca"e of inf!uen;a wi$ Tere"e, $e on!y fe! &ore
an+iou"' A !ea" $e -ira! "a&p!e wa" on i" way o $e C2C and $e 2NA
!ab wa" workin# wi$ $e probe fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!"' (aybe "oon
$e%d "ar o #e "o&e an"wer"'
T) 3RI2A<I 1 V0/0B A'(', (AR.%4 21, 19I
.$i! ca&e $rou#$ $e ouer door of $e abandoned bui!din# $e B:ack
6in#" $ad aken o-er' T$e door wa" a piece of $ree->uarer-inc$ p!y-
wood bo!ed o an a!u&inu& fra&e'
.$i! pa""ed $e fron roo& wi$ $e in-ariab!e pa!! of ci#aree "&oke
and iner&inab!e card #a&e and ru"$ed direc!y back o $e office' 4e
wa" re!ie-ed o "ee Twin a $e de"k'
.$i! waied i&paien!y for Twin o wrap up a payoff fro& one of $eir
e!e-en-year-o!d pu"$er" and "end $e kid away' 7T$ere%" a prob!e&,7 .$i! "aid'
7T$ere%" a!way" a prob!e&,7 Twin "aid p$i!o"op$ica!!y' 4e wa" re-
counin# $e ra##ed "ack of #reenback" $e kid $ad brou#$ in' 7No !ike $i"
one,7 .$i! "aid' 7Re#ina!d%"
been a##ed'7
Twin !ooked up fro& $e &oney wi$ an e+pre""ion a" if $e%d Lu" been
"!apped' 7Ge ou87 $e "aid' 7=$ere%d you $ear $a "$i?7
7I%" rue,7 .$i! in"i"ed' 4e ook one of $e "e-era! bea-up "rai#$-
backed c$air" "andin# a#ain" $e wa!! and urned i around "o $e Cou!d
"i on i backward' T$e po"e pro-ided -i"ua! $ar&ony wi$ $e backward
ba"eba!! cap $e a!way" wore'
7=$o "ay"?7 Twin a"ked'
7I%" a!! o-er $e "ree,7 .$i! "aid' 73&&e $eard i fro& a pu"$er up
in Ti&e" *>uare' *ee&" $a $e doc i" bein# proeced by $e Gan#"a
4ood" fro& (an$aan ,a!!ey on $e )pper =e" *ide'7
7<ou &ean one of $e 4ood" iced Re#ina!d?7 Twin a"ked in oa! di"-
be!ief'
7T$a%" $e "ory,7 .$i! "aid' 7*$o $i& $rou#$ $e $ead'7
Twin "!a&&ed $i" open pa!& on $e de"k $ard enou#$ o "end $e a-
ered "ack of #reenback" wafin# off ino $e air' 4e !eaped o $i" fee
and paced' 4e #a-e $e &ea!%wa"eba"ke a $ard kick'
7I can% be!ie-e $i",7 $e "aid' 7=$a $e $e!! i" $i" wor!d co&in# o?
I don% under"and i' T$ey%d do a bro$er for "o&e w$ie $onky docor'
I doe"n% &ake "en"e, no way'7 R'
7(aybe $e doc i" doin# "o&e$in# for $e&,7 .$i! "u##e"ed'
7I don% care w$a $e $e!! $e%" doin#,7 Twin ra#ed' 4e owered o-er
.$i!, and .$i! crin#ed' .$i! wa" we!! aware $a Twin cou!d be ru$!e""
and unpredicab!e w$en $e wa" pi""ed, and $e wa" roya!!y pi""ed a $e
&o&en'
Reurnin# o $e de"k, Twin pounded i a#ain' 7I don% under"and
$i", bu $ere i" one $in# $a I do know' I can% "and' No way8 T$e
4ood" can% #o around knockin# offa B:ack 6in# wi$ou a re"pon"e' I
&ean, a a &ini&u& we #oa do $e doc !ike we a#reed'7
7=ord i" $a $e 4ood" $a-e a ai! on $e doc,7 .$i! "aid' 7T$ey are
"i!! proecin# $i&'7
7I%" unbe!ie-ab!e,7 Twin "aid a" $e reook $i" "ea a $e de"k' 7Bu
i &ake" $in#" ea"ier''=e do $e doc and $e ai! a $e "a&e i&e' Bu
we don% do i in $e 4ood"% nei#$bor$ood' =e do i w$ere $e doc
work"'7
Twin pu!!ed open $e cener drawer of $i" de"k and ru&&a#ed
around' 7=$ere $e $e!! i" $a "$ee abou $e doc,7 $e "aid' 7*ide drawer,7
.$i! "aid'
Twin #!ared a .$i!' .$i! "$ru##ed' 4e didn% wan o a##ra-ae Twin,
bu $e re&e&bered Twin puin# $e "$ee in $e "ide drawer'
Twin #o $e "$ee ou and read i o-er >uick!y' 7A!! ri#$,7 $e "aid'
7Go #e BI' 4e%" been ic$in# for acion'7
.$i! di"appeared for wo &inue"' =$en $e reappeared $e $ad BJ wi$
$i&' BI !u&bered ino $e office, $i" pace be!yin# $i" nooriou" >uick-
ne""'
Twin e+p!ained $e circu&"ance"'
7T$ink you can $and!e $i"?7 Twin a"ked'
74ey, no prob!e&,7 By "aid'
7<ou wan a backup?7 Twin a"ked'
74e!!, no,7 By "aid' 7I%11 :u" wai uni! $e wo &o$er" are o#e$er,
$en nai! $e& bo$'7
7<ou%!! $a-e o pick $e doc up w$ere $e work",7 Twin "aid' 7=e can%
ri"k #oin# up ino $e 4ood"% nei#$bor$ood un!e"" we #o in force' <ou
under"and?7
7No prob!e&,7 BJ "aid'
7<ou #o a &ac$ine pi"o! ?7 Twin a"ked'
7No,7 B! "aid'
Twin opened $e !ower drawer of $e de"k and ook ou a Tec !ike $e
one $e%d #i-en o Re#ina!d' 72on% !o"e $i",7 $e "aid' 7=e on!y $a-e "o
&any'7
7No prob!e&,7 BJ "aid' 4e ook $e #un and $and!ed i wi$ re-er-
ence, urnin# i o-er "!ow!y in $i" $and"'
7=e!!, w$a are you waiin# for?7 Twin a"ked'
7<ou fini"$ed ?7 BJ a"ked'
7Of cour"e I%& fini"$ed,7 Twin "aid' 7=$a do you wan, &e o co&e
a!on# and $o!d your $and? Ge ou of $ere "o you can co&e back and e!!
&e i%" done'7
:ack cou!d no concenrae on $i" o$er ca"e" no &aer $ow $ard $e ried'
I wa" a!&o" noon, and $e%d acco&p!i"$ed a piifu!!y "&a!! a&oun of
paperwork' 4e cou!dn% "op worryin# abou $e inf!uen;a ca"e and won-
derin# w$a $ad $appened o Be$ 4o!derne""' =$a cou!d "$e $a-e
found?
Jack $rew down $i" pen in di"#u"' 4e waned de"perae!y o #o o
$e Genera! and -i"i C$e-eau and $i" !ab, bu $e knew $e cou!dn%' C$e-
-eau wou!d undoubed!y ca!! in $e &arine" a a &ini&u&, and Jack
wou!d #e $i&"e!f fired' Jack knew $e $ad o wai for $e re"u!" wi$ $e
probe fro& Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" o #i-e $i& "o&e a&&uniion before $e
approac$ed anyone in au$oriy'
Gi-in# up on $i" paperwork, Jack i&pu!"i-e!y wen up o $e 2NA
!ab on $e "i+$ f!oor' In conra" o &o" of $e re" of $e bui!din#,
$i" !ab wa" a "ae-of-$e-ar faci!iy' I $ad been reno-aed recen!y
and oufied wi$ $e !ae" e>uip&en' 3-en $e w$ie !ab coa" worn
by $e per"onne! "ee&ed cri"per and w$ier $an in any of $e o$er
!ab"'
Jack "ou#$ ou $e direcor, Ted 5yneI, w$o wa" on $i" way o !unc$'
72id you #e $o"e probe" fro& A#ne"?7 Jack a"ked'
7<up,7 Ted "aid' 7T$ey%re in &y office'7
7I #ue"" $a &ean" $ere%re no re"u!" ye,7 :ack "aid'
Ted !au#$ed' 7=$a are you a!kin# abou?7 $e >ue"ioned' 7=e
$a-en% e-en #oen $e cu!ure" ye' Be"ide", I $ink you &i#$ be un-
dere"i&ain# w$a $e proce"" i" #oin# o be' =e don% :u" $row $e
probe" ino a "oup of baceria' =e $a-e o i"o!ae $e nuc!ear proein, $en
run i $rou#$ $e .CR in order o $a-e enou#$ "ub"rae' O$erwi"e we
wou!dn% "ee $e f!uore"cence e-en if $e probe reaced' I%" #oin# o ake
"o&e i&e'7
*ufficien!y c$a"i"ed, Jack reurned o $i" office o "are a $e wa!!
be$ind $i" de"k' A!$ou#$ i wa" !unc$i&e, $e wa"n% $un#ry in $e
"!i#$e"'
:ack decided o ca!! $e ciy epide&io!o#i"' Jack wa" inere"ed in $e
&an%" reacion o $i" ca"e of inf!uen;aD $e $ou#$ $e cou!d #i-e $e epi-
de&io!o#i" ac, ance o redee& $i&"e!f'
Jack #o $e nu&ber fro& $e ciy direcory and p!aced $e ca!!' A "ec-
reary an"wered' Jack a"ked o "peak wi$ 2r' Abe!ard' 7=$o "$ou!d I "ay i"
ca!!in#?7 $e "ecreary a"ked'
72r' *ap!eonI'%'IJack "aid, re"i"in# $e e&paion o be $u&orou"!y
"arca"ic' 6nowin# Abe!ard%" "en"ii-e e#o, Jack wou!d $a-e !iked o
$a-e "aid $e wa" $e &ayor or $e *ecreary of 4ea!$'
Jack wi"ed a paper c!ip &ind!e""!y a" $e waied' =$en $e p$one wa"
picked up a#ain, $e wa" "urpri"ed i wa" a#ain $e "ecreary'
73+cu"e &e,7 "$e "aid' 7Bu 2r' Abe!ard o!d &e o e!! you $a $e doe"
no wi"$ o "peak wi$ you'7
7Te!! $e #ood docor $a I a& in awe of $i" &auriy,7 Jack "aid'
Jack "!a&&ed $e p$one down' 4i" fir" i&pre""ion $ad been correc/
$e &an wa" an a""' An#er now &i+ed wi$ $i" an+iey, w$ic$ &ade
$i" curren inacion $a &uc$ &ore difficu! o bear' 4e wa" !ike a
ca#ed !ion' 4e $ad o do "o&e$in#' =$a $e waned o do wa" #o o
$e Genera! de"pie Bin#$a&%" ad&oniion"' <e if $e wen o-er $ere
w$o& cou!d $e a!k wi$? Jack &ade a &ena! c$eck!i" of $e peop!e
$e knew a $e $o"pia!' *udden!y $e $ou#$ of 6a$y (cBane' *$e%d
been bo$ friend!y and open, and "$e wa" on $e Infecion Conro!
Co&&iee'
Jack "nac$ed up $e p$one a#ain and ca!!ed $e (an$aan Genera!'
6a$y wa" no in $er office, "o $e $ad $er pa#ed' *$e picked up $e pa#e
fro& $e cafeeria' Jack cou!d $ear $e u"ua! babb!e of -oice" and c!ink
of ab!eware in $e back#round' 4e inroduced $i&"e!f and apo!o#i;ed
for inerrupin# $er !unc$'
7I doe"n% &aer,7 6a$y "aid a#reeab!y' 7=$a can I do for you?7
72o you re&e&ber &e?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 6a$y "aid' 74ow cou!d I for#e afer $e reacion you
#o ou of (r' 6e!!ey and 2r' Gi&&er&an?7
7T$ey are no $e on!y peop!e I "ee& o $a-e offended in your $o"pi-
a!,7 Jack ad&ied'
73-erybody $a" been on ed#e "ince $e"e infeciou" ca"e",7 6a$y "aid'
7I wou!dn% ake i per"ona!!y'7
75i"en,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& concerned abou $e "a&e ca"e", and I%d !o-e
o co&e o-er and a!k o you direc!y' =ou!d you &ind? Bu i wi!! $a-e
o be :u" beween $e wo of u"' I" $a oo &uc$ o a"k?7
7No, no a a!!,7 6a$y "aid' 7=$en did you $a-e in &ind? I%& afraid
I $a-e &eein#" "c$edu!ed for &o" of $e afernoon'7
74ow abou ri#$ now?7 Jack "aid' 7I%11 pa"" up !unc$'7
7Now $a%" dedicaion,7 6a$y "aid' 74ow can I refu"e? (y office i"
in ad&ini"raion on $e fir" f!oor'7
7)$-o$,7 Jack -oiced' 7I" $ere a c$ance I%d run ino (r' 6e!!ey?7
7T$e c$ance" are "!i&,7 6a$y "aid' 7T$ere%" a #roup of bi#wi#" in
fro& A&eriCare, and (r' 6e!!ey i" "c$edu!ed o be !ocked up wi$ $e&
a!! day'7
7I%& on &y way,7 Jack "aid'
Jack e+ied fro& $e fron enrance 1n Cir" A-enue' 4e wa" -a#ue!y
aware of *!a& "rai#$enin# up fro& w$ere $e wa" !eanin# a#ain" a
nei#$borin# bui!din#, bu Jack wa" oo preoccupied o ake &uc$ noice'
4e f!a##ed a cab and c!i&bed in' Be$ind $i& $e "aw *!a& fo!!owin# "ui'
BJ $ad no been enire!y confiden $e%d reco#ni;e Jack fro& $e -i"i o
$e doc%" apar&en, bu $e &o&en Jack appeared a $e door of $e
&edica! e+a&iner%" office, BJ knew i wa" $i&'
=$i!e $e%d been waiin# BJ $ad ried o fi#ure ou w$o wa" "uppo"-
ed!y proecin# Jack' Cor a w$i!e a a!! &u"cu!ar dude $ad !oiered on $e
corner of Cir" A-enue and T$irie$ *ree, "&okin#, and iner&ien!y
!ookin# up a $e &edica! e+a&iner bui!din#%" door' BJ $ad $ou#$ $e
wa" $e one, bu e-enua!!y $e%d !ef' *o BJ $ad been "urpri"ed w$en $e%d
"een *!a& "iffen in re"pon"e o Jack%" appearance'
74e%" no &ore $an a #odda&n kid,7 BJ $ad w$i"pered o $i&"e!f' 4e
wa" di"#u"ed' 4e e+peced a &ore for&idab!e opponen'
No "ooner $ad BI #oen $i" $and around $e bu of $i" &ac$ine pi"-
o!, w$ic$ $e $ad in a "$ou!der $o!"er under $i" $ooded "wea"$ir, $an
$e "aw fir" Jack and $en *!a& :u&p ino "eparae cab"' 5ein# #o of $i"
#un, BJ "epped ou ino $e "ree and f!a##ed $i" own a+i'
7Ju" $ead nor$,7 BJ o!d $e cabdIi-er' 7Bu pu"$ i, &an'7
T$e .aki"ani cabdri-er #a-e BJ a >ue"ionin# !ook, bu $en did a"
$e wa" o!d' BJ kep *!a&%" cab in "i#$, aided by $e fac $a i $ad a
broken ai!!i#$'
Jack :u&ped ou of $e cab and da"$ed ino $e Genera! and acro"" $e
!obby' T$e &a"k" $ad been di"pen"ed wi$ now $a $e &enin#ococca!
"care $ad pa""ed, "o Jack cou!dn% u"e one o $ide be$ind' Concerned
abou bein# reco#ni;ed, $e waned o "pend $e !ea" i&e po""ib!e in $e
$o"pia!%" pub!ic p!ace"'
4e pu"$ed $rou#$ $e door" ino $e ad&ini"rai-e area, $opin#
$a 6a$y $ad been ri#$ abou 6e!!ey%" bein# occupied' T$e "ound" of
$e $o"pia! died away a" $e door" c!o"ed be$ind $i&' 4e wa" in a car-
peed $a!!' 4appi!y, $e "aw no one $e reco#ni;ed'
Jack approac$ed $e fir" "ecreary $e ca&e upon and a"ked for 6a$y
(cBane%" office' 4e wa" direced o $e $ird door on $e ri#$' 5o"in#
no i&e, Jack $u"!ed down $ere and "epped in'
74e!!o,7 Jack ca!!ed ou a" $e c!o"ed $e door be$ind $i&' 7I $ope you
don% &ind &y "$uin# u" in !ike $i"' I know i%" pre"u&puou", bu a"
I e+p!ained $ere are a few peop!e I don% wan o "ee'7
7If i &ake" you fee! beer, by a!! &ean",7 6a$y "aid' 7Co&e and "i
down'7
Jack ook one of $e "ea" facin# $e de"k' I wa" a "&a!! office wi$
bare!y enou#$ roo& for a de"k, wo facin# c$air", and a fi!e cabine' T$e
wa!!" $ad a "erie" of dip!o&a" and !icen"e" ae"in# o 6a$y%" i&pre"-
"i-e credenia!"' T$e decoraion wa" "paran bu co&forab!e' T$ere were
fa&i!y p$oo" on $e de"k'
6a$y $er"e!f appeared a" Jack re&e&bered $er/ friend!y and open'
*$e $ad a round face wi$ "&a!!, de!icae feaure"' 4er "&i!e ca&e
ea"i!y'
7I%& -ery concerned abou $i" recen ca"e of pri&ary inf!uen;a pneu-
&onia,7 Jack "aid, !o"in# no i&e' 7=$a%" been $e reacion of $e In-
fecion Conro! Co&&iee?7
7=e%-e no &e ye,7 6a$y "aid' 7Afer a!!, $e paien :u" pa""ed away
!a" ni#$'7
74a-e you "poken abou i wi$ any of $e o$er &e&ber"?7 Jack
a"ked'
7No,7 6a$y ad&ied' 7=$y are you "o concerned? =e%-e "een a !o
of inf!uen;a $i" "ea"on' Crank!y, $i" ca"e $a"n% bo$ered &e anyw$ere
near $e way $e o$er" did, paricu!ar!y $e &enin#ococcu"'7
7I bo$er" &e becau"e of a paern,7 Jack "aid' 7I pre"ened a" a fu!-
&inan for& of a pneu&onia :u" !ike $e o$er, rarer di"ea"e"' T$e dif-
ference i" $a wi$ inf!uen;a $e infeci-iy i" '$i#$en' I doe"n% need a
-ecor' I "pread" per"on o per"on'7
7I under"and $a,7 6a$y "aid' 7Bu a" I%-e poined ou we%-e been
"eein# inf!uen;a a!! winer !on#'7 /
7.ri&ary inf!uen;a pneu&onia?7 Jack >ue"ioned'
7=e!!, no,7 6a$y ad&ied'
7T$i" &ornin# I $ad "o&eone c$eck o "ee if $ere were any o$er "i&-
i!ar ca"e" curren!y in $e $o"pia!,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ere weren%' 2o you
know if $ere are now?7
7No $a I a& aware of,7 6a$y "aid'
7Cou!d you c$eck?7 Jack a"ked'
6a$y urned o $er er&ina! and punc$ed in a >uery' T$e an"wer
f!a"$ed back in an in"an' T$ere were no ca"e" of inf!uen;a pneu&onia'
7A!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 75e%" ry "o&e$in# e!"e' T$e paien%" na&e wa"
6e-in Carpener' =$ere wa" $i" roo& in $e $o"pia! ?7 74e wa" on $e
or$opedic f!oor,7 6a$y "aid'
74i" "y&po&" "ared a "i+ .'IA',7 Jack "aid' 75e%" "ee if any of $e
or$opedic nur"e" on $e e-enin# "$if are "ick'7
6a$y $e"iaed for a &o&en, $en urned back o $er co&puer
er&ina!' I ook $er "e-era! &inue" o #e $e !i" and $e p$one
nu&ber"'
7<ou wan &e o ca!! $e& now?7 6a$y a"ked' 7T$ey%re due in for
$eir "$if in :u" a coQIp!e of $our"'7 7If you don% &ind,7 Jack "aid'
6a$y "ared &akin# $e ca!!"' On $er "econd ca!!, o a ("' 6i& *pen-
"or,%"$e di"co-ered $a $e wo&an wa" i!!' In fac, "$e%d :u" been prepar-
in# o ca!! in "ick' *$e ad&ied o "e-ere f!u "y&po&" wi$ a e&pera-
ure of a!&o" 1BAU'
7=ou!d you &ind if I a!ked wi$ $er?7 Jack a"ked'
6a$y a"ked 6i& if "$e%d be wi!!in# o "peak o a docor w$o wa" in
$er office' 6i& apparen!y a#reed, becau"e 6a$y $anded $e p$one o
:ack'
Jack inroduced $i&"e!f, bu no a" a &edica! e+a&iner' 4e co&&i"-
eraed wi$ $er abou $er i!!ne"", and $en in>uired abou $er "y&po&"'
7I "ared abrup!y,7 6i& "aid' 7One &inue I wa" fineD $e ne+
&inue I $ad a errib!e $eadac$e and a "$akin# c$i!!' A!"o, &y &u"c!e"
are ac$in#, paricu!ar!y &y !ower back' I%-e $ad $e f!u before, bu $i" i"
$e wor" I%-e e-er fe!'7
7Any cou#$?7 Jack a"ked'
7A !i!e,7 6i& "aid' 7And i%" been #ein# wor"e'7
74ow abou "ub"erna! pain?7 Jack a"ked' 7Be$ind your brea"bone
w$en you brea$e in ?7
7<e",7 6i& "aid' 72oe" $a &ean any$in# in paricu!ar?7
72id you $a-e &uc$ conac wi$ a paien by $e na&e of Carpen-
erR?7 Jack a"ked'
7I did,7 6i& "aid' 7And "o did $e 5.N, Geor#e 4a"e!on' (r' Car-
pener wa" a de&andin# paien once $e "ared co&p!ainin# of $eadac$e
and c$i!!"' <ou don% $ink &y conac wi$ $i& cou!d be $e cau"e of &y
"y&po&", do you? I &ean, $e incubaion period for $e f!u i" &ore $an
weny-four $our"'7
7I%& no an infeciou" di"ea"e "pecia!i",7 Jack "aid' 7I ru!y don%
know'
Bu I%d reco&&end you ake "o&e ri&anadinc'7 74ow i" (r' Carpener?7 6i&
a"ked'
7If you #i-e &e $e na&e of your !oca! p$ar&acy I%!! ca!! you in a pre-
"cripion,7 Jack "aid, purpo"efu!!y i#norin# 6i&%" >ue"ion' Ob-iou"!y $i"
fu!&inan cour"e "ared afer 6i&%" "$if $ad depared'
A" "oon a" $e cou!d, Jack er&inaed $e con-er"aion' 4e $anded $e
p$one back o 6a$y' 7I don% !ike $i",7 Jack "aid' 7I%" :u" w$a I wa"
afraid of'7
7Aren% you bein# an a!ar&i"?7 6a$y >ue"ioned' 7I%d #ue"" wo o
$ree percen of $e $o"pia! per"onne! are ou wi$ $e f!u curren!y'7
75e%" ca!! Geor#e 4a"e!on,7 Jack "aid'
Geor#e 4a"e!on urned ou o be e-en "icker $an 6i&D $e%d a!ready
ca!!ed in "ick o $e f!oor "uper-i"or' Jack didn% a!k o $i&' 4e "i&p!y
!i"ened o 6a$y%" "ide of $I con-er"aion'
6a$y $un# up "!ow!y' 7Now you%re "arin# o #e &e worried,7 "$e
ad&ied'
T$ey ca!!ed $e re" of $e e-enin# "$if for $e or$opedic f!oor, in-
c!udin# $e ward "ecreary' No one e!"e wa" i!!'
75e%" ry ano$er depar&en,7 Jack "aid' 7*o&eone fro& $e !ab
&u" $a-e been in o "ee Carpener' 4ow can we c$eck?7
7I%11 ca!! Ginny =$a!en in per"onne!,7 6a$y "aid, pickin# up $e
p$one a#ain'
A $a!f $our !aer $ey $ad $e fu!! picure' Cour peop!e $ad "y&po&"
of a bad ca"e of $e f!u' Be"ide" $e wo nur"e", one of $e e-enin# &i-
crobio!o#y ec$" $ad abrup!y e+perienced "ore $roa, $eadac$e, "$ak-
in# c$i!!, &u"c!e pain, cou#$, and "ub"erna! di"co&for' 4i" conac wi$
6e-in Carpener $ad occurred abou en o%c!ock in $e e-enin#, w$en
$e%d -i"ied $e paien o obain a "puu& cu!ure'
T$e fina! per"on fro& $e e-enin# "$if w$o wa" "i&i!ar!y i!! wa" G!o-
ria 4ernande;' To 6a$y%" "urpri"e bu no Jack%", "$e worked in cen-
ra! "upp!y and $ad $ad no conac wi$ 6e-in Carpener' 7*$e can% be re!aed
o $e o$er",7 6a$y "aid'
7I wou!dn% be oo "ure,7 Jack "aid' 4e $en re&inded $er $a "o&e-
one fro& cenra! "upp!y $ad peri"$ed wi$ eac$ of $e o$er recen in-
feciou" ca"e"' 7I%& "urpri"ed $i" $a"n% been a opic of debae wi$ $e
Infecion Conro! Co&&iee' I know for a fac $a bo$ 2r' Gi&&er-
&an and 2r' Abe!ard are aware of $e connecion, becau"e $ey $a-e been
o cenra! "upp!y o a!k o $e "uper-i"or, (r"' Gare!!i'7
7=e $a-en% $ad a for&a! co&&iee &eein# "ince a!! $i" "ared,7
6a$y "aid' 7=e &ee on $e fir" (onday of eac$ &on$'7
I 7T$en 2r' Gi&&er&an i" no keepin# you infor&ed,7 Jack "aid'
7I wou!dn% be $e fir" i&e,7 6a$y "aid' 7=e%-e ne-er been on $e
be" of er&"'7
7*peakin# of (r"' Gare!!i,7 Jack "aid' 7*$e%d pro&i"ed &e prinou"
of e-ery$in# cenra! "upp!y $ad "en o eac$ of $e inde+ ca"e"' Cou!d
we "ee if "$e $a" $e& and, if "o, $a-e $er brin# $e& down?7
4a-in# ab"orbed "o&e of Jack%" an+iey abou $e inf!uen;a, 6a$y wa"
ea#er o $e!p' Afer a!kin# brief!y o (r"' Gare!!i and a"cerainin# $a
$e prinou" were a-ai!ab!e, 6a$y $ad one of $e ad&ini"rai-e "ecre-
arie" run up o #e $e&'
75e &e $a-e G!oria 4ernande;%" p$one nu&ber,7 Jack "aid' 7In fac,
#i-e &e $er addre"" a" we!!' T$i" cenra! "upp!y connecion i" a &y"ery
$a for $e !ife of &e, I can% under"and' I can% be coincidence and cou!d
be key o under"andin# w$a i" #oin# on'7
6a$y #o $e infor&aion fro& $e co&puer, wroe i down, and
$anded i o Jack'
7=$a do you $ink we "$ou!d do $ere a $e $o"pia! ?7 "$e a"ked'
Jack "i#$ed' 7I don% know,7 $e ad&ied' 7I #ue"" you%!! $a-e o di"-
cu"" $a wi$ friend!y 2r' Gi&&er&an' *$e%" $e !oca! e+per' In #en-
era!, >uaranine i" no -ery effeci-e for inf!uen;a "ince i "pread" "o
>uick!y' Bu if $i" i" "o&e "pecia! "rain, per$ap" i wou!d be wor$ a ry'
I $ink I%d #e $o"e $o"pia! per"onne! w$o are "ick in $ere and i"o!ae
$e&/ wor" ca"e, i%" an incon-enienceD be" ca"e, i cou!d $e!p a-er a di"-
a"er'
7=$a abou ri&anadine?7 6a$y a"ked'
7I%& a!! for i,7 :ack "aid' 7I%11 probab!y #e "o&e &y"e!f' I $a" been
u"ed o conro! "o&e no"oco&ia! inf!uen;a in $e pa"' Bu a#ain $a
"$ou!d be up o 2r' Gi&&er&an'7
7I $ink I%1! #i-e $er a ca!!,7 6a$y "aid'
:ack waied w$i!e 6a$y "poke o 2r' Gi&&er&an' 6a$y wa" def-
erenia! bu fir& in e+p!ainin# $e apparen connecion beween $I "ick
per"onne! and $e decea"ed, 6e-in Carpener' Once "$e $ad "poken, "$e
wa" reduced o "i!ence puncuaed on!y by repeiion" of 7ye"7 a cerain
iner-a!"'
3-enua!!y, 6a$y $un# up' *$e ro!!ed $er eye"' 7T$a wo&an i" i&-
po""ib!e,7 "$e "aid' 7A any rae, "$e%" re!ucan o do any$in# e+raor-
dinary, a" "$e pu" i, wi$ :u" one confir&ed ca"e' *$e%" afraid (r' 6e!!ey
and $e A&eriCare e+ecui-e" wou!d be a#ain" i for .R rea"on" uni! i
wa" undeniab!y indicaed'7
7=$a abou $e ri&anadine?7 Jack a"ked'
7On $a "$e wa" a !i!e &ore recepi-e,7 6a$y "aid' 7*$e "aid "$e%d
au$ori;e $e p$ar&acy o order in enou#$ for $e "aff, bu "$e wa"n%
#oin# o pre"cribe i :u" ye' A any rae, I #o $er aenion'7 7A !ea"
$a%" "o&e$in#,7 :ack a#reed'
T$e "ecreary knocked and ca&e in wi$ $e prinou" Jack $ad waned
fro& cenra! "upp!y' 4e $anked $e wo&an, and i&&ediae!y be#an
"cannin# $e&' 4e wa" i&pre""edD i wa" ra$er e+raordinary w$a eac$
paien ui!i;ed' T$e !i"" were !on# and inc!uded e-ery$in# "$or of
&edicaion", food, and !inen'
7Any$in# inere"in#?7 6a$y a"ked'
7No$in# $a :u&p" ou a &e,7 Jack ad&ied' 73+cep $ow "i&i!ar
$ey are' Bu I rea!i;e I "$ou!d $a-e a"ked for a conro!' I "$ou!d $a-e
a"ked for a "i&i!ar !i" fro& a rando& paien'7
7T$a "$ou!dn% be $ard o #e,7 6a$y "aid' *$e ca!!ed (r"' Gare!!i
back and a"ked $er o prin one ou' 7=an o wai?7 6a$y "aid'
Jack #o o $i" fee' 7I $ink I%-e o-er"rec$ed &y !uck a" i i",7 $e
"aid'
7If you cou!d #e i and $a-e i "en o-er o $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office,
I%d be appreciai-e' A" I &enioned, $i" cenra! "upp!y connecion cou!d
be i&poran'7
7I%d be $appy o do i,7 6a$y "aid'
Jack wen o $e door and furi-e!y #!anced ou ino $e $a!!' Turnin#
back o 6a$y, $e "aid, 7I%" $ard o #e u"ed o acin# !ike a cri&ina!'7
7I $ink we%re in your deb for your per"e-erance,7 6a$y "aid' 7I
apo!o#i;e for $o"e w$o $a-e &i"inerpreed your inenion"'7
7T$ank you,7 Jack "aid "incere!y'
% 7Can I a"k you a per"ona! >ue"ion?7 6a$y a"ked'
74ow per"ona!?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" abou your face,7 6a$y a"ked' 7=$a $appened? =$ae-er i
wa", i !ook" !ike i &u" $a-e been painfu!'7
7I !ook" wor"e $an i i",7 Jack "aid' 7I%" &ere!y a ref!ecion of $e
ri#-
or" of :o##in# in $e park a ni#$'7
Jack wa!ked >uick!y $rou#$ ad&ini"raion and acro"" $e !obby' A"
$e "epped ou ino $e ear!y-"prin# "un"$ine, $e fe! re!ief' I $ad been
$e fir" i&e $e%d been ab!e o -i"i $e Genera! wi$ou "irrin# up a $or-
ne%" ne" of proe"'
Jack urned ri#$ and $eaded ea"' On one of $i" prior -i"i" $e%d no-
iced a c$ain dru#"ore wo b!ock" fro& $e $o"pia!' 4e wen direc!y
$ere' 6a$y%" "u##e"ion ofri&anadine wa" a #ood one, and $e waned
o #e "o&e for $i&"e!f, e"pecia!!y #i-en $i" inenion of -i"iin# G!oria
4ernande;'
T$inkin# of $e 4ernande; wo&an &ade Jack reac$ ino $i" pocke
o be "ure $e%d no &i"p!aced $er addre""' 4e $adn%' )nfo!din# $e
paper, $e !ooked a i' *$e !i-ed on =e" 1AA$ *ree, "o&e fory b!ock"
nor$ of Jack'
Arri-in# a $e dru#"ore, Jack pu!!ed open $e door and enered' I
wa" a !ar#e "ore wi$ a bewi!derin# di"p!ay of &erc$andi"e' 3-ery$in#,
inc!udin# co"&eic", "c$oo! "upp!ie", c!eanin# a#en", "aionery, #reein#
card", and e-en auo&oi-e produc", wa" cra&&ed ono &ea! "$e!-in#'
T$e "ore $ad a" &any ai"!e" a" a "uper&arke'
I ook Jack a few &inue" o find $e p$ar&acy "ecion, w$ic$ occu-
pied a few ">uare fee in $e back corner of $e "ore' =i$ a" !i!e re-
"pec a" p$ar&acy wa" #i-en, Jack fe! $ere wa" a cerain irony $ey e-en
ca!!ed $e e"ab!i"$&en a dru#"ore'
Jack waied in !ine o "peak o $e p$ar&aci"' =$en $e fina!!y did $e
a"ked for a pre"cripion b!ank, w$ic$ $e >uick!y fi!!ed ou for ri&ana-
dine'
T$e p$ar&aci" wa" dre""ed in an o!d-fa"$ioned w$ie, co!!ar!e"" p$ar-
&aci" :acke wi$ $e op buon undone' 4e ">uined a $e pre"crip-
ion and $en o!d Jack i wou!d ake abou weny &inue"'
7Tweny &inue"87 Jack >ue"ioned' 7=$y "o !on#? I &ean, a!! you
$a-e o do i" coun ou $e ab!e"'7
72o you wan $i" or don% you?7 $e p$ar&aci" a"ked acid!y'
7I wan i,7 Jack &uered' T$e &edica! e"ab!i"$&en $ad a way of
bu!!yin# peop!eD docor" were no !on#er i&&une'
Jack urned back o $e &ain par of $e "ore' 4e $ad o enerain $i&-
"e!ffor weny &inue"' =i$ no #oa! in &ind, $e wandered down ai"!e
"e-en and found $i&"e!f before a "a##erin# -ariey of condo&"'
BJ !iked $e idea of $e dru#"ore fro& $e &o&en $e "aw Jack ener'
4e knew i wou!d be c!o"e >uarer", and a" an added aracion, $ere wa"
a "ubway enrance ri#$ ou $e door' T$e "ubway wa" a #rea p!ace o
di"appear'
Afer a >uick #!ance up and down $e "ree, BJ pu!!ed open $e door
and "epped in"ide' 4e eyed $e #!a""-enc!o"ed &ana#er%" office near $e
enrance, bu e+perience o!d $i& i wou!dn% be a prob!e&' I &i#$ ake
a "$or bur" fro& $i" &ac$ine pi"o! :u" o keep e-erybody%" $ead down
w$en $e wa" on $i" way ou, bu $a wou!d be abou i'
BJ ad-anced beyond $e c$eckou re#i"er" and "ared #!ancin# down
$e ai"!e", !ookin# for ei$er Jack or *!a&' 4e knew if $e found one, $e%d
>uick!y find $e o$er' 4e $i pay dir in ai"!e "e-en' Jack wa" a $e -ery
end, wi$ *!a& !oierin# !e"" $an en fee away'
A" BJ &o-ed >uick!y down ai"!e "i+, $e reac$ed under $i" "wea"$ir
and !e $i" $and wrap around $e bu of $i" Tec pi"o!' 4e "napped off
$e "afey wi$ $i" $u&b' =$en $e arri-ed a $e cro""-ai"!e in $e &id-
d!e of $e "ore, $e "!owed, "epped !aera!!y, and "opped' Carefu!!y $e
!eaned around a di"p!ay of Bouny paper owe!" and #!anced down $e
re&ainder of ai"!e "e-en'
BJ fe! $i" pu!"e >uicken in anicipaion' Jack wa" "andin# in $e "a&e
"po, and *!a& $ad &o-ed o-er ne+ o $i&' I wa" perfec'
BJ%" $ear "kipped a bea w$en $e fe! a fin#er ap $i" "$ou!der' 4e
"wun# around' 4i" $and wa" "i!! under $i" "wea"$ir, $o!din# on o $e
bo!"ered Tec'
iii
7(ay I $e!p you?7 a ba!d-$eaded &an a"ked'
An#er "eared $rou#$ BI a $a-in# been inerruped a preci"e!y $e
wron# &o&en' 4e #!ared a $e :ow!ed c!erk and fe! !ike bu"in# $i&
in $e c$op", bu in"ead $e decided o i#nore $i& for $e &o&en' 4e
cou!dn% pa"" up $e opporuniy wi$ :ack and *!a& "andin# no"e o
no"e'
BI "pun back around, and a" $e did "o $e drew ou $e &ac$ine pi"-
o!' 4e "ared forward' 4e knew a "in#!e "ep wou!d brin# $e ai"!e ino
fu!! -iew'
T$e c!erk wa" "$ocked by BJ%" "udden &o-e&en, and $e didn% "ee
$e #un' If $e $ad, $e ne-er wou!d $a-e "$oued 74ey7 $e way $e did'
Jack fe! on ed#e and :iery' 4e di"!iked $e "ore, e"pecia!!y afer $i" run-
in wi$ $e p$ar&aci"' T$e back#round e!e-aor &u"ic and $e "&e!! of
c$eap co"&eic" added o $i" di"co&for' 4e didn% wan o be $ere'
A" wired a" $e wa", w$en $e $eard $e c!erk ye!!, $i" $ead "$o up, and
$e !ooked in $e direcion of $e co&&oion' 4e wa" :u" in i&e o "ee
a "ocky African-A&erican !eapin# ino $e cener of $e ai"!e brandi"$-
in# a &ac$ine pi"o!'
Jack%" reacion wa" pure ref!e+' 4e $rew $i&"e!f ino $e condo& di"-
p!ay' A" $i" body &ade conac wi$ $e "$e!-in# an enire uni ipped
o-er wi$ a c!aer' :ack found $i&"e!f in $e cener of ai"!e ei#$ on op
of a &ounain of di"arran#ed &erc$andi"e and co!!ap"ed "$e!-e"'
=$i!e Jack !eaped forward, *!a& $i $e f!oor, e+racin# $i" own &a-
c$ine pi"o! in $e proce""' I wa" a "ki!!fu! &aneu-er, "u##e"in# $e
poi"e and e+peri"e of a Green Bere'
BI wa" $e fir" o fire' *ince $e $e!d $i" pi"o! in on!y one $and, $e
bur" of "$o" wen a!! o-er $e "ore, rippin# di-o" in $e -iny! f!oorin#
and pokin# $o!e" in $e in cei!in#' Bu &o" of $e "$o" "crea&ed pa"
$e area w$ere :ack and *!a& $ad been "andin# "econd" before, and
pounded ino $e -ia&in "ecion be!ow $e p$ar&acy couner'
*!a& !e ou a bur" a" we!!' (o" of $i" bu!!e" ra-e!ed $e !en#$ of
ai"!e "e-en, "$aerin# one of $e $u#e p!ae-#!a"" window" facin# $e
"ree'
BJ $ad pu!!ed $i&"e!f back $e &o&en $e%d "een $e e!e&en of "ur-
pri"e $ad been !o"' Now $e "ood, crouc$ed o-er be$ind $e Bouny
paper owe!", ryin# o decide w$a o do ne+'
3-eryone e!"e in $e "ore wa" "crea&in#, inc!udin# $e c!erk w$o%d
apped BJ on $e "$ou!der' T$ey be#an ru"$in# o $e e+i", f!eein# for
$eir !i-e"'
Jack "cra&b!ed o $i" fee' 4e%d $eard *!a&%" bur" of #unfire, and now
$e wa" $earin# ano$er bur" fro& BJ' Jack waned ou of $e "ore'
6eepin# $i" $ead down, $e da"$ed back ino $e p$ar&acy area' T$ere
wa" a door $a "aid &pIoyee" On!y,7 and Jack ru"$ed $rou#$' 4e
found $i&"e!f in a !unc$roo&' A $andfu! of open "of drink" and $a!f-
eaen packa#ed pa"rie" on $e ab!e o!d $i& $a peop!e $ad :u" been
$ere'
Con-inced $a $ere wa" a way ou $rou#$ $e back, Jack be#an
openin# door"' T$e fir" wa" a ba$roo&, $e "econd a "oreroo&'
4e $eard &ore "u"ained #unfire and &ore "crea&" ou in $e &ain
par of $e "ore'
.anicked, Jack ried a $ird door' To $i" re!ief i !ed ou ino an a!!ey
!ined wi$ ra"$ can"' In $e di"ance $e cou!d "ee peop!e runnin#' A&on#
$o"e f!eein#, $e reco#ni;ed $e p$ar&aci"%" w$ie coa' Jack ook off
afer $e&'
T)3*2A<, 1 //0V0 .'(,, (ARr%4 21I 1 IcI1
2eeci-e 5ieuenan 5ou *o!dano pu!!ed $i" un&arked C$e-y Caprice
ino $e parkin# area a $e !oadin# bay of $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office'
4e parked be$ind 2r' 4aro!d Bin#$a&%" officia! car and ook $e key"
ou of $e i#niion' 4e #a-e $e& o $e "ecuriy &an in ca"e $e car $ad
o be &o-ed' 5ou wa" a fre>uen -i"ior o $e &or#ue, a!$ou#$ $e
$adn% been $ere for o-er a &on$'
4e #o on $e e!e-aor and pu"$ed fi-e' 4e wa" on $i" way o 5aurie%"
office' 4e%d #oen $er &e""a#e ear!ier bu $adn% been ab!e o ca!! uni!
a few &inue" a#o a" $e wa" on $i" way acro"" $e Fueen"boro Brid#e'
4e%d been o-er in Fueen" "uper-i"in# $e in-e"i#aion on a $o&icide of
a pro&inen banker'
5aurie $ad been e!!in# $i& abou one of $e &edica! e+a&iner" w$en
5ou $ad inerruped o e!! $er $e wa" in $e nei#$bor$ood and cou!d "op
by' *$e%d i&&ediae!y a#reed, e!!in# $i& "$e%d be waiin# in $er office'
5ou #o off $e e!e-aor and wa!ked down $e $a!!' I brou#$ back
&e&orie"' T$ere $ad been a i&e w$en $e%d $ou#$ $a $e and 5au-
rie cou!d $a-e $ad a fuure%o#e$er' Bu i $adn% worked ou' Too &any
difference" in $eir back#round", 5ou $ou#$'
IS
74ey, 5aur,7 5ou ca!!ed ou w$en $e cau#$ "i#$ of $er workin# a
$er de"k' 3-ery i&e $e "aw $er "$e !ooked beer o $i&' 4er auburn
$air fe!! o-er $er "$ou!der" in a way $a re&inded $i& of "$a&poo co&-
&ercia!"' 75aur7 wa" $e nickna&e $i" "on $ad #i-en $er $e fir" i&e
$e%d &e $er' T$e na&e $ad "uck'
5aurie #o up and #a-e 5ou a bi# $u#'
7<ou%re !ookin# #rea,7 "$e "aid'
5ou "$ru##ed "e!f-con"ciou"!y' 7I%& fee!in# okay,7 $e "aid'
7And $e c$i!dren?7 5aurie a"ked'
7C$i!dren?7 5ou co&&ened' 7(y dau#$er i" "i+een now #oin# on
$iry' *$e%" boy cra;y, and i%" dri-in# &e cra;y'7
5aurie !ifed "o&e :ourna!" off $e "pare c$air "$e and $er office&ae
"$ared' *$e #e"ured for 5ou o "i down'
7I%" #ood o "ee you, 5aurie,7 5ou "aid'
7I%" #ood o "ee you oo,7 "$e a#reed' 7=e "$ou!dn% !e "o &uc$ i&e
#o by wi$ou #ein# o#e$er'7
7*o w$a%" $i" bi# prob!e& you waned o a!k o &e abou?7 5ou
a"ked' 4e waned o "eer $e con-er"aion away fro& poenia!!y painfu!
arena"'
7I don% know $ow bi# i i",7 5aurie "aid' *$e #o up and c!o"ed $er
office door' 7One of $e new docor" on "aff wou!d !ike o a!k o you off
$e record' I%d &enioned $a you and I were friend"' )nforunae!y, $e%"
no around a $e &o&en' I c$ecked w$en you "aid you were co&in#
o-er' In fac, no one know" w$ere $e i"'7
7Any idea w$a i%" abou?7 5ou a"ked'
7No "pecifica!!y,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu I%& worried abou $i&'7
7O$?7 5ou "e!ed back'
74e a"ked &e o do wo auop"ie" $i" &ornin#' One on a weny-nine-
year-o!d Cauca"ian wo&an w$o%d been a &icrobio!o#y ec$ o-er a $e
Genera!' *$e%d been "$o in $er apar&en !a" ni#$' T$e "econd wa" on
a weny-fi-e-year-o!d African-A&erican w$o%d been "$o in Cenra!
.ark' Before I did $e ca"e" $e "u##e"ed $a I ry o "ee if $e wo were
%in any way re!aed/ $rou#$ $air, fiber, b!ood'''7
7And ?7 5ou a"ked'
7I found "o&e b!ood on $i" :acke w$ic$ pre!i&inari!y &ac$e" $e
wo&an%",7 5aurie "aid' 7Now $a%" :u" by "ero!o#y' T$e 2NA i" pend-
in#' Bu i%" no a co&&on ype/ B ne#ai-e'7
5ou rai"ed $i" eyebrow"' 72id $i" &edica! e+a&iner #i-e any e+p!a-
naion for $i" "u"picion?7 $e a"ked'
74e "aid i wa" a $unc$,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu $ere%" &ore' I know for
a fac $a $e%d been beaen up recen!y by "o&e New <ork #an# &e&-
ber"-a !ea" once, &aybe wice' =$en $e "$owed up $i" &ornin# $e
!ooked o &e !ike i &i#$ $a-e $appened a#ain, a!$ou#$ $e denied i'7
7=$y wa" $e beaen up?7 5ou a"ked'
7*uppo"ed!y a" a warnin# for $i& no o #o o $e (an$aan Genera!
4o"pia!,7 5aurie "aid'
7=$oa87 5ou "aid' 7=$a are you a!kin# abou?7
7I don% know $e deai!",7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu I do know $e%" been irri-
ain# a !o of peop!e o-er $ere, and for $a &aer, o-er $ere a" we!!'
2r' Bin#$a& $a" been ready o fire $i& on "e-era! occa"ion"'7
74ow%" $e been irriain# e-eryone?7 5ou a"ked'
74e $a" i in $i" &ind $a a "erie" of infeciou" di"ea"e" $a $a-e ap-
peared o-er a $e Genera! $a-e been "pread ineniona!!y'7
7<ou &ean !ike by a errori" or "o&e$in#?7 5ou a"ked'
7I "uppo"e,7 5aurie "aid'
7<ou know $i" i" "oundin# fa&i!iar,7 5ou "aid'
5aurie nodded' 7I re&e&ber $ow I fe! abou $a "erie" of o-erdo"e"
fi-e year" a#o and $e fac $a no one be!ie-ed &e'7
7=$a do you $ink of your friend%" $eory?7 5ou "aid' 7By $e way,
w$a%" $i" na&e?7
7Jack *ap!eon,7 5aurie "aid' 7A" o $i" $eory, I don% rea!!y $a-e a!!
$e fac"'7
7Co&e on, 5aurie,7 5ou "aid' 7I know you beer $an $a' Te!! &e
your opinion'7
7I $ink $e%" "eein# con"piracy becau"e $e wan" o "ee con"piracy,7
5aurie "aid' 74i" office&ae o!d &e $e $a" a !on#-"andin# #rud#e
a#ain" $e $ea!$-care #ian A&eriCare, w$ic$ own" $e Genera!'7
7Bu e-en "o, $a doe"n% e+p!ain $e #an# connecion or $e fac $a
$e &i#$ $a-e know!ed#e of $e wo&an%" &urder' =$a%re $e na&e"
of $e $o&icide -ici&"?7
73!i;abe$ 4o!der$e"" and Re#ina!d =in$rope,7 5aurie "aid'
5ou wroe down $e na&e" in $e "&a!! b:ack noebook $e carried'
7T$ere wa"n% &uc$ cri&ino!o#i" work done on ei$er ca"e,7 5aurie
"aid'
7<ou of a!! peop!e know $ow !i&ied our per"onne! i",7 5ou "aid' 72id
$ey $a-e a pre!i&inary &oi-e for $e wo&an?7
7Robbery,7 5aurie "aid'
7Rape?7
74ow abou $e &an?7 5ou a"ked'
74e wa" a &e&ber of a #an#,7 5aurie "aid' 74e wa" "$o in $e $ead
a re!ai-e!y c!o"e ran#e'7
7)nforunae!y, $a%" a!! oo co&&on,7 5ou "aid' 7=e don% "pend a
!o of i&e in-e"i#ain# $o"e' 2id $e auop"ie" "$ow any$in#?7
7No$in# unu"ua!,7 5aurie "aid'
72o you $ink your friend 2r' *ap!eon co&pre$end" $ow dan#er-
ou" $e"e #an#" can be?7 5ou a"ked' 7I $a-e a fee!in# $a $e%" wa!kin#
on $e ed#e'7
7I don% know &uc$ abou $i&,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu $e%" no a New
<orker' 4e%" fro& $e (idwe"'7
7)$-o$,7 5ou "aid' 7I $ink I%d beer $a-e a a!k wi$ $i& abou $e
rea!iie" of ciy !ife, and I%d beer do i "ooner ra$er $an !aer' 4e &i#$
no be around !on#'7
72on% "ay $a,7 5aurie "aid'
7I" your inere" in $i& &ore $an profe""iona!?7 5ou a"ked'
7Now !e%" no #e ino $a kind of di"cu""ion,7 5aurie "aid' 7Bu $e
an"wer i" no'7
72on% #e "ea&ed up,7 5ou "aid' 7I :u" !ike o know $e !ay of $e
!and'7 4e "ood up' 7Anyway, I%!! $e!p $e #uy, and i "ound" !ike $e need"
$e!p'7
7T$ank you, 5ou,7 5aurie "aid' *$e #o up $er"e!f and #a-e $e de-
eci-e ano$er $u#' 7I%11 $a-e $i& ca!! you'7 72o $a,7 5ou "aid'
5ea-in# 5aurie%" office, 5ou ook $e e!e-aor down o $e fir" f!oor'
=a!kin# $rou#$ $e co&&unicaion" area, $e "opped in o "ee *er#ean
(urp$y, w$o wa" per&anen!y a""i#ned o $e &edica! e+a&iner%" of-
rice' Afer $ey a!ked for a w$i!e abou $e pro"pec" of $e <ankee" and
$e (e" in $e upco&in# ba"eba!! "ea"on, 5ou "a down and pu $i" fee
up on $e corner of $e "er#ean%" de"k'
7Te!! &e "o&e$in#, (urp$,7 5ou "aid' 7=$a%" your $one" ake on
$i" new docor by $e na&e of Jack *ap!eon?7
Afer $a-in# f!ed fro& $e dru#"ore, Jack $ad run $e !en#$ of $e a!!ey
and $en ano$er four b!ock" before "oppin#' =$en $e $ad, $e wa"
winded fro& $e e+erion' In beween brea$" $e $eard $e undu!ain#
wai!" of con-er#in# po!ice "iren"' 4e a""u&ed $e po!ice were on $eir
way o $e "ore' 4e $oped $a *!a& $ad fared a" we!! a" $e'
:ack wa!ked uni! bo$ $i" brea$in# and $i" pu!"e were back o a "e&-
b!ance of nor&a!' 4e wa" "i!! "$akin#' T$e e+perience in $e "ore $ad
unner-ed $i& a" &uc$ a" $e ordea! in $e park, e-en $ou#$ $e "ore
epi"ode $ad aken on!y "econd"' T$e know!ed#e $a once a#ain $e%d been
"a!ked in an ae&p o ki!! $i& wa" &ind nu&bin#'
Addiiona! "iren" now co&peed wi$ $e nor&a! c!aer of $e ciy,
and :ack wondered if $e "$ou!d #o back o $e "cene o a!k o $e po!ice
and per$ap" $e!p if anyone $ad been "ruck wi$ a bu!!e' Bu =arren%"
ad&oniion" abou a!kin# o $e po!ice abou #an# affair" ca&e o &i,nd'
Afer a!!, =arren $ad been ri#$ abou Jack needin# $i" proecion' If i
$ad no been for *!a&, Jack "en"ed $e wou!d $a-e been ki!!ed'
Jack "$uddered' T$ere Bad been a i&e in $e no-oo-di"an pa"
w$en $e%d no cared paricu!ar!y if $e !i-ed or died/ Bu now, $a-in# co&e
c!o"e o dea$ wice, $e fe! differen!y' 4e waned o !i-e, and $a de-
"ire &ade $i& >ue"ion w$y $e B:ack 6in#" waned $i& dead' =$o wa"
payin# $e&? 2id $ey $ink Jack knew "o&e$in# $a $e didn%, or wa"
i :u" becau"e of $i" "u"picion" concernin# $e oubreak" a $e (an$a-
an Genera! ?
Jack $ad no an"wer o $e"e >ue"ion", bu $i" "econd ae&p on $i"
!ife &ade $i& &ore confiden $a $i" "u"picion" were correc' Now $e
$ad on!y o pro-e $e&'
In $e &idd!e of $e"e &u"in#" Jack found $i&"e!f in fron of a "ec-
ond dru#"ore' Bu in conra" o $e fir", i wa" a "&a!!, nei#$bor$ood
concern' 3nerin#, Jack approac$ed $e p$ar&aci" w$o wa" &annin#
$e "ore by $i&"e!f' 4i" na&e a# "aid "i&p!y 74er&an'7 72o you carry
ri&anadine?7 Jack a"ked'
7=e did !a" i&e I !ooked,7 4er&an "aid wi$ a "&i!e' 7Bu i%" a pre-
"cripion Vern'7
a docor, Jack "aid' 7I%11 need a "crip'
7Can I "ee "o&e idenificaion?7 4er&an a"ked'
Jack "$owed $i& $i" New <ork *ae &edica! !icen"e'
74ow &uc$ do you wan?7
73nou#$ for a !ea" a coup!e of week",7 Jack "aid' 7=$y don% you #i-e
&e fify ab!e"' I &i#$ a" we!! err on $e p!u" "ide'7
7<ou #o i,7 4er&an "aid' 4e "ared workin# be$ind a couner'
74ow !on# wi!! i a6e' !acI/ a"ked'
74ow !on# doe" i ake o coun o fify?7 4er&an rep!ied'
7T$e !a" "ore I wa" in o!d &e i wou!d ake weny &inue",7 Jack
"aid'
7I wa" a c$ain "ore, ri#$?7 4er&an "aid'
Jack nodded'
7T$o"e c$ain "ore" don% care a w$I abou "er-ice, 4er&an "aid' 7I%"
a cri&e' And for a!! $eir poor "er-ice, $ey%re "i!! forcin# u" indepen-
den" ou of bu"ine""' I%" #o &e an#rier $an $e!!'7
Jack nodded' 4e knew $e fee!in# we!!' T$e"e day" no par of $e &ed-
ica! !and"cape wa" "acro"anc'
4er&an ca&e ou fro& be$ind $i" couner carryin# a "&a!! p!a"ic -ia!
of oran#e ab!e"' 4e p!unked i ne+ o $e ca"$ re#i"er' 7I" $i" for
you?7 $e a"ked'
Jack nodded a#ain'
4er&an ra!ed off a !i" of po""ib!e "ide effec" a" we!! a" conraindi-
caion"' Jack wa" i&pre""ed' Afer Jack paid for $e dru#, $e a"ked 4er-
&an for a #!a"" of waer' 4er&an #a-e $i& "o&e in a "&a!! paper cup'
Jack ook one of $e ab!e"'
7Co&e a#ain,7 4er&an "aid a" Jack !ef $e "ore'
=i$ $e ri&anadine cour"in# $rou#$ $i" "y"e&, Jack decided i wa"
i&e o -i"i G!oria 4ernande; fro& cenra! "upp!y'
*eppin# ou ino $e "ree, Jack cau#$ a cab' A fir" $e dri-er de-
&urred abou #oin# up ino 4ar!e&, bu $e a#reed afer Jack re&inded
$i& of $e ru!e" po"ed on $e back of $e fron "ea'
Jack "a back a" $e a+i fir" $eaded nor$ and $en acro"" own on *'
Nic$o!a" A-enue afer pa""in# Cenra! .ark' 4e !ooked ou $e window
a" 4ar!e& c$an#ed fro& predo&inan!y African-A&erican nei#$bor-
$ood" o 4i"panic one"' 3-enua!!y a!! $e "i#n" were in *pani"$'
=$en $e cab pu!!ed up o $i" de"inaion, Jack paid $e fare and
"epped ou ino a "ree a!i-e wi$ peop!e' 4e !ooked up a $e bui!din#
$e wa" abou o ener' A one I&e i $ad been a H&e, proud "in#!e-
fa&i!y $o&e in $e &idd!e of an up"ca!e nei#$bor$ood' Now i $ad "een
beer day", &uc$ !ike Jack%" own ene&en'
A few peop!e eyed Jack curiou"!y a" $e &ouned $e brown"one "ep"
and enered $e foyer' T$e b:ack-and-w$ie &o"aic on $e f!oor wa"
&i""in# i!e"'
T$e na&e" on a broken !ine of &ai!bo+e" indicaed $a $e 4ernan-
de; fa&i!y !i-ed on $e $ird f!oor' Jack pu"$ed $e doorbe!! for $a
apar&en e-en $ou#$ $i" "en"e wa" $a i didn% work' Ne+ $e r' ied
$e inner door' Ju" a" in $i" own bui!din#, $e !ock on $e door $ad been
broken !on# a#o and ne-er repaired'
4a-in# c!i&bed $e "air%" o $e $ird f!oor, Jack knocked on $e 4er-
nande;e"% door' =$en no one an"wered $e knocked a#ain, on!y !ouder'
Cina!!y $e $eard a c$i!d%" -oice a"k w$o wa" $ere' Jack ca!!ed ou $e wa"
a docor and waned o "peak wi$ G!oria 4ernande;'
Afer a "$or, &uff!ed di"cu""ion $a Jack cou!d $ear $rou#$ $e
door, $e door wa" pu!!ed open o $e !i&i of a c$ain !ock' Jack "aw wo
face"' Abo-e wa" a &idd!e-a#ed wo&an wi$ di"$e-e!ed, b!eac$ed-b!ond
$air' 4er eye" were red and "unken wi$ dark "$adow"' *$e wa" wear-
in# a >ui!ed ba$robe and wa" cou#$in# iner&ien!y' 4er !ip" $ad a
"!i#$ purp!i"$ ca"'
Be!ow wa" a c$erubic c$i!d of nine or en' Jack wa"n% "ure if i wa" a
boy or a #ir!' T$e c$i!d%" $air wa" "$ou!der !en#$, coa! b:ack, and co&bed
"rai#$ back fro& $e fore$ead'
7(r"' 4ernande;?7 Jack >ue"ioned $e b!ond-$aired wo&an'
Afer Jack "$owed $i" &edica! e+a&iner%" bad#e and e+p!ained $e%d
:u" co&e fro& 6a$y (cBane%" office a $e (an$aan Genera!, (r"'
4ernande; opened $e door and in-ied $i& in"ide'
T$e apar&en wa" "uffy and "&a!!, a!$ou#$ an ae&p $ad been
&ade o decorae i wi$ bri#$ co!or" and &o-ie po"er" in *pani"$' G!o-
ria i&&ediae!y rereaed o $e couc$ w$ere "$e%d apparen!y been re"-
in# w$en Jack knocked' *$e drew a b!anke up around $er neck and
"$i-ered'
7I%& "orry you are "o "ick,7 Jack "aid'
7I%" errib!e,7 G!oria "aid' Jack wa" re!ie-ed $a "$e "poke 3n#!i"$'
4i" *pani"$ wa" ru"y a be"'
7I don% &ean o di"urb you,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu a" you know, !ae!y
peop!e fro& your depar&en $a-e beco&e i!! wi$ "eriou" di"ea"e"'7
G!oria%" eye" opened wide' 7I :u" $a-e $e f!u, don% I?7 "$e a"ked wi$
a!ar&'
7I%& "ure $a%" correc,7 Jack "aid' 76a$erine (ue!!er, (aria 5ope;,
Car&en C$a-e;, and I&o#ene .$i!ber"on $ad co&p!ee!y differen i!!-
ne""e" $an you $a-e, $a i" cerain'7
7T$ank $e 5ord,7 G!oria "aid' *$e &ade $e "i#n of $e cro"" wi$
$e inde+ fin#er of $er ri#$ $and' 7(ay $eir "ou!" re" in peace'7
7=$a concern" &e,7 Jack coninued, 7i" $a $ere wa" a paien by
$e na&e of 6e-in Carpener on $e or$opedic f!oor !a" ni#$ w$o po"-
"ib!y $ad an i!!ne"" "i&i!ar o your own' 2oe" $a na&e &ean any$in#
o you? 2id you $a-e any conac wi$ $i&?7
7No,7 G!oria "aid' 7I work in cenra! "upp!y'7
7I%& aware of $a,7 Jack "aid' 7And "o did $o"e o$er unforunae
wo&en I :u" &enioned' Bu in eac$ ca"e $ere $ad been a paien wi$
$e "a&e i!!ne"" $e wo&en cau#$' T$ere $a" o be a connecion, and I%&
$opin# you can $e!p &e fi#ure ou w$a i i"'7
G!oria !ooked confu"ed' *$e urned o $er c$i!d, w$o& "$e addre""ed
a" 7Juan'7 Juan be#an "peakin# in rapid *pani"$' Jack #a$ered $e wa"
ran"!ain# for $i&D G!oria $ad no >uie under"ood w$a $e%d "aid'
G!oria nodded and "aid 7"i7 &any i&e" w$i!e Juan "poke' Bu a" "oon
a" Juan fini"$ed, G!oria !ooked up a Jack, "$ook $er $ead, and "aid/
7Io87
7No?7 Jack a"ked' Afer "o &any ye"e" $e didn% e+pec "uc$ a defin-
ii-e no'
7No connecion,7 G!oria "aid' 7=e don% "ee paien"'7
7<ou ne-er #o o paien f!oor"?7 Jack a"ked'
7No,7 G!oria "aid'
Jack%" &ind raced' 4e ried o $ink w$a e!"e o a"k' Cina!!y $e "aid/
72id you do any$in# ou of $e ordinary !a" ni#$?7 G!oria "$ru##ed and
a#ain "aid no'
7Can you re&e&ber w$a you did do?7 Jack a"ked' 7Try o #i-e &e
an idea of your "$if'7
G!oria "ared o "peak, bu $e effor brou#$ on a "eriou" bou of
cou#$in#' A one poin Jack wa" abou o pound $er on $er back, bu "$e
rai"ed $er $and o indicae "$e wa" a!! ri#$' Juan #o $er a #!a"" of waer,
w$ic$ "$e drank $ir"i!y'
Once "$e cou!d "peak, "$e ried o reca!! e-ery$in# "$e%d done'$e
e-enin# before' A" "$e de"cribed $er duie", Jack "ru##!ed o $ink if any
of $er aci-iie" pu $er in conac wi$ Carpener%" -iru"' Bu $e cou!dn%'
G!oria in"i"ed "$e $ad no%!eIi cenra! "upp!y for $e enire "$if'
=$en Jack cou!d no $ink of any &ore >ue"ion", $e a"ked if $e cou!d
ca!! if "o&e$in# e!"e ca&e o &ind' *$e a#reed' Jack $en in"i"ed "$e
ca!! 2r' Gi&&er&an a $e Genera! o !e $er know $ow "ick "$e wa"'
7=$a cou!d "$e do?7 G!oria a"ked'
7*$e &i#$ wan o pu you on a paricu!ar &edicaion,7 Jack "aid' 7A"
we!! a" $e re" of your fa&i!y'7 4e knew $a ri&anadine no on!y cou!d
pre-en f!u, bu if i wa" "ared ear!y enou#$ in an e"ab!i"$ed ca"e, i
&i#$ reduce $e duraion and po""ib!y $e "e-eriy of "y&po&" by a"
&uc$ a" fify percen' T$e prob!e& wa", i wa"n% c$eap, and Jack knew
$a A&eriCare wa" !oa$ o "pend &oney on paien care i didn% fee!
i $ad o'
Jack !ef $e 4ernande; apar&en and $eaded oward Broadway
w$ere $e $ou#$ $e cou!d cac$ a cab' Now, on op of bein# a#iaed fro&
$e ae&p on $i" !ife, $e wa" a!"o di"coura#ed' T$e -i"i o G!oria $ad ac-
co&p!i"$ed no$in# o$er $an o e+po"e $i& o G!oria%" inf!uen;a, w$ic$
$e feared &i#$ be $e "rain $a "o readi!y ki!!ed 6e-in Carpener'
Jack%" on!y con"o!aion wa" $a $e%d "ared $i" own cour"e of ri&an-
adine' T$e prob!e& wa", $e knew ri&anadine wa"n% one $undred per-
cen effeci-e in pre-enin# infecion, paricu!ar!y wi$ a -iru!en "rain'
I wa" !ae afernoon by $e i&e Jack wa" dropped off a $e &edica!
e+a&iner%" office' Cee!in# "re""ed and de"ponden, $e enered and a!-
!owed $i&"e!f o be bu;;ed in' A" $e pa""ed $e I2 area, $e did a doub!e
ake' In one of $e "&a!! roo&" "e a"ide for fa&i!ie" idenifyin# $eir dead,
Jack "aw 2a-id' 4e didn% know 2a-id%" !a" na&e, bu i wa" $e "a&e
2a-id w$o $ad dri-en Jack and *pi back o $e nei#$bor$ood afer $e
epi"ode in $e park'
2a-id a!"o cau#$ "i#$ of Jack, and for $e "econd $eir eye" &ade con-
ac, Jack "en"ed an#er and cone&p'
Re"i"in# $e i&pu!"e o approac$, Jack i&&ediae!y de"cended o $e
&or#ue !e-e!' =i$ $i" $ee!" ec$oin# !oud!y on $e ce&en f!oor $e
wa!ked around $e refri#eraed co&par&en", fearfu! of w$a $e wa"
#oin# o find' T$ere in $e $a!! wa" a "in#!e #urney bearin# a new!y dead
body' I wa" direc!y benea$ $e $ar"$ #!are of a $ooded o-er$ead !i#$'
T$e "$ee" $ad been arran#ed "o $a on!y $e face cou!d be "een' I
$ad been "o po"ed for a .o!aroid picure o be aken' *uc$ a picure wa"
$e curren &e$od for fa&i!ie" o idenify $eir dead' .$oo#rap$" were
con"idered &ore $u&ane $an $a-in# $e berea-ed fa&i!ie" -iew $e
ofen &ui!aed re&ain"'
A !u&p for&ed in Jack%" $roa a" $e !ooked down on *!a&%" p!acid
face' 4i" eye" were c!o"edD $e ru!y appeared o be a"!eep' In dea$ $e
!ooked e-en youn#er $an $e $ad in !ife' Jack wou!d $a-e #ue""ed around
foureen'
2epre""ed beyond word", Jack ook $e e!e-aor up o $i" office' 4e
wa" $ankfu! $a C$e wa" no in' 4e "!a&&ed $i" door, "a down a $i"
de"k, and $e!d $i" $ead in $i" $and"' 4e fe! !ike cryin#, bu no ear" ca&e'
4e knew indirec!y $e wa" re"pon"ib!e for ye ano$er indi-idua!%" dea$'
Before $e%d $ad a c$ance o wa!!ow in #ui!, $ere wa" a knock on $i"
door' A fir" Jack i#nored i, $opin# w$oe-er i wa" wou!d #o away' Bu
$en $e wou!d-be -i"ior knocked a#ain' Cina!!y $e ca!!ed ou irriab!y
for w$oe-er i wa" o co&e in'
5aurie opened $e door $e"ian!y' 7I don% &ean o be a bo$er,7 "$e
"aid' *$e cou!d "en"e Jack%" a#iaion i&&ediae!y' 4i" eye" were fierce,
!ike $e need!e end" of dar"'
7=$a do you wan?7 Jack a"ked'
7Ju" o !e you know $a I "poke wi$ 2eeci-e 5ou *o!dano,7 5au-
rie "aid' 7A" you a"ked &e o do'7 *$e ook "e-era! "ep" ino $e roo&
and p!aced 5ou%" p$one nu&ber on $e ed#e of Jack%" de"k' 74e%" e+-
pecin# your ca!!'7
7T$ank", 5aurie,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu I don% $ink a $e &o&en I a&
in $e &ood o a!k o anyone'7
7I $ink $e cou!d $e!p,7 5aurie "aid' 7In fac--7
75aurie87 Jack ca!!ed ou "$arp!y o inerrup $er' T$en, in a "ofer
one, $e "aid/ 7.!ea"e, Lu" !ea-e &e a!one'7
7*ure,7 5aurie "aid "oo$in#!y' *$e backed ou and c!o"ed $e door be-
$ind $er' Cor a "econd "$e "ared a $e door' 4er concern" "kyrockeed'
*$e%d ne-er "een Jack $i" way' I wa" a far cry fro& $i" nor&a!!y f!ip-
pan de&eanor and reck!e"", "ee&in#!y carefree way"'
4urryin# back o $er own office, 5aurie c!o"ed $er door and ca!!ed 5ou
i&&ediae!y'
72r' *ap!eon :u" ca&e in a few &inue" a#o,7 "$e "aid'
7Cine,7 5ou "aid' 74a-e $i& #i-e &e a ca!!' I%!! be $ere for a !ea" an-
o$er $our'7
7I%& afraid $e%" no #oin# o ca!!,7 5aurie "aid' 74e%" acin# wor"e now
$an $e wa" $i" &ornin#' *o&e$in# $a" $appened' I%& "ure of i'7
7=$y won% $e ca!!?7 5ou "aid'
7I don% know,7 5aurie "aid' 7!ie won% e-en a!k o &e' And a" we
"peak $ere i" ano$er apparen #an# &urder down in $e &or#ue' T$e
"$ooin# ook p!ace in $e -iciniy of $e (an$aan Genera!'7 7<ou $ink i
in-o!-ed $i& in "o&e way ?7
5ou a"ked'
7I don% know w$a o $ink,7 5aurie ad&ied' 7I%& :u" worried' I%&
afraid "o&e$in# errib!e i" abou o $appen'7
7A!! ri#$, ca!& down,7 5ou ad-i"ed' 75ea-e i up o &e' I%!! $ink of
"o&e$in#'7
7.ro&i"e?7 5aurie a"ked'
74a-e I e-er !e you down?7 5ou >ue"ioned'
Jack rubbed $i" eye" forcib!y, $en b!inked $e& open' 4e #!anced around
a $e profu"ion of unfini"$ed auop"y ca"e" $a !iered $i" de"k' 4e
knew $ere wa" no c$ance $e%d be ab!e o concenrae enou#$ o work
on $e&'
T$en $i" eye" focu"ed on wo unfa&i!iar en-e!ope"' One wa" a !ar#e
&ani!a en-e!ope, $e o$er wa" bu"ine"" "i;e' Jack opened $e &ani!a one
fir"' I conained $e copy of a $o"pia! c$ar' T$ere wa" a!"o a noe fro&
Bar Arno!d "ayin# $a $e%d aken i upon $i&"e!f o #e a copy of 6e-in
Carpener%" c$ar o add o $e o$er" Jack $ad re>ue"ed'
Jack wa" p!ea"ed and i&pre""ed' *uc$ iniiai-e wa" co&&endab!e and
"poke we!! for $e enire .A in-e"i#ai-e ea& Jack opened $e c$ar and
#!anced $rou#$ i' 6e-in $ad been ad&ied for an AC5 repair of $e
ri#$ knee, w$ic$ $ad #one "&oo$!y (onday &ornin#'
Jack "opped readin# and $ou#$ abou $e fac $a 6e-in $ad been
i&&ediae!y po"operai-e w$en $e%d co&e down wi$ $i" "y&po&"'
.uin# 6e-in%" c$ar a"ide, $e picked up *u"anne 4ard%" and confir&ed
$a "$e, oo, $ad been i&&ediae!y po"-op, $a-in# $ad a ce"arean "ec-
ion' 5ookin# a .acini%", $e confir&ed $e "a&e'
Jack wondered if $a-in# $ad "ur#ery $ad any$in# o do wi$ $eir
$a-in# conraced $eir re"peci-e i!!ne""e"' I didn% "ee& probab!e, "ince
nei$er Node!&an nor 5a#en$orpe $ad under#one "ur#ery' 3-en "o,
Jack $ou#$ $e%d keep $e operai-e connecion in &ind'
Goin# back o 6e-in%" c$ar, Jack !earned $a $e f!u "y&po&" "ared
abrup!y a "i+ .'(' and pro#re""ed "eadi!y and re!en!e""!y uni! a !i!e
afer nine' A $a i&e $ey were con"idered worri"o&e enou#$ o war-
ran ran"ferrin# $e paien o $e inen"i-e-care uni' In $e uni $e de-
-e!oped $e re"piraory di"re"" "yndro&e $a u!i&ae!y !ed o $i" dea$'
Jack c!o"ed $e c$ar and pu i on $e "ack wi$ $e o$er"' Openin#
$e "&a!!er en-e!ope--addre""ed "i&p!y o 72r' *ap!eon7--Jack found
a co&puer prinou and a .o"-i noe fro& 6a$y (cBane' T$e noe
"i&p!y $anked $i& a#ain for $i" aenion o $e affair" of $e Genera!'
In a "$or po""crip 6a$y added $a "$e $oped $e enc!o"ed prinou
wou!d $e!p $i&'
Jack opened $e prinou' I wa" a copy of e-ery$in# $a $ad been
"en fro& cenra! "upp!y o a paien by $e na&e of Broderick 4u&p$rey'
T$e &an%" dia#no"i" wa"n% &enioned, bu $i" a#e wa"/ fory-ei#$'
T$e !i" wa" :u" a" !on# a" $e !i"" $e $ad for $e infeciou" di"ea"e
inde+ ca"e"' 5ike $e o$er !i"", i appeared o be rando&' I wa" no in
a!p$abeica! order, nor were "i&i!ar produc" or e>uip&en !u&ped o-
#e$er' Jack #ue""ed $e !i" wa" #eneraed in $e "e>uence $e ie&"
were ordered' T$a idea wa" bo!"ered by $e fac $a a!! fi-e !i"" "ared
ou idenica!!y, pre"u&ab!y becau"e a" eac$ paien wa" ad&ied, $e re-
>uired "andard, rouine e>uip&en'
T$e rando& naure of $e !i"" &ade $e& $ard o co&pare' Jack%" in-
ere" wa" findin# any way" $a $e conro! !i" differed fro& $e o$er"'
Afer "pendin# fifeen wa"ed &inue" #oin# back and for$ a&on# $e
!i"", Jack decided o u"e $e co&puer'
T$e fir" $in# $e did wa" creae "eparae fi!e" for eac$ paien' Ino
eac$ fi!e $e copied eac$ !i"' *ince $e wa" $ard!y $e wor!d%" be" ypi",
$i" aci-iy ook $i& a con"iderab!e a&oun of i&e'
*e-era! $our" drifed by' In $e &idd!e of $e ran"cripion proce""
5aurie a#ain knocked on $i" door o "ay #ood ni#$ and o "ee if "$e cou!d
do any$in# for $i&' Jack wa" preoccupied, bu $e a""ured $er $a $e
wa" fine'
=$en a!! $e daa were enered, Jack a"ked $e co&puer o !i" $e
way" $e infeciou" ca"e" differed fro& $e conro! ca"e' =$a $e #o wa"
di"$earenin#/ ano$er !on# !i"8 5ookin# a i, $e rea!i;ed $e prob!e&'
In conra" o $e conro! ca"e, a!! fi-e infeciou" ca"e" $ad $ad "o:ourn"
in $e inen"i-e-care uni' In addiion, a!! fi-e infeciou" ca"e" $ad died
and $e conro! $adn%'
Cor a few &inue" Jack $ou#$ $a $i" pain"akin# effor" $ad been
for nau#$, bu $en $e #o ano$er idea' *ince $e%d yped $e !i"" ino
$e co&puer in $e "a&e order $ey%d been ori#ina!!y, $e a"ked $e co&-
puer o &ake $e co&pari"on prior o $e fir" produc u"ed in $e IC)'
A" "oon a" Jack pu"$ed $i" e+ecue buon $e co&puer f!a"$ed i" an-
"wer' T$e word 7$u&idifier7 appeared on $e "creen' Jack "ared' Ap-
paren!y $e infeciou" ca"e" $ad a!! u"ed $u&idifier" fro& cenra! "upp!yD
$e conro! $adn%' Bu wa" i a "i#nifican difference? Cro& Jack%" c$i!d-
$ood, $e re&e&bered $i" &o$er $ad pu a $u&idifier in $i" roo& w$en
$e%d $ad $e croup' 4e re&e&bered $e de-ice a" a "&a!!, boi!in# cau!-
dron $a "puered and "ea&ed a $i" bed"ide' *o Jack cou!d no i&a#-
ine a $u&idifier $a-in# any$in# o do wi$ "preadin# baceria' A 212U
Ca$ren$ei, i wou!d boi! baceria'
Bu $en Jack re&e&bered $e newer ype of $u&idifier/ $e u!ra-
"onic, co!d $u&idifier' T$a, $e rea!i;ed, cou!d be a oa!!y differen "ory'
Jack "nac$ed up $i" p$one and ca!!ed $e Genera!' 4e a"ked o be pu
$rou#$ o cenra! "upp!y' (r"' Gare!!i wa" off, "o $e a"ked o "peak o
$e e-enin# "uper-i"or' 4er na&e wa" 2ar!ene *prin#born' Jack e+-
p!ained w$o $e wa" and $en a"ked if cenra! "upp!y a $e Genera! $an-
d!ed $e $u&idifier"'
7Cerain!y do,7 2ar!ene "aid' 73"pecia!!y durin# $e winer &on$"'7
7=$a kind doe" $e $o"pia! u"e?7 Jack a"ked' 7T$e "ea& ype or $e
co!d ype?7
7T$e co!d ype a!&o" e+c&"I-e y, 2ar!ene "aid'
7=$en a $u&idifier co&e" back fro& a paien roo& w$a $appen"
o i?7 Jack a"ked'
7=e ake care of i,7 2ar!ene "aid'
72o you c!ean i?7 Jack a"ked'
Cerain!y, 2ar!ene "aid' 7.!u" we run $e& for a w$i!e o be "ure $ey
"i!! funcion nor&a!!y' T$en we e&py $e& and "crub $e& ou' =$y ?7
7Are $ey a!way" c!eaned in $e "a&e !ocaion?7 Jack a"ked'
7T$ey are,7 2ar!ene "aid' 7=e keep $e& in a "&a!! "oreroo& $a
$a" i" own "ink' I>a" $ere been a prob!e& wi$ $e $u&idifier" ?7
7 % % (r"' Gare!!i know'7
7I%& no "ure,7 Jack "aid' Bu If"o, I 11 !e you or
7I%d appreciae i,7 2ar!ene "aid'
Jack di"conneced bu kep $e p$one in $e crook of $i" "$ou!der
w$i!e $e #o ou G!oria 4ernandc;%" p$one nu&ber' 4e punc$ed in $e
di#i" and waied' A &an an"wered w$o cou!d "peak on!y *pani"$' Afer
Jack "ru##!ed wi$ a few broken p$ra"e", $e &an o!d Jack o wai'
A youn#er -oice ca&e on $e !ine' Jack a""u&ed i wa" Juan' 4e a"ked
$e boy if $e cou!d "peak o $i" &o$er'
7*$e%" -ery "ick,7 Juan "aid' 7*$e%" cou#$in# a !o and $a-in# roub!e
brea$in#'7
72id "$e ca!! $e $o"pia! !ike I ur#ed?7 Jack a"ked'
7No, "$e didn%,7 Luan "aid' 7*$e "aid "$e didn% wan o bo$er any-
body'7
7I%& #oin# o ca!! an a&bu!ance o co&e and #e $er,7 Jack "aid wi$-
ou $e"iaion' 7<ou e!! $er o $o!d on, okay ?7
7Okay,7 Juan "aid'
7(eanw$i!e, cou!d you a"k $er one >ue"ion,7 Jack "aid' 7Cou!d you
a"k $er if "$e c!eaned any $u&idifier" !a" ni#$? <ou know w$a $u-
&idiier" are, don% you?7
J '
7<ea$, I know,7 Juan "aid' 7Ju" a &inue'7
Jack waied ner-ou"!y, appin# $i" fin#er" on op of 6e-in Carpener%"
c$ar' To add o $i" #ui!, $e $ou#$ $e "$ou!d $a-e fo!!owed up on $i"
"u##e"ion for G!oria o ca!! Gi&&er&an' Juan ca&e back on $e !ine'
7*$e "ay" $ank you abou $e a&bu!ance,7 Juan "aid' 7*$e wa" afraid
o ca!! $er"e!f becau"e A&eriCare doe"n% pay un!e"" a docor "ay" okay'7
7=$a abou $e $u&idifier"?7 Jack a"ked'
7<ea$, "$e "aid "$e c!eaned wo or $ree' *$e cou!dn% re&e&ber e+-
ac!y'7
Afer Jack $un# up fro& a!kin# o $e 4ernande; boy $e ca!!ed 911
and di"pac$ed an a&bu!ance o $e 4ernande; re"idence' 4e o!d $e
di"pac$er o infor& $e 3(T" $a i wa" an infeciou" ca"e and $a $ey
"$ou!d a !ea" wear &a"k"' 4e a!"o o!d $er $a $e paien "$ou!d #o o
$e (an$aan Genera! and no p!ace e!"e'
=i$ #rowin# e+cie&en, Jack p!aced a ca!! o 6a$y (cBane' A" !ae
a" i wa", $e didn% e+pec o #e $er, bu $e wa" p!ea"an!y "urpri"ed' *$e
wa" "i!! in $er office' =$en Jack co&&ened on $e fac $a "$e wa" "i!!
$ere afer "i+, "$e "aid "$e%d probab!y be $ere for "o&e i&e'
7=$a%" #oin# on?7 Jack a"ked'
7.!eny,7 6a$y "aid' 76i& *pen"or $a" been ad&ied ino $e inen-
"i-e care uni wi$ re"piraory di"re"" "yndro&e' Geor#e 4a"e!on i" a!"o
in $e $o"pia! and i" wor"enin#' I%& afraid your fear" were we!!
#rounded'7
Jack >uick!y added $a G!oria 4ernande; wou!d be co&in# o $e
e&er#ency roo& "oon' 4e a!"o reco&&ended $a $e conac" of a!!
$e"e paien" be i&&ediae!y "ared on ri&anadine'
7I don% know if 2r' Gi&&er&an wi!! #o for $e ri&anadine for con-
ac",7 6a$y "aid' 7Bu a !ea" I%-e a!ked $er ino i"o!ain# $e"e paien"'
=e%-e "e up a "pecia! ward'7
7T$a &i#$ $e!p,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" cerain!y wor$ a ry' =$a abou
$e &icrobio!o#y ec$?7
74e%" on $i" way in a $e &o&en,7 6a$y "aid'
7I $ope by a&bu!ance ra$er $an pub!ic ran"poraion,7 :ack "aid'
7T$a wa" &y reco&&endaion,7 6a$y "aid' 7Bu 2r' Gi&&er&an
fo!!owed up on i' I $one"!y don% know w$a $e fina! deci"ion wa"'7
7T$a prinou you "en o-er wa" $e!pfu!,7 :ack "aid, fina!!y #ein#
around o w$y $e%d ca!!ed' 7Re&e&ber w$en you o!d &e abou $e
Genera!%" nebu!i;er" #ein# cona&inaed in $e inen"i-e-care uni $ree
&on$" a#o? I $ink $ere &i#$ !Ia,Ie been a "i&i!ar prob!e& wi$ $e
$o"pia!%" $u&idifier"'7
:ack o!d 6a$y $ow $e%d co&e o $i" conc!u"ion, paricu!ar!y abou
G!oria 4ernande; $a-in# ad&ied o $and!in# $u&idifier" $e pre-i-
ou" e-enin#'
7=$a "$ou!d I do?7 6a$y "aid wi$ a!ar&'
7A $e &o&en I don% wan you o do any$in#,7 :ack "aid'
7Bu I "$ou!d a !ea" ake $e $u&idifier" ou of "er-ice uni! $eir
"afey i" a""ured,7 6a$y "aid'
7T$e prob!e& i" I don% wan you o beco&e in-o!-ed,7 :ack "aid' 7I%&
afraid doin# "o&e$in# !ike $a &i#$ be dan#erou"'7
7=$a are you a!kin# abou?7 6a$y de&anded an#ri!y' 7I a& a!ready
in-o!-ed'7
72on% #e up"e,7 :ack "aid "oo$in#!y' 7I apo!o#i;e' I%& afraid I%&
$and!in# $i" bad!y'7 :ack $ad no waned o draw anyone e!"e ino $e
web of $i" "u"picion" for fear of $eir "afey, ye a $e &o&en $e didn%
"ee& o $a-e any c$oice' 6a$y wa" ri#$/ $e $u&idifier" $ad o be aken
ou of "er-ice'
75i"en, 6a$y,7 :ack "aid' T$en, a" "uccinc!y a" po""ib!e, $e e+p!ained
$i" $eory abou $e recen i!!ne""e" bein# ineniona!!y "pread' 4e a!"o
o!d $er $ere wa" a po""ibi!iy Be$ 4o!derne"" $ad been ki!!ed becau"e
$e%d a"ked $er o "earc$ $e &icrobio!o#y !ab for $e offendin# a#en"'
7T$a%" a ra$er e+raordinary "ory,7 6a$y "aid $a!in#!y' T$en "$e
added/ 7I%" a !i!e $ard o "wa!!ow a!! a once'7
7i%& no a"kin# you nece""ari!y o "ub"cribe o i,7 :ack "aid' 7(y on!y
inere" in e!!in# you now i" for your "afey' =$ae-er you do or "ay o
anyone, p!ea"e keep w$a I $a-e o!d you in &ind' And for God%" "ake,
don% &enion &y $eory o anyone' 3-en if I%& ri#$, I $a-e no idea w$o%"
be$ind i'7
7=e!!,7 6a$y "aid wi$ a "i#$' 7I don% know w$a o "ay'7
7<ou don% $a-e o "ay any$in#,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu if you wan o $e!p,
$ere i" "o&e$in# you cou!d do'7
75ike w$a?7 6a$y a"ked wari!y'
7Ge "o&e baceria! cu!ure &ediu& and -ia! ran"por &ediu& fro&
$e &icrobio!o#y !ab,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu don% e!! anyone w$y you wan
$e&' T$en #e "o&eone fro& en#ineerin# o open $e e!bow drain be!ow
$e "ink in $e "oreroo& w$ere $e $u&idifier" are kep' .u a!i>uo"
fro& $e rap ino $e wo &ediu&" and ake $e& o $e ciy reference
!ab' A"k $e& o "ee if $ey can i"o!ae any one of $e fi-e a#en"'7
7<ou $ink "o&e of $e &icroor#ani"&" wou!d "i!! be $ere?7 6a$y
a"ked'
7I%" a po""ibi!iy,7 :ack "aid' 7I%" a !on# "$o, bu I%& ryin# o find
proof w$ae-er way I can' A any rae, w$a I%& "u##e"in# you do i" no
#oin# o $ur anyone e+cep po""ib!y your"e!f if you are no carefu!'7
7I%11 $ink abou i,7 6a$y "aid'
7I%d do i &y"e!f e+cep for $e recepion I in-ariab!y #e o-er $ere,7
:ack "aid' 7I wa" ab!e o #e away wi$ -i"iin# your office, bu ryin# o
#e baceria! "a&p!e" ou of a rap in cenra! "upp!y i" ano$er $in# en-
ire!y'7
7I%d $a-e o a#ree wi$ you $ere,7 6a$y "aid'
Afer $e $un# up, :ack wondered abou 6a$y%" reacion o $i" re-e-
!aion"' Cro& $e &o&en $e%d -oiced $i" "u"picion" "$e%d "ounded "ub-
dued, a!&o" wary' :ack "$ru##ed' A $e &o&en $ere wa"n% any$in#
e!"e $e cou!d "ay o con-ince $er' A!! $e cou!d do wa" $ope "$e%d $eed $i"
warnin#"'
:ack $ad one &ore ca!! o &ake, and a" $e dia!ed $e !on#-di"ance
nu&ber $e "uper"iiou"!y cro""ed $e &idd!e and inde+ fin#er" of $i" !ef
$and' 4e wa" ca!!in# Nico!e (ar>uee a $e C2C, and :ack wa" $op-
in# for wo $in#"' Cir", $e waned o $ear $a $e "a&p!e $ad arri-ed'
*econd, $e waned Nico!e o "ay $a $e ier wa" $i#$, &eanin# $ere
were enou#$ -ira! paric!e" o e" wi$ou $a-in# o wai o #row i ou'
A" $e ca!! wen $rou#$ Jack #!anced a $i" wac$' I wa" nearin#
"e-en -'I' 4e "co!ded $i&"e!f for no $a-in# ca!!ed ear!ier, $inkin# $e%d
$a-e o wai uni! &ornin# o reac$ Nico!e' Bu afer dia!in# $e e+en-
"ion for $e inf!uen;a uni, $e #o Nico!e i&&ediae!y'
7I arri-ed $ere fine,7 Nico!e "aid in re"pon"e o $i" >uery' 7And I $a-e
o #i-e you credi for packin# i "o we!!' T$e refri#eran pack and $e *y-
rofoa& kep $e "a&p!e we!! pre"er-ed'7 7=$a abou $e ier?7 Jack a"ked'
7I wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $a oo,7 Nico!e "aid' 7=$ere wa" $i" "a&p!e
fro&?7
7Bronc$io!e wa"$in#",7 Jack "aid'
Nico!e #a-e a "$or w$i"!e' 7=i$ $i" concenraion of -iru" i%" #o
o be one $e!! of a -iru!en "rain' 3i$er $a, or a co&pro&i"ed $o"'7
7I%" a -iru!en "raa a!! ri#$,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e -ici& wa" a youn#
$ea!$y &a!e' Be"ide" $a, one of $e nur"e" akin# care of $i& i" a!ready
in $e IC) $er"e!f in acue re"piraory di"re""' T$a%" in !e"" $an weny-
four $our" afer e+po"ure'7
7=ow8 I%d beer do $i" ypin# i&&ediae!y' In fac, I%!! "ay $ere
oni#$' Are $ere any &ore ca"e" be"ide" $e nur"e?7 7T$ree o$er" $a I know
abou,7 Jack "aid'
7I%!! ca!! in $e &ornin#,7 Nico!e "aid' T$en "$e $un# up'
Jack wa" &i!d!y aken aback by $e precipiou" end o $e con-er"a-
ion, bu $e wa" p!ea"ed $a Nico!e wa" a" &oi-aed a" "$e%d apparen!y
beco&e'
Jack rep!aced $e p$one recei-er, and a" $e did "o, $e noiced $e re&-
b!e of $i" $and' 4e ook a few deep brea$" and ried o decide w$a o
do' 4e wa" concerned abou #oin# $o&e' 4e $ad no way of #au#in# =ar-
ren%" reacion o *!a&%" dea$' 4e a!"o wondered if ye ano$er a""a""in
wou!d be "en afer $i&'
T$e une+peced rin# of $e e!ep$one inerruped $i" $ou#$"' 4e
reac$ed for $e p$one bu didn% pick i up w$i!e $e ried o $ink w$o
i cou!d be' A" !ae a" i wa", $e $ad o "$ake off "o&e irraiona! $ou#$",
!ike $e worry i &i#$ be $e &an w$o%d ried o ki!! $i& $a afernoon'
Cina!!y, Jack picked up $e p$one' To $i" re!ief, i wa" Tere"e'
ou pro&""ec you ou!d ca!!, "$e "aid accu"in#!y' 7I $ope you%re no
#oin# o e!! &e you for#o'7
7I%-e been on $e p$one,7 Jack "aid' 7In fac, I :u" $i" "econd #o off'7
7=e!!, a!! rI#$, Tere"e "aId' u I -e been ready o ea for an $our'
=$y don% you co&e o $e re"auran direc!y fro& work?7
7O$, :ee;, Tere"e,7 Jack -oiced' =i$ e-ery$in# $a $ad $appened
$e%d oa!!y for#oen abou $eir dinner p!an"'
72on% e!! &e you are #oin# o ry o cop ou,7 Tere"e "aid'
7I%-e $ad a wicked day,7 Jack "aid'
7*o $a-e I,7 Tere"e counered' 7<ou pro&i"ed, and a" I "aid $i" &orn-
in#, you $a-e o ea' Te!! &e, did you $a-e !unc$?7 7No,7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, $ere you #o,7 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou can% "kip dinner a" we!! a"
!unc$' Co&e on8 I%!! under"and if you $a-e o #o back o work' I &i#$
&y"e!f'7
Tere"e wa" &akin# a !o of "en"e' 4e needed o ea "o&e$in# e-en if
$e wa"n% $un#ry, and $e needed o re!a+' Be"ide", knowin# Tere"e%" per-
"i"ence $e didn% e+pec "$e%d ake no for an an"wer, and Jack did no
$a-e $e ener#y for an ar#u&en'
7Are you $inkin# or w$a?7 Tere"e a"ked i&paien!y' 7Jack, p!ea"e8
I%-e been !ookin# forward o "eein# you a!! day' =e can co&pare war "o-
rie" and $a-e a -oe w$o"e day wa" $e wor"'7
Jack wa" weakenin#' *udden!y $a-in# dinner wi$ Tere"e "ounded
wonderfu!!y appea!in#' 4e wa" concerned abou puin# $er a ri"k "i&-
p!y $rou#$ pro+i&iy, bu $e doubed anyone wa" rai!in# $i& now' If
$ey were, $e cou!d cerain!y "$ake $e& on $e way o $e re"auran'
7=$a%" $e na&e of $e re"auran?7 Jack a"ked fina!!y'
7T$ank you,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I knew you%d co&e $rou#$' I%" ca!!ed
.o"iano' I%" :u" up $e "ree fro& &e on (adi"on' <ou%!! !o-e i' I%"
"&a!! and -ery re!a+in#' ,ery un-New-<orki"$'7
7I%11 &ee you $ere in a $a!f $our,7 Jack "aid'
7.erfec,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%& rea!!y !ookin# forward o $i"' I%" been a
"re""fu! few day"'7
7I can ae" o $a,7 Jack "aid'
Jack !ocked up $i" office and wen down o $e fir" f!oor' 4e did no
know $ow o en"ure $a no one fo!!owed $i&, bu $e $ou#$ $a $e
"$ou!d a !ea" #!ance ou $e fron o "ee if anyone "u"piciou" wa" !urk-
in# $ere' A" $e pa""ed $rou#$ co&&unicaion" $e noiced $a *er#ean
(urp$y wa" "i!! in $i" cubby$o!e a!kin# wi$ "o&eone Jack didn% rec-
o#ni;e'
Jack and $e "er#ean e+c$an#ed wa-e"' Jack wondered if $ere $ad
been an unu"ua! nu&ber of unidenified dead o-er $e !a" "e-era! day"'
(urp$y u"ua!!y !ef a fi-e !ike c!ockwork'
Reac$in# $e fron door, Jack "canned $e area ou"ide' 4e i&&ediae!y
reco#ni;ed $e fui!iy of w$a $e wa" doin#' .aricu!ar!y wi$ $e $o&e-
!e"" faci!iy ne+ door in $e o!d Be!!e-ue 4o"pia! bui!din#, $ere were any
nu&ber of peop!e !oierin# w$o cou!d $a-e >ua!ified a" "u"piciou"'
Cor a few &o&en" Jack wac$ed $e aci-iy on Cir" A-enue' Ru"$
$our wa" "i!! in fu!! "win# wi$ bu&per-o-bu&per raffic $eadin# nor$'
T$e bu"e" were a!! fi!!ed o o-erf!owin#' A!! $e cab" were occupied'
Jack debaed w$a o do' T$e idea of "andin# in $e "ree, ryin# o
cac$ a a+i, $ad no appea! w$a"oe-er' 4e%d be oo e+po"ed' *o&eone
&i#$ e-en aack $i& ri#$ $ere, e"pecia!!y if $ey $ad been wi!!in# o
ry o "$oo $i& in a dru#"ore'
A pa""in# de!i-ery -an #a-e Jack an idea' Turnin# back ino $e bui!d-
in#, $e de"cended o $e &or#ue f!oor and wa!ked ino $e &oruary of-
rice' (ar-in C!ec$er, one of $e e-enin# &oruary ec$", wa" $a-in#
coffee and dou#$nu"'
7(ar-in, I $a-e a fa-or o a"k,7 Jack "aid'
7=$a%" $a?7 (ar-in a"ked, wa"$in# down a &ou$fu! wi$ a #u!p
of $i" coffee'
7I don% wan you o e!! anyone abou $i",7 Jack "aid' 7I%" per"ona!'7
7<ea$ ?7 (ar-in >ue"ioned' 4i" eye" opened wider $an u"ua!' 4e wa"
inere"ed'
7I need a ride up o New <ork 4o"pia!,7 Jack "aid' 7Cou!d you ake
&e in one of $e &oruary -an"?7
7I%& no "uppo"ed o dri-e--7 (ar-in be#an'
7T$ere%" a #ood rea"on,7 Jack "aid, inerrupin# (ar-in' 7I%& ryin#
o duck a #ir!friend, and I%& afraid "$e%" ou"ide' I%& "ure a #ood-
!ookin# #uy !ike you $a" $ad "i&i!ar prob!e&"'7 (ar-in !au#$ed' 7I "uppo"e,7 $e
"aid'
7I wi!! on!y ake a "econd,7 Jack "aid' 7=e "$oo up Cir" and cu o-er
o <ork' <ou%!! be back $ere in a f!a"$, and $ere%" a en-"po for your rou-
b!e'7 Jack !aid a en-do!!ar bi!! on $e de"k'
(ar-in eyed $e bi!! and !ooked up a Jack' 7=$en do you wan o #o?7
7Ri#$ now,7 Jack "aid'
Jack c!i&bed ino $e pa""en#er-"ide door of $e -an and $en "epped
back ino $e -an%" car#o area' 4e $e!d on o w$ae-er $and$o!d $e cou!d
find w$i!e (ar-in backed ou ono T$irie$ *ree' A" $ey waied for
$e !i#$ a $e corner of Cir" A-enue, Jack &ade "ure $e "ayed we!! ou
of "i#$'
2e"pie $e raffic $ey &ade #ood i&e o New <ork 4o"pia!' (ar-
-in dropped Jack off a $e bu"y fron enrance, and Jack i&&ediae!y
wen in"ide' =i$in $e !obby $e "ood off o $e "ide for fi-e &inue"'
=$en no one e-en -a#ue!y "u"piciou" enered, Jack $eaded for $e e&er-
#ency roo&'
4a-in# been in $e $o"pia! on &u!ip!e occa"ion", Jack $ad no rou-
b!e findin# $i" way' Once in $e e&er#ency roo& $e "epped ou on $e
recei-in# dock and waied for a cab o brin# in a paien' 4e didn% $a-e
o wai !on#'
A" "oon a" $e paien #o ou of $e cab, Jack #o in' 4e o!d $e cab-
dri-er o ake $i& o $e T$ird A-enue enrance of B!oo&in#da!e%"'
B!oo&in#da!e%" wa" a" crowded a" Jack a""u&ed i wou!d be' Jack
rapid!y ra-er"ed $e "ore%" &ain f!oor, e&er#in# on 5e+in#on w$ere
$e cau#$ a "econd cab' 4e $ad $i" a+i drop $i& offa b!ock away frI&
.o"iano'
To be a $undred percen cerain $e wa" "afe, Jack "ood wi$in $e en-
rance of a "$oe "ore for ano$er fi-e &inue"' T$e -e$icu!ar raffic on
(adi"on A-enue wa" &oderae, a" wa" $e nu&ber of pede"rian"' In con-
ra" o $e area around $e &or#ue, e-eryone wa" dre""ed nai!y' Jack
"aw no one $e wou!d $a-e $ou#$ wa" a #an# &e&ber'
Cee!in# confiden and pain# $i&"e!f on $e back for $i" in#enuiy,
Jack "e ou for $e re"auran' =$a $e didn% know wa" $a wo &en
"a waiin# in"ide a "$iny b:ack Cadi!!ac $a $ad recen!y parked beween
$e "$oe "ore and .o"iano' A" Jack wa!ked pa" $e cou!dn% "ee in"ide
becau"e $e window" were ined dark enou#$ o &ake $e& appear !ike
&irror"'
Jack opened $e door o $e re"auran and enered a can-a" en of "or"
de"i#ned o keep $e winer c$i!! away fro& $e peop!e "eaed near $e
enrance'
.u!!in# a can-a" f!ap a"ide, Jack found $i&"e!f in a war&, co&for-
ab!e en-iron&en' To $i" !ef wa" a "&a!! &a$o#any bar' T$e dinin# a-
b!e" were #rouped o $e ri#$ and $ey e+ended back ino $e dep$" of
$e re"auran' T$e wa!!" and cei!in# were co-ered wi$ w$ie !aice
ino w$ic$ wa" wo-en "i!k i-y $a !ooked a"oni"$in#!y rea!' I wa" a" if
Jack $ad "udden!y wa!ked ino a #arden re"auran in Ia!y'
Cro& $e "a-ory aro&a $a infor&ed $e p!ace, Jack cou!d e!! $a
$e c$ef $ad $e "a&e re"pec for #ar!ic $a $e $ad' 3ar!ier Jack $ad fe!
$e wa"n% $un#ry' Now $e wa" fa&i"$ed'
T$e re"auran wa" crowded bu wi$ou $e fren;ied a&o"p$ere of
&any New <ork re"auran"' =i$ $e !aice on $e cei!in# $e "ound"
of $e paron"% con-er"aion" and $e c!ink of $e c$ina were &ued' Jack
a""u&ed $a $e pcacefu!ne"" of $e p!ace wa" w$a Tere"e $ad &ean
w$en "$e "aid i wa" un-New-<orki"$'
T$e &aire d% #reeed Jack and a"ked if $e cou!d be of a""i"ance' Jack
"aid $e wa" o &ee a ("' 4a#en' T$e waier bowed and #e"ured for Jack
o fo!!ow $i&' 4e "$owed Jack o a ab!e a#ain" $e wa!! :u" bcyond $e
bar'
Tere"e ro"e o #i-e Jack a $u#' =$en "$e "aw $i" face, "$e pau"ed'
7O$, &y 87 "$e "aid' 7<our face !ook" painfu!'7
7.eop!e $a-e been "ayin# $a &y w$o!e !ife,7 Jack >uipped'
7Jack, p!ea"e,7 Tere"e "aid' 72on% :oke' I%& bein# "eriou"' Are you re-
a!!y okay?7
7To e!! you $e $one" ru$,7 Jack "aid, 7I%d oa!!y for#oen abou
&y face'7
7I !ook" !ike i wou!d be "o ender,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%d !ike o #i-e you
a ki"", bu I%& afraid'7
7No$in# wron# wi$ &y !ip",7 Jack "aid'
Tere"e "$ook $er $ead, "&i!ed, and wa-ed $er $and a $i&' 7<ou are
oo &uc$,7 "$e "aid' 7I con"idered &y"e!f adep a reparee uni! I &e
you'7
T$ey "a down'
7=$a do you $ink of $e re"auran?7 Tere"e a"ked a" "$e repo"i-
ioned $er napkin and &o-ed $er work a"ide'
7I !iked i i&&ediae!y,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" co;y, and you can% "ay $a
abou oo &any re"auran" in $i" ciy' I ne-er wou!d $a-e known i wa"
$ere' T$e "i#n ou"ide i" "o "ub!e'7
7I%" one of &y fa-orie p!ace",7 Tere"e "aid'
7T$ank" for in"i"in# I co&e ou,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ae o ad&i you were
ri#$, bu you were' I%& "ar-ed'7
O-er $e ne+ fifeen &inue" $ey "udied $eir re"peci-e &enu", !i"-
ened o a re&arkab!y !on# !i" of "pecia! enr1e" fro& $eir waier, and
p!aced $eir order"'
74ow abou "o&e wine?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7=$y no,7 Jack "aid'
72o you wan o pick?7 Tere"e a"ked, e+endin# $e wine !i" in $i"
direcion'
7I $a-e a "u"picion $a you%!! know beer $an I w$a o order,7 Jack
"aid'
7Red or w$ie?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I can #o ei$er way,7 Jack "aid'
=i$ $e wine opened and wo #!a""e" poured, bo$ Tere"e and Jack
!eaned back and ried o re!a+' Bo$ were en"e' In fac, Jack wondered
if Tere"e wa"n% &ore en"e $an $e' 4e cau#$ $er furi-e!y #!ancin# a
$er wac$'
7I "aw $a,7 Jack "aid'
7*aw w$a?7 Tere"e a"ked innocen!y'
7I "aw you !ookin# a your wac$,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ou#$ we were "up-
po"ed o be re!a+in#' T$a%" w$y I%-e been purpo"efu!!y a-oidin# a"kin#
abou your day or e!!in# you abou &ine'7
7I%& "orry,7 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou%re ri#$' I "$ou!dn% be doin# i' I%" Lu"
ref!e+' I know Co!!een and $e crew are "i!! in $e "udio workin#, and
I "uppo"e I fee! #ui!y bein# ou $ere en:oyin# &y"e!f'7
7*$ou!d I a"k $ow $e ca&pai#n i" #oin#?7 Jack a"ked'
7I%" #oin# fine,7 Tere"e "aid' 7In fac, I #o ner-ou" oday and ca!!ed
&y conac o-er a Naiona! 4ea!$ and $ad !unc$ wi$ $er' =$en I o!d
$er abou $e new ca&pai#n "$e wa" "o e+cied "$e be##ed &e o a!!ow
$er o !eak i o $er C3O' *$e ca!!ed back $i" afernoon o "ay $a $e
!iked i "o &uc$ $a $e%" $inkin# of uppin# $e ad-eri"in# bud#e by
ano$er weny percen'7
Jack &ade a &ena! ca!cu!aion of w$a a weny percen increa"e
&ean' I wa" &i!!ion", and i &ade $i& i!! "ince $e knew $e &oney
wou!d e""enia!!y be co&in# fro& paien-care fund"' Bu no wi"$in# o
"poi! $eir e-enin#, $e did no !e Tere"e know $i" $ou#$"' In"ead, $e
con#rau!aed $er'
7T$ank you,7 "$e "aid'
7I $ard!y "ound" !ike you $ad a bad day,7 Jack co&&ened'
7=e!!, $earin# $a $e c!ien !ike" $e concep i" Lu" $e be#innin#,7
Tere"e "aid' 7Now $ere i" $e rea!iy of acua!!y puin# $e pre"enaion
o#e$er and $en acua!!y doin# $e ca&pai#n i"e!f' <ou $a-e no idea
of $e prob!e&" $a ari"e &akin# a $iry-"econd T, "po'7
Tere"e ook a "ip of $er wine' A" "$e "e $er #!a"" back on $e ab!e "$e
a#ain #!anced a $er wac$'
7Tere"e87 Jack "aid wi$ &ock an#er' 7<ou did i a#ain87
7<ou%re ri#$87 Tere"e "aid, "!appin# a $and o $er fore$ead' 7=$a
a& I #oin# o do wi$ &y"e!f' I%& an i&po""ib!e worka$o!ic' I ad&i i'
Bu wai8 I do know w$a I can do' I can ake $e da&n $in# off87 *$e
unbuck!ed $er wri"wac$ and "!ipped i ino $er pur"e' 74ow%" $a?7
"$e a"ked'
7(uc$ er, Qac6 "aid'
be- %I I
7T$e roub!e i" $i" dude i" probab!y $inkin# $e%" "o&e kind of "uper-
&an or "o&e$in#,7 Twin "aid' 74e%" probab!y "ayin# $o"e bro$er"
don% know w$a $e $e!! $ey are doin#' I &ean, i%" a!! pi""in# &e off'
<ou know w$a I%& "ayin#?7
7*o w$y don% you do $i" your"e!f?7 .$i! a"ked' 7=$y &e?7 2o" of
per"piraion "ood ou !ike caboc$on dia&ond" a!on# $i" $air!ine'
Twin wa" draped o-er $e "eerin# w$ee! of $i" Cadi!!ac' *!ow!y $e
urned $i" $ead o re#ard $i" $eir apparen in $e $a!f-!i#$ of $e car%"
inerior' 4ead!i#$" of $e pa""in# -e$ic!e" a!ernae!y i!!u&ina0,I .$i!%"
face'
7Be coo!,7 Twin warned' 7<ou know I can% wa!k in $ere' T$e doc
wou!d reco#ni;e &e ri#$ off and $e #a&e wou!d be o-er' T$e e!e&en
of "urpri"e i" i&poran'7
7Bu I wa" $ere in $e doc%" apar&en oo,7 .$i! co&p!ained'
7Bu $e &o$er wa"n% !ookin# you in $e eye,7 Twin "aid' 7Nor did
you a# $i& wi$ a "ucker punc$' 4e won% re&e&ber you' Tru" &e'7
7Bu w$y &e,7 .$i! w$ined' 7BJ waned o do i, e"pecia!!y afer $in#"
#o "crewed up in $e dru#"ore' 4e wan" ano$er c$ance'7
7Afer $e dru#"ore $e doc &i#$ reco#ni;e BJ,7 Twin "aid' 7Be"ide",
i%" an opporuniy for you' *o&e of $e bro$er" $a-e been co&p!ainin#
$a you%-e ne-er done any$in# !ike $i" and $a you "$ou!dn% be ne+
in !ine in $e #an#' Tru" &e, I know w$a I%& doin#'7
7Bu I%rn >o #ood a $i" "uff,7 .$i! co&p!ained' 7I%-e ne-er "$o
anyone'7
74ey, i%" ea"y,7 Twin "aid' 7Cir" i&e &aybe you wonder, bu i%" ea"y'
.op8 I%" o-er' In a way i%" kinda a !edown, becau"e you #e your"e!f a!!
keyed up'7
O 7I%& keyed up, a!! ri#$,7 .$i! ad&ied'
7Re!a+, kid,7 Twin "aid' 7A!! you $a-e o do i" wa!k in $ere and no
"ay a word o anyone' 6eep $e #un in your pocke and don% ake i ou
uni! you are "andin# ri#$ in fron of $e doc' T$en draw i ou and pop8
T$en #e your b:ack a"" oua $ere and away we #o' I%" $a ea"y'7
7=$a if $e doc run"?7 .$i! a"ked'
74e won% run,7 Twin "aid' 74e%!! be "o "urpri"ed $e won% !if a fin-
#er' If a dude $ink" $e &i#$ be knocked off $e $a" a c$ance, bu if i
co&e" ou of $e b!ue !ike a "ucker punc$, $ere%" no way' Nobody &o-e"'
I%-e "een i done en i&e"'7
7I%& ner-ou", $ou#$,7 .$i! ad&ied'
7Okay, "o you%re a !i!e ner-ou",7 Twin "aid' 75e &e !ook a
you'7 Twin reac$ed o-er and pu"$ed .$i!%" "$ou!der back' 74ow%" your
ie?7
.$i! reac$ed up and fe! $e kno in $i" ie' 7I $ink i%" okay,7 $e "aid'
7<ou !ook #rea,7 Twin "aid' 75ook" !ike you%re on your way o c$urc$,
&an' <ou !ook !ike a da&n banker or !awyer'7 Twin !au#$ed and "!apped
.$i! repeaed!y on $e back'
.$i! winced a" $e ab"orbed $e b!ow"' 4e $aed $i"' I wa" $e wor"
$in# $e%d e-er done, and $e wondered if i wa" wor$ i' <e a $i" poin
$e knew $e didn% $a-e &uc$ c$oice' I wa" !ike #oin# on $e ro!!er
coa"er and c!ankin# up $a fir" $i!!'
7Okay, &an, i%" i&e o b!ow $e &o$er away,7 Twin "aid' 4e #a-e
.$i! a fina! pa, $en reac$ed in fron of $i& o open $e pa""en#er-"ide
door'
.$i! #o ou ono rubbery !e#"'
7.$i!,7 Twin ca!!ed'
.$i! ben down and !ooked ino $e car'
7Re&e&ber,7 Twin "aid' 7T$iry "econd" fro& $e i&e you #o in $e
door, I%!! be pu!!in# up o $e re"auran' <ou #e ou of $ere fa" and ino
$e car' Go i?7
7I #ue"" "o,7 .$i! "aid'
.$i! "rai#$ened up and be#an wa!kin# oward $e re"auran' 4e
cou!d fee! $e pi"o! bu&pin# up a#ain" $i" $i#$' 4e $ad i in $i" ri#$
$ip pocke'
=$en Jack $ad fir" &e Tere"e $e%d $ad $e i&pre""ion $a "$e wa" "o
#oa! oriened, "$e%d be incapab!e of "&a!! a!k' Bu $e $ad o ad&i $e%d
been wron#' =$en $e%d "ared o ea"e $er un&ercifu!!y abou $er in-
abi!iy o !ea-e $er work be$ind, "$e%d no on!y borne $e brun of $eI
#ibe" wi$ e>uani&iy bu $ad been ab!e o di"$ ou a" #ood a" $e #ay '
By $eir "econd #!a""e" of wine $ey $ad eac$ o$er !au#$in# $eari!y'
7I cerain!y didn% $ink I%d be !au#$in# !ike $i" ear!ier oday,7 Jack
"aid'
7I%11 ake $a a" a co&p!i&en,7 Tere"e "aid'
7And indeed you "$ou!d,7 Jack "aid'
73+cu"e &e,7 Tere"e "aid a" "$e fo!ded $er napkin' 7I i&a#ine our en-
r1e" wi!! be ou &o&enari!y' If you don% &ind, I%d !ike o u"e $e !adie"%
roo& before $ey #e $ere'7
7By a!! &ean",7 Jack "aid' 4e #ra"ped $e ed#e of $e ab!e and pu!!ed
i oward $i& o #i-e Tere"e &ore roo& o #e ou' T$ere wa" no &uc$
"pace beween ab!e"'
7I%!! be ri#$ back,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e #a-e Jack%" "$ou!der a ">uee;e'
72on% #o away,7 "$e ea"ed'
Jack wac$ed $er approac$ $e &aire d%, w$o !i"ened o $er and $en
poined oward $e rear of $e re"auran' Jack coninued o wac$ $er a"
"$e #racefu!!y wea-ed $er way down $e !en#$ of $e roo&' A" u"ua!,
"$e wa" wearin# a "i&p!e, ai!ored "ui $a !i&ned $er "!i&, a$!eic
body' I wa"n% $ard for Jack o i&a#ine $a "$e approac$ed p$y"ica! e+-
erci"e wi$ $e "a&e do##ed deer&inaion "$e de-oed o $er career'
=$en Tere"e di"appeared fro& -iew Jack urned $i" aenion back
o $e ab!e' 4e picked up $i" wine and ook a "ip' *o&ep!ace $e%d read
$a red wine wa" capab!e of ki!!in# -iru"e"' T$a $ou#$ &ade $i& $ink
of "o&e$in# $e $adn% con"idered bu per$ap" "$ou!d $a-e' 4e%d been
e+po"ed o inf!uen;a, and w$i!e $e fe! confiden #i-en $e &ea"ure" $e
wa" akin# re#ardin# $i" $ea!$, $e cerain!y didn% wan o e+po"e any-
one e!"e o i, paricu!ar!y no Tere"e'
T$inkin# abou $e po""ibi!iy, :ack rea"oned $a "ince $e didn% $a-e
any "y&po&", $e cou!d no be &anufacurin# -iru"' T$erefore, $e cou!d
no be infecire' A !ea" $e $oped $a o be $e ca"e' T$inkin# of in-
f!uen;a re&inded $i& of $i" ri&anadine' Reac$in# ino $i" pocke, $e
ook ou $e p!a"ic -ia!, e+raced one of $e oran#e ab!e", and ook i
wi$ a "wa!!ow of waer'
Afer puin# $e dru# away, Jack !e $i" eye" roa& around $e re"au-
ran' 4e wa" i&pre""ed $a e-ery ab!e wa" occupied, ye $e waier"
"ee&ed o &ainain a !ei"ure!y pace' :ack aribued i o #ood p!annin#
and rainin#'
5ookin# o $e ri#$, :ack "aw $a $ere were a few coup!e" and "in-
#!e &en $a-in# drink" a $e bar, po""ib!y waiin# for ab!e"' !u" $en,
$e noiced $a $e can-a" curain a $e enrance wa" $rown a"ide a" a
"&ar!y dre""ed, youn#, African-A&erican &an "epped ino $e re"au-
ran'
:ack wa"n% "ure w$y $e indi-idua! cau#$ $i" aenion' A fir" $e
$ou#$ i &i#$ $a-e been becau"e $e &an wa" a!! and $inD $e re-
&inded :ack of "e-era! of $e &en $e p!ayed ba!! wi$' Bu w$ae-er $e
rea"on wa", :ack coninued o wac$ $e &an a" $e $e"iaed a $e door,
$en be#an o wa!k down $e cenra! ai"!e, apparen!y "earc$in# for
friend"'
T$e #ai wa"n% $e $i#$-"eppin#, "prin#y, :auny p!ay#round wa!k'
I wa" &ore of a "$uff!e, a" if $e &an were carryin# a !oad on $i" back'
4i" ri#$ $and wa" $ru" ino $i" rou"er pocke w$i!e $i" !ef $un# down
"iff!y a $i" "ide' :ack cou!dn% $e!p bu noice $e !ef ar& didn% "win#'
I wa" a" if i were a pro"$e"i" in"ead of a rea! ar&'
Capi-aed by $e indi-idua!, Jack wac$ed a" $e &an%" $ead "wun#
fro& "ide o "ide' T$e &an $ad ad-anced weny fee w$en $e &a!re d%
inerceped $i&, and $ey $ad a con-er"aion'
T$e con-er"aion wa" "$or' T$e &a!re d% bowed and #e"ured ino
$e re"auran' T$e &an "ared forward once a#ain, coninuin# $i"
"earc$'
:ack !ifed $i" wine#!a"" o ,$i" !ip" and ook a "ip' A" $e did "o $e
rpan%"
eye" !ocked ono $i"' To Jack " "urpri"e $e &an $eaded direc!y forW$i&'
:ack "!ow!y pu $i" wine#!a"" down' T$e &an ca&e up o $e ab!e'
A" if in a drea& Jack "aw $e &an "ar o rai"e $i" ri#$ $and' In i
wa" a #un' Before Jack cou!d e-en ake a brea$ $e barre! wa" ai&ed
"rai#$ a $i&'
=i$in $e confine" of $e narrow re"auran $e "ound of a pi"o!
"ee&ed deafenin#' By ref!e+ Jack%" $and" $ad #ra"ped $e ab!ec!o$ and
pu!!ed i oward $i& a" if $e cou!d $ide be$ind i' In $e proce"" $e
knocked $e wine#!a""e" and $e wine bo!e o $e f!oor, w$ere $ey
"$aered'
T$e concu""ion of $e #un"$o and $e "$aerin# of #!a"" wa" fo!!owed
by "unned "i!ence' A &o&en !aer, $e body fe!! forward ono $e ab!e'
T$e #un c!aered o $e f!oor'
.o$ce, a -oice ca!!ed ou' A &an ru"$ed o $e cener of $e roo&,
$o!din# a po!ice bad#e a!of' In $i" o$er $and $e $e!d a '0@ deeci-e "pe-
cia!' 7No one &o-e' 2o no panic87
=i$ a "en"e of di"#u" :ack pu"$ed $e ab!e away' I wa" pinnin# $i&
a#ain" $e wa!!' =$en $e did "o $e &an ro!!ed off $e "ide and fe!! $ea--
i!y o $e f!oor'
T$e po!ice&an $o!"ered $i" #un and pockeed $i" bad#e before
>uick!y knee!in# a $e "ide of $e body' 4e fe! for a pu!"e, $en barked
an order for "o&eone o ca!! 911 for an a&bu!ance'
On!y $en did $e re"auran erup wi$ "crea&" and "ob"' Terrified
diner" be#an o "and up' A few in $e fron of $e re"auran f!ed ou $e
door'
7*ay in your "ea",7 $e po!ice&an co&&anded o $o"e re&ainin#'
73-ery$in# i" under conro!'7
*o&e peop!e fo!!owed $i" order" and "a' O$er" "ood i&&obi!i;ed,
$eir eye" wide'
4a-in# re#ained a "e&b!ance of co&po"ure, Jack ">uaed be"ide $e
po!ice&an'
7I%& a docor,7 Jack "aid'
7<ea$, 8 know,7 $e po!ice&an "aid' 7Gi-e a c$eck' I%& afraid $e%" a
#oner'7
:ack fe! for a pu!"e w$i!e wonderin# $ow $e po!ice&an knew $e wa"
a docor' T$ere wa" no pu!"e'
7I didn% $a-e a !o of c$oice,7 $e po!ice&an "aid defen"i-e!y' 7I $ap-
pened "o fa" and wi$ "o &any peop!e around, I "$o $i& in $e !ef "ide
of $i" c$e"' I &u" $a-e $i $e $ear'7 :ack and $e po!ice&an "ood up'
T$e po!ice&an !ooked :ack up and down' 7Are you a!! ri#$?7 $e
a"ked'
In "$ocked di"be!ief, :ack e+a&ined $i&"e!f' 4e cou!d $a-e been "$o
wi$ou $a-in# fe! i' 7I #ue"" "o,7 $e "aid'
T$e po!ice&an "$ook $i" $ead' 7T$a wa" a c!o"e one,7 $e "aid' 7I ne-er
e+peced any$in# o $appen o you in $ere'7 7=$a do you &ean?7 :ack a"ked'
7If $ere wa" o be roub!e, I e+peced i o be afer you !ef $e re"au-
ran,7 $e po!ice&an "aid'
7I don% know w$a you are a!kin# abou,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu I%& aw-
fu!!y #!ad you $appened o be $ere'7
72on% $ank &e,7 $e po!ice&an "aid' 7T$ank 5ou *o!dano'7
Tere"e ca&e ou of $e re" roo&, confu"ed a" o w$a wa" #oin# on'
*$e $urried back o $e ab!e' =$en "$e "aw $e body $er $and" f!ew o
$er face o co-er $er &ou$' A#$a", "$e !ooked a :ack'
7=$a $appened?7 "$e a"ked' 7<ou%re a" w$ie a" a #$o"'7
7A !ea" I%& a!i-e,7 :ack "aid' 7T$ank" o $i" po!ice&an'7
In confu"ion Tere"e urned o $e po!ice&an for an e+p!anaion, bu
$e "ound of &u!ip!e "iren" cou!d be $eard con-er#in# on $e re"auran,
and $e po!ice&an be#an &o-in# peop!e ou of $e way and ur#in# $e&
o "i down'
T)3*2A<, B/AE .'('I (AR.-4 23I, %1 cJIJ1
:ack !ooked ou $e window of $e "peedin# car and wac$ed $e ni#$-
i&e "cenery f!a"$ by wi$ un"eein# eye"' :ack wa" in $e fron pa""en#er
"ea of*$awn (a#o#ina!%" un&arked car a" i crui"ed "ou$ on $e C2R
2ri-e' *$awn wa" $e p!ainc!o$e" po!ice&an w$o $ad &y"eriou"!y &a-
eria!i;ed a $e crucia! &o&en o "a-e :ack fro& "ure dea$'
O-er an $our $ad pa""ed "ince $e e-en, bu :ack wa" no &ore re!a+ed'
In fac, now $a $e%d $ad i&e o $ink abou $i" $ird ae&p on $i"
!ife $e wa" &ore a#iaed $an ri#$ afer $e e-en' 4e wa" !iera!!y "$ak-
in#' In an ae&p o $ide $i" be!aed reacion fro& *$awn $e c!uc$ed
bo$ $and" o $i" knee"'
3ar!ier, w$en $e po!ice car" and $e a&bu!ance $ad arri-ed a $e
re"auran, c$ao" $ad rei#ned' T$e po!ice waned e-eryone%" na&e" and
addre""e"' *o&e peop!e ba!ked, o$er" co&p!ied wi!!in#!y' A fir" :ack
$ad a""u&ed $e%d be reaed "i&i!ar!y, bu $en *$awn $ad infor&ed $i&
$a 2eeci-e 5ieuenan 5ou *o!dano waned o a!k wi$ $i& a po-
!ice $ead>uarer"'
:ack $ad no waned o #o, bu $e%d been #i-en no c$oice' Tere"e $ad
in"i"ed on co&in# a!on#, bu :ack $ad a!ked $er ou of i' *$e%d on!y re-
!ened once $e%d pro&i"ed o ca!! $er !aer' *$e%d o!d $i& $a "$e%d be
a $e a#ency' Afer "uc$ an e+perience "$e didn% wan o be a!one'
Jack ran $i" on#ue around $e in"ide of $i" &ou$' A co&binaion of
$e wine and en"ion $ad &ade i a" dry a" $e in"ide of a "ock' 4e
didn% wan o #o o po!ice $ead>uarer" for fear $ey &i#$ deain $i&'
4e%d fai!ed o repor Re#ina!d%" &urder and $e%d been a $e "cene of $e
dru#"ore $o&icide' To op i off, $e%d "aid enou#$ o 5aurie o indicae
a poenia! !ink beween Re#ina!d and Be$%" &urder'
Jack "i#$ed and ran a worried $and $rou#$ $i" $air' 4e wondered
$ow $e%d re"pond o $e ine-iab!e >ue"ion" $e%d be a"ked'
7<ou okay?7 *$awn >ue"ioned' 4e #!anced a Jack, "en"in# $i" an+-
iey'
7<ea$, fine,7 :ack "aid' 7I%" been a wonderfu! e-enin# in New <ork'
I%" a ciy w$ere you can ne-er #e bored'7
7T$a%" a po"ii-e way o !ook a i,7 *$awn a#reed'
Jack "$o a !ook a $e po!ice&an, w$o "ee&ed o $a-e aken $i" co&-
&en !iera!!y'
7I $a-e a coup!e of >ue"ion",7 :ack "aid' 74ow $e $e!! did you $ap-
pen o be $ere a $e re"auran? And $ow did you know I wa" a doc-
or? And $ow i" i $a I $a-e 5ou *o!dano o $ank?7
75ieuenan *o!dano #o a ip you &i#$ be in dan#er,7 *$awn "aid'
74ow%d you know I wa" a $e re"auran?7 Jack a"ked'
7*i&p!e,7 *$awn "aid' 7*er#ean (urp$y and I ai!ed you fro& $e
&or#ue'7
Jack a#ain !ooked ou a $e dark ciy a" i "ped by and "$ook $i" $ead
i&percepib!y' 4e wa" e&barra""ed for $a-in# $ou#$ $e%d been "o
c!e-er o en"ure $e%d no been fo!!owed' I wa" painfu!!y ob-iou" $a $e
wa" ou of $i" !ea#ue'
7<ou a!&o" #a-e u" $e "!ip a B!oo&ie",7 *$awn "aid' 7Bu I #ue""ed
w$a you were up o by $en'7
Jack urned back o $e deeci-e' 7=$o #a-e 5ieuenan *o!dano $e
ip?7 $e a"ked' 4e a""u&ed i $ad o $a-e been 5aurie'
7T$a I don% know,7 *$awn "aid' 7Bu you%!! "oon be ab!e o a"k $i&
your"e!f'7
T$e C2R 2ri-e i&percepib!y beca&e $e *ou$ *ree ,iaduc'
A$ead Jack cou!d "ee $e fa&i!iar "i!$ouee of $e Brook!yn Brid#e co&e
ino -iew' A#ain" $e pa!e ni#$ "ky i !ooked !ike a #i#anic !yre'
T$ey urned off $e freeway :u" nor$ of $e brid#e and were "oon
pu!!in# ino po!ice $ead>uarer"'
Jack $ad ne-er "een $e bui!din# and wa" "urpri"ed by i" &oderniy'
In"ide $e $ad o pa"" $rou#$ a &ea! deecor' *$awn acco&panied $i&
o 5ou *o!dano%" office, $en ook $i" !ea-e'
5ou "ood up and offered $i" $and, $en pu!!ed o-er a "rai#$-backed
c$air' 7*i down, 2oc,7 5ou "aid' 7T$i" i" *er#ean =i!"on'7 5ou #e"ured
oward a unifor&ed African-A&erican po!ice officer w$o #o o $i" fee
a" $e wa" inroduced' 4e wa" a "rikin# &an, and $i" unifor& wa" i&-
peccab!y pre""ed' 4i" we!!-#roo&ed appearance "ood in "$arp conra"
o 5ou%" ru&p!ed aire'
Jack "$ook $and" wi$ $e "er#ean and wa" i&pre""ed wi$ $e &an%"
#rip' In conra" :ack wa" a"$a&ed of $i" own re&b!in#, da&p pa!&'
7I a"ked *er#ean =i!"on down becau"e $e%" $eadin# up our Ani-
Gan# ,io!ence )ni in *pecia! Op",7 5ou "aid a" $e reurned o $i" de"k
and "a down'
O$, wonderfu!, Jack $ou#$, concerned $a $i" &eein# &i#$ #e
back o =arren' Jack ried o "&i!e, bu i wa" $e"ian and fakeD $e wa"
afraid $i" ner-ou"ne"" wa" a!! oo ran"paren' Jack worried $a bo$
$e"e e+perienced !aw-enforce&en peop!e cou!d e!! $e wa" a fe!on $e
&o&en $e wa!ked $rou#$ $e door'
7I under"and you $ad a bad e+perience oni#$,7 5ou "aid'
7T$a%" en under"ae&en,7 Jack "aid' 4e re#arded 5ou' T$e &an wa"
no w$a $e%d e+peced' Afer 5aurie $ad i&p!ied $a "$e%d been in-o!-ed
wi$ $i&, Jack $ad a""u&ed $e%d be &ore p$y"ica!!y i&po"in#/ a!!er and
&ore "y!i"$' In"ead, Jack $ou#$ $e wa" a "$orer -er"ion of $i&"e!f
con"iderin# $i" "ocky, &u"cu!ar fra&e and c!o"e-cropped $air'
7Can I a"k you a >ue"ion?7 Jack a"ked'
7By a!! &ean",7 5ou "aid, "preadin# $i" $and"' 7T$i" i"n% an in>ui"i-
ion' I%" a di"cu""ion'7
7=$a &ade you $a-e Officer (a#o#ina! fo!!ow &e?7 :ack a"ked'
7(ind you, I%& no co&p!ainin#' 4e "a-ed &y !ife'7
7<ou $a-e 2r' 5aurie (on#o&ery o $ank for $a,7 5ou "aid' 7*$e
wa" worried abou you and &ade &e pro&i"e $a I wou!d do "o&e$in#'
.uin# a ai! on you wa" $e on!y $in# I cou!d $ink of'7
7I%& cerain!y appreciai-e,7 :ack "aid' 4e wondered w$a $e cou!d
"ay o 5aurie o $ank $er'
7Now, 2oc, $ere%" a !o #oin# on $ere $a we%d !ike o know abou,7
5ou "aid' 4e "eep!ed $i" $and" wi$ $i" e!bow" on $i" de"k' 7(aybe you
"$ou!d :u" e!! u" w$a%" $appenin#'7 7I ru!y don% know ye,7 :ack "aid'
7Okay, fair enou#$,7 5ou "aid' 7Bu, 2oc, re&e&ber8 <ou can re!a+8
A#ain, $i" i" a di"cu""ion'7
7A" "$aken up a" I a&, I%& no "ure I%& capab!e of &uc$ of a con-er-
"aion'7
7(aybe 8 "$ou!d !e you know w$a I know a!ready,7 5ou "aid' 5ou
>uick!y ou!ined w$a 5aurie $ad o!d $i&' 4e e&p$a"i;ed $a $e knew
$a :ack $ad been beaen up a !ea" once and now $ad $ad an ae&p
on $i" !ife &ade by a &e&ber of a 5ower 3a" *ide #an#' 5ou &enioned
:ack%" di"!ike of A&eriCare and $i" endency o "ee con"piracy in $e re-
cen "erie" of oubreak" of infeciou" di"ea"e a $e (an$aan Genera!'
4e a!"o &enioned $a Jack $ad apparen!y irriaed a nu&ber of peo-
p!e a $a $o"pia!' 4e conc!uded wi$ :ack%" "u##e"ion o 5aurie $a
wo apparen!y unre!aed $o&icide" &i#$ be !inked and $a pre!i&i-
nary e"" $ad "ub"aniaed $i" "urpri"in# $eory'
:ack -i"ib!y "wa!!owed' 7=ow,7 $e "aid' 7I%& be#innin# o $ink you
know &ore $an I do'7
7I%& "ure $a%" no $e ca"e,7 5ou "aid wi$ a wry "&i!e' 7Bu &aybe
a!! $i" infor&aion #i-e" you a "en"e of w$a e!"e we need o know o pre-
-en any &ore -io!ence o you and o$er"' T$ere wa" ano$er #an#-
re!aed ki!!in# in $e -iciniy of $e Genera! $i" afernoon' I" $a any-
$in# you know abou?7
:ack "wa!!owed a#ain' 4e didn% know w$a o "ay' =arren%" ad&o-
niion re-erberaed in $i" &ind, a" did $i" f!eein# fro& wo cri&e "cene"
and abein# a &urderer' 4e wa", afer a!!, a fe!on'
7I%d ra$er no a!k abou $i" ri#$ now,7 :ack "aid'
7O$?7 5ou >ue"ioned' 7And w$y i" $a, 2oc?7
:ack%" &ind raced for an"wer", and $e wa" !oa$ o !ie' 7I #ue"" becau"e
I%& concerned abou cerain peop!e%" "afey,7 $e "aid'
7T$a%" w$a we are $ere for,7 5ou "aid' 7.eop!e%" "afey'7
7I under"and $a,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu $i" i" a ra$er uni>ue "iuaion'
T$ere are a !o of $in#" #oin# on' I%& worried we &i#$ be on $e brink
of a rea! epide&ic'7
7Of w$a?7 5ou a"ked'
7Inf!uen;a,7 :ack "aid' 7A ype of inf!uen;a wi$ a $i#$ &orbidiy'7
74a-e $ere been a !o of ca"e"?7 5ou a"ked'
7No a !o "o far,7 :ack "aid' 7Bu I%& worried none$e!e""'7
73pide&ic" "care &e, bu $ey are ou of &y area of e+peri"e,7 5ou
"aid' 7Bu $o&icide i"n%' =$en do you $ink you &i#$ be wi!!in# o a!k
abou $e"e &urder" we%-e been di"cu""in# if you%re no inc!ined a $e
&o&en?7
7Gi-e &e a day,7 :ack "aid' 7T$i" epide&ic "care i" rea!' Tru" &e'7
74&&&& '''7 5ou -oiced' 4e !ooked a *er#ean =i!"on'
7A !o can $appen in a day,7 $e "er#ean "aid'
7T$a%" &y concern oo,7 5ou "aid' 4e redireced $i" aenion o :ack'
7=$a worrie" u" i" $a $e wo #an# &e&ber" w$o%-e been ki!!ed were
fro& differen #an#"' =e don% wan o "ee a #an# war erup around $ere'
=$ene-er $ey do, a !o of innocen peop!e #e ki!!ed'7
7I need weny-four $our",7 :ack repeaed' 7By $en I $ope o be ab!e
o pro-e w$a I%& ryin# o pro-e' IfI can%, I%!! ad&i I wa" wron#, and
I%!! e!! you e-ery$in# I know, w$ic$, by $e way, i" no &uc$'7
75i"en, 2oe,7 5ou "aid' 7I cou!d arre" you ri#$ now and c$ar#e you
wi$ acce""ory afer $e fac' <ou are wi!!fu!!y ob"rucin# $e in-e"i#a-
ion of "e-era! $o&icide"' I &ean, you do under"and $e rea!iy of w$a
you are doin#, don% you?7
7I $ink I do,7 Jack "aid'
7I cou!d c$ar#e you, bu I%& no #oin# o do $a,7 5ou "aid' 4e "a
back in $i" c$air' 7In"ead I%& #oin# o bow o your :ud#&en concern-
in# $i" epide&ic "uff' In deference o 2r' (on#o&ery, w$o "ee&" o
$ink you are a #ood #uy, I%!! be paien abou &y area of e+peri"e' Bu
I wan o $ear fro& you o&orrow ni#$' )nder"and?7
7I under"and,7 Jack "aid' Jack !ooked fro& $e !ieuenan o $e
"er#ean and $en back' 7I" $a i?7 7Cor now,7 5ou "aid'
Jack #o up and $eaded for $e door' Before $e reac$ed i, *er#ean
=i!"on "poke up/ 7I $ope you under"and $ow dan#erou" dea!in# wi$
$e"e #an#" i"' T$ey fee! $ey $a-e !i!e o !o"e and con"e>uen!y $a-e !i-
!e re"pec for !ife, ei$er $eir own or o$er"%'7 7I%11 keep $a in &ind,7
Jack "aid'
Jack $urried fro& $e bui!din#' A" $e e&er#ed ino $e ni#$ $e fe!
enor&ou" re!ief, a" if $e%d been #raned a reprie-e'
=$i!e $e waied for a a+i o appear in .ark Row in fron of $e po-
!ice $ead>uarer", $e $ou#$ abou w$a $e "$ou!d do' 4e wa" afraid o
#o $o&e' A $e &o&en $e didn% wan o "ee $e B:ack 6in#" or =ar-
ren' 4e $ou#$ abou #oin# back o "ee Tere"e, bu $e feared endan-
#erin# $er &ore $an $e a!ready $ad'
=i$ few a!ernai-e" Jack decided o find a c$eap $oe!' A !ea" $e%d
be "afe and "o wou!d $i" friend"'
=32N3'I2A<, 1/1E A'('I (AR.-4 2%9I 199C-,
T$e fir" "y&po& Jack noiced wa" a "udden ra"$ $a appeared on $i"
forear&"' A" $e wa" e+a&inin# i, $e ra"$ "pread >uick!y o $i" c$e" and
abdo&en' =i$ $i" inde+ fin#er" $e "pread $e "kin a $e "ie of one of
$e b!oc$e" o "ee if i wou!d b!anc$ wi$ pre""ure' No on!y did i no
b!anc$, $e pre""ure deepened $e co!or'
T$en, a" >uick!y a" $e "kin erupion appeared, i be#an o ic$' A fir"
Jack ried o i#nore $e "en"aion, bu i increa"ed in inen"iy o $e poin
w$ere $e $ad o "crac$' =$en $e did, $e ra"$ be#an o b!eed' 3ac$
b!oc$ wa" ran"for&ed ino an open "ore'
=i$ $e b!eedin# and $e "ore" ca&e a fe-er' I "ared o ri"e "!ow!y,
bu once i #o pa" a $undred de#ree", i "$o up' *oon Jack%" fore$ead
wa" awa"$ wi$ per"piraion'
=$en $e !ooked a $i&"e!f in $e &irror and "aw $i" face f!u"$ed and
"poed wi$ open "ore", $e wa" $orrified' A few &inue" !aer $e be#an
o e+perience difficu!y brea$in#' 3-en wi$ deep brea$" $e wa" #a"p-
in# for air'
T$en Jack%" $ead be#an o pound !ike a dru& wi$ eac$ bea of $i"
$ear' 4e $ad no idea w$a $e%d conraced, bu i" "eriou"ne"" wa" a!! oo
ob-iou"' Inuii-e!y Jack knew $e $ad on!y &o&en" o &ake $e dia#-
no"i" and deer&ine rea&en'
Bu $ere wa" a prob!e&' To &ake $e dia#no"i" $e needed a b!ood
"a&p!e, bu $e $ad no need!e' .er$ap" $e cou!d #e a "a&p!e wi$ a knife'
I wou!d be &e""y, bu i &i#$ work' =$ere cou!d $e find a knife?
Jack%" eye" b!inked open' Cor a "econd $e franica!!y "earc$ed $e
ni#$"and for a knife, bu $en $e "opped' 4e wa" di"oriened' A deep
c!an# "ounded a#ain and a#ain' Jack cou!d no p!ace i' 4e !ifed $i" ar&
o !ook a $i" ra"$, bu i $ad di"appeared' On!y $en did Jack rea!i;e
w$ere $e wa" and $a $e%d been drea&in#'
Jack e"i&aed $e e&peraure in $e $oe! roo& o be niney de#ree"'
=i$ di"#u" $e kicked off $e b!anke"' 4e wa" drenc$ed in "wea' *i-
in# up, $e pu $i" !e#" o-er $e "ide of $e bed' T$e c!an#in# noi"e wa"
co&in# fro& $e radiaor, w$ic$ wa" a!"o "ea&in# and "puerin#' I
"ounded !ike "o&eone wa" "rikin# $e ri"er wi$ a "!ed#e$a&&er'
Jack wen o $e window and ried o open i' I wou!dn% bud#e' I
wa" a" if i $ad been nai!ed "$u' Gi-in# up, $e wen o $e radiaor' I
wa" "o $o $e cou!dn% ouc$ $e -a!-e' 4e #o a owe! fro& $e ba$roo&,
bu $en found $e -a!-e wa" "uck in $e open po"iion'
In $e ba$roo& Jack wa" ab!e o open a fro"ed window' A refre"$-
in# bree;e b!ew in' Cor a few &inue" $e didn% &o-e' T$e coo! i!e" fe!
#ood on $i" fee' 4e !eaned on $e "ink and recoi!ed a $e re&e&brance
of $i" ni#$&are' I $ad been "o fri#$enin#!y rea!' 4e e-en !ooked a $i"
ar&" and abdo&en a#ain o &ake "ure $e didn% $a-e a ra"$' T$ankfu!!y,
$e didn%' Bu $e "i!! $ad a $eadac$e, w$ic$ $e a""u&ed wa" fro& bein#
o-er$eaed' 4e wondered w$y $e $adn% awakened "ooner'
5ookin# ino $e &irror, $e noiced $a $i" eye" were red' 4e wa" a!"o
in dire need of a "$a-e' 4e $oped $a $ere wa" a "undry "$op in $e
!obby, becau"e $e $ad no oi!e aric!e" wi$ $i&'
Jack reurned o $e bedroo&' T$e radiaor wa" now "i!en and $e
roo& e&peraure $ad dropped o a o!erab!e !e-e!, wi$ coo! air f!owin#
in fro& $e ba$roo&'
Jack be#an o dre"" "o $e cou!d #o down"air"' A" $e did "o $e reca!!ed
$e e-en" of $e pre-iou" e-enin#' T$e i&a#e of $e #un barre! ca&e back
o $i" &ind%" eye wi$ errifyin# c!ariy' 4e "$uddered' Ano$er fracion
of a "econd and $e wou!d $a-e been #one'
T$ree i&e" in weny-four $our" Jack $ad co&e c!o"e o dea$' 3ac$
epi"ode &ade $i& rea!i;e $ow &uc$ $e waned o !i-e' Cor $e fir" i&e
$e be#an o wonder if $i" re"pon"e o $i" #rief for $i" wife and dau#$-
er"-$i" reck!e"" be$a-ior--&i#$ be a di""er-ice o $eir &e&ory'
2own in $e "eedy !obby Jack wa" ab!e o purc$a"e a di"po"ab!e ra;or
and a &iniaure ube of oo$pa"e wi$ a oo$bru"$ aac$ed' A" $e
waied for $e e!e-aor o reurn o $i" roo& $e cau#$ "i#$ of a bound
"ack of $e 2ai!y New" ou"ide of an unopened new""and' Abo-e $e
!urid $ead!ine" wa"/ 7(or#ue 2oc Near!y =ind" )p on $e *!ab in
Trendy Re"auran *$oo-ou8 *ee pa#e $ree'7
Jack "e down $i" purc$a"e" and ried o ea"e ou a copy of $e paper,
bu $e cou!dn%' T$e "ecurin# band wa" oo ou#$ o "nap'
Reurnin# o $e fron de"k, $e &ana#ed o con-ince $e &oro"e ni#$
recepioni" o co&e ou fro& be$ind $i" de"k and cu $e band wi$ a
ra;or b!ade' Jack paid for $e paper and "aw $e recepioni" pocke $e
&oney'
On $e way up in $e e!e-aor Jack wa" "$ocked o "ee a picure of $i&-
"e!f on pa#e $ree co&in# ou of $e .o"iano re"auran wi$ *$awn (a-
#o#ina! $o!din# $i" upper ar&' Jack cou!dn% re&e&ber a picure bein#
aken' T$e capion read/ 72r' Jack *ap!eon, a N<C &edica! e+a&iner,
bein# !ed by p!ainc!o$e" deeci-e *$awn (a#o#ina! fro& $e "cene of
$e docor%" ae&ped a""a""inaion' A N<C #an# &e&ber wa" ki!!ed in
$e inciden'7
Jack read $e aric!e' I wa"n% !on#D $e wa" fini"$ed before $e #o back
o $i" roo&' *o&e$ow $e wrier $ad !earned $a Jack $ad $ad run-in"
wi$ $e "a&e #an# in $e pa"' T$ere wa" an un&i"akab!y "canda!ou"
i&p!icaion' !ie o""ed $e paper a"ide' 4e wa" di"#u"ed a $e une+-
peced e+po"ure and wa" concerned i cou!d $inder $i" cau"e' 4e e+peced
o $a-e a bu"y day, and $e didn% wan inerference re"u!in# fro& $i"
unwaned nooriey'
:ack "$owered, "$a-ed, and bru"$ed $i" ee$' 4e fe! a wor!d of dif-
ference fro& w$en $e%d awakened, bu $e did no fee! up o par' 4e "i!!
$ad a $eadac$e and $e &u"c!e" of $i" !e#" were "ore' *o wa" $i" !ower
back' 4e cou!dn% $e!p bu worry $a $e wa" $a-in# ear!y "y&po&" of
$e f!u' 4e didn% $a-e o re&ind $i&"e!f o ake $i" ri&anadine'
=$en Jack arri-ed a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office, $e $ad $e a+i
drop $i& off a $e &or#ue recei-in# bay o a-oid any &e&ber" of $e
pre"" w$o &i#$ be !yin# in wai'
:ack $eaded direc!y up"air" o "c$edu!in#' 4e wa" worried abou
w$a $ad co&e in durin# $e ni#$' A" $e "epped ino $e roo&, ,innie
!owered $i" new"paper'
74ey, 2oc,7 ,innie "aidO 7Gue"" w$a? <ou%re in $e &ornin# paper'7
Jack i#nored $i& and wen o-er o w$ere Geor#e wa" workin#'
O %97I7 %e 7 % a
7Aren% you &ere"ea' -&& ca!!ed ou' T$ere " e-en picure87
7I%-e "een i,7 :ack "aid' 7I%" no &y be" "ide'7
7Te!! &e w$a $appened,7 ,innie de&anded' 74eck, $i" i" !ike a
&o-ie or "o&e$in#' =$y%d $i" #uy wan o "$oo you?7
7I wa" a ca"e of &i"aken ideniy,7 Jack "aid'
7Aw, no87 ,innie "aid' 4e wa" di"appoined' 7<ou &ean $e $ou#$
you were "o&eone e!"e?7
7*o&e$in# !ike $a,7 :ack "aid' T$en, addre""in# Geor#e, $e a"ked
if $ere $ad been any &ore inf!uen;a dea$"'
72id "o&eone acua!!y fire a #un a you?7 Geor#e a"ked, i#norin#
:ack%" >ue"ion' 4e wa" a" inere"ed a" ,innie' O$er peop!e%" di"a"er"
$o!d uni-er"a! appea!'
7Cory or fify i&e",7 Jack "aid' 7Bu !ucki!y i wa" one of $o"e #un"
$a "$oo" .in#-.on# ba!!"' T$o"e I wa"n% ab!e o duck bounced off
$ar&!e""!y'7

O %,% C
%> #ue"" you don% wan o a!k abou I, Gcor# "aid'
7T$a%" percepi-e of you, Geor#e,7 Jack "aid' 7Now, $a-e any in-
f!uen;a dea$" co&e in ?7
7Cour,7 Geor#e "aid'
:ack%" pu!"e >uickened'
7=$ere are $ey?7 Jack a"ked'
Geor#e apped one of $i" "ack"' 7I%d a""i#n a coup!e of $e& o you,
bu Ca!-in a!ready ca!!ed o e!! &e $e wan" you o $a-e ano$er paper
day' I $ink $e "aw $e new"paper oo' In fac, $e didn% e-en know if
you%d be co&in# in o work oday'7
:ack didn% re"pond' =i$ a" &uc$ a" $e $ad o do $a day, $a-in#
ano$er paper day wa" probab!y a #od"end' Jack opened $e c$ar" >uick!y
o read $e na&e"' A!$ou#$ $e cou!d $a-e #ue""ed $eir ideniie", i wa"
"i!! a "$ock' 6i& *pen"or, Geor#e 4a"e!on, G!oria 4ernande;, and a
=i!!ia& .ear"on, $e e-enin# !ab ec$, $ad a!! pa""ed away durin# $e
ni#$ wi$ acue re"piraory di"re"" "yndro&e' T$e worry $a $e in-
f!uen;a "rain wa" -iru!en wa" no !on#er a >ue"ionD I wa" now a fac'
T$e"e -ici&" $ad a!! been $ea!$y, youn# adu!" w$o%d died wi$in
weny-four-p!u" $our" of e+po"ure'
A!! of Jack%" an+iey ca&e back in a ru"$' 4i" fear of a &a:or epide&ic
"oared' 4i" on!y $ope wa" $a if $e wa" ri#$ abou $e $u&idifier bein#
$e "ource, a!! of $e"e ca"e" repre"ened inde+ ca"e" in $a a!! $ad been
e+po"ed o $e infeced $u&idifier' 4ence, none of $e"e dea$" repre-
"ened per"on-o-per"on ran"fer, $e key e!e&en for $e kind of epide&ic
$e feared'
Jack ru"$ed fro& $e roo&, i#norin# &ore >ue"ion" fro& ,innie' Jack
didn% know w$a $e "$ou!d do fir"' Cro& w$a $ad $appened wi$ $e
p!a#ue epi"ode, $e $ou#$ $e "$ou!d wai o a!k o Bin#$a& and $a-e
Bin#$a& ca!! $e ciy and "ae au$oriie"' <e now $a Jack%" worry
abou a poenia! epide&ic $ad increa"ed, $e $aed o !e any i&e pa""'
72r' *ap!eon, you%-e $ad a !o of ca!!",7 (ar:orie Gankow"ki "aid'
(ar:orie wa" $e ni#$ co&&unicaion" operaor' 7*o&e !ef &e""a#e"
on your -oice &ai!, bu $ere%" a !i"' I wa" #oin# o ake $e& up o your
office, bu "ince you are $ere'''7 *$e pu"$ed a "ack of pink p$one &e"-
"a#e" oward Jack' Jack "nac$ed $e& up and coninued on'
4e "canned $e !i" a" $e wen up in $e e!e-aor' Tere"e $ad ca!!ed
"e-era! i&e", $e !a" i&e bein# four o%c!ock in $e &ornin#' T$e fac
I$a "$e%d ca!!ed "o &any i&e" #a-e Jack a "ab of #ui!' 4e "$ou!d $a-e
ca!!ed $er fro& $e $oe!, bu in ru$ $e $adn% fe! !ike a!kin# wi$ any-
O2C'
To $i" "urpri"e $ere were a!"o &e""a#e" fro& C!in Abe!ard and (ary
Gi&&er&an' 4i" fir" $ou#$ wa" $a 6a$y (cBane &i#$ $a-e o!d
$e& e-ery$in# $e%d "aid' If "$e $ad, $en C!in%" and (ary%" &e""a#e"
&i#$ be of $e unp!ea"an "or' T$ey $ad ca!!ed one afer $e o$er :u"
afer "i+ a'('
(o" inri#uin# and worri"o&e of a!! $e ca!!" were wo fro& Nico!e
(ar>uee fro& $e C2C' One wa" around &idni#$, $e o$er a fi-e
fory-fi-e'
Ru"$in# ino $i" office, :ack "ripped off $i" coa, p!opped $i&"e!f a
$i" de"k, and reurned Nico!e%" ca!!' =$en $e #o $er on $e !ine, "$e
"ounded e+$au"ed'
7I%" been a !on# ni#$,7 "$e ad&ied' 7I ried o ca!! you &any i&e"
bo$ a work and a $o&e'7
7I apo!o#i;e,7 :ack "aid' 7I "$ou!d $a-e ca!!ed o #i-e you an a!ernae
nu&ber'7
7One of $e i&e" I ca!!ed your apar&en $e p$one wa" an"wered by
an indi-idua! ca!!ed =arren,7 Nico!e "aid' 7I $ope $e%" an ac>uainance'
4e didn% "ound a!! $a friend!y'7
74e%" a friend,7 Jack "aid, bu $e new" di"urbed $i&' Cacin# =ar-
ren wa" no #oin# o be ea"y'
7=e!!, I don% know >uie w$ere o be#in,7 Nico!e "aid' 7One $in# I
can a""ure you i" $a you%-e cau"ed a !o of peop!e o !o"e a ni#$%" "!eep'
T$e "a&p!e of inf!uen;a you "en $a" i#nied a fire down $ere' =e ran i
a#ain" our baery of ani"era o a!! known reference "rain"' I didn% reac
wi$ any one of $e& o any "i#nifican de#ree' In o$er word", i $ad o
be a "rain $a wa" ei$er enire!y new or $ad no been "een for a" &any
year" a" we%-e been keepin# ani"era'7
7T$a%" no #ood new", i" i?7 :ack "aid'
74ard!y,7 Nico!e "aid' 7I wa" -ery "cary new", paricu!ar!y in !i#$ of
$e "rain%" pa$o#eniciy' =e under"and $ere now $a-e been fi-e
dea$"'7
74ow did you know?7 :ack a"ked' 7I :u" found ou &y"e!f $ere%d
been four &ore -ici&" !a" ni#$'7
7=e%-e a!ready been in conac wi$ $e "ae and !oca! au$oriie" dur-
in# $e ni#$,7 Nico!e "aid' 7T$a wa" one of $e rea"on" I ried "o $ard
o #e a$o!d of you' =e con"ider $i" o be an epide&io!o#ica! e&er-
#encyD I didn% wan you o fee! you were ou of $e !oop' <ou "ee, we did
fina!!y find "o&e$in# $a reaced wi$ $e -iru"' I wa" a "a&p!e of
fro;en "era we $a-e $a we "u"pec cona&" ani"era o $e inf!uen;a
"rain $a cau"ed $e #rea epide&ic in 191@ and 191987 7Good God87 :ack
e+c!ai&ed'
7A" "oon a" I di"co-ered $i", I ca!!ed &y i&&ediae bo"", 2r' 4iro"e
Nakano,7 Nico!e "aid' 74e, in urn, ca!!ed $e direcor of $e C2C' 4e%"
been on $e p$one wi$ e-eryone fro& $e *ur#eon Genera! on down'
=e%re &obi!i;in# o fi#$ a war $ere' =e need a -accine, and we need i
fa"' T$i" i" $e "wine-f!u "care of "e-eny-"i+ a!! o-er a#ain'7
7I" $ere any$in# I can do?7 Jack a"ked e-en $ou#$ $e a!ready knew
$e an"wer'
7No a $i" i&e,7 Nico!e "aid' 7=e owe you a deb of #raiude for
a!erin# u" o $e prob!e& a" "oon a" you did' I o!d a" &uc$ o $e di-
recor' I wou!dn% be "urpri"ed if $e #a-e you a ca!! $i&"e!f'7 7*o $e
$o"pia! $a" been noified?7 Jack
a"ked'
7(o" definie!y,7 Nico!e "aid' 7A C2C ea& wi!! be co&in# up $ere
oday o a""i" in any way i can, inc!udin# $e!pin# $e !oca! epide&io!o-
#i"' Need!e"" o "ay, we%d !o-e o find ou w$ere $i" -iru" ca&e fro&'
One of $e &y"erie" of inf!uen;a i" w$ere $e dor&an re"er-oir" are'
Bird", paricu!ar!y duck", and pi#" are "u"peced, bu no one know" for
"ure' I%" a"oni"$in#, o "ay $e !ea", $a a "rain $a $a"n% been "een
for "o&e "e-eny-fi-e year" co&e" back o $aun u"'7
A few &inue" !aer, Jack $un# up $e p$one' 4e wa" "unned, ye a!"o
re!ie-ed o a de#ree' A !ea" $i" warnin#" of a po""ib!e epide&ic $ad been
$eeded, and $e proper au$oriie" &obi!i;ed' If an epide&ic wa" o be
a-ered, $e on!y peop!e w$o cou!d &ake $a $appen were now in-
,o!-ed'
Bu $ere wa" "i!! $e >ue"ion of w$ere $e"e infeciou" a#en" $ad
co&e fro&' Jack cerain!y did no $ink i wa" a naura! "ource !ike an-
o$er ani&a! or a bird for $e inf!uen;a' 4e $ou#$ i wa" ei$er a per-
"on or an or#ani;aion, and now $e cou!d concenrae on $a i""ue'
Before Jack did any$in# e!"e, $e ca!!ed Tere"e' 4e found $er a $o&e'
*$e wa" e+re&e!y re!ie-ed o $ear $i" -oice'
7=$a $appened o you?7 "$e a"ked' 7I%-e been worried "ick'7
7I "ayed $e ni#$ in a $oe!,7 Jack "aid'
7=$y didn% you ca!! !ike you "aid you wou!d?7 Tere"e a"ked' 7I%-e
ca!!ed your apar&en a do;en i&e"'7
7I%& "orry,7 Jack "aid' 7I "$ou!d $a-e ca!!ed' Bu by $e i&e I !ef $e
po!ice $ead>uarer" and found a $oe!, I wa"n% fee!in# &uc$ !ike a!k-
in# o anyone' I can% e!! you $ow "re""fu! $e !a" weny-four $our" $a"
been' I%& afraid I%& no &y"e!f'7
7I "uppo"e I under"and,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Afer $a $orrid inciden !a"
ni#$ I%& a&a;ed you are funcionin# a a!! oday' 2idn% you con"ider
:u" "ayin# $o&e? I $ink $a%" w$a I wou!d $a-e done'7
7I%& oo cau#$ up in e-ery$in# $a i" $appenin#,7 Jack "aid'
7T$a%" :u" w$a I wa" afraid of,7 Tere"e "aid' 7:ack, !i"en o &e'
<ou%-e been bea up and now a!&o" ki!!ed' I"n% i i&e o !e o$er peo-
p!e ake o-er, and you #e back o your nor&a! :ob?7
7I%" a!ready $appenin# o an e+en,7 :ack "aid' 7Officia!" fro& $e
Cener" for 2i"ea"e Conro! are on $eir way up $ere in force o conain
$i" inf!uen;a oubreak' A!! I $a-e o do i" &ake i $rou#$ oday'7
7=$a i" $a "uppo"ed o &ean?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7IfI don% "o!-e $i" &y"ery of &ine by oni#$ I%& #i-in# up on i,7
:ack "aid' 7I $ad o pro&i"e a" &uc$ o $e po!ice'7
7T$a%" &u"ic o &y ear",7 Tere"e "aid' 7=$en can I "ee you? I $a-e
"o&e e+ciin# new" o e!!'7
7Afer !a" ni#$ I wou!d $a-e $ou#$ you%d con"ider &e dan#erou"
o be around,7 :ack "aid' %
7I%& a""u&in# $a once you "op $i" cru"ade of your" peop!e wi!! !ea-e
you a!one'7
7I%11 $a-e o ca!! you,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no "ure $ow $e day i" #oin# o
p!ay ou'7
7<ou%d pro&i"ed o ca!! !a" ni#$ and an , !ere"e "aId' 74ow can
di '''''''
I ru" you?7
7<ou%!! :u" $a-e o #i-e &e ano$er c$ance,7 Jack "aid' 7And now I
$a-e o #e o work'7
7Aren% you #oin# o a"k &e abou &y e+ciin# new"?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I $ou#$ you%d e!! &e if you waned o,7 Jack "aid'
7Naiona! 4ea!$ cance!ed $e inerna! re-iew,7 Tere"e "aid'
7I" $a #ood?7 :ack a"ked'
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$e rea"on $ey cance!ed i i" becau"e $ey
are "o "ure $ey%!! !ike our %no waiin#% ca&pai#n $a I !eaked ye"erday'
*o in"ead of $a-in# o $row $e pre"enaion o#e$er $ap$a;ard!y we
$a-e a &on$ o do i proper!y'7
7T$a%" wonderfu!,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& p!ea"ed for you'7
7And $a%" no a!!,7 Tere"e "aid' ayIor 4ea$ ca!!ed &e in o con-
#rau!ae &e' 4e a!"o o!d &e $e%d !earned w$a Rober Barker $ad ried
o do, "o Barker i" ou and I%& in' Tay!or a!! bu a""ured &e I%!! be $e
ne+ pre"iden of =i!!ow and 4ea$'7
7T$a ca!!" for a ce!ebraion,7 Jack "aid'
73+ac!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7A #ood way o do i wou!d be o $a-e !unc$
oday a $e Cour *ea"on"'7
7<ou cerain!y are per"i"en,7 Jack "aid'
I%A" 7
a career wo&an I $a-e o be, Tere"e "aid'
7I can% $a-e !unc$, bu &aybe dinner,7 Jack "aid' 7T$a i", un!e"" I%&
in :ai!'7
7Now w$a doe" $a &ean?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I wou!d ake oo !on# o e+p!ain,7 :ack "aid' 7I%!! ca!! you !aer' Bye,
7
ere"e' Jack $un# up before Tere"e cou!d #e in ano$er word' A" ena-
ciou" a" "$e wa", :ack $ad $e ed&# "$e d keep $i& on $e p$one uni!
fI O ,
"$e #o $er way'
Jack wa" abou o $ead up o $e 2NA !ab w$en 5aurie appeared in
$i" doorway'
PI
7I can% e!! you $ow #!ad I a& o "ee you,7 5aurie "aid'
7And I $a-e you o $ank for &y bein# $ere,7 Jack "aid' 7A few day"
a#o I &i#$ $a-e $ou#$ of you a" $a-in# inerfered' Bu no now' I ap-
preciae w$ae-er you "aid o 5ieuenan *o!dano, becau"e i "a-ed &y
!ife'7
74e ca!!ed &e !a" ni#$ and o!d &e w$a $appened,7 5aurie "aid' 7I
ried o ca!! you a your apar&en a nu&ber of i&e"'7
7<ou and e-eryone e!"e,7 Jack "aid' 7To e!! you $e ru$, I wa" "cared
o #o $o&e'7
75ou a!"o o!d &e $e $ou#$ you were akin# a !o of ri"k" wi$ $e"e
#an#" in-o!-ed,7 5aurie "aid' 7.er"ona!!y, I $ink you "$ou!d ca!! off
w$ae-er you are doin#'7
7=e!!, you are "idin# wi$ $e &a:oriy if i i" any con"o!aion,7 Jack
"aid' 7And I%& "ure &y &o$er wou!d a#ree if you were o ca!! $er in
*ou$ Bend, Indiana, and a"k $er opinion'7
7I don% under"and $ow you can be f!ippan in !i#$ of e-ery$in# $a
$a" $appened,7 5aurie "aid' 7Be"ide", 5ou waned &e o &ake "ure you
under"and $a $e can% proec you wi$ weny-four-$our "ecuriy' 4e
doe"n% $a-e $e &anpower' <ou%re on your own'7
7A !ea" I%!! be workin# wi$ "o&eone I%-e "pen a !o of i&e wi$,7
Jack "aid'
7<ou are i&po""ib!e87 5aurie "aid' 7=$en you don% wan o a!k
abou "o&e$in# you $ide be$ind your c!e-er reparee' I $ink you "$ou!d
e!! e-ery$in# o 5ou' Te!! $i& abou your errori" idea and urn i o-er
o $i&' 5e $i& in-e"i#ae i' 4e%" #ood a i' I%" $i" :ob'7
7T$a &i#$ be,7 Jack "aid' 7Bu $i" i" a uni>ue circu&"ance in a !o
of way"' ! $ink i re>uire" know!ed#e $a 5ou doe"n% $a-e' Be"ide", I
"en"e i &i#$ do a wor!d of #ood for &y "e!f-confidence o fo!!ow $i"
$in# $rou#$' =$e$er i%" ob-iou" or no, &y e#o $a" aken a beain#
o-er $e !a" fi-e year"'7
7<ou are a &y"ery &an,7 5aurie "aid' 7A!"o "ubborn, and I don%
know enou#$ abou you o know w$en you are :okin# and w$en you are
"eriou"' Ju" pro&i"e o be &ore carefu! $an you%-e been $e !a" few
day"'7
7I%!! &ake you a dea!,7 Jack "aid' 7I%11 pro&i"e if you a#ree o ake
&anadine'7
7I did noice $ere were &ore inf!uen;a dea$" down"air",7 5aurie
"aid' 7<ou $ink i warran" ri&anadine?7
7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e C2C i" akin# $i" oubreak -ery "eri-
ou"!y, and you "$ou!d a" we!!' In fac, $ey $ink i &i#$ be $e "a&e
"rain $a cau"ed $e di"a"rou" inf!uen;a oubreak in 191@' I%-e "ared
ri&anadine &y"e!f'7
74ow cou!d i be $e "a&e "rain?7 5aurie a"ked' 7T$a "rain
doe"n% e+i"'7
7Inf!uen;a $a" a way of $idin# ou,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" one of $e $in#"
$a $a" $e C2C "o inere"ed'7
7=e!!, if $a were $e ca"e, i "ure "$oo" $o!e" in your errori" $e-
ory,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$ere%" no way for "o&eone o de!iberae!y "pread
"o&e$in# $a doe"n% e+i" ou"ide of "o&e unknown naura! re"er-
-oir'7
:ack "ared a 5aurie for a &inue' *$e wa" ri#$, and $e wondered
w$y $e $adn% $ou#$ of i'
7I don% &can o rain on your parade,7 5aurie "aid'
7T$a%" okay,7 Jack "aid, preoccupied' 4e wa" bu"y wonderin# if $e
inf!uen;a epi"ode cou!d be a naura! p$eno&enon, w$i!e $e o$er ou-
break" were ineniona!' T$e prob!e& wi$ $a !ine of $inkin# wa" $a
i -io!aed a cardina! ru!e in &edica! dia#no"ic"/ "in#!e e+p!anaion" are
"ou#$ e-en for "ee&in#!y di"parae e-en"'
7Ne-er$e!e"", $e inf!uen;a $rea i" ob-iou"!y rea!,7 5aurie "aid'
7*o I%!! ake $e dru#, bu o &ake "ure you $o!d up your "ide of $e bar-
#ain, I wan you o keep in ouc$ wi$ &e' I noiced $a Ca!-in ook
you off auop"y, "o if you !ea-e $e office you $a-e o ca!! &e a re#u!ar
iner-a!"'7
7(aybe you%-e been a!kin# o &y &o$er afer a!!,7 Jack "aid' 7*ound"
re&arkab!y !ike $e order" "$e #a-e &e durin# &y fir" week a co!!e#e'7
7Take i or !ea-e i,7 5aurie "aid'
7I%!! ake i,7 Jack "aid'
Afer 5aurie !ef, Jack $eaded o $e 2NA !ab o "eek ou Ted 5ync$'
Jack wa" #!ad o #e ou of $i" office' 2e"pie $e #ood inenion" in-o!-ed
$e wa" irin# of peop!e #i-in# $i& ad-ice and $e wa" afraid C$e wou!d
"oon be arri-in#' )ndoubed!y $e%d -oice $e "a&e concern" :u" e+-
pre""ed by 5aurie'
A" Jack &ouned $e "air" $e $ou#$ &ore abou 5aurie%" poin con-
cernin# $e inf!uen;a%" "ource' 4e cou!dn% be!ie-e $e%d no $ou#$ of i
$i&"e!f, and i under&ined $i" confidence' I a!"o under!ined $ow &uc$
$e wa" dependin# on a po"ii-e re"u! wi$ $e probe Naiona!
Bio!o#ica!" $ad "en' If $ey were a!! ne#ai-e $e%d $a-e "can $ope of pro--
in# $i" $eory' A!! $e%d $a-e !ef wou!d be $e i&probab!e cu!ure" $e%d
$oped 6a$y (cBane $ad obained fro& $e "ink rap in cenra! "upp!y'
T$e &o&en Ted 5ync$ cau#$ "i#$ of Jack approac$in#, $e pre-
ended o $ide be$ind $i" !ab benc$'
7*$uck", you found &e,7 Ted :oked w$en Jack ca&e around $e end
of $e couner' 7P wa" $opin# no o "ee you uni! $e afernoon'7
7I%" your un!ucky day,7 Jack "aid' 7I%& no e-en on auop"y, "o I%-e
decided o ca&p ou $ere in your !ab' I don% "uppo"e you%-e $ad a c$ance
o run &y probe" '''7
7Acua!!y, I "ayed !ae !a" ni#$ and e-en ca&e in ear!y o prepare $e
nuc!eoproein"' I%& ready o run $e probe" now' If you #i-e &e an $our
or "o, I "$ou!d $a-e "o&e re"u!"'7
72id you #e a!! four cu!ure"?7 Jack a"ked'
7*ure did,7 Ted "aid' 7A#ne" wa" on $e ba!! a" u"ua!'7
7I%!! be back,7 Jack "aid'
=i$ "o&e i&e o ki!!, Jack wen down o $e &or#ue and c$an#ed
ino $i" &oon "ui before enerin# $e auop"y roo&'
T$e &ornin# rouine wa" we!! under wayI *i+ of $e ei#$ ab!e" were
in -ariou" "a#e" of $e auop"y procedure' :ack wa!ked down $e row
uni! $e reco#ni;ed one of $e ca"e"' I wa" G!oria 4ernande;' Cor a &o-
&en $e !ooked a $er pa!e face and ried o co&pre$end $e rea!iy of
dea$' 4a-in# :u" "poken wi$ $er in $er apar&en $e day before, i
"ee&ed an inconcei-ab!e ran"iion'
T$e auop"y wa" bein# done by Ri-a (e$a, 5aurie%" office&ae' *$e
wa" a peie wo&an of Indian e+racion w$o $ad o "and on a "oo! o
do $e procedure' A $a &o&en "$e wa" :u" enerin# $e c$e"'
:ack "ayed and wac$ed' =$en $e !un#" were re&o-ed $e a"ked o
"ee $e cu "urface' I wa" idenica! o 6e-in Carpener%" fro& $e day be-
fore, co&p!ee wi$ pinpoin $e&orr$a#e"' T$ere wa" no doub i wa" a
pri&ary inf!uen;a pneu&onia'
(o-in# on, Jack found C$e, w$o wa" bu"y wi$ $e nur"e, Geor#e
4a"e!on' Jack wa" "urpri"edD i wa" C$e%" u"ua! &odu" operandi o "op
ino $e office before doin# $i" day%" auop"ie"' =$en C$e "aw i wa"
:ack, $e "ee&ed annoyed'
74ow co&e you didn% an"wer your p$one !a" ni#$?7 C$e de-
&anded'
7I wa" oo !on# a reac$,7 Jack "aid' 78 wa"n% $ere'7
7Co!!een ca!!ed o e!! &e w$a $appened,7 C$e "aid' 7I $ink $i"
w$o!e $in# $a" #one far enou#$'7
7C$e, in"ead of a!kin#, $ow abou "$owin# &e $e un#, QacI/ "aid'
C$e "$owed Jack $e !un#' I wa" idenica! o G!oria 4 %
ernande; "
and 6e-in Carpener%"' =$en C$e "ared o a!k a#ain, Jack &ere!y
&o-ed on'
Jack "ayed in $e auop"y roo& uni! $e%d "een $e #ro"" on a!! $e in-
f!uen;a ca"e"' T$ere were no "urpri"e"' 3-eryone wa" i&pre""ed by $e
pa$o#eniciy of $e -iru"'
C$an#in# back ino $i" "ree c!o$e", Jack wen direc!y up o $e
2NA !ab' T$i" i&e Ted aced #!ad o "ee $i&'
7I%& no "ure w$a you waned &e o find,7 Ted "aid' 7Bu you are ba-
in# !i-e $undred' Two of $e four were po"ii-e'7
7Ju" wo?7 :ack a"ked' 4e%d prepared $i&"e!f for ei$er a!! po"ii-e
or a!! ne#ai-e' 5ike e-ery$in# e!"e a""ociaed wi$ $e"e oubreak", $e
wa" "urpri"ed'
7If you wan I can #o back and fud#e $e re"u!",7 Ted :oked' 74ow
&any do you wan o be po"ii-e?7
7I $ou#$ I wa" $e :oke"er around $ere,7 Jack "aid'
72o $e"e re"u!" "crew up "o&e $eory of your"?7 Ted a"ked'
7I%& no "ure ye,7 Jack "aid' 7=$ic$ wo were po"ii-e?7
7T$e p!a#ue and $e u!are&ia,7 Ted "aid'
Jack wa!ked back o $i" office w$i!e $e pondered $i" new infor&a-
ion' By $e i&e $e wa" "iin# down $e%d decided $a i didn% &ake
any difference $ow &any of $e cu!ure" were po"ii-e' T$a fac $a any
of $e& were po"ii-e "uppored $i" $eory' )n!e"" an indi-idua! wa" a
!aboraory worker i wou!d be $ard o co&e in conac wi$ an arificia!!y
propa#aed cu!ure of a baceria'
.u!!in# $i" p$one o-er c!o"er o $i&"e!f, :ack pu in a ca!! o Naiona!
Bio!o#ica!"' 4e a"ked o "peak wi$ I#or 6ra"nyan"ky, "ince $e &an $ad
a!ready been acco&&odain# enou#$ o "end $e probe"' Jack reinroduced
$i&"e!f'
7I re&e&ber you,7 I#or "aid' 72id you $a-e any !uck wi$ $e probe"?7
7I did,7 Jack "aid' 7T$ank you a#ain for "endin# $e&' Bu now I $a-e
a few &ore >ue"ion"'7
7I%11 ry o an"wer $e&,7 I#or "aid'
72oe" Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" a!"o "e!! inf!uen;a cu!ure"?7 Jack a"ked'
7Indeed,7 I#or "aid' 7,iru"e" are a bi# par of our bu"ine"", inc!udin#
inf!uen;a' =e $a-e &any "rain", paricu!ar!y ype A'7
72o you $a-e $e "rain $a cau"ed $e epide&ic in 191@97 Jack a"ked'
4e :u" waned o be one $undred percen cerain'
7=e wi"$87 I#or "aid wi$ a !au#$' 7I%& "ure $a "rain wou!d be pop-
u!ar wi$ re"earc$er"' No, we don% $a-e i, bu we $a-e "o&e $a are
probab!y "i&i!ar, !ike $e "rain of $e %91 "wine-f!u "care' I%" #enera!!y
be!ie-ed $a $e 191@ "rain wa" a per&uaion of 41N1, bu e+ac!y
w$a, no one know"'7
7(y ne+ >ue"ion concern" p!a#ue and u!are&ia,7 Jack "aid'
7=e carry bo$,7 I#or "aid'
7I%& aware of $a,7 :ack "aid' 7=$a I wou!d !ike o know i" w$o $a"
ordered ei$er of $o"e wo cu!ure" in $e !a" few &on$"'7
7I%& afraid we don% u"ua!!y #i-e $a infor&aion ou,7 I#or "aid'
7I can under"and $a,7 Jack "aid' Cor a &o&en :ack feared $e wou!d
$a-e o #e 5ou *o!dano in-o!-ed :u" o #e $e infor&aion $e waned'
Bu $en $e $ou#$ $e cou!d po""ib!y a!k I#or ino #i-in# i o $i&' Afer
a!!, I#or $ad been carefu! o "ay $a "uc$ infor&aion wa"n% 7u"ua!!y7
#i-en ou'
7.er$ap" you%d !ike o a!k o our pre"iden,7 I#or "u##e"ed'
75e &e e!! you w$y I wan o know,7 :ack "aid' 7A" a &edica! e+-
a&iner I%-e "een a coup!e of dea$" recen!y wi$ $e"e pa$o#en"' =e%d
:u" !ike o know w$ic$ !ab" we "$ou!d warn' Our inere" i" pre-enin#
any &ore ccIden"'
7And $e dea$" were due o our cu!ure"?7 I#or a"ked'
7T$a wa" w$y I waned $e probe",7 Jack "aid' 7=e "u"peced a"
&uc$ bu needed proof'7
74&&,7 I#or "aid' 7I don% know if $a "$ou!d &ake &e fee! &ore or
!e"" inc!ined o #i-e ou infor&aion'7
7I%" !u" an i""ue of "afey,7 Jack "aid'
7=e!!, $a "ound" rea"onab!e,7 I#or "aid' 7I%" no a" if i%" a "ecre'
=e
"$are our cu"o&er !i"" wi$ "e-era! e>uip&en &anufacurer"' 5e &e
"ee w$a I can find $ere a &y work"aion'7
7To &ake i ea"ier for you, narrow $e fie!d o !ab" in $e New <ork
&eropo!ian area,7 :ack "aid'
7Cair enou#$,7 I#or "aid' :ack cou!d $ear $e &an ypin# on $i" key-
board' 7=e%!! ry u!are&ia fir"' 4ere we #o'7 T$ere wa" a pau"e'
7Okay,7 I#or "aid' 7=e $a-e "en u!are&ia o $e Naiona! 4ea!$ $o"-
pia! and o $e (an$aan Genera! 4o"pia!' T$a%" iD a !ea" for $e !a"
Coup!e of &on$"'7
Jack "a &ore upri#$, e"pecia!!y knowin# $a Naiona! 4ea!$ wa"
$e &a:or co&peior of A&eriCare' 7Can you e!! &e w$en $e"e cu!-
ure" wen ou?7
7I $ink "o,7 I#or "aid' :ack cou!d $ear &ore ypin#' 7Okay, $ere
we are' T$e Naiona! 4ea!$ "$ip&en wen ou on $e weny-"econd
of $i" &on$, and $e (an$aan Genera! "$ip&en wen ou on $e
fifeen$'7
Jack%" en$u"ia"& waned "!i#$!y' By $e weny-"econd $e%d a!ready
&ade $e dia#no"i" of u!are&ia in *u"anne 4ard' T$a e!i&inaed Na-
iona! 4ea!$ for $e i&e bein#' 72oe" i "$ow w$o $e recei-er wa" on
$e (an$aan Genera! "$ip&en?7 :ack a"ked' 7Or wa" i :u" $e !ab i-
"e!f?7
74o!d on,7 I#or "aid a" $e "wic$ed "creen" a#ain' 7I "ay" $a $e con-
"i#nee wa" a 2r' (arin C$e-eau'7
:ack%" pu!"e >uickened' 4e wa" unco-erin# infor&aion $a -ery few
peop!e wou!d know cou!d be di"co-erab!e' 4e doubed $a e-en (arin
C$e-eau wa" aware $a Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" p$a#e-yped $eir cu!ure"'
7=$a abou p!a#ue?7 :ack a"ked'
7!u" a &o&en,7 I#or "aid w$i!e $e &ade $e proper enrie"'
T$ere wa" ano$er pau"e' :ack cou!d $ear I#or%" brea$in#'
7Okay, $ere i i",7 I#or "aid' 7.!a#ue%" no a co&&on ie& ordered on
$e 3a" Coa" ou"ide of acade&ic or reference !ab"' Bu $ere wa" one
"$ip&en $a wen ou on $e ei#$$' I wen o Cra;er 5ab"'7
7I%-e ne-er $eard of $e&,7 :ack "aid' 72o you $a-e an addre""?7
7Ci-e-fify Broo&e *ree,7 I#or "aid'
74ow abou a con"i#nee?7 Jack a"ked a" $e wroe down $e addre""'
7!u" $e !ab i"e!f,7 I#or "aid'
72o you do &uc$ bu"ine"" wi$ $e& ?7 :ack a"ked'
7I don% know,7 I#or "aid' 4e &ade ano$er enry' 7T$ey "end u" or-
der" now and $en' I &u" be a "&a!! dia#no"ic !ab' Bu $ere%" one $in#
"ran#e'7
7=$a%" $a?7 :ack a"ked'
7T$ey a!way" pay wi$ a ca"$ier%" c$eck,7 I#or "aid' 7I%-e ne-er "een
$a before' I%" okay, of cour"e, bu cu"o&er" u"ua!!y $a-e e"ab!i"$ed
credi'7
7I" $ere a e!ep$one nu&ber?7 :ack a"ked'
7Ju" $e addre"",7 I#or "aid, w$ic$ $e repeaed'
Jack $anked I#or for $i" $e!p and $un# up $e p$one' Takin# ou $e
p$one direcory, $e !ooked up Cra;er 5ab"' T$ere wa" no !i"in#' 4e ried
infor&aion bu $ad $e "a&e !uck'
Jack "a back' Once a#ain $e%d #oen infor&aion $e didn% e+pec' 4e
now $ad wo "ource" of $e offendin# baceria' *ince $e a!ready knew
"o&e$in# abou $e !ab a $e (an$aan Genera!, $e $ou#$ $e%d be-
er -i"i Cra;er 5ab"' If $ere wa" "o&e way $e cou!d e"ab!i"$ an a""oci-
aion wi$ $e wo !ab" or wi$ (arin C$e-eau per"ona!!y, $e%d urn
e-ery$in# o-er o 5ou *o!dano'
T$e fir" prob!e& wa" $e concern abou bein# fo!!owed' T$e pre-i-
ou" e-enin# $e%d $ou#$ $e%d been "o c!e-er bu $ad been $u&b!ed by
*$awn (a#o#ina!' <e o #i-e $i&"e!f credi, $e $ad o re&e&ber $a
*$awn wa" an e+per' T$e B:ack 6in#" cerain!y weren%' Bu o &ake
up for $eir :ack of e+peri"e, $e B:ack 6in#" were ru$!e""' Jack knew
$e%d $a-e o !o"e a poenia! ai! rapid!y "ince $ey $ad c!ear!y de&on-
"raed a oa! :ack of co&puncion abou aackin# $i& in pub!ic'
T$ere wa" a!"o $e co!!aera! worry abou =arren and $i" #an#' Jack
didn% know w$a o $ink abou $e&' 4e $ad no idea of =arren%" "ae
of &ind' I wa" "o&e$in# Jack wou!d $a-e o face in $e near fuure'
To !o"e any ai! :ack waned a crowded !ocaion wi$ &u!ip!e en-
rance" and e+i"' I&&ediae!y Grand Cenra! Ter&ina! and $e .or Au-
$oriy Bu" Ter&ina! ca&e o &ind' 4e decided on $e for&er "ince i
wa" c!o"er'
Jack wi"$ed $ere were "o&e under#round way of #ein# o-er o $e
N<) (edica! Cener o $e!p $i& #e away fro& $e office, bu $ere
wa"n%' In"ead $e "e!ed on a radio-di"pac$ed a+i "er-ice' 4e direced
$e di"pac$er o $a-e $e car pick $i& up a $e recei-in# bay of $e
&or#ue'
3-ery$in# "ee&ed o work perfec!y' T$e car ca&e >uick!y' Jack
"!ipped in fro& $e bay' T$ey &ana#ed o $i $e !i#$ a Cir" A-enueD
a no i&e wa" Jack a "iin# duck in a &oion!e"" car' *i!!, $e $unc$ed
!ow in $i" "ea, ou of -iew, "parkin# $e dri-er%" curio"iy' T$e cabbie
kep "ea!in# !ook" a Jack in $i" rear-iew &irror'
A" $ey dro-e up Cir" A-enue, Jack rai"ed $i&"e!f up and wac$ed
ou $e back' 4e "aw no$in# "u"piciou"' No car" "udden!y pu!!ed ino
$e raffic' No one ran ou o f!a# a cab'
T$ey urned !ef on Cory-"econd *ree' Jack $ad $e dri-er pu!! up
direc!y in fron of Grand Cenra!' T$e &o&en $e car ca&e o a "op,
Jack wa" ou and runnin#' 4e da"$ed $rou#$ $e enrance and &er#ed
>uick!y wi$ $e crowd' To be ab"o!ue!y "ure $e wa" no bein# fo!-
!owed, $e de"cended ino $e "ubway and boarded $e Cory""econd
*ree "$u!e'
=$en $e rain wa" abou o !ea-e and $e door" $ad "ared o c!o"e,
Jack i&peded $eir c!o"in# and :u&ped off $e rain' 4e ran up ino $e
"aion proper and e+ied back ono Cory-"econd *ree $rou#$ a dif-
feren enrance $an $e u"ed w$en $e arri-ed'
Cee!in# confiden, Jack $ai!ed a a+i' A fir" $e o!d $e dri-er o ake
$i& o $e =or!d Trade Cener' 2urin# $e rip down Cif$ A-enue $e
wac$ed o "ee if any car", a+i", or ruck" cou!d $a-e been fo!!owin#'
=$en none "ee&ed o be doin# "o, Jack o!d $e dri-er o ake $i& o EEB
Broo&e *ree'
Jack fina!!y be#an o re!a+' 4e "a back in $e "ea and pu $i" $and"
o $i" e&p!e"' T$e $eadac$e $e%d awakened wi$ in $e o-er$eaed $oe!
roo& $ad ne-er co&p!ee!y #one away' 4e%d been a"cribin# $e !in#er-
in# $rob o an+iey, bu now $ere were new "y&po&"' 4e $ad a -a#ue
"ore $roa acco&panied by &i!d cory;a' T$ere wa" "i!! a c$ance i wa"
a!! p"yc$o"o&aic, bu $e wa" "i!! worried'
Afer roundin# =a"$in#on *>uare, $e a+i dri-er wen "ou$ on
Broadway before urnin# ea" on 4ou"on *ree' A 3!drid#e $e &ade
a ri#$'
Jack !ooked ou a $e "cenery' 4e%d no $ad any idea w$ere Broo&e
*ree wa", a!$ou#$ $e%d a""u&ed i wa" "o&ep!ace downown, "ou$ of
4ou"on' T$a enire "ecion of $e ciy wa" one of $e &any par" of New
<ork $e $ad ye o e+p!ore, and $ere were &any "ree na&e" wi$ w$ic$
$e wa" unfa&i!iar'
T$e cab &ade a !ef-$and urn off 3!drid#e, and Jack cau#$ a #!i&p"e
of $e "ree "i#n' I wa" Broo&e *ree' Jack !ooked ou a $e bui!din#"'
T$ey were fi-e and "i+ "orie" a!!' (any were abandoned and boarded
up' I "ee&ed an i&probab!e p!ace o $a-e a &edica! !ab'
A $e ne+ corner $e nei#$bor$ood i&pro-ed "!i#$!y' T$ere wa" a
p!u&bin#-"upp!y "ore wi$ $ick &ea! #rae" co-erin# i" window"'
*prink!ed down $e re" of $e b!ock were o$er bui!din#-"upp!y concern"'
On $e f!oor" abo-e $e "ree-!e-e! "ore" were a few !of apar&en"' O$-
erwi"e, i "ee&ed o be -acan co&&ercia! "pace'
In $e &idd!e of $e fo!!owin# b!ock, $e cabdri-er pu!!ed o $e "ide
of $e "ree' Ci-e-fify Broo&e *ree wa" no Cra;er 5ab"' I wa" a co&-
binaion c$eck-ca"$in# p!ace, &ai!bo+ rena!, and pawn"$op "uck be-
ween a packa#e "ore and a "$oe repair "$op'
Jack $e"iaed' A fir" $e $ou#$ $e%d #oen $e wron# addre""' Bu
$a "ee&ed un!ike!y' No on!y $ad $e wrien i down, bu I#or $ad &en-
ioned i wice' Jack paid $i" fare and c!i&bed fro& $e cab'
5ike a!! $e o$er "ore" in $e area, $i" one $ad an iron #ri!!e $a
cou!d
be pu!!ed acro"" i" fron a ni#$ and !ocked' In $e window wa" a &i"-
ce!!aneou" &i+ure of ob:ec" $a inc!uded an e!ecric #uiar, a $andfu!
of ca&era", and a di"p!ay of c$eap :ewe!ry' A !ar#e "i#n o-er $e door "aid/
7.er"ona! (ai!bo+e"'7 .ained on $e door #!a"" were $e word" 7C$eck"
Ca"$ed'7
Jack "epped up o $e window' By "andin# direc!y in fron of $e e!ec-
ric #uiar, $e cou!d "ee beyond $e di"p!ay ino $e "ore i"e!f' T$ere wa"
a #!a""-opped couner $a ran down $e ri#$ "ide' Be$ind $e couner
wa" a &u"ac$ed &an wi$ a punk-rock $air"y!e' 4e wa" dre""ed in &i!-
iary ca&ouf!a#e fai#ue"' In $e rear of $e "$op wa" a .!e+i#!a"-
enc!o"ed cubic!e $a !ooked !ike a bank e!!er%" window' On $e !ef "ide
of $e "ore wa" a bank of &ai!bo+e"'
%Jack wa" inri#ued' T$e fac $a Cra;er 5ab" &i#$ be u"in# $i"
acky "$op a" a &ai! drop wa" cerain!y "u"piciou" if i wa" rue' A fir"
$e wa" e&ped o wa!k in and a"k' Bu $e didn%' 4e wa" afraid by doin#
"o $e &i#$ $inder o$er &e$od" of findin# ou' 4e knew $a "uc$ per-
"ona! &ai!bo+ e"ab!i"$&en" were !oa$ o #i-e ou any infor&aion'
.ri-acy wa" $e &ain rea"on peop!e rened $e bo+e" in $e fir" p!ace'
=$a Jack ru!y waned wa" no on!y o find ou if Cra;er 5ab" $ad a
bo+ $ere, bu o enice a Cra;er 5ab" repre"enai-e o co&e o $e "$op'
*!ow!y an e!aborae p!an be#an o for& in Jack%" &ind'
Bein# carefu! no o be "een by $e c!erk wi$in $e "ore, Jack >uick!y
wa!ked away' T$e fir" $in# $e needed wa" a e!ep$one direcory' *ince
$e area around $e pawn"$op wa" co&parai-e!y de"ered, Jack wa!ked
"ou$ o Cana! *ree' T$ere $e found a dru#"ore'
Cro& $e p$one direcory Jack copied down four addre""e"/ a nearby
unifor& "$op, a -an rena! a#ency, an office "upp!y "ore, and a Cedera!
3+pre"" office' *ince $e c!o$in# "$op wa" $e c!o"e", Jack wen $ere
fir"'
Once in $e "ore Jack rea!i;ed $a $e cou!dn% re&e&ber w$a Ced-
era! 3+pre"" courier unifor&" !ooked !ike' Bu $e wa"n% errib!y con-
cerned' If $e cou!dn% re&e&ber, $e didn% $ink $e c!erk in $e
pawn"$op wou!d know ei$er' Jack bou#$ a pair of b!ue coon wi!!
pan" and a w$ie "$ir wi$ f!ap pocke" and epau!e"' 4e a!"o bou#$ a
p!ain b:ack be! and b!ue ie'
7=ou!d you &ind ifI pu $e"e on?7 Jack a"ked $e c!erk'
7Of cour"e no,7 $e c!erk "aid' 4e "$owed Jack o a &ake"$if dre""-
in# roo&'
T$e pan" were "!i#$!y oo !on#, bu Jack wa" "ai"fied' =$en $e
!ooked a $i&"e!f in $e &irror $e $ou#$ $e needed "o&e$in# e!"e' 4e
ended up addin# a b!ue peaked cap o $i" oufi' Afer :ack paid for $i"
purc$a"e", $e c!erk wa" $appy o wrap up Jack%" "ree c!o$e"' Ju" be-
fore $e packa#e wa" "ea!ed, Jack $ou#$ o re"cue $i" ri&anadine'
=i$ $e "y&po&" $e wa" fee!in# $e didn%wan o &i"" a do"e'
T$e ne+ "op wa" $e office-"upp!y "ore, w$ere Jack "e!eced wrap-
pin# paper, ape, a &ediu&-"i;ed bo+, "rin#, and a packe of7ru"$7 !a-
be!"' To Jack%" "urpri"e $e e-en found 7bio$a;ard7 !abe!", "o $e o""ed a
bo+ of $e& ino $i" "$oppin# car' In ano$er par of $e "ore $e found
a c!ipboard and a pad of prined receip for&"' Once $e $ad e-ery$in#
$e waned $e ook $e& o $e c$eckou re#i"er and paid'
T$e ne+ "op wa" $e Cedera! 3+pre"" office' Cro& $eir "upp!y "and
Jack ook "e-era! addre"" !abe!" wi$ $e c!ear p!a"ic en-e!ope" u"ed o
aac$ $e& o a parce!'
T$e fina! de"inaion wa" a car rena! a#ency, w$ere Jack rened a car#o
-an' T$a ook $e &o" i&e, "ince Jack $ad o wai w$i!e "o&eone wen
o ano$er !ocaion o brin# $e -an o $e a#ency' Jack u"ed $e oppor-
uniy o prepare $e parce!' Cir" $e pu o#e$er $e bo+' =anin# o #i-e
i $e fee!in# of $a-in# conen", Jack eyed a rian#u!ar piece of wood on
$e f!oor near $e enrance' 4e a""u&ed i wa" a door"op'
=$en no one a $e rena! couner wa" !ookin# Jack picked up $e ob-
:ec and "!ipped i ino $e bo+' 4e $en cru&p!ed up &u!ip!e "$ee" of
a New <ork .o" $a $e found in $e waiin# area' 4e $ered $e bo+ and
#a-e i a "$ake' *ai"fied, $e aped i "$u'
Afer $e wrappin# paper and $e "rin# were app!ied, Jack p!a"ered
$e ou"ide wi$ 7ru"$7 and 7bio$a;ard7 !abe!"'
T$e fina! ouc$ wa" $e Cedera! 3+pre"" !abe!, w$ic$ Jack carefu!!y
fi!!ed ou, addre""in# i o Cra;er 5ab"' Cor $e reurn addre"" Jack u"ed
Naiona! Bio!o#ica!"%"' AfIer $rowin# away $e op copy, Jack in"ered
one of $e carbon" ino $e p!a"ic en-e!ope and "ecured i o $e fron of
$e bo+' 4e wa" p!ea"ed' T$e packa#e appeared officia! indeed, and wi$
a!! $e 7ru"$7 !abe!", $e $oped i wou!d $a-e $e de"ired effec'
=$en $e -an arri-ed, Jack wen ou and pu $e packa#e, $e re&ain"
of $e wrappin# &aeria!, and $e parce! conainin# $i" c!o$e" in $e back'
C!i&bin# be$ind $e w$ee!, $e dro-e off'
Before #oin# back o $e pawn"$op Jack &ade wo "op"' 4e reurned
o $e dru#"ore w$ere $e%d u"ed $e p$one book and bou#$ "o&e $roa
!o;en#e" for $i" irriaed $roa, w$ic$ "ee&ed o be #ein# wor"e' 4e
a!"o "opped a a de!! for "o&e akeou' 4e wa"n% $un#ry, bu i wa" a!-
ready afernoon, and $e%d eaen no$in# $a day' Be"ide", afer $e de-
!i-ered $e packa#e $e $ad no idea $ow !on# $e%d $a-e o wai'
=$i!e dri-in# back o Broo&e *ree Jack opened one of $e oran#e-
Luice conainer" $e%d bou#$ and u"ed $e Luice o ake a "econd do"e of
ri&anadine' In -iew of $i" pro#re""i-e "y&po&" $e waned o keep $e
dru#%" concenraion $i#$ in $i" b!ood'
Jack pu!!ed up direc!y in fron of $e pawn"$op, !ea-in# $e en#ine
runnin# and $e e&er#ency b!inker" b!inkin#' C!uc$in# $i" c!ipboard,
$e #o ou and wen around o $e rear o #e $e packa#e' T$en $e en-
ered $e "ore'
T$e door $ad be!!" "ecured o $e op ed#e, and Jack%" enrance wa"
$era!ded by a raucou" rin#in#' A" $ad been $e ca"e ear!ier, $ere were
no cu"o&er" in $e "$op' T$e &u"ac$ed &an in $e ca&ouf!a#e fai#ue"
!ooked up fro& a &a#a;ine' =i$ $i" $air "andin# on end $e $ad $e
!ook of perpeua! "urpri"e'
7I%-e #o a ru"$ de!i-ery for Cra;er 5ab",7 Jack "aid' 4e p!opped $e
parce! down on $e #!a"" couner and "$o-ed $e c!ipboard under $e
&an%" no"e' 7*i#n $ere a $e boo&,7 $e added w$i!e profferin# $i" pen
o $e &an'
T$e &an ook $e pen bu $e"iaed and eyed $e bo+'
7T$i" i" $e ri#$ addre"", i"n% i?7 Jack a"ked'
7I reckon,7 $e &an "aid' 4e "roked $i" &u"ac$e and !ooked up a
Jack' 7=$a%" $e ru"$?7
7I wa" o!d $ere wa" dry ice in $ere,7 Jack "aid' T$en $e !eaned for-
ward a" if o e!! a "ecre' 7(y "uper-i"or $ink" i%" a "$ip&en of !i-e bac-
eria' <ou know, for re"earc$ and a!!'7 T$e &an nodded'
7I wa" "urpri"ed I wa"n% de!i-erin# $i" direc!y o $e !ab,7 Jack "aid'
7I can% "i around' I &ean, I don% $ink i wi!! !eak ou or any$in#D a
!ea" I don% $ink "o' Bu i &i#$ die and $en i wi!! be u"e!e""' I a""u&e
you $a-e a way of #ein# in ouc$ wi$ your cu"o&er"?7
7I reckon,7 $e &an repeaed'
7I%d ad-i"e you o do $a,7 Jack "aid' 7Now "i#n and I%!! be on &y way'7
T$e &an "i#ned $i" na&e' Readin# up"ide down, Jack &ade ou 7Te+
4 7
ar&ann' Te+ pu"$ed $e c!ipboard back oward Jack, and Jack "!ipped
i under $i" ar&' 7I%& "ure #!ad o #e $a $in# off &y ruck,7 Jack "aid'
7I%-e ne-er been &uc$ of a fan of baceria and -iru"e"' 2id you $ear abou
$o"e ca"e" of p!a#ue $a were $ere in New <ork !a" week ? T$ey "cared
&e o dea$'7
T$e &an nodded a#ain'
7Take care,7 Jack "aid wi$ a wa-e' 4e wa!ked ou of $e "ore and
c!i&bed ino $i" ruck' 4e wi"$ed $a Te+ $ad been a bi &ore a!ka-
i-e' Jack wa"n% "ure if $e wou!d be ca!!in# Cra;er 5ab" or no' Bu :u"
a" Jack wa" re!ea"in# $e e&er#ency brake $e cou!d "ee Te+ $rou#$ $e
window dia!in# $i" p$one'
.!ea"ed wi$ $i&"e!f, Jack dro-e "e-era! b!ock" down Broo&e *ree,
$en circ!ed $e b!ock' 4e parked abou a $a!f b!ock fro& $e pawn "$op
and urned off $e &oor' Afer !ockin# $e door", $e broke ou $e de!i
food' =$e$er $e wa" $un#ry or no, $e wa" #oin# o &ake $i&"e!f ea
"o&e$in#'
7Are you "ure we "$ou!d be doin# $i"?7 BJ >ue"ioned'
7<ea$, &an, I%& "ure,7 Twin "aid' 4e wa" &aneu-erin# $i" Cadi!!ac
around =a"$in#on *>uare .ark !ookin# for "o&ep!ace o park' I
wa"n% !ookin# #ood' T$e park wa" cra&&ed fu!! of peop!e enerainin#
$e&"e!-e" in a bewi!derin# -ariey of way"' T$ere wa" "kaeboardin#,
in-!ine "kain#, Cri"bee $rowin#, break dancin#, c$e"" p!ayin#, and dru#
dea!in#' Baby carria#e" doed $e park' I wa" a carni-a!-!ike a&o"p$ere,
w$ic$ wa" e+ac!y w$y Twin $ad "u##e"ed $e park for $e upco&in#
&eein#'
7*$i, &an, I fee! naked wi$ou "o&e kind of ordnance' I%" no ri#$'7
7*$u your &ou$, BJ, and !ook for a "po for $i" ride of &ine,7 Twin
"aid' 7T$i" i" #oin# o be a &eein# of $e bro$er"' T$ere%" no need for
any firepower'7
=$a if $ey brin# "o&e?7 BJ a"ked'
74ey, &an, don% you ru" nobody?7 Twin a"ked' A $a &o&en $e
"aw a de!i-ery -an pu!!in# away fro& $e curb' 7=$a do you know, we%re
in !uck'7
Twin e+per!y #uided $i" car ino $e "po and pu"$ed on $e e&er-
#ency brake'
7I "ay" for co&&ercia! -e$ic!e" on!y,7 BJ "aid' 4e $ad $i" face pre""ed
up a#ain" $e window o "ee $e parkin# "i#n'
7=i$ a!! $e crack we%-e &o-ed $i" year I $ink we >ua!ify,7 Twin
"aid wi$ a !au#$' 7Co&e on, #e your b:ack a"" in #ear'7
T$ey #o ou of $e car and cro""ed $e "ree o ener $e park' Twin
c$ecked $i" wac$' T$ey were a !i!e ear!y de"pie $e roub!e parkin#'
T$a wa" $ow Twin !iked i for $i" kind of &eein#' 4e waned a c$ance
%
o "cope $e p!ace ou' I wa"n $a $e didn% ru" $e o$er bro$er", i
wa" iu" $a $e !iked o be carefu!'
Bu Twin wa" in for a "urpri"e' =$en $i" eye" "wep $e area for $e
a#reed-upon &eein# $e found $i&"e!f ran"fi+ed by $e "are of one of
$e &ore p$y"ica!!y i&po"in# &en $e%d "een in "o&e i&e' 7)$-o$,7 Twin "aid
under $i" brea$'
7=$a%" $e &aer?7 BJ de&anded, in"an!y a!er'
7T$e bro$er" $a-e #oen $ere before u",7 Twin "aid'
7=$a do you wan &e o do?7 BJ a"ked' 4i" own eye" raced around
$e park uni! $ey, oo, "e!ed on $e "a&e &an Twin $ad "poed'
No$in#, Twin "aid' 7Ju" keep wa!kin#'
74e !ook" "o #odda&n re!a+ed,7 BJ "aid' 7I &ake" &e worried'7
7*$u up87 Twin co&&anded'
Twin wa!ked ri#$ up o $e &an w$o"e piercin# eye" $ad ne-er !ef
$i"' Twin for&ed $i" ri#$ $and ino $e for& of a #un, poined a $e
&an, and "aid/ 7=arren87
7<ou #o i,7 =arren "aid' 74ow%" i #oin#?7
7No bad,7 Twin "aid' 4e $en riua!i"ica!!y rai"ed $i" ri#$ $and o
$ead $ei#$' =arren did $e "a&e and $ey $i#$-ri-ed' I wa" a per-
funcory #e"ure, akin o a coup!e of ri-a! in-e"&en banker" "$akin#
$and"'
7T$i" $ere%" 2a-id,7 =arren "aid, &oionin# oward $i" co&panion'
7And $i" $ere%" By,7 Twin "aid, &i&ickin# =arren'
2a-id and By eyed eac$ o$er bu didn% &o-e or "peak'
75i"en, &an,7 Twin "aid' 75e &e "ay one $in# ri#$ off' =e didn%
know $e doc wa" !i-in# in your $ood' I &ean, &aybe we "$ou!d $a-e
known, bu we didn% $ink abou i wi$ $i& bein# w$ie'7
7=$a kind of a re!aion"$ip did you $a-e wi$ $e doc?7 =arren
a"ked'
7Re!aion"$ip?7 Twin >ue"ioned' 7=e didn% $a-e no re!aion"$ip'7
74ow co&e you%-e been ryin# o ice $i& ?7 =arren a"ked'
7yu" for "o&e "&a!! c$an#e,7 Twin "aid' 7A w$ie dude w$o !i-e"
down our way ca&e o u" and offered u" "o&e ca"$ o warn $e doc abou
"o&e$in# $e wa" doin#' T$en, w$en $e doc didn% ake our ad-ice, $e
dude offered u" &ore o ake $i& ou'7
7*o you%re e!!in# &e $e doc $a"n% been dea!in# wi$ you peop!e?7
=arren a"ked'
7*$i no,7 Twin "aid wi$ a deri"i-e !au#$' 7=e don% need no $onky
docor for our operaion, no way'7
7<ou "$ou!d $a-e co&e o u" fir",7 =arren "aid' 7=e wou!d $a-e "e
you ri#$ abou $e doc' 4e%" been runnin# wi$ u" on $e b-ba!! cour
for four or fi-e &on$"' 4e%" no $a!f bad nei$er' *o I%& "orry abou Re#i-
na!d' I &ean, i wou!dn% $a-e !Iappened if we%d a!ked'7
7I%& "orry abou $e kid,7 Twin "aid' 7T$a "$ou!dn% $a-e $appened
nei$er' Troub!e wa", we were "o pi""ed abou Re#ina!d' =e cou!dn% be-
!ie-e a bro$er wou!d #e "$o o-er a $onky docor'7
7T$a &ake" u" e-en,7 =arren "aid' 7T$a%" no counin# w$a $ap-
pened !a" ni#$, bu $a didn% in-o!-e u"'7
7I know,7 Twin "aid' 7Can you i&a#ine $a doc? 4e%" !ike a ca wi$
nine !i-e"' 4ow $e $e!! did $a cop reac "o fa"? And w$y wa" $e in
$ere? 4e &u" $ink $e%" =ya 3arp or "o&e$in#'7 7T$e poin i" $a we $a-e
a ruce,7 =arren "aid'
72a&n "rai#$,7 Twin "aid' 7No &ore bro$er "$ooin# bro$er'
=e%-e #o enou#$ roub!e wi$ou $a'7
/i%
7Bu a ruce &ean" you !ay off $e doc oo,7 =arren "aid'
7<ou care w$a $appen" o $a dude?7 Twin a"ked'
7<ea$, I do,7 =arren "aid'
74ey, $en i%" your ca!!, &an,7 Twin "aid' 7I wa"n% !ike $e &oney
wa" $a #ood anyway'7
=arren "uck ou $i" $and pa!& up' Twin "!apped i' T$en =arren
"!apped Twin%"'
7Be #ood,7 =arren "aid'
7<ou oo, &an,7 Twin "aid'
=arren &oioned o 2a-id $a $ey were !ea-in#' T$ey wa!ked back
oward $e =a"$in#on Arc$ a $e ba"e of Cif$ A-enue'
7T$a wa"n% $a!f bad,7 2a-id "aid'
=arren "$ru##ed'
7<ou be!ie-e $i&?7 2a-id a"ked'
7<ea$, P do,7 =arren "aid' 74e &i#$ dea! in dru#", bu $e%" no "u-
pid' If $i" $in# #oe" on, we a!! !o"e'7
=32N3-I2A<, E/AE .,(,, (AI/I.-4
Jack fe! unco&forab!e' A&on# o$er prob!e&" $e wa" "iff and now a!!
$i" &u"c!e" ac$ed' 4e%d been "iin# in $e -an for &ore $our" $an $e
cared o coun, wac$in# cu"o&er" #oin# in and ou of $e pawn"$op'
T$ere%d ne-er been a crowd, bu i wa" "eady' (o" of $e peop!e !ooked
"eedy' I occurred o Jack $a $e "$op wa" raffickin# in i!!ici aci-iie"
!ike #a&b!in# or dru#"'
I wa" no a #ood nei#$bor$ood' Jack $ad "en"ed $a $e &o&en $e%d
arri-ed $a &ornin#' T$e poin $ad been dri-en $o&e a" darkne"" fe!!
and "o&eone ried o break ino $e -an wi$ Jack "iin# $ere' T$e &an
$ad approac$ed $e pa""en#er-"ide door wi$ a f!a bar, w$ic$ $e pro-
ceeded o in"er beween $e #!a"" and $e door fra&e' Jack $ad o knock
on $e #!a"" and wa-e o #e $e &an%" aenion' T$e &o&en $e "aw :ack
$e ran off'
Jack wa" now poppin# $roa !o;en#e" a a re#u!ar rae wi$ !i!e re-
!ief' 4i" $roa wa" wor"e, and o add o $i" increa"in# &i"ery $e%d de-
-e!oped a cou#$' I wa"n% a bad cou#$, &ere!y a dry $ack' Bu i fur$er
irriaed $i" $roa and increa"ed $i" an+iey $a $e $ad indeed cau#$
$e f!u fro& G!oria 4ernande;' A!$ou#$ wo ri&anadine ab!e" were
reco&&ended a" $e dai!y do"e, Jack ook a $ird w$en $e cou#$in#
"ared'
Ju" abou $e i&e Jack wa" cone&p!ain# ad&iin# o $i&"e!f $a
$i" c!e-er p!oy wi$ $e packa#e $ad been a fai!ure, $i" paience paid off'
T$e &an in-o!-ed did no arac Jack%" aenion iniia!!y' 4e%d arri-ed
on foo, w$ic$ wa" no w$a Jack e+peced' 4e wa" dre""ed in an o!d
ny!on "ki parka wi$ a $ood :u" !ike a few of $e indi-idua!" w$o%d pre-
ceded $i&' Bu w$en $e ca&e ou $e wa" carryin# $e parce!' 2e"pie $e
fai!in# !i#$ and $e di"ance, Jack cou!d "ee $e 7ru"$7 and 7bio$a;ard7
!abe!" p!a"ered $ap$a;ard!y o-er $e e+erior'
Jack $ad o &ake a rapid deci"ion a" $e &an wa!ked bri"k!y oward
$e Bowery' 4e $adn% e+peced o be fo!!owin# a pede"rian, and $e de-
baed if $e "$ou!d #e ou of $e -an and fo!!ow on foo or "ay in $e -an,
circ!e around, and ry o fo!!ow $e &an w$i!e dri-in#'
T$inkin# $a a "!ow!y &o-in# -an wou!d arac &ore aenion $an
a pede"rian, Jack #o ou of $e ruck' 4e fo!!owed a a di"ance uni! $e
&an urned ri#$ on 3!drid#e *ree' Jack $en ran uni! $e reac$ed $e
corner'
4e peeked around :u" in i&e o "ee $e &an enerin# a bui!din# acro""
$e "ree, &idway down $e b!ock'
Jack >uick!y wa!ked o $e bui!din#' I wa" fi-e "orie", !ike i" i&&e-
diae nei#$bor"' 3ac$ f!oor $ad wo !ar#e, "orefron-"i;ed window" wi$
"&a!!er, "a"$ed window" on ei$er "ide' A fire e"cape ;i#;a##ed down $e
!ef "ide of $e facade o end in a counerwei#$ed !adder pi-oed "o&e
we!-e fee fro& $e "idewa!k' T$e #round-f!oor co&&ercia! "pace wa"
-acan wi$ a Cor Ren "i#n "uck o $e in"ide of $e #!a""'
T$e on!y !i#$" were in $e "econd-f!oor window"' Cro& w$ere Jack
wa" "andin# i appeared o be a !of apar&en, bu $e cou!dn% be cer-
ain' T$ere were no drape" or o$er ob-iou" "i#n" of do&e"iciy'
=$i!e Jack wa" eyein# $e bui!din#, -a#ue!y wonderin# w$a o do
ne+, $e !i#$" wen on up on $e fif$ f!oor' =$i!e $e wac$ed $e "aw
"o&eone rai"e $e "a"$ of $e "&a!!er window o $e !ef' :ack wa" unab!e
o "ee if i $ad been $e &an $e fo!!owed, bu $e "u"peced i wa"'
Afer &akin# cerain $e wa"n% bein# ob"er-ed, Jack >uick!y &o-ed
o-er o $e door w$ere $e &an $ad enered' 4e ried i, and i opened'
*eppin# o-er $e $re"$o!d, $e found $i&"e!f in a "&a!! foyer' A #roup
of four &ai!bo+e" wa" "e ino $e wa!! o $e !ef' On!y wo $ad na&e"'
T$e "econd f!oor wa" occupied by G' 4ei!brunn' T$e fif$-f!oor enan
wa" R' O-er"ree' T$ere wa" no Cra;er 5ab"'
Cour bu;;er" bordered a "&a!! #ri!!e w$ic$ Jack a""u&ed co-ered a
"peaker' 4e -a#ue!y cone&p!aed rin#in# $e fif$ f!oor bu $ad rou-
b!e i&a#inin# w$a $e cou!d "ay' 4e "ood $ere for a few &inue" $ink-
in#, bu no$in# ca&e o &ind' T$en $e noiced $a $e &ai!bo+ for $e
fif$ f!oor appeared o be un!ocked'
Jack wa" abou o reac$ up o $e &ai!bo+ w$en $e inner door o $e
bui!din# proper abrup!y opened' I "ar!ed :ack and $e :u&ped, bu $e
$ad $e pre"ence of &ind o keep $i&"e!f urned away fro& w$oe-er wa"
e+iin# $e bui!din#' T$e per"on $a"i!y bru"$ed by Jack wi$ ob-iou" di"-
re""' Jack cau#$ a f!eein# #!i&p"e of $e "a&e ny!on "ki parka' A "ec-
ond !aer $e &an wa" #one'
Jack reaced >uick!y, #ein# $i" foo ino $e inner door before i
c!o"ed' A" "oon a" $e wa" cerain $e &an wa" no i&&ediae!y reurn-
in#, Jack enered $e bui!din#' 4e !e $e door c!o"e be$ind $i&' A "air-
way wound up "urroundin# a wide e!e-aor bui! of a "ee! fra&e co-ered
by $ea-y wire &e"$' Jack a""u&ed $e e!e-aor $ad been for frei#$, no
on!y becau"e of i" "i;e bu a!"o becau"e i" door" c!o"ed $ori;ona!!y in-
"ead of -erica!!y, and i" f!oor wa" rou#$-$ewn p!ank"' Jack #o ino $e
e!e-aor and pu"$ed fi-e'
T$e e!e-aor wa" noi"y, bu&py, and "!ow, bu i #o Jack o $e fif$
f!oor' Gein# off, $e faced a p!ain, $ea-y door' T$ere wa" no na&e and
no be!!' 4opin# $e apar&en wa" e&py, Jack knocked' =$en $ere wa"
no an"wer e-en afer a "econd, !ouder rappin#, Jack ried $e door' I wa"
!ocked'
*ince $e "airway ro"e up ano$er f!oor, Jack c!i&bed o "ee if $e cou!d
#e o $e roof' T$e door opened bu wou!d !ock be$ind $i& once $e wa"
Ou"ide' Before $e -enured ono $e roof $e $ad o find "o&e$in# o
wed#e beween $e door and door:a&b "o $e cou!d reurn o $e "air-
we!!' !u" o-er $e $re"$o!d $e found a "$or !en#$ of wo-by-four,
w$ic$ $e #ue""ed wa" $ere for $a -ery purpo"e'
=i$ $e door propped open Jack "epped ou ono $e dark roof and
#in#er!y wa!ked oward $e fron of $e bui!din#' A$ead of $i& $e cou!d
"ee $e arc$ed $andrai!" of $e fire-e"cape !adder "i!$oueed a#ain" $e
ni#$ "ky'
Arri-in# a $e fron parape, Jack #ra"ped $e $andrai!" and !ooked
down' T$e -iew down o $e "ree awakened $i" fear of $ei#$", and $e
idea of !owerin# $i&"e!f o-er $e ed#e &ade $i& fee! &o&enari!y weak'
<e :u" we!-e fee down wa" $e fire-e"cape !andin# for $e fif$ f!oor'
I wa" #enerou"!y i!!u&inaed by $e !i#$ co&in# fro& wi$in $e apar-
&en'
2e"pie $i" p$obia, :ack knew $i" wa" a c$ance $e cou!dn% pa"" up'
4e $ad o a !ea" ake a !ook ino $e window'
Cir" $e "a on $e parape facin# $e rear of $e bui!din#' T$en, $o!d-
in# on o $e $andrai!, $e "ood up' 6eepin# $i" eye" fi+ed on eac$ run#,
:ack !owered $i&"e!f down $e "$or run of !adder' 4e &o-ed "!ow!y and
de!iberae!y uni! $i" foo $i up a#ain" $e #rae of $e !andin#' Ne-er
once did $e !ook down'
(ainainin# one $and on $e !adder, $e !eaned o-er and peered
$rou#$ $e window' T$e "pace wa" indeed a !of a" :ack $ad "ur&i"ed,
bu $e cou!d "ee i wa" paria!!y di-ided wi$ "i+-foo-$i#$ pariion"' I&-
&ediae!y in fron of $i& wa" a !i-in# area wi$ a bed o $e ri#$ and a
"&a!! kic$en bui! a#ain" $e !ef wa!!' On a round ab!e wa" $e opened
re&ain" of :ack%" parce!' T$e door"op and $e cru&p!ed new"paper were
"rewn abou $e f!oor'
=$a inere"ed :ack &ore wa" w$a $e cou!d iu" "ee o-er $e pari-
ion/ I wa" $e op of a "ain!e""-"ee! app!iance $a did no !ook a" if i
be!on#ed in an apar&en'
=i$ $e window in fron of $i& in-iin#!y open, Jack cou!d no con-
ro! $i" ur#e o c!i&b ino $e apar&en for a beer !ook' Be"ide", $e ra-
iona!i;ed, $e cou!d e+i ino $e "airwe!! ra$er $an "ub:ec $i&"e!f o
c!i&bin# $e fire-e"cape !adder a#ain'
A!$ou#$ $e coninued o a-oid !ookin# down, i ook :ack a &o&en
o con-ince $i&"e!f o !e #o of $e !adder' By $e i&e $e $ad "!i$ered
ino $e apar&en $eadfir", $e wa" per"pirin# $ea-i!y'
:ack >uick!y co!!eced $i&"e!f' Once in"ide wi$ $i" fee p!aned on $e
f!oor, $e $ad no co&puncion abou peerin# back ou $e window and
down a $e "ree' 4e waned o &ake "ure $e &an in $e "ki parka
wa"n% co&in# back, a !ea" no for $e &o&en'
*ai"fied, Jack urned back o $e apar&en' 4e wen fro& $e co&-
binaion kic$en-bedroo& ino a !i-in# roo& do&inaed by a "orefron-
"i;ed window' T$ere were wo couc$e" facin# eac$ o$er and a coffee
ab!e on a "&a!! $ooked ru#' T$e wa!!" of $e pariion" were decoraed
wi$ po"er" announcin# inernaiona! &icrobio!o#ica! "y&po"ia' T$e
&a#a;ine" on $e coffee ab!e were a!! &icrobio!o#ica! :ourna!"'
Jack wa" encoura#ed' .er$ap" $e $ad found Cra;er 5ab" afer a!!' Bu
$ere wa" a!"o "o&e$in# $a di"urbed $i&' A !ar#e, #!a""-froned #un
cabine "ood a#ain" $e far pariion' T$e &an in $e "ki parka wa" no
on!y inere"ed in baceriaD $e wa" a!"o a #un en$u"ia"'
(o-in# >uick!y, Jack pa""ed $rou#$ $e !i-in# roo& inen on !oca-
in# $e door o $e "airwe!!' Bu a" "oon a" $e pa""ed beyond $e !i-in#
roo&%" pariion, $e ca&e o a "op' T$e enire re" of $e !ar#e, &u!i-
co!u&ned !of wa" occupied by a !ab' T$e "ain!e""-"ee! app!iance $e%d
"een fro& $e fire e"cape wa" "i&i!ar o $e wa!k-in incubaor $e%d "een
in $e Genera!%" !ab' In $e far ri#$-$and corner wa" a ype III bio"afey
$ood w$o"e e+$au" -ened ou $e op of $e "a"$ed window'
A!$ou#$ :ack $ad "u"peced $e%d find a pri-ae !ab w$en $e c!i&bed
$rou#$ $e I%indow, $e co&pre$en"i-ene"" of $e one $e%d di"co-ered
"unned $i&' 4e knew $a "uc$ e>uip&en wa" no c$eap, and $e co&-
binaion !i-in# >uarer"Q!ab wa" unu"ua! o "ay $e !ea"'
A #enerou" co&&ercia! free;er cau#$ :ack%" aenion' *andin# o
$e "ide were "e-era! !ar#e cy!inder" of co&pre""ed niro#en' T$e free;er
$ad been con-ered o u"in# !i>uid niro#en a" i" coo!an, &akin# i po"-
"ib!e o ake $e inerior e&peraure down ino $e &inu"-fify-de#ree
ran#e'
Jack ried o open $e free;er, bu i wa" !ocked'
A &uff!ed noi"e $a re"e&b!ed a bark cau#$ Jack%" aenion, and $e
!ooked up fro& $e free;er' 4e $eard i a#ain' I ca&e fro& $e -ery back
of $e !ab w$ere $ere wa" a "$ed abou weny fee ">uare' :ack wa!ked
c!o"er o e+a&ine $e odd "rucure' A -en duc e+ied fro& i" rear and
e+$au"ed $rou#$ $e op of one of $e rear window"'
:ack cracked $e door' A fera! odor drifed ou a" we!! a" a few "$arp
bark"' Openin# $e door far$er, Jack "aw $e ed#e" of &ea! ca#e"' 4e
f!ipped on a !i#$' 4e "aw a few do#" and ca", bu for $e &o" par $e
roo& wa" fi!!ed wi$ ra" and &ice' T$e ani&a!" "ared back a $i&
b!ank!y' A few do#" wa##ed $eir ai!" in $opefu! anicipaion'
:ack "$u $e door' In Jack%" &ind $e &an in $e parka wa" beco&-
in# "o&e kind of fiendi"$ &icrobio!o#ica! de-oee' :ack didn% e-en wan
o $ink abou w$a kind of e+peri&en" were in pro#re"" wi$ $e ani-
&a!" $e%d di"co-ered'
A "udden, di"an $i#$-pic$ed w$ine of e!ecrica! &ac$inery &ade
Jack%" $ear "kip a bea' 4e knew in"an!y w$a i wa"/ $e e!e-aor8
=i$ rapid!y &ounin# panic, Jack franica!!y "earc$ed for $e door
o $e $a!!' T$e "pecac!e of $e !ab $ad di-ered $i" aenion fro& !o-
cain# i' I didn% ake !on# o find, bu by $e i&e :ack reac$ed i, $e
feared $e e!e-aor wou!d be nearin# $e fif$ f!oor'
:ack%" iniia! $ou#$ $ad been o da"$ up $e "air" o $e roof and $en
e+i $e bui!din# afer $e &an in $e parka $ad enered $i" apar&en'
Bu now wi$ $e e!e-aor fa" approac$in#, :ack $ou#$ $e%d be "een'
T$a !ef e+iin# $e apar&en $e way $e%d enered' Bu w$en $e e!e-
-aor &oor "opped and $e &ea! door" c!an#ed open, $e knew $ere
wa"n% i&e'
:ack $ad o $ide >uick!y, preferab!y c!o"e o $e door o $e $a!!' Abou
en fee away wa" a b!ank door' :ack ru"$ed o i and opened i' I wa" a
ba$roo&' Jack :u&ped in and pu!!ed $e door c!o"ed be$ind $i&' 4e $ad
o $ope $e &an in $e parka $ad o$er $in#" on $i" &ind $an u"in# $e
oi!e or wa"$in# $i" $and"'
4ard!y $ad :ack "$u $e ba$roo& door $an $e $eard key" urnin#
$e !ock" of $e ouer door' T$e &an ca&e in, !ocked $e door afer $i&,
$en wa!ked bri"k!y away' T$e "ound of $i" foo"ep" receded, $en di"-
appeared'
Cor a "econd :ack $e"iaed' 4e #au#ed $ow &uc$ i&e $e needed o
#e o $e door o $e $a!! and un!ock i' Once $e #o o $e "air" $e fe!
confiden $e cou!d ourun $e &an in $e parka' =i$ a!! $i" ba"keba!!
p!ayin#, Jack wa" in beer "$ape $an &o"'
A" >uie!y a" po""ib!e, Jack opened $e door' A fir" $e on!y cracked
i o be ab!e o !i"en' :ack $eard no$in#' *!ow!y $e opened $e door fur-
$er "o $a $e cou!d peer ou'
Cro& Jack%" -ana#e poin $e cou!d "ee a !ar#e par of $e !ab' T$e &an
wa" no o be "een' :ack pu"$ed $e door open :u" enou#$ o ">uee;e
$rou#$' 4e eyed $e door o $e $a!!' T$ere wa" a deadbo! a few inc$e"
abo-e $e knob'
G!ancin# around $e !ab once &ore, :ack "!ipped ou of $e ba$roo&
and ru"$ed "i!en!y o-er o $e ouer door' 4e #ra"ped $e knob wi$ $i"
!ef $and w$i!e $i" ri#$ $and wen o $e deadbo!' Bu $ere wa" an a#-
oni;in# prob!e&' T$e deadbo! $ad no knob' A key wa" re>uired fro&
bo$ in"ide and ou' :ack wa" !ocked in8
.anicked, Jack rereaed o $e ba$roo&' 4e fe! de"perae, !ike one
of $e poor ani&a!" penned in $e &ake"$if "$e!er' 4i" on!y $ope wa"
$a $e &an in $e parka wou!d !ea-e before u"in# $e ba$roo&' Bu i
wa" no o be' Afer on!y a few a#oni;in# &inue", $e ba$roo& door
wa" "udden!L w$i"ked open' T$e &an, "an" parka, "ared in bu co!!ided
wi$ Jack' Bo$ &en #a"ped'
Jack wa" abou o "ay "o&e$in# c!e-er w$en $e &an "epped back
and "!a&&ed $e door $ard enou#$ o brin# down $e "$ower curain
and rod'
Jack i&&ediae!y wen for $e door $and!e for fear of bein# !ocked in'
.uin# $i" "$ou!der ino i, :ack ra&&ed $e door' )ne+peced!y $e door
opened wi$ou $indrance' :ack "u&b!ed ou of $e ba$roo&, "ru##!in#
o "ay on $i" Hee' Once $e $ad $i" ba!ance, $i" eye" dared around $e
!of' T$e &an $ad di"appeared'
Jack $eaded for $e kic$en and $e open window' 4e $ad no o$er
c$oice' Bu $e on!y &ade i a" far a" $e !i-in# roo&' T$e &an $ad a!"o
run $ere o "nac$ a !ar#e re-o!-er ou of a drawer in $e coffee ab!e'
A" :ack appeared, $e &an !e-e!ed $e #un a $i& and o!d $i& o
free;e'
:ack i&&ediae!y co&p!ied' 4e e-en rai"ed $i" $and"' =i$ "uc$ a
!ar#e #un poinin# a $i&, Jack waned o be a" cooperai-e a" po""ib!e'
7=$a $e $e!! are you doin# $ere?7 $e &an "nar!ed' 4i" $air fe!!
acro"" $i" fore$ead, &akin# $i& "nap $i" $ead back o keep i ou of $i"
eye"'
I wa" $a #e"ure &ore $an any$in# e!"e $a &ade :ack reco#ni;e
$e &an' I wa" Ric$ard, $e $ead ec$ fro& $e (an$aan Genera!%" !ab'
7An"wer &e87 Ric$ard de&anded'
:ack rai"ed $i" $and" $i#$er, $opin# $e #e"ure &i#$ "ai"fy Ric$ard,
w$i!e $i" &ind de"perae!y "ou#$ "o&e rea"onab!e e+p!anaion of w$y
$e wa" $ere' Bu none ca&e o &ind' )nder $e circu&"ance" :ack
cou!dn% e-en $ink of any$in# c!e-er o "ay'
Jack kep $i" eye" ri-eed o $e #un barre!, w$ic$ $ad &o-ed o wi$in
$ree fee of $i" no"e' 4e noiced $e ip re&b!ed, "u##e"in# $a Ric$ard
wa" no on!y an#ry bu a!"o acue!y a#iaed' In :ack%" &ind "uc$ a co&-
binaion wa" paricu!ar!y dan#erou"'
7If you don% an"wer &e I%& #oin# o "$oo you ri#$ now,7 Ric$ard
$i""ed'
7I%& a &edica! e+a&iner,7 :ack b!ured ou' 7I%& in-e"i#ain#'7
7Bu!!87 Ric$ard "napped' 7(edica! e+a&iner" don% #o bu"in# ino
peop!e%" apar&en"'7
7I didn% break in,7 Jack e+p!ained' 7T$e window wa" open'7
7*$u up,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%" a!! $e "a&e' <ou%re re"pa""in# and
&edd!in#'7
7I%& "orry,7 :ack "aid' 7Cou!dn% we :u" a!k abou $i"?7
7=ere you $e one w$o "en &e $a fake packa#e?7 Ric$ard de-
&anded'
7=$a packa#e?7 :ack a"ked innocen!y'
Ric$ard%" eye" !ef Jack%", and $ey "wep down o :ack%" fee and $en
back up o $i" face' 7<ou%-e e-en #o on a fake de!i-ery&an oufi' T$a
ook $ou#$ and effor'7
7=$a are you a!kin# abou?7 Jack a"ked' 7I dre"" !ike $i" a!! $e i&e
w$en I%& no a $e &or#ue'7
7Bu!! 87 Ric$ard repeaed' 4e poined oward one of $e couc$e" wi$
$e #un' 7*i down87 $e ye!!ed'
7A!! ri#$ a!ready,7 :ack "aid' 7<ou on!y $a-e o a"k nice!y'7 T$e ini-
ia! "$ock wa" pa""in# and $i" wi" were reurnin#' 4e "a w$ere Ric$ard
indicaed
Ric$ard backed up o $e #un cabine wi$ou akinQ#Q$i" eye" off :ack'
4e #roped for key" in $i" pocke and $en ried o%#e $e #un cabine
open wi$ou !ookin# a w$a $e wa" doin#' 7Can I #i-e you a $and ?7 Jack
a"ked'
7*$u up87 Ric$ard ye!!ed' 3-en $i" $and wi$ $e key wa" "$akin#'
=$en $e #o $e #!a;ed door open, $e reac$ed in and pu!!ed ou a pair
of $andcuff"'
7Now, $a%" a $andy ie& o $a-e around,7 :ack "aid'
4andcuff" in $and, Ric$ard "ared back oward :ack, keepin# $e #un
poined a $i" face'
7I e!! you w$a,7 :ack "aid' 7=$y don% we ca!! $e po!ice' I%!! confe"",
and $ey can ake &e away' T$en I%!! be ou of your $air'7
7*$u up,7 Ric$ard ordered' 4e $en &oioned for :ack o #e o $i"
fee'
:ack co&p!ied and !ifed $i" $and" a#ain'
7(o-e87 Ric$ard "aid, &oionin# oward $e &ain par of $e !ab'
Jack backed up' 4e wa" afraid o ake $i" eye" off $e #un' Ric$ard
kep co&in# oward $i&, $e $andcuff" dan#!in# fro& $i" !ef $and'
7O-er by $e co!u&n,7 Ric$ard "napped'
Jack did a" $e wa" in"ruced' 4e "ood a#ain" $e co!u&n' I wa"
abou fifeen inc$e" in dia&eer'
7Cace i,7 Ric$ard co&&anded'
Jack urned around'
7Reac$ around i wi$ your $and" and #ra"p $e& o#e$er,7 Ric$ard
"aid'
=$en $e did w$a Ric$ard $ad in"i"ed, Jack fe! $e $andcuff" "nap
o-er eac$ wri"' 4e wa" now !ocked o $e co!u&n' 7(ind ifI "i down?7 Jack
a"ked'
Ric$ard didn% bo$er o an"wer' 4e $urried back ino $e !i-in#
area' Jack !owered $i&"e!f o $e f!oor' T$e &o" co&forab!e po"iion
wa" e&bracin# $e co!u&n wi$ $i" !e#" wrapped around i a" we!! a"
$i" ar&"'
Jack cou!d $ear Ric$ard dia!in# a e!ep$one' Jack con"idered ye!!in#
for $e!p w$en Ric$ard "ared $i" con-er"aion, bu >uick!y "crapped $e
idea a" "uicida!, con"iderin# $ow ner-ou" Ric$ard wa" acin#' Be"ide",
w$o&e-er Ric$ard wa" ca!!in# probab!y wou!dn% care abou Jack%"
p!i#$'
7Jack *ap!eon i" $ere 87 Ric$ard b!ured wi$ou prea&b!e' 78 cau#$
$i& in &y #odda&n ba$roo&' 4e know" abou Cra;er 5ab" and $e%"
been "noopin# around in $ere' I%& "ure of i' Ju" !ike Be$ 4o!der$e""
a $e !ab'7
T$e $air" on $e back of Jack%" neck ro"e up w$en $e $eard Ric$ard
&enion Be$%" na&e'
72on% e!! &e o ca!& down87 Ric$ard "$oued' 7T$i" i" an e&er#ency'
I "$ou!dn% $a-e #oen &y"e!f in-o!-ed in $i"' <ou%d beer #e o-er $ere
fa"' T$i" i" your prob!e& a" we!! a" i i" &ine'7
Jack $eard Ric$ard "!a& down $e e!ep$one' T$e &an "ounded e-en
&ore a#iaed' A few &inue" !aer Ric$ard reappeared wi$ou $i" #un'
4e ca&e o-er o Jack and !ooked down a $i&' Ric$ard%" !ip" were
>ui-erin#' 74ow did you find ou abou Cra;er 5ab"?7 $e de&anded' 7I
know you "en $e p$ony packa#e, "o $ere%" no u"e !yin#'7
Jack !ooked up ino $e &an%" face' Ric$ard%" pupi!" were wide!y di-
!aed' 4e !ooked $a!f cra;y'
=i$ou warnin#, Ric$ard "!apped Jack wi$ an open pa!&' T$e b!ow
"p!i Jack%" !ower !ip' A rick!e of b!ood appeared a $e corner of $i"
&ou$'
7<ou%d beer "ar a!kin#,7 Ric$ard "nar!ed'
Jack #in#er!y fe! $e da&a#ed par of $i" !ip wi$ $i" on#ue' I wa"
nu&b' 4e a"ed $e "a!ine"" of $i" b!ood'
7(aybe we "$ou!d wai for your co!!ea#ue,7 Jack "aid, o "ay "o&e$in#'
4i" inuiion o!d $i& $e "oon wou!d be "eein# (arin C$e-eau or 6e!-
!ey or po""ib!y e-en Gi&&er&an'
T$e "!ap &u" $a-e $ur Ric$ard a" we!! a" Jack becau"e $e opened
and c!o"ed $i" $and a few i&e" and $en di"appeared back ino $e !i--
in# area' Jack $eard w$a $e $ou#$ wa" $e refri#eraor bein# opened,
$en an ice ray bein# du&ped'
A few &inue" !aer Ric$ard reappeared o #!are a Jack' 4e $ad a di"$
owe! wrapped around $i" $and' 4e co&&enced pacin#, pau"in# e-ery
now and a#ain o #!ance a $i" wac$'
Ti&e dra##ed by' Jack wou!d $a-e !iked o $a-e been ab!e o ake one
of $i" $roa !o;en#e", bu i wa" i&po""ib!e' 4e a!"o noiced $a $i"
cou#$ wa" increa"in# and $a $e now fe! :u" p!ain "ick' 4e #ue""ed $e
$ad a fe-er'
T$e di"an, $i#$-pic$ed "ound of $e e!e-aor brou#$ Jack%" $ead
up fro& w$ere i $ad "!u&ped a#ain" $e co!u&n' Jack con"idered $e
fac $a $e bu;;er $adn% "ounded' T$a &ean $a w$oe-er wa" on
$eir way up $ad a key'
Ric$ard $eard $e e!e-aor &oor a" we!!' 4e wen o $e door and
opened i o wai in $e $a!!'
Jack $eard $e e!e-aor arri-e wi$ a $u&p' T$e &oor "wic$ed off
and $e e!e-aor door c!an#ed open'
7=$ere i" $e?7 an an#ry -oice de&anded'
Jack wa" facin# away fro& $e door w$en $e $eard Ric$ard and $i"
-i"ior co&e ino $e !of' 4e $eard $e door c!o"e and be !ocked'
4e " o-er $e , Ric$ard "aid wi$ e>ua! -eno&' 74andcuffed o $e
co!u&n'7
Jack ook a brea$ and urned $i" $ead a" $e $eard foo"ep" c!o"e in
on $i&' =$en $e cau#$ "i#$ of w$o i wa", $e #a"ped'
,E%
=32N3-I2A<, -99/AE .'(', (AR3/4 2%9, 1 I91
7<ou ba"ard 87 Tere"e "napped' 7=$y cou!dn% you !e "!eepin# do#" !ie'
<ou and your "ubbornne""8 <ou%re "crewin# e-ery$in# up, :u" w$en
$in#" are fina!!y "arin# o #o ri#$'7
Jack wa" du&b"ruck' 4e !ooked up ino $er b!ue eye", w$ic$ $e $ad
on!y recen!y "een a" "of' Now $ey !ooked a" $ard a" pa!e "app$ire"'
4er &ou$ wa" no !on#er "en"uou"' 4er b!ood!e"" !ip" for&ed a #ri&
!ine'
7Tere"e87 Ric$ard ye!!ed' 72on% wa"e i&e ryin# o a!k wi$ $i&'
=e #o o fi#ure ou w$a we%re #oin# o do' =$a if "o&eone know" $e
i" $ere?7
Tere"e broke off fro& #!arin# a Jack o !ook a Ric$ard' 7Are $o"e
"upid cu!ure" of your" in $i" !ab?7 "$e de&anded' 7Of cour"e $ey%re $ere,7
Ric$ard "aid'
7T$en #e rid of $e&,7 Tere"e "aid' 7C!u"$ $e& down $e oi!e'7
7Bu, Tere"e87 Ric$ard cried'
72on% %bu, Tere"e% &e' Ge rid of $e&' Now87
73-en $e inf!uen;a?7 Ric$ard >ue"ioned'
73"pecia!!y $e inf!uen;a87 Tere"e "napped'
(oro"e!y Ric$ard wen o-er o $e free;er, un!ocked i, and be#an
ru&&a#in# $rou#$ i" conen"'
7=$a a& I #oin# o do wi$ you?7 Tere"e a"ked, redirecin# $er a-
enion o Jack' *$e wa" $inkin# ou !oud'
7Cor "arer" you cou!d ake off $e"e $andcuff",7 Jack "aid' 7T$en we
cou!d a!! #o for a >uie dinner a .o"iano, and you can !e your friend"
know we are $ere'7
7*$u up87 Tere"e e+c!ai&ed' 7I%-e $ad i wi$ your reparee'7
Abrup!y Tere"e !ef Jack and &o-ed o-er ne+ o Ric$ard' *$e
wac$ed $i& #a$erin# a $andfu! of fro;en -ia!"' 7A!! of i, now87 "$e
warned' 7T$ere canno be any e-idence $ere, you under"and ?7
7I wa" $e wor" deci"ion of &y !ife o $e!p you,7 Ric$ard co&p!ained'
=$en $e $ad a!! $e -ia!" $e di"appeared ino $e ba$roo&' 74ow are you
in-o!-ed in a!! $i"?7 Jack a"ked
Tere"e'
Tere"e didn% an"wer' In"ead "$e wa!ked around $e pariion ino $e
!i-in# roo&' Be$ind $i& Jack $eard $e oi!e f!u"$, and $e $aed o
$ink w$a $ad :u" been "en ino $e ciy%" "ewer" o infec $e "ewer ra"'
Ric$ard reappeared and fo!!owed Tere"e ino $e !i-in# area' Jack
cou!dn% "ee $e&, bu #i-en $e $i#$, unadorned cei!in# $e cou!d $ear
$e& a" if $ey were ri#$ ne+ o $i&'
7=e%-e #o o #e $i& ou of $ere i&&ediae!y,7 Tere"e "aid'
7And do w$a?7 Ric$ard a"ked &oodi!y' 72u&p $i& in $e 3a"
Ri-er?7
7No, I $ink $e "$ou!d :u" di"appear,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=$a abou (ore
and 2ad%" far&$ou"e up in $e Ca"ki!!"?7
7I ne-er $ou#$ of $a,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4i" -oice bri#$ened' 7Bu,
yea$, $a%" a #ood idea'7
74ow wi!! we #e $i& up $ere?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%!! brin# around &y 3+p!orer,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7T$e prob!e& i" #ein# $i& ino i and $en keepin# $i& >uie,7
Tere"e "aid'
7I%-e #o kea&ine,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7=$a%" $a?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I%" an ane"$eic a#en,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%" u"ed a !o in -eerinary
&ed-
icine' T$ere are "o&e u"e" for $u&an", bu i can cau"e $a!!ucinaion"'7
7I don% care if i cau"e" $a!!ucinaion",7 Tere"e "aid' 7A!! I care abou
i" w$e$er i wi!! knock $i& ou or no' Acua!!y, i wou!d be be" :u" o
$a-e $i& ran>ui!i;ed'7
76ea&ine i" a!! I%-e #o,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I can #e i becau"e i%" no a
"c$edu!ed dru#' I u"e i wi$ $e ani&a!"'7
7I don% wan o $ear abou any of $a,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I" i po""ib!e :u"
o #i-e $i& enou#$ o &ake $i& dopey?7
7I don% know for "ure,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7Bu I%!! ry'7
74ow do you #i-e i?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7In:ecion,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7Bu i%" "$or-acin#, "o we &i#$ $a-e o
do i "e-era! i&e"'7
75e%" #i-e i a ry,7 Tere"e "aid'
Jack found $i&"e!f per"pirin# $ea-i!y w$en Tere"e and Ric$ard reap-
peared fro& $e !i-in# roo&' Jack didn% know if i wa" fro& a fe-er or
fro& $e worry en#endered by $e con-er"aion $e%d :u" o-er$eard' 4e
did no !ike $e idea of bein# an unwi!!in# e+peri&ena! "ub:ec wi$ a
poen ane"$eic a#en'
Ric$ard wen o a cabine and #o ou a $andfu! of "yrin#e"' Cro& an-
o$er cabine $e #o $e dru#, w$ic$ ca&e in a #!a"" -ia! wi$ a rubber
op' 4e $en "opped o fi#ure ou a do"e'
7=$a do you $ink $e wei#$"?7 Ric$ard a"ked Tere"e a" if Jack were
an unco&pre$endin# ani&a!'
7I%d #ue"" abou one-ei#$y, #i-e or ake fi-e pound",7 Tere"e "aid'
Ric$ard did "o&e "i&p!e ca!cu!aion", $en fi!!ed one of $e "yrin#e"'
A" $e ca&e a Jack, Jack $ad o fi#$ off a panic aack' 4e waned o
"crea&, bu $e didn%' Ric$ard in:eced $e kea&ine ino $i" ri#$ upper
ar&' Jack winced' I burned !ike cra;y'
75e%" "ee w$a $a doe",7 Ric$ard "aid, "eppin# away' 4e di"carded
$e u"ed "yrin#e' 7=$i!e we wai I%!! #o #e &y car'7
Tere"e nodded' Ric$ard #o $i" "ki parka and pu!!ed i on' A $e door
$e o!d Tere"e $e%d be back in en &inue"'
7*o, $i" i" a "ib!in# operaion,7 Jack co&&ened w$en $e and Tere"e
were a!one'
72on% re&ind &e,7 Tere"e "aid, "$akin# $er $ead' *$e be#an o pace
a" Ric$ard $ad ear!ier'
T$e fir" effec Jack e+perienced fro& $e kea&ine wa" a rin#in# in
$i" ear"' T$en $i" i&a#e of Tere"e be#an o do "ran#e $in#"' Jack b!inked
and "$ook $i" $ead' I wa" a" if a c!oud of $ea-y air were "e!in# o-er
$i&, and $e wa" ou"ide of $i&"e!f wac$in# i $appen' T$en $e "aw
Tere"e a $e end of a !on# unne!' *udden!y $er face e+panded o an enor-
&ou" "i;e' *$e wa" "peakin# bu $e "ound ec$oed iner&inab!y' 4er
word" were inco&pre$en"ib!e'
T$e ne+ $in# Jack wa" aware of wa" $a $e wa" wa!kin#' Bu i wa" a
"ran#e, uncoordinaed wa!k, "ince $e $ad no idea w$ere $e -ariou"
par" of $i" body were' 4e $ad o !ook down o "ee $i" fee "weep ou of
$e perip$ery of $i" -i"ion and $en p!an $e&"e!-e"' =$en $e ried o
!ook w$ere $e wa" #oin# $e "aw a fra#&ened i&a#e of bri#$!y co!ored
"$ape" and "rai#$ !ine" $a were con"an!y &o-in#'
4e fe! &i!d nau"ea, bu w$en $e "$ook $i&"e!f i pa""ed' 4e b!inked
and $e co!ored "$ape" ca&e o#e$er and &er#ed ino a !ar#e "$iny ob-
:ec' A $and ca&e ino $i" fie!d of -i"ion and i ouc$ed $e ob:ec' T$a
wa" w$en Jack rea!i;ed i wa" $i" $and and $e ob:ec wa" a car'
O$er e!e&en" of $i" i&&ediae en-iron&en beca&e reco#ni;ab!e'
T$ere were !i#$" and a bui!din#' T$en $e rea!i;ed $a $ere were peo-
p!e on ei$er "ide of $i& $o!din# $i& up' T$ey were "peakin# bu $eir
-oice" $ad a deep, &ec$anica! "ound a" if $ey were "yn$e"i;ed'
Jack fe! $i&"e!f fa!!in#, bu $e cou!dn% "op $i&"e!f' I "ee&ed a" if
$e fe!! for "e-era! &inue" before !andin# on a $ard "urface' T$en $e cou!d
on!y "ee dark "$ape"' 4e wa" !yin# on a carpeed "urface wi$ "o&e$in#
fir& :uin# ino $i" "o&ac$' =$en $e ried o &o-e $e found $a $i"
wri"" were re"rained'
Ti&e pa""ed' Jack $ad no idea $ow !on#' I cou!d $a-e been &inue"
or i cou!d $a-e been $our"' Bu a !a" $e%d re#ained orienaion, and $e
wa" no !on#er $a!!ucinain#' 4e rea!i;ed $a $e wa" on $e f!oor of $e
back"ea of a &o-in# car, and $i" $and" were $andcuffed o $e under-
carria#e of $e fron pa""en#er "ea' .re"u&ab!y $ey were on $eir way
o $e Ca"ki!!"'
To re!ie-e $e di"co&for of $e dri-e"$af pre""in# a#ain" $i" "o&-
ac$, Jack drew $i" knee" undernea$ $i& o a""u&e a crouc$ed-o-er po-
"iion' I wa" far fro& idea! bu beer $an i $ad been' Bu $i" di"co&for
wa" fro& &ore $an $i" cra&ped po"ure' T$e f!u "y&po&" were &uc$
wor"e, and co&bined wi$ a $an#o-er fro& $e kea&ine, $e fe! abou
a" bad a" $e%d e-er fe!'
*e-era! -io!en "nee;e" cau"ed Tere"e o !ook o-er $e back of $e "ea'
7Good God87 "$e e+c!ai&ed'
7=$ere are we?7 Jack a"ked' 4i" -oice wa" $oar"e, and $e effor of
"peakin# cau"ed $i& o cou#$ repeaed!y' 4e wa" $a-in# a prob!e& wi$
$i" no"e runnin#, bu wi$ $i" $and" "ecured $e cou!dn% do any$in#
abou i'
7I $ink you beer :u" "$u up or you%!! c$oke o dea$,7 Ric$ard "aid'
Tere"e urned o Ric$ard/ 7I" $i" cou#$in# and "nee;in# fro& $e "$o
you #a-e $i&?7
74ow $e $e!! do I know? I%" no a" if I%-e e-er #i-en kea&ine o a
per"on before'7
7=e!!, i%" no "o far-fec$ed o i&a#ine you &i#$ $a-e an idea,7
Tere"e "napped' 7<ou u"e i on $o"e poor ani&a!"'7
7I re"en $a,7 Ric$ard "aid indi#nan!y' 7<ou know I rea $o"e an-
i&a!" !ike &y pe"' T$a%" w$y I $a-e $e kea&ine in $e fir" p!ace'7
Jack "en"ed $a $e an+iey $a Tere"e and Ric$ard $ad e-idenced
ear!ier abou $i" pre"ence $ad &ea&orp$o"ed ino irriaion' Cro& $e
way $ey were "peakin# i "ee&ed o be &o"!y direced a eac$ o$er'
Afer a brief "i!ence, Ric$ard "poke up' 7<ou know, $i" w$o!e $in#
wa" your idea, no &ine,7 $e "aid'
7O$ no87 Tere"e -oiced' 7I%& no abou o !e you #e away wi$ $a
&i"concepion' <ou were $e one w$o "u##e"ed cau"in# A&eriCare rou-
b!e wi$ no"oco&ia! infecion' I ne-er wou!d $a-e e-en cro""ed &y &ind'7
7I on!y "u##e"ed i afer you co&p!ained "o bier!y abou A&eriCare
#obb!in# up Naiona! 4ea!$%" &arke "$are de"pie your "upid ad ca&-
pai#n,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7<ou be##ed &e o $e!p'7
7I waned "o&e idea",7 Tere"e "aid' 7*o&e$in# o u"e wi$ $e ad"'7
74e!! you did87 Ric$ard "aid' 7<ou don% #o o a #rocery "ore and a"k
for $ardware' I don% know ">ua abou ad-eri"in#' <ou knew &y fie!d
wa" &icrobio!o#y' <ou knew w$a I%d "u##e"' I wa" w$a you were $op-
in#'7
7I ne-er $ou#$ abou i uni! you &enioned i,7 Tere"e counered'
7Be"ide", a!! you "u##e"ed wa" $a you cou!d arran#e "o&e bad pre"" by
nui"ance infecion"' I $ou#$ you &ean co!d", or diarr$ea, or $e f!u'7
7I did u"e $e f!u,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7<e", you u"ed $e f!u,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu wa" i re#u!ar f!u? No, i wa"
"o&e weird "uff $a $a" e-erybody a!! up in ar&", inc!udin# 2ocor 2e-
eci-e in $e back"ea' I $ou#$ you were #oin# o u"e co&&on i!!-
ne""e", no $e p!a#ue, for c$ri""ake' Or $o"e o$er one"' I can% e-en
re&e&ber $eir na&e"'7
7<ou didn% co&p!ain w$en $e pre"" iu&ped a!! o-er $e oubreak"
and $e &arke "$are rend rapid!y re-er"ed,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7<ou were
$appy'7
7I wa" appa!!ed,7 Tere"e "aid' 7And "cared' I :u" didn% "ay i'7
7<ou%re fu!! ofcrap87 Ric$ard "aid $eaed!y' 7I a!ked wi$ you $e day
afer $e p!a#ue broke ou' <ou didn% &enion i once' I e-en $ur &y
fee!in#" "ince i ook "o&e effor on &y par'7
7I wa" afraid o "ay any$in# abou i,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I didn% wan o
a""ociae &y"e!f wi$ i in any way' Bu a" bad a" i wa", I $ou#$ $a
wa" i' I didn% know you were p!annin# on &ore'7 7I can% be!ie-e I%& $earin#
$i",7 Ric$ard "aid'
Jack beca&e aware $ey were "!owin# down' 4e !ifed $i" $ead a" $i#$
a" $i" $andcuffed $and" wou!d a!!ow' T$e #!are of arificia! !i#$ pene-
raed $e car' T$ey%d been dri-in# in darkne"" for "o&e i&e'
*udden!y $ere were bri#$ !i#$", and $ey%d co&e o a co&p!ee "op
under an o-er$an#' =$en Jack $eard $e dri-er%"-"ide window #oin#
down, $e rea!i;ed $ey were a a o!!boo$' !ie "ared o ye!! for $e!p, bu
$i" -oice wa" weak and ra"py'
Ric$ard reaced "wif!y by reac$in# around and "&ackin# Jack wi$
a $ard ob:ec' T$e b!ow i&paced on :ack%" $ead' 4e co!!ap"ed ono $e
f!OOC'
72on% $i $i& "o $ard,7 Tere"e "aid' 7<ou don% wan b!ood on $e
in"ide of $e car'7
7I $ou#$ "$uin# $i& up wa" &ore i&poran,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e
$rew a $andfu! of coin" ino $e bin of $e auo&aic #ae'
I ck " $eadac$e wa" now wor"e fro& $e b!ow' 4e c!o"ed $i" eye"' 4e
ried o find $e &o" co&forab!e po"iion, bu $ere weren% &any
c$oice"' (ercifu!!y, $e fina!!y fe!! ino a roub!ed "!eep de"pie bein#
$rown fro& "ide o "ide' Afer $e o!! $ey were dri-in# on a windin#
and wi"in# road'
T$e ne+ $in# Jack knew, $ey were "opped a#ain' Carefu!!y $e
rai"ed $i" $ead' A#ain $ere were !i#$" ou"ide of $e car'
on e-en $ink abou i, Ric$ard "aid' 4e $ad $e re-o!-er in $i"
$and'
7=$ere are we?7 Jack a"ked #ro##i!y'
7A an a!!-ni#$ con-enience "ore,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7Tere"e waned o
#e "o&e ba"ic"'7
Tere"e ca&e back o $e car wi$ a ba# of #rocerie"'
72id $e "ir?7 "$e a"ked, a" "$e c!i&bed in'
7<ea$, $e%" awake,7 Ric$ard "aid'
72id $e ry o ye!! a#ain?7
Nope, RIc$ard "aId' 7Cie didn% dare'7
T$ey dro-e for ano$er $our' Tere"e and Ric$ard iner&ien!y con-
inued o bicker abou w$o"e fau! $e w$o!e &e"" wa"' Nei$er wa" wi!!-
in# o #i-e in'
Cina!!y $ey urned off $e pa-ed road and bounced a!on# a rued
#ra-e! dri-e' Jack winced a" $i" ender body $u&ped a#ain" $e f!oor
and $e dri-e"$af $u&p'
3-enua!!y $ey &ade a "$arp urn o $e !ef and ca&e o a "op'
Ric$ard "wic$ed off $e &oor' Bo$ $e and Tere"e $en #o ou'
Jack wa" !ef in $e car by $i&"e!f' 5ifin# $i" $ead a" $i#$ a" $e cou!d,
$e wa" on!y ab!e o "ee a "wac$ of ni#$ "ky' I wa" -ery dark'
Gein# $i" !e#" under $i&, Jack ried o "ee if $e cou!d po""ib!y rip $e
$andcuff" fro& benea$ $e "ea' Bu i wa"n% po""ib!e' T$e $andcuff"
$ad been !ooped around a "ou piece of "ee!'
Co!!ap"in# back down, $e re"i#ned $i&"e!f o waiin#' I wa" $a!f an
$our before $ey ca&e back for $i&' =$en $ey did $ey opened bo$
door" on $e pa""en#er "ide'
Tere"e un!ocked one "ide of $e $andcuff"'
7Ou of $e car87 Ric$ard co&&anded' 4e $e!d $i" #un ai&ed a
Jack%" $ead'
Jack did a" $e wa" o!d' Tere"e $en >uick!y "epped forward and re-
cuffed Jack%" free $and'
7In $e $ou"e87 Ric$ard "aid'
Jack "ared wa!kin# on wobb!y !e#" $rou#$ $e we #ra""' I wa"
&uc$ co!der $an in $e ciy, and $e cou!d "ee $i" brea$' A$ead a w$ie
far&$ou"e !oo&ed in $e darkne""' T$ere were !i#$" in $e window" fac-
in# a ba!u"raded porc$' Jack cou!d &ake ou "&oke and a few "park" i"-
"uin# fro& $e c$i&ney'
A" $ey reac$ed $e porc$, :ack #!anced around' To $e !ef $e cou!d
"ee $e dark ou!ine of a barn' Beyond $a wa" a fie!d' T$en $ere were
&ounain"' T$ere were no di"an !i#$"D i wa" an i"o!aed, pri-ae $ide-
away'
7Co&e on87 Ric$ard "aid, pokin# Lack in $e rib" wi$ $e barre! of
$e #un' In"ide'
T$e inerior wa" decoraed a" a co&forab!e weekendQ"u&&er $ou"e
wi$ an 3n#!i"$ counry f!air' T$ere were &ac$in# ca!ico couc$e" fac-
in# eac$ o$er in fron of a &a""i-e fie!d"one c$i&ney' In $e firep!ace
wa" a roarin#, fre"$!y kind!ed fire' An oriena! ru# co-ered &o" of $e
wide-board f!oor'
T$rou#$ a !ar#e arc$ wa" a counry kic$en wi$ a cener ab!e and
!adder-back c$air"' Beyond $e ab!e wa" a Crank!in "o-e' A#ain" $e
far wa!! wa" a !ar#e 192B"-"y!e porce!ain kic$en "ink'
Ric$ard &arc$ed :ack ino $e kic$en and &oioned for $i& o #e
down on $e ra# ru# in fron of $e "ink' *en"in# $e wa" abou o be "$ack-
!ed o $e p!u&bin#, :ack a"ked o u"e $e re" roo&'
T$e re>ue" brou#$ on a new ar#u&en beween bro$er and "i"er'
Tere"e waned Ric$ard o #o ino $e ba$roo& wi$ :ack, bu Ric$ard
f!a!y refu"ed' 4e o!d Tere"e "$e cou!d do i, bu "$e $ou#$ i wa"
Ric$ard%" ro!e' Cina!!y $ey a#reed o !e :ack #o in by $i&"e!f, "ince $e
#ue" ba$roo& $ad on!y one iny window, one $a wa" oo "&a!! for :ack
o c!i&b $rou#$'
5ef o $i&"e!f, :ack #o ou $e ri&anadine and ook one of $e
ab!e"' 4e%d been di"coura#ed $a $e dru# $ad no pre-ened $i" in-
fecion, bu $e did $ink i wa" "!owin# $e f!u%" cour"e' No doub $i"
"y&po&" wou!d be far wor"e if $e weren% akin# i'
=$en :ack ca&e ou of $e ba$roo&, Ric$ard ook $i& back o $e
kic$en, and a" :ack $ad anicipaed, !ocked $e $andcuff" around $e
kic$en drainpipe' =$i!e Tere"e and Ric$ard reired o $e couc$e" in
fron of $e fire, :ack eyed $e p!u&bin# wi$ $e inen of e"capin#' T$e
prob!e& wa" $a $e pipe" were o!d-fa"$ioned' T$ey weren% .,C or
e-en copper' T$ey were bra"" and ca" iron' :ack ried puin# pre""ure
on $e&, bu $ey didn% bud#e'
Re"i#ned for $e &o&en, :ack a""u&ed $e &o" co&forab!e po"i-
ion' I wa" !yin# on $i" back on $e ra# ru#' 4e !i"ened o Tere"e and
Ric$ard, w$o for $e &o&en $ad #oen pa" $eir ae&p" o b!a&e
eac$ o$er for $e pre"en caa"rop$e' T$ey were now bein# &ore ra-
iona!' T$ey knew $ey $ad o &ake "o&e deci"ion"'
:ack%" po"iion on $i" back &ade $i" na"a! di"c$ar#e run down $e back
of $i" $roa' 4i" cou#$in# :a#" reurned, a" did a round of -io!en "nee;e"'
=$en $e fina!!y #o $i&"e!f under conro! $e found $i&"e!f !ookin# up
ino Tere"e%" and Ric$ard%" face"'
7=e $a-e o know $ow you found ou abou Cra;er 5ab",7 Ric$ard
"aid, #un once a#ain in $and'
Jack feared $a if $ey found ou $e wa" $e on!y per"on w$o knew
abou Cra;er 5ab", $ey%d probab!y ki!! $i& $en and $ere' 7I wa" ea"y,7 Jack
"aid'
7Gi-e u" an idea $ow ea"y,7 Tere"e "aid'
7I :u" ca!!ed up Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" and a"ked if anyone $ad recen!y
ordered p!a#ue baceria' T$ey o!d &e Cra;er 5ab" $ad'7
Tere"e reaced a" if "$e%d been "!apped' An#ri!y "$e urned o Ric$ard'
72on% e!! &e you ordered $e "uff,7 "$e "aid wi$ di"be!ief' 7I $ou#$
you $ad a!! $e"e bu#" in your "o-ca!!ed co!!ecion'7
7I didn% $a-e p!a#ue,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7And I $ou#$ p!a#ue wou!d
&ake $e bi##e" &edia i&pac' Bu w$a difference doe" i &ake? T$ey
can% race w$ere $e baceria ca&e fro&'7
7T$a%" w$ere you are wron#,7 Jack "aid' 7Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" a#"
$eir cu!ure"' =e a!! found ou abou i a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office
w$en we did $e auop"y'7
7<ou idio87 Tere"e "$oued' 7<ou%-e !ef a #odda&n rai! ri#$ o your
door'7
7I didn% know $ey a##ed $eir cu!ure",7 Ric$ard "aid &eek!y'
7O$, God87 Tere"e "aid, ro!!in# $er eye" o $e cei!in#' 7T$a &ean"
e-erybody a $e (3%" office know" $e p!a#ue epi"ode wa" arificia!'7
7=$a "$ou!d we do?7 Ric$ard a"ked ner-ou"!y'
7=ai a "econd,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e !ooked down a Jack' 7I%& no "ure
$e%" e!!in# $e ru$' I don% $ink $a fi" wi$ w$a Co!!een "aid' 4an#
on' 5e &e ca!! $er'7
Tere"e%" con-er"aion wi$ Co!!een wa" "$or' Tere"e o!d $er under-
!in# $a "$e wa" worried abou :ack and a"ked if Co!!een cou!d ca!! C$e
o in>uire abou :ack%" con"piracy $eory' Tere"e waned o know if any-
one e!"e a $e &edica! e+a&iner%" office "ub"cribed o i' Tere"e conc!uded
by e!!in# Co!!een $a "$e wa" unreac$ab!e bu wou!d ca!! back in fifeen
&inue"'
2urin# $e ineri&, $ere wa" !i!e con-er"aion e+cep for Tere"e a"k-
in# Ric$ard if $e wa" "ure $e%d di"po"ed of a!! $e cu!ure"' Ric$ard a"-
"ured $er $a $e%d f!u"$ed e-ery$in# down $e oi!e'
=$en $e fifeen &inue" wa" up, Tere"e redia!ed Co!!een a" pro&i"ed'
A $e end of $eir brief con-er"aion Tere"e $anked Co!!een and $un# up'
7T$a%" $e fir" #ood new" oni#$,7 Tere"e "aid o Ric$ard' 7No one
e!"e a $e (3%" office #i-e" any credence o Jack%" $eory' C$e o!d
Co!!een $a e-eryone c$a!k" i up o :ack%" #rud#e a#ain" A&eriCare'7
7*o no one e!"e &u" know abou Cra;er 5ab" and $e a##ed bace-
ria,7 Ric$ard "aid'
73+ac!y,7 Tere"e "aid' 7And $a "i&p!ifie" $in#" dra&aica!!y' Now
a!! we $a-e o do i" #e rid of Jack'7
7And $ow are we #oin# o do $a?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7Cir" you are #oin# o #o ou and di# a $o!e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I $ink $e
be" "po wou!d be on $e o$er "ide of $e barn by $e b!ueberry pac$'%
7Now?7 Ric$ard >ue"ioned'
7T$i" i"n% "o&e$in# we can b!i$e!y pu off, you idio,7 Tere"e "aid'
7T$e #round%" probab!y fro;en,7 Ric$ard co&p!ained' 7I wi!! be !ike
di##in# in #ranie'7
7<ou "$ou!d $a-e $ou#$ of $a w$en you drea&ed up $i"
caa"rop$e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Ge ou $ere and #e i done' T$ere "$ou!d
be a "$o-e! and a pick in $e barn'7
Ric$ard #ru&b!ed a" $e pu!!ed on $i" parka' 4e ook $e f!a"$!i#$ and
wen ou $e fron door'
7Tere"e,7 Jack ca!!ed ou' 72on% you $ink you%-e aken $i" a bi oo
far?7
Tere"e #o off $e couc$ and ca&e ino $e kic$en' *$e !eaned a#ain"
$e cabine and eyed :ack'
72on% ry o &ake &e fee! "orry for you,7 "$e "aid' 7If I warned you
once, I warned you a do;en i&e" o !ea-e we!! enou#$ a!one' <ou%-e on!y
your"e!f o b!a&e'7
7I can% be!ie-e your career can be $i" i&poran o you,7 Jack "aid'
7.eop!e $a-e died, and &ore peop!e can die "i!!' No :u" &e'7
7I ne-er inended $a anybody die,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$a on!y $ap-
pened $ank" o &y $arebrained bro$er, w$o%" $ad $i" !o-e affair wi$
&icrobe" e-er "ince $e wa" in $i#$ "c$oo!' 4e%" co!!eced baceria $e way
a "ur-i-a!i" co!!ec" #un"' Ju" $a-in# $e& around wa" a weird urn-on
for $i&' (aybe I "$ou!d $a-e known $e%d do "o&e$in# cra;y "o&ei&eD
I don% know' Ri#$ now I%& :u" ryin# o #e u" ou of $i" &e""'7
7<ou%re raiona!i;in#,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou%re an acco&p!ice, :u" a" #ui!y
a" $e i"'7
7<ou know "o&e$in#, Jack?7 Tere"e "aid' 7A $i" &o&en I
cou!dn% care !e"" w$a you $ink'7
Tere"e wa!ked back o $e fire' Jack cou!d $ear &ore !o#" bein# added'
4e re"ed $i" $ead on $i" forear& and c!o"ed $i" eye"' 4e wa" &i"erab!e,
bo$ "ick and fri#$ened' 4e fe! !ike a conde&ned &an -ain!y waiin#
for a reprie-e'
=$en $e door bur" open an $our !aer Jack :u&ped' 4e%d fa!!en
a"!eep a#ain' 4e a!"o noiced a new "y&po&/ now $i" eye" $ur w$en $e
!ooked fro& "ide o "ide'
72i##in# $e $o!e wa" ea"ier $an I $ou#$,7 Ric$ard repored' 4e
pee!ed off $i" coa' 7=a"n% any fro" a a!!' I &u" $a-e been a bo# in
$a area a one i&e, becau"e $ere weren% e-en any rock"'7
7I $ope you &ade i deep enou#$,7 Tere"e "aid, o""in# a"ide a book'
7I don% wan any &ore "crewup", !ike $a-in# $i& wa"$ up in $e "prin#
rain'7
7I%" p!eny deep enou#$,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e di"appeared ino $e ba$-
roo& o wa"$ $i" $and"' =$en $e ca&e ou Tere"e wa" puin# on $er
coa' 7=$ere are you #oin#?7
7Ou,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e $eaded for $e door' 7I%11 #o for a wa!k w$i!e
you ki!! Jack'7
7=ai a "econd,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7=$y &e?7
7<ou%re $e &an,7 Tere"e "aid wi$ a "cornfu! "&i!e' 7T$a%" a &an%"
7T$e $e!! i i",7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%& no #oin# o ki!! $i&' I cou!dn%' 8
cou!dn% "$oo "o&eone w$i!e $e%" $andcuffed'7
7I don% be!ie-e you,7 Tere"e ye!!ed' 7<ou%re no &akin# "en"e' <ou
$ad no co&puncion abou puin# !e$a! baceria ino defen"e!e"" peo-
p!e%" $u&idifier", w$ic$ "ure a" $e!! ki!!ed $e&'7
7I wa" $e baceria $a ki!!ed $e&,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I wa" a fi#$ be-
ween $e baceria and $e per"on%" i&&une "y"e&' I didn% do $e ki!!in#
direc!y' T$ey $ad a c$ance'7
7Gi-e &e paience87 Tere"e cried, ro!!in# $er eye" $ea-enward' *$e
co!!eced $er"e!f and ook a brea$' 7Okay, fine' =i$ $e paien" i
wa"n% you, i wa" $e baceria' In $i" ca"e i wi!! be $e bu!!e, no you'
4ow%" $a? 2oe" $a "ai"fy $i" weird "en"e of re"pon"ibi!iy of
your"?7
7T$i" i" differen,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%" no $e "a&e a a!!'7
7Ric$ard, we don% $a-e any c$oice' O$erwi"e you%!! #o o :ai! for $e
re" of your !ife'7
Ric$ard $e"ian!y !ooked o-er a $e #un on $e coffee ab!e'
7Ge i87 Tere"e co&&anded w$en "$e "aw $i& eyein# $e pi"o!'
Ric$ard wa-ered'
7Co&e on, Ric$ard,7 Tere"e ur#ed'
Ric$ard wen o-er and irre"o!ue!y picked up $e #un' 4o!din# i by
$e barre! a" we!! a" $e $and!e, $e cocked i'
7Good87 Tere"e "aid encoura#in#!y' 7Now #o o-er $ere and do i'7
7(aybe if we ake off $e $andcuff", and $e rie" o run, I can ' ' '7
Ric$ard be#an' Bu $e "opped in &id"enence w$en Tere"e "rode o-er
o $i& wi$ $er eye" b!a;in#' =i$ou warnin# "$e "!apped $i&' Ric$ard
recoi!ed fro& $e b!ow, and $i" own an#er f!ared'
72on% e-en a!k !ike $a, you foo!,7 Tere"e "pa' 7=e are no akin#
any &ore c$ance"' )nder"and?7
Ric$ard pu a $and o $i" face and $en !ooked a i a" if $e e+peced
o "ee b!ood' 4i" iniia! fury >uick!y abaed' 4e rea!i;ed $a Tere"e wa"
ri#$' *!ow!y $e nodded'
7Okay, now #e o i,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%11 be ou"ide'7
Tere"e "rode o $e door' 72o i >uick!y, bu don% &ake a &e"",7 "$e
"aid' T$en "$e wa" #one'
*i!ence "e!ed o-er $e roo&' Ric$ard didn% &o-e' 4e on!y urned
$e #un o-er "!ow!y in $i" $and", a" if $e were in"pecin# i' Cina!!y, :ack
"poke up/ 7I don% know w$e$er I%d !i"en o $er' <ou &i#$ face pri"on
for $e oubreak" if $ey can pro-e i wa" you be$ind $e&, bu ki!!in#
&e !ike $i" in co!d b!ood &ean" $e dea$ pena!y $ere in New <ork'7
7*$u up,7 Ric$ard "crea&ed' 4e ru"$ed ino $e kic$en and a"-
"u&ed a "$ooin# "ance direc!y be$ind Jack'
A fu!! &inue wen by w$ic$ "ee&ed !ike an $our o Jack' 4e%d been
$o!din# $i" brea$' )nab!e o $o!d i any !on#er, $e e+$a!ed--and i&-
&ediae!y be#an cou#$in# unconro!!ab!y'
T$e ne+ $in# $e knew, Ric$ard o""ed $e #un ono $e kic$en
ab!e' T$en $e ran o $e door' 4e opened i and "$oued ou ino $e
ni#$/ 7I can% do i87
A!&o" i&&ediae!y Tere"e reappeared' 7<ou #odda&ned coward87
"$e o!d $i&'
7=$y don% you do i your"e!f?7 Ric$ard "pa back'
Tere"e "ared o re"pond, bu in"ead "$e "rode o $e kic$en ab!e,
"napped up $e #un, and wa!ked around o face :ack' 4o!din# $e pi"o!
in bo$ $and", "$e poined i a $i" face' :ack "ared back a $er, direc!y
ino $er eye"'
T$e ip of $e #un barre! be#an o wa-er' A!! a once Tere"e !e ou a
barra#e of profaniy and $rew $e #un back ono $e ab!e'
7A$, iron wo&an i"n% a" $ard a" "$e $ou#$,7 Ric$ard auned'
7*$u up,7 Tere"e "aid' *$e "a!ked back o $e couc$ and "a down'
Ric$ard "a acro"" fro& $er' T$ey eyed eac$ o$er irriab!y' 7T$i" i" beco&in#
a bad :oke,7 "$e "aid'
7I $ink we are a!! "run# ou,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7T$a%" probab!y $e fir" $in# you%-e "aid $a%" rue,7 Tere"e "aid'
7I%& e+$au"ed' =$a i&e i" i?7
7I%" afer &idni#$,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7No wonder,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I%-e #o a $eadac$e'7
7I%& no fee!in# "o #rea &y"e!f,7 Ric$ard ad&ied'
75e%" "!eep,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=e%!! dea! wi$ $i" prob!e& in $e &orn-
in#' Ri#$ now I can% e-en "ee "rai#$'7
Jack woke up a four-$iry in $e &ornin#, "$i-erin#' T$e fire $ad #one
ou and $e e&peraure in $e roo& $ad fa!!en' T$e ra# ru# $ad pro-
-ided "o&e war&$' :ack $ad &ana#ed o pu!! i o-er $i&'
T$e roo& wa" a!&o" co&p!ee!y dark' Tere"e and Ric$ard $ad no
!ef on any !i#$" w$en $ey%d reired o "eparae bedroo&"' =$a !i!e
!i#$ $ere wa" drifed in fro& ou"ide $rou#$ $e window o-er $e
"ink' I wa" :u" enou#$ for :ack o di"cern $e -a#ue "$ape" of $e fur-
niure'
Jack didn% know w$a &ade $i& fee! wor"e/ fear or $e f!u' A !ea"
$i" cou#$ $ad no wor"ened' T$e ri&anadine $ad "ee&in#!y proeced
$i& fro& de-e!opin# pri&ary inf!uen;a pneu&onia'
Cor a few &inue" :ack a!!owed $i&"e!f $e !u+ury of cone&p!ain#
bein# re"cued' T$e prob!e& wa" $a $e c$ance" were &inu"cu!e' T$e
on!y per"on w$o knew $a $e Naiona! Bio!o#ica!" probe e" wa" po"-
ii-e wi$ $e p!a#ue cu!ure wa" Ted 5ync$, no $a $e cou!d know w$a
i &ean' A#ne" &i#$, bu $ere wa" no rea"on for Ted o e!! A#ne" w$a
$e%d found' Q
If re"cue wa" no a -iab!e po""ibi!iy, $en $e%d $a-e o re!y on e"cape'
=i$ nu&b fin#er" Jack fe! up and down $e !en#$ of drainpipe 4I
w$ic$ $e wa" "$ack!ed' 4e ried o fee! for any i&perfecion", bu $ere
were none' 4e po"iioned $e $andcuff" a -ariou" $ei#$" and, wi$ $i"
fee a#ain" $e pipe", pu"$ed uni! $e $andcuff" cu ino $i" "kin' T$e
pipe" were $ere o "ay'
If $e were o e"cape i wou!d $a-e o occur w$en $e wa" a!!owed o #o
o $e ba$roo&' 4ow $e wou!d acua!!y do i, $e $ad no idea' A!! $e cou!d
$ope wa" $a $ey%d beco&e care!e""'
:ack "$uddered w$en $e $ou#$ of% w$a &ornin# &i#$ brin#' A
#ood ni#$%" "!eep wou!d on!y ou#$en Tere"e%" re"o!-e' T$e fac $a nei-
i$er Tere"e nor Ric$ard cou!d "$oo $i& in co!d b!ood $e ni#$ before
wa" "can rea""urance' A" "e!f-cenered a" $ey bo$ were, $e cou!dn%
bank on $a coninuin# indefinie!y'
)"in# $i" !e#", Jack "ucceeded in #ein# $e ra# ru# o fo!d o-er $i&
a#ain' *e!in# down a" be" $e cou!d, $e ried o re"' If an opporuniy
of e"cape pre"ened i"e!f, $e $oped $e%d be p$y"ica!!y ab!e o ake fu!! ad-
-ana#e of i'
T4IIR*2A<, B/ 1E A'(', (ARC4 2B, 1991
CAT*6I55 (O)NTAIN*, N3= <OR6
T$e $our" $ad pa""ed "!ow!y and &i"erab!y for Jack' 4e%d no been ab!e
o fa!! back a"!eep' Nor cou!d $e e-en find a co&forab!e po"iion wi$
$i" "$i-erin#' =$en Ric$ard fina!!y "a##ered ino $e roo& wi$ $i" $air
"andin# on end, Jack wa" a!&o" #!ad o "ee $i&' 7I%-e #o o u"e $e
ba$roo&,7 Jack ca!!ed ou'
7<ou%!! $a-e o wai for Tere"e o #e up,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e wa" bu"y
rebui!din# $e fire'
T$e door o Tere"e%" roo& opened a few &inue" !aer' Tere"e wa"
dre""ed in an o!d ba$robeD "$e didn% !ook any beer $an Ric$ard' 4er
nor&a! $e!&e of $i#$!i#$ed cur!" !ooked &ore !ike a &op' *$e wa"
wi$ou &akeup, and $e conra" wi$ $er nor&a! appearance &ade $er
"ee& e+cepiona!!y pa!e'
7I%-e "i!! #o &y $eadac$e,7 Tere"e co&p!ained' 7And I "!ep !ou"y'7
7(e oo,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%" $e "re"", and we ne-er rea!!y $ad any
dinner'7
7Bu I%& no $un#ry,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I can% under"and i'7
7I%-e #o o #o o $e ba$roo&,7 Jack repeaed' 7I%-e been waiin# for
$our"'7
7Ge $e #un,7 Tere"e "aid o Ric$ard' 7I%11 un!ock $e $andcuff"'7
Tere"e ca&e ino $e kic$en and ben down o reac$ under $e "ink
wi$ $e $andcuff key'
7*orry you didn% "!eep we!!,7 Jack "aid' 7<ou "$ou!d $a-e :oined &e
ou $ere in $e kic$en' I%" been de!i#$fu!'7
7I don% wan o $ear any &ou$ fro& you,7 Tere"e warned' 7I%& no
in $e &ood'7
T$e $andcuff "napped open' Jack rubbed $i" c$afed wri" a" $e "iff!y
#o o $i" fee' A wa-e of di;;ine"" "pread o-er $i&, forcin# $i& o !ean
a#ain" $e kic$en ab!e' Tere"e >uick!y re!ocked $e $andcuff around
:ack%" free wri"' Jack wou!dn% $a-e been ab!e o re"i" e-en if $e%d $ad
$e inenion'
7Okay, &arc$87 Ric$ard "aid' 4e wa" rainin# $e #un on Jack'
7In a "econd,7 Jack "aid' T$e roo& wa" "i!! "pinnin#'
7No rick"87 Tere"e "aid' *$e "epped away fro& $i&'
A" "oon a" $e cou!d, Jack wa!ked o $e ba$roo& on rubbery !e#"' T$e
fir" order of bu"ine"" wa" o re!ie-e $i&"e!f' T$e "econd wa" o ake a
do"e of $e ri&anadine wi$ a !on# drink of waer' On!y $en did $e $a;-
ard a !ook in $e &irror' =$a $e "aw "urpri"ed $i&' 4e wa"n% "ure $e
wou!d $a-e reco#ni;ed $i&"e!f' 4e !ooked !ike a -a#ran' 4i" eye" were
bri#$ red and "!i#$!y "wo!!en' 2ried b!ood wa" on $e !ef "ide of $i"
face and "paered on $e "$ou!der of $i" unifor& "$ir, apparen!y fro&
$e b!ow $e%d recei-ed in $e car a $e o!!boo$' 4i" !ip wa" "wo!!en
w$ere Ric$ard $ad "p!i i' 2ried &ucu" "uck o $i" for&idab!e "ubb!e'
74urry up in $ere,7 Tere"e co&&anded $rou#$ $e door'
Jack ran waer in $e "ink and wa"$ed $i" face' )"in# $i" inde+ fin#er,
$e bru"$ed $i" ee$' T$en wi$ a !i!e waer $e "&oo$ed $i" $air'
7I%" abou i&e,7 Tere"e "aid w$en Jack e&er#ed'
Jack "uppre""ed $e ur#e o #i-e a c!e-er reor' 4e fe! $e wa" wa!k-
in# a i#$rope wi$ $e"e peop!e, and $e didn% wan o pu"$ $i" !uck'
4e $oped $ey wou!dn% !ock $i& back o $e kic$en drain, bu $e wi"$
wa" in -ain' 4e wa" &arc$ed ri#$ back o $e "ink and "ecured'
7=e "$ou!d ea "o&e$in#,7 Ric$ard "aid/
7I #o co!d cerea! !a" ni#$,7 Tere"e "aid'
7Cine,7 Ric$ard "aid'
T$ey "a a $e ab!e a &ere four fee away fro& Jack' Tere"e ae -ery
!i!e' *$e a#ain &enioned $a "$e :u" wa"n% $un#ry' T$ey didn% offer
any cerea! o Jack'
74a-e you $ou#$ abou w$a we%re #oin# o do?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7=$a abou $o"e peop!e w$o were "uppo"ed o ki!! :ack in $e ciy?
=$o were $ey?7
7I%" a #an# fro& down w$ere I !i-e,7 Ric$ard "aid'
74ow do you conac $e&?7 Tere"e a"ked'
7I u"ua!!y ca!! $e& up or :u" #o o-er o $e bui!din# $ey occupy,7
Ric$ard "aid' 7I%-e been dea!in# wi$ a &an ca!!ed Twin'7 7=e!!, !e%" #e
$i& $e $e!! up $ere,7 Tere"e "aid'
74e &i#$ co&e,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7If $e &oney i" ri#$'7
7Ca!! $i&,7 Tere"e "aid' 74ow &uc$ were you #oin# o pay $e&?7
7Ci-e $undred,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7Offer $i& a $ou"and if you $a-e o,7 Tere"e "aid' 7Bu "ay i%" a ru"$
:ob and $a $e%" #o o co&e oday'7
Ric$ard "craped back $i" c$air and wen ino $e !i-in# roo& o #e
$e p$one' 4e brou#$ i back o $e kic$en ab!e' 4e waned $er o !i"-
en in ca"e $ey $ad o up $e aneD $e didn% know $ow Twin wou!d re-
"pond o $e idea of co&in# a!! $e way o $e Ca"ki!!"'
Ric$ard dia!ed and Twin an"wered' Ric$ard o!d $i& $e waned o
a!k once a#ain abou knockin# off $e docor'
74ey, &an, we%re no inere"ed,7 Twin "aid'
7I know $ere wa" roub!e in $e pa",7 Ric$ard "aid' 7Bu $i" i&e i
wi!! be a "nap' =e $a-e $i& $andcuffed and $idden away ou"ide $e
ciy'7
7If $a%" $e ca"e, you don% need u",7 Twin "aid'
7=ai87 Ric$ard "aid $a"i!y' 4e%d "en"ed Twin wa" abou o $an# up'
7=e "i!! need you' In fac, o &ake i wor$ your w$i!e dri-in# ou $ere,
we%!! pay doub!e'7
7A $ou"and buck"?7 Twin a"ked'
7<ou #o i,7 Ric$ard "aid'
72on% co&e, Twin,7 :ack "$oued' 7I%" a "eup87
7*$i87 Ric$ard barked' 4e o!d Twin o $o!d $e !ine for a "econd' In
a fi of fury, Ric$ard cracked :ack o-er $e $ead wi$ $e bu of $i" #un'
Jack c!o"ed $i" eye" $ard enou#$ o brin# ear"' T$e pain in $i" $ead
wa" inen"e' A#ain $e fe! b!ood drip down $e "ide of $i" "ca!p' 7=a" $a $e
doc?7 Twin a"ked'
7<ea$, $a wa" $e doc,7 Ric$ard "aid an#ri!y'
7=$a did $e &ean, %"eup%?7 Twin a"ked'
7No$in#,7 Ric$ard "aid' 74e%" iu" runnin# off a $e &ou$' =e%-e
#o $i& $andcuffed o $e kic$en drainpipe'7
75e &e #e $i" "rai#$,7 Twin "aid' 7<ou%re payin# a $ou"and buck"
for u" o co&e ou and ice $e doc w$i!e $e%" c$ained o a pipe'7
7I%!! be a !ike a urkey "$oo,7 Ric$ard a""ured $i&'
7=$ere are you?7 Twin a"ked'
7Abou a $undred &i!e" nor$ of $e ciy,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7In $e
Ca"ki!!"'7
T$ere wa" a pau"e'
7=$a do you "ay?7 Ric$ard a"ked' 7I%" ea"y &oney'7
7=$y don% you do i your"e!f?7 Twin a"ked'
7T$a%" &y bu"ine"",7 Ric$ard "aid'
7A!! ri#$,7 Twin "aid' 7Gi-e &e direcion"' Bu if $ere i" any funny
"uff, you%!! be one un$appy dude'7
Ric$ard #a-e direcion" o #e o $e far&$ou"e and o!d Twin $ey%d
be waiin# for $i&'
Ric$ard "!ow!y rep!aced $e recei-er w$i!e $e !ooked riu&p$an!y a
Tere"e'
7=e!!, $ank God87 Tere"e "aid'
7!%d beer ca!! in "ick,7 Ric$ard "aid, pickin# up $e p$one a#ain' 7!
"$ou!d $a-e been a work a!ready'7
Afer $e fini"$ed $i" ca!! Tere"e &ade a "i&i!ar one o Co!!een' T$en
"$e wen o ake a "$ower' Ric$ard wen o fi!! $e wood bo+'
=incin# a#ain" $e pain, Jack pu"$ed $i&"e!f back o a "iin# po"i-
ion' A !ea" $e b!eedin# $ad "opped' T$e pro"pec of $e B:ack 6in#"%
arri-a! "pe!!ed doo&' Cro& bier e+perience, Iack knew $e"e #an# &e&-
ber" wou!d $a-e no >ua!&" abou "$ooin# $i& no &aer w$a "ae $e
wa" in'
Cor a few "econd" Jack !o" oa! conro! of $i&"e!f' 5ike a c$i!d in a
e&per anru& $e yanked incon"e>uenia!!y a $i" "$ack!e"' A!! $e &an-
a#ed o do wa" cu ino $i" wri"" and knock o-er "o&e deer#en con-
ainer"' T$ere wa" no way $e wa" abou o break ei$er $e drainpipe or
$e $andcuff"'
Afer $e fi $ad pa""ed, Jack "!u&ped o-er and cried' Bu e-en $a
didn% !a" !on#' =ipin# $i" face on $i" !ef "!ee-e, $e "i#$ed and "a up'
4e knew $e $ad o e"cape' On $i" ne+ rip o $e ba$roo& $e%d $a-e o
ry "o&e$in#' I wa" $i" on!y c$ance, and $e didn% $a-e &uc$ i&e'
T$ree->uarer" of an $our !aer Tere"e reappeared in $er c!o$e"' *$e
dra##ed $er"e!f o $e couc$ and p!opped down' Ric$ard wa" on $e
o$er couc$ f!ippin# $rou#$ an o!d 19EB" 5ife &a#a;ine'
7I rea!!y don% fee! oo #ood,7 Tere"e ad&ied' 7(y $eadac$e i" "i!!
ki!!in# &e' I fee! !ike I%& co&in# down wi$ a co!d'7 7(e oo,7 Ric$ard "aid
wi$ou !ookin# up'
7I $a-e o u"e $e ba$roo& a#ain,7 Jack ca!!ed ou'
Tere"e ro!!ed $er eye"' 7Gi-e &e a break87 "$e "aid'
No one &o-ed or "poke for fi-e &inue"'
7I "uppo"e I can :u" !e !oo"e ri#$ $ere,7 Jack "aid, breakin# $e "i-
!ence'
Tere"e "i#$ed and $rew $er !e#" o-er $e "ide of $e couc$' 7Co&e
on, "a!war warrior,7 "$e "aid di"para#in#!y o Ric$ard'
T$ey u"ed $e "a&e &e$od a" before' Tere"e un!ocked $e $andcuff"
w$i!e Ric$ard "ood poi"ed wi$ $e #un'
72o I rea!!y need $e"e $andcuff" w$i!e I%& in $e ba$roo&?7 Jack
a"ked w$en Tere"e "ared o re!ock $e&' 7Ab"o!ue!y,7 Tere"e "aid'
Once in"ide $e ba$roo& Jack ook ano$er ri&anadine and a !on#
drink of waer' T$en, !ea-in# $e waer runnin#, $e "epped on $e c!o"ed
oi!e "ea, #ra"ped $e window rI& wi$ bo$ $and", and be#an o pu!!'
4e increa"ed $e pre""ure o "ee if $e window ca"in# wou!d co&e !oo"e'
Ju" $en $e door opened'
7Ge down fro& $ere87 Tere"e "nar!ed'
Jack "epped down fro& $e oi!e and crin#ed' 4e wa" afraid $a
Ric$ard wa" abou o $i $i& on $e $ead a#ain' In"ead Ric$ard :u"
crowded ino $e ba$roo&, $o!din# $e #un ou in fron of $i& rained
on :ack%" face' T$e #un wa" cocked'
7Ju" #i-e &e a rea"on o "$oo,7 $e $i""ed'
Cor a "econd no one &o-ed' T$en Tere"e ordered Jack back o $e
kic$en "ink'
7Can% you $ink of ano$er p!ace?7 Jack "aid' 7I%& #ein# ired of $e
-iew'7
72on% pu"$ &e,7 Tere"e warned'
=i$ $e cocked #un :u" a few fee away, $ere wa" no$in# Jack cou!d
do' In a &aer of "econd" $e wa" $andcuffed o $e drainpipe ye a#ain'
A $a!f $our !aer Tere"e decided o #o ou o $e "ore o #e "o&e a"-
pirin and "o&e "oup' *$e a"ked Ric$ard if $e waned any$in#' 4e o!d
$er o #e "o&e ice crea&D $e $ou#$ i &i#$ fee! #ood on $i" "ore $roa'
Afer Tere"e $ad !ef, Jack o!d Ric$ard $a $e $ad o #o o $e ba$-
roo& a#ain'
7<ea$, "ure,7 Ric$ard "aid wi$ou bud#in# fro& $e couc$'
7I do,7 Jack a-erred' 7I didn% #e o #o !a" i&e'7
Ric$ard #a-e a "$or !au#$' 7Tou#$ "$i,7 $e "aid' 7I wa" your own
fau!'7
7Co&e on,7 Jack "aid' 7I wi!! on!y ake a &inue'7
75i"en87 Ric$ard ye!!ed' 7IfI co&e in $ere i wi!! be o crack you o-er
$e $ead a#ain' )nder"and ?7
Jack under"ood a!! oo we!!'
Tweny &inue" !aer Jack $eard $e un&i"akab!e "ound of a car ap-
proac$in# a!on# $e #ra-e! dri-e' 4e fe! a ru"$ of adrena!ine in $i" "y"-
e&' =a" i $e B:ack 6in#"? 4i" panic reurned, and $e "ared for!orn!y
a $e unbud#ab!e drainpipe'
T$e door opened' To Jack%" re!ief i wa" Tere"e' *$e dropped a ba# of
#rocerie" on $e kic$en ab!e, $en rereaed o $e couc$ and !ay down
and c!o"ed $er eye"' *$e o!d Ric$ard o pu $e #rocerie" away'
Ric$ard #o up wi$ou en$u"ia"&' 4e pu w$a $ad o be kep co!d
in $e refri#eraor and $e ice crea& in $e free;er' T$en $e p!aced $e
can" of "oup in $e cupboard' In $e boo& of $e ba# $e found a"pirin
and a bunc$ of "&a!! ce!!op$ane-wrapped packa#e" of peanu-buer
cracker"'
7<ou &i#$ #i-e "o&e of $e cracker" o Jack,7 Tere"e "aid'
Ric$ard !ooked down a Jack' 7<ou wan "o&e?7 $e a"ked'
Jack nodded' A!$ou#$ $e "i!! fe! i!!, $i" appeie $ad reurned' 4e%d
no eaen any$in# "ince $e de!! food in $e -an'
Ric$ard fed Jack peanu buer cracker" w$o!e, !ike a &o$er bird
droppin# food ino a waiin# c$ick%" #apin# &ou$' Jack $un#ri!y de-
-oured fi-e of $e& and $en a"ked for waer'
7Cor c$ri""ake87 Ric$ard -oiced' 4e wa" annoyed $i" :ob $ad fa!!en
o $i&'
7Gi-e i o $i&,7 Tere"e "aid'
Re!ucan!y Ric$ard did a" $e wa" o!d' Afer a !on# drink Jack
$anked $i&' Ric$ard o!d Jack o $ank Tere"e, no $i&'
7Brin# &e a coup!e of a"pirin and "o&e waer,7 Tere"e "aid'
Ric$ard ro!!ed $i" eye"' 7=$a a& I, $e "er-an?7
7Ju" do i,7 Tere"e "aid peu!an!y'
T$ree->uarer" of an $our !aer ano$er car cou!d be $eard co&in# up
$e dri-eway'
7Cina!!y,7 Ric$ard "aid a" $e o""ed a &a#a;ine a"ide and $ea-ed $i&-
"e!f off $e couc$' 7T$ey &u" $a-e dri-en by way of .$i!ade!p$ia, for
c$ri""ake'7 4e $eaded for $e door w$i!e Tere"e pu"$ed $er"e!f up o a
"iin# po"iion'
Jack "wa!!owed ner-ou"!y' 4e cou!d fee! $i" pu!"e poundin# in $i" e&-
p!e"' 4e rea!i;ed $e didn% $a-e !on# o !i-e'
Ric$ard pu!!ed open $e door' 7*$i87 $e -oiced'
Tere"e "a bo! upri#$' 7=$a%" $e &aer?7
7I%" 4enry, $e #odda&n careaker87 Ric$ard croaked' 7=$a are we
#oin# o do?7
7<ou co-er Jack87 Tere"e barked in panic' 7I%11 a!k o 4enry'7 *$e
"ood up and "wayed for a &o&en a" a wa-e of di;;ine"" o-erca&e $er'
T$en "$e wen ou $e door'
Ric$ard da"$ed o-er o Jack' 3n roue $e%d picked up $e #un, w$ic$
$e now $e!d by $e barre! a" if i were a $ac$e' 7One word and "o $e!p
&e I%!! ba"$ your $ead in,7 $e #row!ed'
Jack !ooked up a Ric$ard' 4e cou!d "ee $e &an%" deer&inaion'
Ou"ide $e cou!d $ear a car co&e o a "op fo!!owed by $e &uff!ed "ound
of Tere"e%" -oice'
Jack wa" faced wi$ an unrea"onab!e >uandary' 4e cou!d ye!!, bu $ow
&uc$ "ound $e cou!d &ake before bein# incapaciaed by Ric$ard wa"
>ue"ionab!e' <e if $e didn% ry, $e%d "oon be facin# $e B:ack 6in#" and
cerain dea$' 4e decided o #o for i'
Jack pu $i" $ead back and "ared o "crea& for $e!p' A" e+peced,
Ric$ard brou#$ $e $and!e of $i" #un cra"$in# down on :ack%" fore$ead'
Jack%" "crea& wa" cu off before $e cou!d for& any word"' A &ercifu!
darkne"" iner-ened wi$ $e "uddenne"" of a !i#$ bein# "wic$ed off'
Jack re#ained con"ciou"ne"" in "a#e"' T$e fir" $in# $e wa" aware of wa"
$a $i" eye" wou!dn% open' Bu afer a "ru##!e $e ri#$ one did, and a
&inue !aer "o did $e !ef' =$en $e wiped $i" face on $i" "!ee-e $e re-
a!i;ed $a $i" !id" $ad been "ea!ed o#e$er wi$ coa#u!aed b!ood'
=i$ $i" forear&, Jack cou!d fee! $a $e $ad a "i;ab!e !u&p cenered
a $i" $air!ine' 4e knew i wa" a #ood p!ace o be $i if you $ad o ake a
wa!!op' T$a par of $e "ku!! wa" by far $e $icke"'
4e b!inked o c!ear $i" -i"ion and !ooked a $i" wac$' I wa" :u" afer
four, a fac confir&ed by $e ane&ic >ua!iy of $e !ae-afernoon "un-
!i#$ co&in# $rou#$ $e window o-er $e "ink'
Jack #!anced around $e !i-in# roo&, w$ic$ $e cou!d "ee fro& under
$e kic$en ab!e' T$e fire $ad burned down "i#nifican!y' Tere"e and
Ric$ard were "praw!ed on $eir re"peci-e couc$e"'
Jack c$an#ed $i" po"iion and in $e proce"" ipped o-er a conainer of
window c!eaner'
7=$a%" $e doin# now?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7=$o $e $e!! care",7 Tere"e "aid' 7=$a i&e i" i?7
7I%" afer four,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7=$ere are $e"e #an# friend" of your"?7 Tere"e de&anded' 7Are
$ey co&in# by bicyc!e?7
7*$ou!d I ca!! and c$eck?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7No, !e%" :u" wai $ere for a week,7 Tere"e "aid irriab!y'
Ric$ard pu $e p$one on $i" c$e" and dia!ed' =$en $e p$one wa"
an"wered $e $ad o a"k for Twin' Afer a !on# wai Twin ca&e on $e
!ine'
7=$y $e $e!! aren% you $ere?7 Ric$ard co&p!ained' 7=e%-e been
waiin# a!! day'7
7I%& no co&in#, &an,7 Twin "aid'
7Bu you "aid you were,7 Ric$ard re:oined'
7I can% do i, &an,7 Twin "aid' 7I can% co&e'7
7No e-en for a $ou"and do!!ar"?7
7Nope,7 Twin "aid'
7Bu w$y?7 Ric$ard de&anded'
7%Cau"e I #a-e &y word,7 Twin "aid'
7<ou #a-e your word? =$a doe" $a &ean?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
7Ju" w$a I "aid,7 Twin "aid' 72on% you under"and 3n#!i"$?7
7Bu $i" i" ridicu!ou",7 Ric$ard "aid'
74ey, i%" your pary,7 Twin "aid' 7<ou $a-e o do your own "$i'7
Ric$ard found $i&"e!f $o!din# a dead e!ep$one' 4e "!a&&ed $e re-
cei-er down' 7T$a wor$!e"" bu&,7 $e "pa' 74e won% do i' I can% be-
!ie-e i'7
Tere"e pu"$ed $er"e!f up ino a "iin# po"iion' 7*o &uc$ for $a idea'
T$a pu" u" back o ">uare one'7
72on% !ook a &e' I%& no doin# i,7 Ric$ard "napped' 7I%-e &ade $a
cry"a! c!ear' I%" up o you, "i"er' 4e!!, a!! $i" wa" for your benefi, no
&ine'7
7*uppo"ed!y,7 Tere"e reored' 7Bu you #o "o&e per-ered en:oy&en
ou of i' <ou fina!!y #o o u"e $o"e bu#" you%-e been p!ayin# wi$ a!!
your !ife' <e now you can% do $i" "i&p!e $in#' <ou%re "o&e "or of'''7
*$e "ru##!ed for $e word/ 72e#enerae87 "$e "aid fina!!y'
7=e!!, you%re no *now =$ie your"e!f,7 Ric$ard ye!!ed' 7No wonder
$a $u"band of your" !ef you'7
Tere"e%" face f!u"$ed' *$e opened $er &ou$ bu no word" ca&e ou'
*udden!y "$e !un#ed for $e #un'
Ric$ard ook a "ep backward' 4e feared $e%d o-erdone i by &en-
ionin# $e un&enionab!e' Cor a "econd $e $ou#$ Tere"e wa" abou o
u"e $e #un on $i&' Bu in"ead "$e f!ew ino $e kic$en, cockin# $e
#un a" "$e wen' *$e "epped up o :ack and poined $e #un a $i" b!ood-
ied face'
7Turn away87 "$e co&&anded'
Jack fe! a" if $i" $ear $ad "opped' 4e !ooked up $e >ui-erin# bar-
re! and ino Tere"e%" arcic b!ue eye"' 4e wa" para!y;ed, incapab!e of fo!-
!owin# $er co&&and'
72a&n you87 Tere"e "aid $rou#$ a "udden f!ood of ear"'
)ncockin# $e #un, "$e o""ed i a"ide, $en ru"$ed back o $e couc$
o bury $er $ead in $er $and"' *$e wa" "obbin#'
Ric$ard fe! #ui!y' 4e knew $e "$ou!dn% $a-e "aid w$a $e $ad' 5o"-
in# $er baby and $en $er $u"band wa" $i" "i"er%" Ac$i!!e"% $ee!' (eek!y
$e wen o-er o $er and "a on $e ed#e of $e couc$'
7I didn% &ean i,7 Ric$ard "aid, "rokin# $er back #en!y' 7I "!ipped
ou' I%& no &y"e!f'7
Tere"e "a up and wiped $er eye"' 7I%& no &y"e!f ei$er,7 "$e ad&i-
ed' 7I can% be!ie-e $e"e ear"' I%& a wreck' I fee! awfu! oo' Now &y
$roa%" "ore'7
7<ou wan ano$er a"pirin?7 Ric$ard a"ked'
Tere"e "$ook $er $ead' 7=$a do you $ink Twin &ean abou #i--
in# $i" word?7 "$e a"ked'
7I don% know,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7T$a%" w$y I a"ked $i&'7
7=$y didn% you offer $i& &ore &oney?7 Tere"e "aid'
74e didn% #i-e &e a c$ance,7 Ric$ard "aid' 74e $un# up'7
7=e!!, ca!! $i& back,7 Tere"e "aid' 7=e $a-e o #e ou of $ere'7
74ow &uc$ "$ou!d I offer?7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I don% $a-e $e kind of
&oney you $a-e'7
7=$ae-er i ake",7 Tere"e "aid' 7A $i" poin &oney "$ou!dn% be a
!i&iin# facor'7
Ric$ard picked up $e p$one and dia!ed' T$i" i&e w$en $e a"ked for
Twin $e wa" o!d Twin wa" ou' 4e wou!dn% be back for an $our'
Ric$ard $un# up'
7=e $a-e o wai,7 $e "aid'
7=$a e!"e i" new?7 Tere"e co&&ened'
Tere"e !ay back on $e couc$ and pu!!ed a croc$eed af#$an o-er $er'
*$e "$i-ered' 7I" i #ein# co!d in $ere or i" i :u" &e?7 "$e a"ked'
7I $ad a coup!e of c$i!!" &y"e!f,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e wen o $e fire and
pi!ed on &ore !o#"' T$en $e #o a b!anke fro& $i" bedroo& before re-
c!inin# on $i" couc$' 4e ried o read, bu $e cou!dn% concenrae' 4e
wa" iner&ien!y "$i-erin# de"pie $e b!anke' 7I :u" $ou#$ of a new
worry,7 $e "aid'
7=$a now?7 Tere"e a"ked' 4er eye" were c!o"ed'
7:ack%" been "nee;in# and cou#$in#' <ou don% $ink $e wa" e+po"ed
o &y f!u "rain, $e one I pu in $e $u&idifier?7
=i$ $e b!anke wrapped around $i&, Ric$ard #o up and wen ino
$e kic$en and a"ked :ack abou i' Lack didn% an"wer'
7Co&e on, 2oc,7 Ric$ard ur#ed' 72on% &ake &e $a-e o $i you
a#ain'7
7=$a difference doe" i &ake?7 Tere"e ca!!ed fro& $e couc$'
7I &ake" a !o of difference,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7T$ere%" a #ood c$ance
&y "rain wa" $e "rain $a cau"ed $e #rea f!u epide&ic of 191@' I #o
i in A!a"ka fro& a coup!e of fro;en 3"ki&o" w$o died of pneu&onia'
T$e i&e fra&e wa" ri#$'7
Tere"e :oined $i& in $e kic$en' 7Now you%re #ein# &e worried,7
"$e "aid' 72o you $ink $e $a" i and $a" e+po"ed u"?7
7I%" po""ib!e,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7T$a%" errifyin#87 *$e !ooked down a Jack' 7=e!! ?7 "$e de&anded'
% =ere you e+po"ed ?
Jack wa"n% "ure if $e "$ou!d ad&i o $i" e+po"ure or no' 4e didn%
know w$ic$ wou!d an#er $e& &ore' T$e ru$ or $i" "i!ence' 7I don% !ike i
$a $e%" no an"werin#,7
Ric$ard "aid'
74e%" a &edica! e+a&iner, %1 ere"e "abo' Ie na o $a-e been e+po"ed'
T$ey brou#$ $e dead peop!e o $i&' 4e o!d &e on $e p$one'7
7I%& no afraid of $a,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7T$e e+po"ure o worry abou
i" o a !i-in#, brea$in#, "nee;in#, cou#$in# per"on, no a dead body'7
7(edica! e+a&iner" don% ake care of !i-e peop!e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7A!!
$eir paien" are dead'7
7T$a%" rue,7 Ric$ard ad&ied'
7Be"ide",7 Tere"e "aid, 7Jack i" $ard!y "ick' 4e%" #o a co!d' Bi# dea!'
=ou!dn% $e be rea!!y i!! by now if $e%d conraced your f!u bu#?7
7<ou%re ri#$,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%& no $inkin# "rai#$D if $e $ad $e
191@ f!u bu# $e%d be fia ou by now'7
Bro$er and "i"er reurned o $eir couc$e" and co!!ap"ed'
7I can% ake &uc$ &ore of $i",7 Tere"e "aid' 73"pecia!!y $e way I
fee!'7
A fi-e-fifeen, e+ac!y one $our afer $e pre-iou" ca!!, Ric$ard p$oned
Twin' T$i" i&e Twin $i&"e!f picked up'
7=$a $e $e!! are you pe"erin# &e for?7 Twin a"ked'
7I wan o offer &ore &oney,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7Ob-iou"!y a $ou"and
wa"n% enou#$' I under"and' I%" a !on# dri-e up $ere' 4ow &uc$ are
you !ookin# for?7
7<ou didn% under"and &e, did you?7 Twin "aid irriab!y' 7I o!d you
I cou!dn% do i' T$a%" i' Ga&e%" o-er'7
Two $ou"and, Ric$ard "aid' 4e !ooked o-er a Tere"e' *$e nodded'
74ey, &an, are you deaf or w$a?7 Twin "aid' 74ow &any i&e"'''7
7T$ree $ou"and,7 Ric$ard "aid, and Tere"e a#ain nodded'
7T$ree $ou"and buck"?7 Twin repeaed'
7T$a%" correc,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7<ou are "oundin# de"perae,7 Twin "aid'
7=e%re wi!!in# o pay $ree $ou"and do!!ar",7 Ric$ard "aid' 7T$a
"$ou!d "peak for i"e!f'7
74&&&,7 Twin "aid' 7And you "ay you $a-e $e doc $andcuffed'7
73+ac!y,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I wi!! be a piece of cake'7
7I e!! you w$a,7 Twin "aid' 7I%!! "end "o&eone up $ere o&orrow
&ornin#'7
7<ou%re no #oin# o do w$a you did $i" &ornin#, are you?7 Ric$ard
a"ked'
7No,7 Twin "aid' 7I #uaranee I%!! $a-e "o&eone up $ere o ake care
of $in#"'7
7Cor $ree $ou"and,7 Ric$ard "aid' 4e waned o be "ure $ey un-
der"ood eac$ o$er'
7T$ree $ou"and wi!! be :u" fine,7 Twin "aid'
Ric$ard rep!aced $e recei-er and !ooked o-er a Tere"e'
72o you be!ie-e $i&?7 "$e a"ked'
7T$i" i&e $e #uaraneed i,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7And w$en Twin #uar-
anee" "o&e$in#, i $appen"' 4e%!! be $ere in $e &ornin#' I%& confiden'7
Tere"e "i#$ed' 7T$ank God for "&a!! fa-or",7 "$e "aid'
Jack wa"n% "o re!ie-ed' 4i" panic rekind!ed, $e deer&ined $e $ad o
find a way o e"cape $a ni#$' (ornin# wou!d brin# $e apoca!yp"e'
Afernoon dra##ed ino e-enin#' Tere"e and Ric$ard fe!! a"!eep' )n-
aended, $e fire died down' A c$i!! ca&e wi$ $e darkne""' Jack
wracked $i" brain" for idea" of e"cape, bu un!e"" $e wa" freed fro& $e
drainpipe, $e didn% "ee $ow $e cou!d #e away'
Around "e-en bo$ Ric$ard and Tere"e be#an o cou#$ in $eir "!eep'
A fir" $ey "ee&ed &ore o be c!earin# $eir $roa" $an cou#$in#, bu
"oon $e $ackin# beca&e &ore forcefu! and produci-e' Jack con"idered
$e de-e!op&en "i#nifican' I #a-e "uppor o a concern $e%d been $ar-
borin# "ince $ey bo$ be#an co&p!ainin# of c$i!!"/ na&e!y, $a $ey $ad
cau#$ $e dreaded f!u fro& $i& :u" a" Ric$ard "u"peced'
T$inkin# back o $e !on# car ride fro& $e ciy, Jack rea!i;ed i wou!d
$a-e been $ard for $e& no o $a-e conraced $i" i!!ne""' 2urin# $e
ride Jack%" "y&po&" were peakin#, and "y&po&" of $e f!u ofen peaked
wi$ &a+i&u& -ira! producion' 3ac$ of :ack%" "nee;e" and cou#$" $ad
undoubed!y "en &i!!ion" of $e infecire -irion" ino $e car%" confined
"pace'
*i!!, Jack cou!dn% be "ure' Be"ide", $i" rea! worry wa" facin# $e B:ack
6in#" in $e &ornin#' 4e $ad &ore pre""in# concern" $an $e $ea!$ of
$i" capor"'
Jack yanked fui!e!y a $e drain wi$ $e "$or c$ain beween $e
$andcuff"' A!! $e "ucceeded in doin# wa" o &ake a racke and abrade
$i" wri"" &ore $an $ey a!ready were'
7*$u up87 Ric$ard ye!!ed afer $a-in# been awakened by $e c!a&or'
4e "wic$ed on a ab!e !a&p, $en wa" i&&ediae!y o-erw$e!&ed by a
fi of cou#$in#'
7=$a%" $appenin#?7 Tere"e a"ked #ro##i!y'
7T$e ani&a! i" re"!e"",7 Ric$ard ra"ped' 7God, 1 need "o&e waer'7
4e "a up, waied for a &o&en, $en #o o $i" fee' 7I%& di;;y,7 $e "aid'
7I &i#$ e-en $a-e a fe-er'7
4e wa!ked $e"ian!y ino $e kic$en and #o a #!a""' A" $e wa" fi!!-
in# i, Jack $ou#$ abou knockin# $i" !e#" ou fro& under $i&' Bu $e
decided $a wou!d on!y win $i& ano$er b!ow o $e $ead'
7I $a-e o #o o $e ba$roo&,7 Jack "aid'
7*$u up,7 Ric$ard "aid'
7I%" been a !on# i&e,7 Jack "aid' 7I%" no a" if I%& a"kin# o #o for a
run in $e yard' And ifI don% #o, i%" #oin# o be unp!ea"an around $ere'7
Ric$ard "$ook $i" $ead in re"i#naion' Afer $e ook a drink of waer,
$e ca!!ed ou o Tere"e $a $er "er-ice" were needed' T$en $e #o $e
#un fro& $e kic$en ab!e'
Jack $eard Ric$ard cock $e #un' T$e &o-e narrowed Jack%" opion"'
Tere"e appeared wi$ $e key' Jack noiced $er eye" $ad a #!a;ed,
fe-eri"$ !ook' *$e ben down under $e "ink and un!ocked one "ide of
$e $andcuff" wi$ou a word' *$e backed away a" Jack #o o $i" fee'
A" before, $e roo& "wa& before $i" eye"' *o&e e"cape ari", $e $ou#$
cynica!!y' 4e wa" weak fro& :ack of food, "!eep, and !i>uid"' Tere"e re-
!ocked $e $andcuff"'
Ric$ard &arc$ed direc!y be$ind Jack wi$ $e #un a $e ready' T$ere
wa" no$in# $a Jack cou!d do' =$en $e #o o $e ba$roo& $e ried o
c!o"e $e door'
7*orry,7 Tere"e "aid, u"in# $er foo o b!ock i' 7<ou !o" $a pri-i-
!e#e'7
Jack !ooked fro& one o $e o$er' 4e cou!d e!! $ere wa" no u"e ar-
#uin#' 4e "$ru##ed and urned around o re!ie-e $i&"e!f' =$en $e wa"
fini"$ed $e &oioned oward $e "ink' 74ow abou &y wa"$ra# &y face,
$e a"ked'
If you &u",% Tere"e "aid' *$e cou#$ed bu $en $e!d $er"e!f in c$eck'
I wa" ob-iou" $er $roa wa" "ore'
Jack "epped o $e "ink, w$ic$ wa" ou of $e !ine of T %
ere"e " "i#$'
Afer urnin# on $e waer, Jack "urrepiiou"!y #o ou $i" ri&anadine
and ook one of $e ab!e"' In $i" $a"e $e a!&o" dropped $e -ia! before
#ein# i back ino $i" pocke'
4e #!anced a $i&"e!f in $e &irror and recoi!ed' 4e !ooked "i#nifi-
can!y wor"e $an $e $ad $a &ornin#, $ank" o $e new !aceraion $i#$
on $i" fore$ead' I wa" #apin# and needed "ic$e" if i wa" o $ea! wi$-
ou a "car' Jack !au#$ed a $i&"e!f' =$a a i&e o worry abou co"-
&eic"8
T$e rip back o $e "po of Jack%" inern&en wa" wi$ou inciden'
T$ere were a few &o&en" w$en Jack wa" e&ped o ry "o&e$in#, bu
eac$ i&e $i" coura#e fai!ed $i&' By $e i&e Jack wa" a#ain !ocked up
under $e "ink $e fe! di"appoined in $i&"e!f and corre"pondin#!y de-
"ponden' 4e $ad $e di"$earenin# "en"e $a $e%d :u" !e $i" !a" c$ance
of e"cape "!ip by'
72o you wan any "oup?7 Tere"e a"ked Ric$ard'
7I%& rea!!y no $un#ry,7 Ric$ard ad&ied' 7A!! I wan i" a coup!e of
a"pirin' I fee! !ike I%-e been run o-er by a ruck'7
7I%& no $un#ry ei$er,7 Tere"e "aid' 7T$i" i" &ore $an a co!d' I%&
"ure I $a-e a fe-er oo' 2o you $ink we "$ou!d be worried?7
7Ob-iou"!y we%-e #o w$a Jack $a",7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I #ue"" $e%" :u"
&ore "oic' Anyway, we%!! "ee a docor o&orrow afer Twin%" -i"i if we
$ink we "$ou!d' =$o know", &aybe a ni#$%" "!eep i" a!! we need'7
75e &e $a-e a coup!e of $o"e a"pirin",7 Tere"e "aid'
Afer akin# $eir ana!#e"ic Tere"e and Ric$ard reurned o $e !i-in#
roo&' Ric$ard "pen a few &o&en" bui!din# up $e dyin# fire' Tere"e
&ade $er"e!f a" co&forab!e a" po""ib!e on $er couc$' *oon Ric$ard wen
back o $i"' T$ey bo$ "ee&ed e+$au"ed'
Jack wa" "urer $an e-er $a bo$ $i" capor" $ad $e dead!y "rain of
$e f!u' 4e didn% know w$a $i" e$ic" dicaed $e do' T$e prob!e& wa"
$i" ri&anadine, and $e fac $a i po""ib!y cou!d $war $e f!u%"
pro#re""' Jack a#oni;ed "i!en!y o-er w$e$er $e "$ou!d e!! $e& of $i"
e+po"ure and a!k $e& ino akin# $e dru# o poenia!!y "a-e $eir
!i-e" e-en $ou#$ $ey were oa!!y co&&ied o endin# $i" and were re-
"pon"ib!e for $e dea$" of o$er innocen -ici&"' =i$ $a in &ind, did
$e owe Tere"e and Ric$ard co&pa""ion in $e face of $eir ca!!ou" indif-
ference? *$ou!d $i" oa$ a" a p$y"ician pre-ai!?
Jack ook no co&for a $e noion of poeic :u"ice bein# done' <e if
$e "$ared $e ri&anadine wi$ $e&, $ey &i#$ deny i o $i&' Afer
a!!, $ey weren% c$oo"y abou $e way $e died a" !on# a" i wa"n% direc!y
by $eir $and'
:ack "i#$ed' I wa" an i&po""ib!e deci"ion' 4e cou!dn% c$oo"e' Bu no
&akin# a deci"ion wa", in effec, a deci"ion' :ack under"ood i" ra&ifi-
caion"'
By nine o%c!ock Tere"e%" and Ric$ard%" brea$in# $ad beco&e "er-
orou", puncuaed by fre>uen cou#$in# epi"ode"' Tere"e%" condiion
"ee&ed wor"e $an Ric$ard%"' Around en a &arked!y -io!en fi of cou#$-
in# woke Tere"e up, and "$e &oaned for Ric$ard'
7=$a%" $e &aer?7 Ric$ard >ue"ioned !e$ar#ica!!y'
7I%& fee!in# wor"e,7 Tere"e "aid' 7I need "o&e waer and ano$er a"-
pirin'7
Ric$ard #o up and woo;i!y &ade $i" way ino $e kic$en' 4e #a-e
Jack a $a!f$eared kick o &o-e $i& ou of $e way' Needin# !i!e en-
coura#e&en, Jack "cra&b!ed o $e "ide a" &uc$ a" $i" "$ack!ed $and"
wou!d a!!ow' Ric$ard fi!!ed a #!a"" wi$ waer and "u&b!ed back o
Tere"e'
Tere"e "a up o ake $e a"pirin and $e waer, w$i!e Ric$ard $e!ped
"uppor $e #!a""' =$en "$e wa" fini"$ed wi$ $e waer, "$e pu"$ed $e
#!a"" away and wiped $er &ou$ wi$ $er $and' 4er &o-e&en" were
:erky' 7=i$ $e way I%& fee!in#, do you $ink we "$ou!d $ead back o
$e ciy oni#$?7 "$e >ue"ioned'
7=e $a-e o wai for &ornin#,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7A" "oon a" Twin co&e"
we%!! be off' Be"ide", I%& oo "!eepy o dri-e now anyway'7
7<ou%re ri#$,7 Tere"e "aid a" "$e f!opped back' 7A $e &o&en I don%
$ink I cou!d "and $e dri-e ei$er' No wi$ $i" cou#$' I%" $ard o cac$
&y brea$'7
7*!eep i off,7 Ric$ard "aid' 7I%!! !ea-e $e re" of $e waer ri#$ $ere
ne+ o you'7 4e pu $e #!a"" on $e coffee ab!e' 7T$ank",7 Tere"e &ur&ured'
Ric$ard &ade $i" way back o $i" couc$ and co!!ap"ed' 4e drew $e
b!anke up around $i" neck and "i#$ed !oud!y'
Ti&e dra##ed, and wi$ i Tere"e and Ric$ard%" con#e"ed brea$in#
"!ow!y #o wor"e' By en-$iry Jack noiced $a Tere"e%" re"piraion wa"
!abored' 3-en fro& a" far away a" $e kic$en $e cou!d "ee $a $er !ip"
$ad beco&e du"ky' 4e wa" a&a;ed "$e%d no awakened' 4e #ue""ed $e
a"pirin $ad brou#$ $er fe-er down'
In "pie of $i" a&bi-a!ence, Jack wa" fina!!y &o-ed o "ay "o&e$in#'
4e ca!!ed ou o Ric$ard and o!d $i& Tere"e didn% "ound or !ook #ood'
7*$u up87 Ric$ard ye!!ed back beween cou#$"'
Jack "ayed "i!en for ano$er $a!f $our' By $en $e wa" con-inced $e
cou!d $ear fain poppin# noi"e" a $e end of eac$ of Tere"e%" in"piraion"
$a "ounded !ike &oi" ra!e"' If $ey were, i wa" an o&inou" "i#n, "u#-
#e"in# o Jack $a Tere"e wa" "!ippin# ino acue re"piraory di"re""'
7Ric$ard87 Jack ca!!ed ou, de"pie Ric$ard%" warnin# o "ay >uie'
7Tere"e i" #ein# wor"e'7
T$ere wa" no re"pon"e'
7Ric$ard87 Jack ca!!ed !ouder'
7=$a?7 Ric$ard an"wered "!u##i"$!y'
7I $ink your "i"er need" o be in an inen"i-e care uni,7 Jack "aid'
Ric$ard didn% re"pond'
7I%& warnin# you,7 :ack ca!!ed' 7I%& a docor, afer a!!, and I "$ou!d
know' If you don% do "o&e$in# i%" #oin# o be your fau!'7
Jack $ad $i a ner-e, and o $i" "urpri"e Ric$ard !eaped off $e couc$
in a fi of ra#e' 7(y fau!?7 $e "nar!ed' 7I%" your fau! for #i-in# u" w$a-
e-er we $a-e87 Cranica!!y $e !ooked for $e #un, bu $e cou!dn% re-
&e&ber w$a $e%d done wi$ i afer Jack%" !a" -i"i o $e ba$roo&'
T$e "earc$ for $e pi"o! on!y !a"ed for a few "econd"' Ric$ard "ud-
den!y #rabbed $i" $ead wi$ bo$ $and" and &oaned abou $i" $eadac$e'
T$en $e "wayed before co!!ap"in# back ono $e couc$'
Jack "i#$ed wi$ re!ief' Touc$in# off a fi of ra#e in Ric$ard $ad no
been e+peced' 4e ried no o i&a#ine w$a &i#$ $a-e $appened $ad
$e #un been $andy'
Jack re"i#ned $i&"e!f o $e $orror of wine""in# $e "pecac!e ofa -ir-
u!en!y pa$o#enic inf!uen;a wreakin# i" $a-oc' =i$ Tere"e%" and
Ric$ard%" rapid!y wor"enin# c!inica! "ae, $e reca!!ed "orie" $a $ad been
o!d abou $e errib!e inf!uen;a pande&ic of 191@-19' .eop!e were "aid
o $a-e boarded a "ubway in Brook!yn wi$ &i!d "y&po&", on!y o be
dead by $e i&e $ey%d reac$ed $eir de"inaion in (an$aan' =$en
Jack $ad $eard "uc$ "orie" $e%d a""u&ed $ey $ad been e+a##eraion"'
Bu now $a $e wa" bein# forced o ob"er-e Tere"e and Ric$ard, $e no
!on#er $ou#$ "o' T$eir "wif deerioraion wa" a fri#$enin# di"p!ay of
$e power of cona#ion'
By one K'(' Ric$ard%" brea$in# wa" a" !abored a" Tere"e%" $ad been'
Tere"e wa" now frank!y cyanoic and bare!y brea$in#' By four Ric$ard
wa" cyanoic, and Tere"e wa" dead' A "i+ a'(' Ric$ard &ade a few fee-
b!e #ur#!in# "ound" and $en "opped brea$in#'
CRI2A<I B/riri A'(', (AII.'4 !I#, 1 #IM1
(ornin# ca&e "!ow!y' A fir" pa!e fin#er" of "un!i#$ enai-e!y !i&ned
$e ed#e of $e porce!ain "ink' Cro& w$ere Jack wa" "iin# $e cou!d "ee
a "piderweb of !eaf!e"" ree branc$e" a#ain" $e #radua!!y bri#$enin# "ky'
4e $adn% "!ep a wink'
=$en $e roo& wa" co&p!ee!y fi!!ed wi$ &ornin# !i#$, Jack $a;-
arded a !ook o-er $i" "$ou!der' I wa" no a prey "cene' Tere"e and
Ric$ard were bo$ dead, wi$ b!oody fro$ e+udin# fro& $eir du"ky b!ue
!ip"' Bo$ $ad "ared o b!oa "!i#$!y, paricu!ar!y Tere"e' Jack a""u&ed
i wa" fro& $e $ea of $e fire, w$ic$ wa" now reduced o &ere e&ber"'
Jack !ooked back de"pairin#!y a $e drainpipe $a "o effeci-e!y nai!ed
$i& o $i" "po' I wa" an inconcei-ab!e predica&en' Twin and $i" B:ack
6in#" were probab!y now on $eir way' 3-en wi$ou $e $ree $ou"and
do!!ar", $e #an# $ad a&p!e rea"on o ki!! $i& #i-en $i" ro!e in wo of $eir
&e&ber"% dea$"'
T$rowin# back $i" $ead, Jack "crea&ed a $e op of $i" -oice for $e!p'
4e knew i wa" fui!e and "oon "opped w$en $e wa" ou of brea$' 4e
ra!ed $e $andcuff" a#ain" $e bra"" pipe, and e-en pu $i" $ead in under
$e "ink o e+a&ine $e !ead "ea! w$ere $e bra"" pipe :oined $e ca"-iron
pipe be!ow $e rap' =i$ a fin#ernai! $e ried o di# ino $e !ead, bu
wi$ou re"u!'
3-enua!!y Jack "a back' 4i" an+iey wa" ener-ain#, coup!ed wi$ $i"
:ack of "!eep, food, and waer' I wa" $ard o $ink c!ear!y, bu $e $ad o
ryD $e didn% $a-e &uc$ i&e'
Jack con"idered $e fain po""ibi!iy $a $e B:ack 6in#" wou!dn%
"$ow up a" $ey%d fai!ed o "$ow $e day before, ye $a pro"pec wa"n%
any ro"ier' Jack wou!d be "enenced o an a#oni;in# dea$ fro& e+po"ure
and :ack of waer' Of cour"e, if $e cou!dn% ake $i" ri&anadine, $e f!u
&i#$ #e $i& fir"'
Jack fou#$ back ear"' 4ow cou!d $e $a-e been "o "upid o $a-e a!-
!owed $i&"e!f o #e cau#$ in "uc$ an i&po""ib!e "iuaion? 4e c$ided
$i&"e!f for $i" inane $eroic cru"ade idea, and $e :u-eni!e $ou#$ of
wanin# o pro-e "o&e$in# o $i&"e!f' 4e%d been a" reck!e"" in $i"
epi"ode a" $e%d been eac$ day $e%d ridden $i" bike down *econd A-enue
$u&bin# $i" no"e a dea$'
Two $our" pa""ed before Jack $eard $e fain be#innin#" of $e dread
"ound/ $e crack!in# of car ire" on #ra-e!' T$e B:ack 6in#" $ad arri-ed'
In a fi of panic, Jack repeaed!y kicked $e drainpipe a" $e%d done nu-
&erou" i&e" o-er $e pre-iou" day and a $a!f wi$ $e "a&e re"u!'
4e "opped and !i"ened a#ain' T$e car wa" c!o"er' Jack !ooked a $e
"ink' *udden!y an idea occurred o $i&' T$e "ink wa" a $u#e, o!d ca"-
iron &on"ro"iy wi$ a !ar#e bow! and e+pan"i-e draina#e area for di"$e"'
Jack i&a#ined i wei#$ed "e-era! $undred pound"' I wa" $un# on $e
wa!! in addiion o bein# "uppored by $e $ea-y drain'
Gein# $i" fee under $i&, Jack re"ed $e under!ip of $e "ink on $i"
bicep" and ried o pry $e "ink upward' I &o-ed "!i#$!y and bi" of &or-
ar a $e "ink%" :uncion wi$ $e wa!! fe!! ino $e bow!'
Jack wi"ed !ike a conorioni" o pu $i" ri#$ foo a#ain" $e "ink%"
!ip' 4e cou!d $ear $e car co&e o a $a! $e &o&en $e pu"$ed wi$ $i"
!e#' T$ere wa" a crackin# "ound' Jack po"iioned $i&"e!f "o $a bo$ $i"
fee were under $e ed#e of $e "ink' *rainin# wi$ a!! $i" &i#$, $e e+-
ered $e &a+i&u& force $e cou!d &u"er'
=i$ a "nap and a #rindin# "ound $e "ink deac$ed fro& $e wa!!' A
bi of p!a"er rained down on Jack%" face' )naac$ed, $e "ink eeered
on $e drain'
=i$ ano$er $ru" of $i" !e#", Jack #o $e "ink o fa!! forward' T$e
copper waer-"upp!y pipe" "napped off a $eir "o!dered end" and waer
be#an "prayin#' T$e drain re&ained inac uni! $e !ead "ea! #a-e way'
A $a &o&en $e bra"" pipe "!ipped ou of $e ca" iron' T$e "ink
&ade an enor&ou" cra"$in# noi"e a" i cru"$ed a !adder-back c$air be-
fore $u&pin# $ea-i!y on $e wooden f!oor'
Jack wa" "oaked fro& $e "prayin# waer, bu $e wa" free8 4e "cra&-
b!ed o $i" fee a" $ea-y foofa!!" "ounded on $e fron porc$' 4e knew
$e door wa" un!ocked and $a $e B:ack 6in#" wou!d be in"ide in a &o-
&en' T$ey%d undoubed!y $eard $e cra"$ of $e "ink'
=i$ no i&e o !ook for $e pi"o! Jack !un#ed for $e back door' Cran-
ica!!y $e fu&b!ed wi$ $e deadbo! and $rew $e door open' In an in-
"an $e wa" ou"ide, $ur!in# $i&"e!f down $e few "ep" o $e
dew-co-ered #ra""'
4unc$in# down o "ay ou of -iew, Jack ran fro& $e $ou"e a" fa" a"
$e cou!d &ana#e wi$ $i" $and" "i!! $andcuffed' A$ead wa" a pond' I
occupied $e area $e%d i&a#ined wa" a fie!d on $i" arri-a! $e pre-iou"
ni#$' To $e !ef of $e pond and abou a $undred fee fro& $e $ou"e
"ood $e barn' Jack ran o i' I wa" $i" on!y $ope of a $idin# p!ace' T$e
"urroundin# fore" wa" barren and !eaf!e""'
=i$ $ear poundin#, Jack reac$ed $e barn door' To $i" re!ief i wa"
un!ocked' 4e yanked i open, da"$ed in"ide, and pu!!ed i c!o"ed be$ind
$i&'
T$e inerior of $e barn wa" dark, dank, and unin-iin#' T$e on!y !i#$
ca&e $rou#$ a "in#!e, we"-facin# window' T$e ru"ed re&ain" of an
o!d racor !oo&ed in $e $a!f-!i#$'
=i$ uer panic Jack "u&b!ed around in $e darkne"" "earc$in# for
a $idin# p!ace' 4i" eye" be#an o ad:u"' 4e !ooked ino "e-era! de"ered
ani&a! "a!!", bu $ere wa" no way o concea! $i&"e!f' T$ere wa" a !of
abo-e, bu i wa" de-oid of $ay'
5ookin# down a $e p!ank f!oorin#, Jack -ain!y !ooked for a rapdoor,
bu $ere wa"n% any' In $e -ery back of $e barn $ere wa" a "&a!! roo&
fi!!ed wi$ #arden oo!" bu "i!! no p!ace o $ide' Jack wa" abou o #i-e
up w$en $e "poed a !ow wooden c$e" $e "i;e of a coffin' 4e ran o i
and rai"ed i" $in#ed !id' In"ide were &a!odorou" ba#" of feri!i;er'
Jack%" b!ood ran co!d' Ou"ide $e $eard a &a!e -oice ye!!/ 74ey, &an,
around $ere8 T$ere%" rack" in $e #ra""87
=i$ !i!e o$er c$oice Jack e&pied $e c$e" of $e ba#" of feri!i;er'
T$en $e c!i&bed in and !owered $e !id'
*$i-erin# fro& fear and $e da&p co!d, Jack wa" "i!! per"pirin#' 4i"
brea$" were co&in# in "$or #a"p"' 4e ried o ca!& down' If $e $id-
in# p!ace wa" o work, $e%d $a-e o be "i!en'
I wa"n% !on# before $e $eard $e door o $e barn creak open fo!!owed
by $e "ound of &uff!ed -oice"' Coo"ep" "ounded on $e p!ank f!oorin#'
T$en $ere wa" a cra"$ a" "o&e$in# wa" o-erurned' Jack $eard cur"e"'
T$en ano$er cra"$'
7<ou #o your &ac$ine pi"o! cocked?7 one $u"ky -oice "aid'
7=$a%d you $ink I a&, "upid?7 ano$er rep!ied'
Jack $eard foo"ep" approac$' 4e $e!d $i" brea$, ried o conain $i"
"$i-erin#, and fou#$ $e ur#e o cou#$' T$ere wa" a pau"e, $en $e foo-
"ep" receded' Jack a!!owed $i&"e!f o brea$e ou'
7*o&ebody%" in $ere, I%& "ure of i,7 a -oice "aid'
7*$u up and keep !ookin#,7 $e o$er an"wered'
=i$ou warnin# $e co-er o Jack%" $idin# p!ace wa" w$i"ked open'
I $appened wi$ "uc$ une+peced "uddenne"", Jack wa" oa!!y unpre-
pared' 4e !e ou a &uff!ed "creec$' T$e b:ack &an !ookin# down a $i&
did $e "a&e, !ein# $e !id "!a& back ino p!ace'
T$e !id wa" >uick!y yanked open a#ain' Jack cou!d "ee $a $e &an
wa" $o!din# a &ac$ine pi"o! in $i" free $and' On $i" $ead wa" a b:ack
kni cap'
Jack and $e b:ack &an !ocked eye" for a &o&en, $en $e &an !ooked
oward $i" parner'
7I%" $e doc a!! ri#$,7 $e ca!!ed ou' 74e%" $ere in a bo+'7
Jack wa" afraid o &o-e' 4e $eard foo"ep" approac$in#' 4e ried o
prepare $i&"e!f for Twin%" &ockin# "&i!e' Bu Jack%" e+pecaion"
weren% &e' =$en $e !ooked up, i wa"n% Twin%" face $e "awD i wa"
=arren%"8
7*$i, 2oc,7 =arren "aid' 7<ou !ook !ike you fou#$ $e ,iena&
=ar a!! by your"e!f'7
Jack "wa!!owed' 4e !ooked a $e o$er &an and now reco#ni;ed $i&
a" one of $e ba"keba!! re#u!ar"' Jack%" eye" dared back o =arren' Jack
wa" confu"ed, afraid $i" wa" a!! a $a!!ucinaion'
7Co&e on, 2oc,7 =arren "aid, reac$in# a $and oward Jack' 7Ge $e
$e!! ou of $e bo+ "o we can "ee if $e re" of you !ook" a" bad a" your
face'7
Jack a!!owed $i&"e!f o be $e!ped o "and up' 4e "epped ou ono $e
f!oor' 4e wa" "oakin# we fro& $e broken waer pipe"'
7=e!!, e-ery$in# e!"e !ook" !ike i%" in workin# order,7 =arren "aid'
7Bu you don% "&e!! #rea' And we%-e #o o #e $e"e cuff" off'7
74ow did you #e $ere?7 Jack a"ked, fina!!y findin# $i" -oice'
7=e dro-e,7 =arren "aid' 74ow%d you $ink we #o $ere? T$e "ub-
way ?7
7Bu I e+peced $e B:ack 6in#",7 Jack "aid' 7A #uy by $e na&e of
Twin'7
7*orry o di"appoin you, &an,7 =arren "aid' 7<ou%-e #o o "e!e for
&e'7
7I don% under"and,7 Jack "aid'
7Twin and P &ade a dea!,7 =arren "aid' 7=e ca!!ed a ruce "o $ere%d
be no &ore bro$er" "$ooin# bro$er"' .ar of $e er&" were $a $ey
wou!dn% ice you' T$en Twin ca!!ed &e and o!d &e you were bein# $e!d
up $ere and $a ifI waned o "a-e your a"", I%d beer #e &ine up o $e
&ounain"' *o $ere we are/ $e ca-a!ry'7
7Good 5ord87 Jack "aid, "$akin# $i" $ead' I wa" un"e!in# o !earn
$ow &uc$ one%" fae wa" in $e $and" of o$er"'
74ey, $o"e peop!e back in $e $ou"e don% !ook "o #ood,7 =arren "aid'
7And $ey "&e!! wor"e $an you' 4ow%d $ey $appen o dQe?7
Inf!uen;a, Jack "aid'
7No "$i87 =arren "aid' 7*o i%" up $ere oo' I $eard abou i on $e
new" !a" ni#$' T$ere%" a !o of peop!e down in $e ciy a!! re--ed up abou
i'7
7And for #ood rea"on,7 Jack "aid' 7I $ink you%d beer e!! &e w$a
you%-e $eard'7
T4)R*2A<, %9/AE .'(', A.RI5 2E, 199r-'
N3= <OR6 .-IT<
T$e #a&e o e!e-en wa" ied a en apiece' T$e ru!e" dicaed a win by
wo, "o a one-poin !ayup wou!dn% c!inc$ i bu a !on# wo-poiner wou!d'
T$i" wa" in $e back of Jack%" &ind a" $e dribb!ed upcour' 4e wa" bein#
&erci!e""!y $ounded by an a##re""i-e p!ayer by $e na&e of C!a"$ w$o&
Jack knew wa" fa"er $an $e'
T$e co&peiion wa" fierce' .!ayer" on $e "ide!ine" waiin# o p!ay
were !oud!y "upporin# $e o$er ea&, a "$arp conra" o $eir ypica!
"udied indifference' T$e rea"on for $e c$an#e wa" $e fac $a Jack%"
ea& $ad been winnin# a!! ni#$, &ain!y becau"e Jack wa" ea&ed up wi$
a paricu!ar!y #ood &i+ of p!ayer" $a inc!uded =arren and *pi'
Jack nor&a!!y didn% brin# $e ba!! downcour' T$a wa" =arren%" :ob'
Bu on $e pre-iou" p!ay, o Jack%" c$a#rin, C!a"$ $ad &ade a dri-in#
!ayup o ie $e #a&e, and afer $e ba!! $ad pa""ed $rou#$ $e ba"ke i
$ad ended up in Jack%" $and"' In order o #e $e ba!! downcour a" fa"
a" po""ib!e, *pi $ad "epped ou' =$en Jack #a-e $i& $e ba!!, *pi #a-e
i ri#$ back'
A" Jack pu!!ed up a $e op of $e key, =arren faked one direcion
and $en &ade a ru"$ for $e ba"ke' Jack "aw $i" &aneu-er ou of $e
corner of $i" eye and cocked $i" ar& wi$ $e inen of pa""in# $e ba!!
o =arren'
C!a"$ anicipaed $e pa"" and dropped back in $ope" of inercepin#
i' A!! a once Jack wa" in $e c!ear, and $e c$an#ed $i" &ind abou pa""-
in#' In"ead $e !e f!y one of $i" nor&a!!y re!iab!e :u&per"' )nforunae!y
$e ba!! $i $e back of $e ri& and bounced direc!y ino C!a"$%" waiin#
$and"'
T$e ide $en "wep back in $e o$er direcion, o $e #!ee of $e on-
!ooker"'
C!a"$ brou#$ $e ba!! rapid!y downcour' Jack wa" inen on denyin#
$i& $e opporuniy of repeain# $i" dri-in# !ayup, bu inad-eren!y #a-e
$i& oo &uc$ roo&' To :ack%" "urpri"e, "ince C!a"$ wa" no an ou"ide
"$ooer, C!a"$ pu!!ed up and fro& 7downown7 !e f!y $i" own :u&per'
To :ack%" $orror i wa" 7no$in#-bu-ne7 a" $e "$o pa""ed $rou#$
$e ba"ke' A c$eer ro"e up fro& $e "ide!ine"' T$e #a&e $ad been won
by $e underdo#"'
C!a"$ $i#$-"epped around $e cour $o!din# $i" ar&" "rai#$ and
"iff!y o $i" "ide" wi$ $i" pa!&" ou' A!! $i" ea&&ae" "!apped $i" pa!&"
in a con#rau!aory riua!, a" did "o&e of $e on!ooker"'
=arren drifed o-er o Jack wi$ a di"#u"ed !ook on $i" face'
7<ou "$ou!d $a-e pa""ed $e fri##in% ba!!,7 =arren "aid'
7(y bad,7 Jack "aid' 4e wa" e&barra""ed' 4e%d &ade $ree &i"ake"
in a row'
7*$i,7 =arren "aid' 7=i$ $e"e new kick" of &ine I didn% $ink I
cou!d !o"e'7
Jack !ooked down a $e "pankin#-new pair of Nike" =arren wa" re-
ferrin# o and $en a $i" own "cuffed and "carred Ci!a"' 7(aybe I need
"o&e new kick" &y"e!f'7
7Jack8 4ey, Jack87 a fe&a!e -oice ca!!ed ou' 74e!!o87
Jack !ooked $rou#$ $e c$ain-!ink fence "eparain# $e p!ay#round
fro& $e "idewa!k' I wa" 5aurie'
74ey, kid 87 =arren "aid o :ack' 75ook" !ike your "$orie $a" decided
o pay $e cour" a -i"i'7
T$e #a&e-winnin# ce!ebraion "opped' A!! eye" urned o 5aurie'
Gir!friend" and wi-e" didn% co&e o $e cour"' =$e$er $ey weren%
inc!ined or w$e$er $ey were aci-e!y e+c!uded, :ack didn% know' Bu
$e infracion of 5aurie%" une+peced arri-a! &ade $i& fee! unco&for-
ab!e' 4e%d a!way" ried o p!ay by $e p!ay#round%" &o"!y un"poken
ru!e"'
7I $ink "$e wan" o rap,7 =arren "aid' 5aurie wa" wa-in# Jack o-er'
7I didn% in-ie $er,7 Jack "aid' 7=e were "uppo"ed o &ee !aer'7
7No prob!e&,7 =arren "aid' 7*$e%" a !ooker' <ou &u" be a beer !o-er
$an you are a b-ba!! p!ayer'7
Jack !au#$ed in "pie of $i&"e!f, $en wa!ked o-er o 5aurie' Be$ind
$i& $e $eard $e ce!ebraion reco&&ence, and $e re!a+ed a de#ree'
7Now I know $e "orie" are a!! rue,7 5aurie "aid' 7<ou rea!!y do p!ay
ba"keba!!'7
7I $ope you didn% "ee $e !a" $ree p!ay",7 :ack "aid' 7<ou wou!dn%
$a-e #ue""ed I p!ayed &uc$ if you $ad'7
7I know we weren% "uppo"ed o &ee uni! nine, bu I cou!dn% wai
o a!k o you,7 5aurie "aid'
7=$a%" $appened?7 Jack a"ked'
7<ou #o a ca!! fro& a Nico!e (ar>uee fro& $e C2C,7 5aurie "aid'
7Apparen!y "$e wa" "o di"appoined no o #e you $a (ar:orie, $e op-
eraor, pu $er $rou#$ o &e' Nico!e a"ked &e o re!ay a &e""a#e o you'7
7=e!!?7 Jack >ue"ioned'
7T$e C2C i" officia!!y puin# $e cra"$ -accine pro#ra& on $o!d,7
5aurie "aid' 7T$ere $a"n% been a new ca"e of $e A!a"ka-"rain inf!uen;a
for wo week"' T$e >uaranine effor" $a-e worked' Apparen!y $e ou-
break $a" been conained :u" $e way $e "e-eny-"i+ "wine f!u wa"'7
7T$a%" #rea new"87 Jack "aid' O-er $e pa" week $e%d been prayin#
$a $i" wou!d $appen, and 5aurie knew i' Afer fify-wo ca"e" wi$
$iry-four dea$" $ere $ad been a !u!!' 3-eryone in-o!-ed wa" $o!din#
$i" brea$'
72id "$e offer any e+p!anaion" a" o w$y $ey $ink $i" $a" oc-
curred?7 :ack a"ked'
7*$e did,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$eir "udie" $a-e "$own $a $e -iru" i" un-
u"ua!!y un"ab!e ou"ide of a $o"' T$ey be!ie-e $a $e e&peraure
&u" $a-e -aried in $e buried 3"ki&o $u and &i#$ $a-e e-en ap-
proac$ed $awin# on occa"ion' T$a%" a far cry fro& $e u"ua! &inu" fify
de#ree" a w$ic$ -iru"e" are ypica!!y "ored'7
7Too bad i didn% affec i" pa$o#eniciy a" we!!,7 Jack "aid'
7Bu a !ea" i &ade $e C2C-en#ineered >uaranine effeci-e,7 5au-
rie "aid, 7w$ic$ e-eryone know" i"n% $e u"ua! ca"e wi$ inf!uen;a' Ap-
paren!y wi$ $e A!a"ka "rain, conac" $ad o $a-e re!ai-e!y "u"ained
c!o"e conac wi$ an infeced indi-idua! for ran"&i""ion o occur'7
7I $ink we were a!! -ery !ucky,7 Jack "aid' 7T$e p$ar&aceuica! in-
du"ry de"er-e" a !o of credi oo' T$ey ca&e $rou#$ wi$ a!! $e ri-
&anadine needed in record i&e'7
7Are you fini"$ed p!ayin# ba"keba!!?7 5aurie a"ked' *$e !ooked o-er
Jack%" "$ou!der and cou!d "ee $a ano$er #a&e $ad co&&enced'
7I%& afraid "o,7 Jack "aid' 7(y ea& !o", $ank" o &e'7
7I" $a &an you were a!kin# wi$ w$en I arri-ed =arren?7 5aurie
a"ked'
7T$a%" ri#$,7 Jack "aid'
74e%" :u" a" you de"cribed,7 5aurie "aid' 74e !ook" i&pre""i-e' Bu
$ere%" one $in# I don% under"and' 4ow do $o"e "$or" of $i" "ay on?
T$ey are "o o-er"i;ed and $e $a" "uc$ narrow $ip"'7
Jack !e ou a !au#$' 4e !ooked back a =arren ca"ua!!y "$ooin# fou!
"$o" !ike a &ac$ine' T$e funny $in# wa" $a 5aurie wa" ri#$/ =ar-
ren%" "$or" defied Newon%" !aw of #ra-iy' Jack wa" :u" "o accu"o&ed
o $e $ip-$op #ear, $e%d ne-er >ue"ioned i'
7I #ue"" i%" a &y"ery o &e oo,7 :ack "aid' 7<ou%!! $a-e o a"k $i&
your"e!f'7
7Okay,7 5aurie "aid a#reeab!y' 7I%d !ike o &ee $i& anyway'7
Jack urned back o $er wi$ a >ui;;ica! !ook'
7I%& "eriou",7 "$e "aid' 7I%d !ike o &ee $i" &an you are in awe of and
w$o "a-ed your !ife'7
72on% a"k $i& abou $i" drawer",7 Jack cauioned' 4e $ad no idea
$ow $a wou!d #o o-er'
7.!ea"e87 5aurie "aid' 7I do $a-e "o&e "ocia! "en"e'7
:ack ca!!ed ou o =arren and wa-ed $i& o-er' =arren "aunered o
$e fence, dribb!in# $i" ba"keba!!' Jack wa" un"ure of $e "iuaion and
didn% know w$a o e+pec' 4e inroduced $e wo peop!e, and o $i" "ur-
pri"e $ey #o a!on# we!!'
7I%" probab!y no &y p!ace o "ay $i"'''7 5aurie be#an afer $ey $ad
"poken for a w$i!e' 7And Jack &i#$ wi"$ I didn%, bu'''7
Jack crin#ed' 4e $ad no idea w$a 5aurie wa" abou o "ay'
7''' I%d !ike o $ank you per"ona!!y for w$a you did for :ack'7
=arren "$ru##ed' 7I &i#$ no $a-e aken &y ride a!! $e way up $ere
if I knew $e wa"n% #oin# o pa"" &e $e ba!! oni#$'7
Jack for&ed $i" $and ino a "e&i-fi" and cuffed $e op of =arren%"
$ead'
=arren f!inc$ed and ducked ou of $e way' 7Nice &eein# you, 5au-
rie,7 $e "aid' 7I%& #!ad you "opped by' (e and "o&e of $e o$er bro$-
er" $a-e been a bi worried abou $e o!d &an $ere' =e%re #!ad o "ee $a
$e $a" a "$orie afer a!!'7
7=$a%" a "$orie?7 5aurie a"ked'
7Gir!friend,7 :ack ran"!aed'
7Co&e anyi&e, 5aurie,7 =arren "aid' 7<ou "ure are beer-!ookin#
$an $i" kid'7 4e ook a "wipe a :ack and $en dribb!ed back o w$ere
$e%d been "$ooin# fou! "$o"'
7%*$orie% for #ir!friend ?7 5aurie >ue"ioned'
7I%" :u" rap-a!k,7 Jack "aid' 7*$orie i" a !o &ore f!aerin# $an
"o&e of $e er&"' Bu you%re no "uppo"ed o ake any of i !iera!!y'7
72on% #e &e wron#8 I wa"n% offended,7 5aurie "aid' 7In fac, w$y
don% you a"k $i& and $i" %"$orie% o co&e o dinner wi$ u"' I%d !ike o
#e o know $i& beer'7
Jack "$ru##ed and !ooked back a =arren' 7T$a%" an idea,7 $e "aid'
7I wonder if $e%d co&e'7
7<ou%!! ne-er know un!e"" you a"k,7 5aurie "aid'
7I can% ar#ue wi$ you $ere,7 Jack "aid'
7I a""u&e $e $a" a #ir!friend,7 5aurie "aid'
7To e!! you $e ru$, I don% know,7 Jack "aid'
7<ou &ean o e!! &e you were >uaranined wi$ $e &an for a week
and you don% e-en know if $e $a" a #ir!friend?7 5aurie "aid' 7=$a did
you &en a!k abou a!! $a i&e?7
7I can% re&e&ber,7 Jack "aid' 74o!d on' I%!! be ri#$ back'7
Jack wa!ked o-er o =arren and a"ked $i& if $e%d co&e o dinner wi$
$e& and brin# $i" 7"$orie'7
7T$a i", if you $a-e one,7 Jack added'
7Of cour"e I $a-e one,7 =arren "aid' 4e "ared a Jack for a bea, $en
!ooked o-er a 5aurie' 7=a" i $er idea?7
7<ea$,7 Jack ad&ied' 7Bu I $ink i%" a #ood one' T$e rea"on I ne-er
a"ked in $e pa" i" becau"e I ne-er $ou#$ you%d co&e'7 7=$ere?7
7A re"auran ca!!ed 3!io" on $e 3a" *ide,7 Jack "aid' 7A nine' I%"
&y rea'7
7Coo!,7 =arren "aid' 74ow you #ein# o-er $ere?7
7I "uppo"e we%!! ake a a+i fro& &y p!ace,7 Jack "aid'
7No need,7 =arren "aid' 7(y ride%" $andy' I%!! pick you up a >uarer
of nine'7
7*ee you $en,7 Jack "aid' 4e urned and "ared back oward 5aurie'
7T$i" doe"n% &ean I%& no "i!! pi""ed $a you didn% pa"" &e $e ba!!
on $a !a" run,7 =arren ca!!ed ou'
Jack "&i!ed and wa-ed o-er $i" "$ou!der' =$en $e #o back o 5au-
rie $e o!d $er $a =arren wa" co&in#' 7=onderfu!,7 5aurie "aid'
7I a#ree,7 Jack "aid' 7I%11 be dinin# wi$ wo of $e four peop!e w$o
"a-ed &y !ife'7
7=$ere are $e o$er wo?7 5aurie a"ked'
7)nforunae!y, *!a& i" no !on#er wi$ u",7 Jack "aid re#refu!!y'
7T$a%" a "ory I $a-e ye o e!! you' *pi i" $e fe!!ow o-er on $e "ide-
!ine" in $e bri#$ red "wea"$ir'7
7=$y no a"k $i& o dinner oo,7 5aurie "u##e"ed'
7Ano$er ni#$,7 Jack "aid' 7I%d ra$er $i" no be a pary' I%& !ookin#
forward o $e con-er"aion' <ou !earned &ore abou =arren in wo &in-
ue" $an I%-e !earned in &on$"'7
7I%!! ne-er under"and w$a you &en a!k abou,7 5aurie "aid'
75i"en, I%-e #o o "$ower and dre"",7 Jack "aid' 72o you &ind co&-
in# up o &y p!ace ?7
7No a a!!,7 5aurie "aid' 7I%& kind of curiou", $e way you%-e de"cribed
i'7
7I%" no prey,7 Jack warned'
75ead on87 5aurie co&&anded'
Jack wa" p!ea"ed $ere were no $o&e!e"" peop!e a"!eep in $e $a!! of
$i" ene&en, bu o &ake up for $a b!e""in# $e end!e"" ar#u&en on
$e "econd f!oor wa" a" !oud a" e-er' Ne-er$e!e"", 5aurie didn% "ee& o
&ind and $ad no co&&en uni! $ey were "afe!y in"ide :ack%" apar&en'
T$ere "$e #!anced around and "aid i !ooked war& and co&forab!e, !ike
an oa"i"'
7I%!! on!y ake &e a few &inue" o #e ready,7 Jack "aid' 7Can I offer
you "o&e$in#? Acua!!y I don% $a-e &uc$' 4ow abou a beer?7
5aurie dec!ined and o!d Jack o #o a$ead and "$ower' 4e ried o #i-e
$er "o&e$in# o read, bu "$e dec!ined $a a" we!!'
7I don% $a-e a T,,7 :ack "aid apo!o#eica!!y'
7I noiced,7 5aurie "aid'
7In $i" bui!din# a T, i" oo &uc$ of a e&paion,7 Jack "aid' 7I
wou!d wa!k ou of $ere oo fa"'7
7Ta!kin# abou T,,7 5aurie "aid, 7$a-e you "een $o"e Naiona!
4ea!$ co&&ercia!" e-eryone i" a!kin# abou, $e %no wai% one"?7
7No, I $a-en%,7 Jack "aid'
7<ou "$ou!d,7 5aurie "aid' 7T$ey%re a&a;in#!y effeci-e' One of $e&
$a" beco&e an o-erni#$ c!a""ic' I%" $e one wi$ $e a# !ine %=e wai
for you, you don% wai for u"'% I%" -ery c!e-er' If you can be!ie-e i, i%"
e-en cau"ed Naiona! 4ea!$%" "ock o #o up'7
7Cou!d we a!k abou "o&e$in# e!"e?7 Jack "aid'
7Of cour"e,7 5aurie "aid' *$e cocked $er $ead o $e "ide' 7=$a%" $e
&aer? 2id I "ay "o&e$in# wron#?7
7No, i%" no you, i%" &e,7 Jack "aid' 7*o&ei&e" I%& o-er!y "en"ii-e'
(edica! ad-eri"in# $a" a!way" been a pe pee-e of &ine, and !ae!y I fee!
e-en &ore "ron#!y abou i' Bu don% worryD I%!! e+p!ain i !aer'7