“I won’t have them talking about you. I’ll find a place and work as well. I need to begin setting my affairs in order.”
“It would seem… reasonable… to wait until you knew where you were to work before making arrangements.”
“That’s true.”
She brightens a bit. “Speaking of, there are some men who want to talk with you about a job. Some friends of my father.”
To my dismay, I can’t hide the anger in my voice. “You asked him to find me a job.”
“No, I promise you. I knew how you’d feel if I did, though I wanted to. He rang me about it a week ago, and they’ve been keen to see you. I’ve put it off because I didn’t know what your plans were.”
“Meeting with them couldn’t hurt.” I say. It was the worst mistake of my life.
David could hear her reading, or someone reading, as he pushed the door to their studio apartment open. Allison looked up at him, walked over to the stereo, and pressed the pause button.
“You’re home early.” She smiled and began washing her hands at the kitchen sink.
“Couldn’t study.” He motioned to the stereo. “Another audio book?”
“Yeah, makes cooking less boring.” She turned the sink off.
“I can think of something less boring than cooking.” He pulled her to him and kissed her on the mouth.
She held her wet hands to her chest and struggled under his embrace. “I can’t, hey, come on, they’re moving my office tomorrow, I have to be there early.”
“Oooh, big investment banker lady getting a window office already?”
“Not a chance. Probably a cube next to the elevator.”
“Or the bathroom.”
“Let’s hope not. It is on the 104th floor though, so I can walk near the windows on my breaks. If they ever give me one.”
“Exactly why you should live a little.” He picked her up and threw her on the bed. He kissed her again and ran his hands down her body.
She was breathing faster now. “What time do you have class? What’s tomorrow? Tuesday, the 11th?”
He pulled his sweater off. “Don’t know, don’t care.”
CHAPTER 78
Press Release
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333, USA For Immediate Release
Contact: Division of News & Electronic Media, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286
New flu strain reported in villages in Northern India
A new strain of flu called NII.4 Burang has been reported by India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It is not yet known if the strain is a mutation of an existing flu strain or a completely new virus. The CDC has dispatched a field team to assist Indian health officials in analyzing the new strain.
The outbreak was first reported among villagers outside Dharchula, India.
The severity and mortality rate of the new strain is also unknown at this time.
The CDC has advised the State Department that no travel advisories are called for at this time.
A follow-up press release will be issued when the CDC has more details about NII.4 Burang.
CHAPTER 79
Milo wasn’t waiting for Kate the next morning, but the bowl of breakfast porridge was there on the table, just as before. It was a little cold, but otherwise delicious.
Kate wandered out of the wood-floored room, into the hallway.
“Dr. Kate!” Milo said as he jogged up to meet her. He stopped just short of her, put his hands on his knees and panted until he caught his breath. “I’m sorry, Dr. Kate. I was… I had to work on my special project.”
“Special project? Milo, you don’t have to meet me every morning.”
“I know. I want to,” the teenager said as he regained his breath.
They walked together down the open-air wooden passageways toward David’s room.
“What are you working on, Milo?”
He shook his head. “I cannot say, Dr. Kate.”
Kate wondered if it was another prank. When they reached David’s room, Milo bowed and departed, sprinting in the direction he’d come from.
David’s condition had barely changed, although Kate thought maybe his color was returning.
She gave him his morning antibiotics and pain pill and opened the journal again.
August 7th, 1917
I stand to greet the two men as Helena ushers them into the small solarium. Not even the slightest hint of pain crosses my face. I’ve taken three of the big white pain pills today, preparing, ensuring I seem up to any task.
It’s just before noon, and the sun hangs high in the sky, bathing the white wicker furniture and the plants placed around the solarium with light.
The taller man steps forward, out-pacing Helena and speaking without waiting for her to make the introduction. “So, you’ve finally decided to see us.” German, a soldier sure as shit. His eyes are cold, intent.
Before I can speak, the other man pops out from behind the towering man, extending a hand. “Mallory Craig, Mr. Pierce. Pleasure.” An Irishman, and a mousey one at that.
The German unbuttons his jacket and sits without asking. “And I’m Konrad Kane.”