Dead Love

67



Max couldn’t get near Suzy’s condo. He parked as close as possible and then ran to the edge of the cordoned off area. He was stopped by a muscular guy, dressed in a dark suit, wearing an earpiece, and obviously carrying.

“What’s going on? My girlfriend lives in this building,” Max said loudly, and was struggling with the big guy, trying to see over the flashing lights and people, many in uniform, some on cell phones. Suzy’s condo was brightly lit, and he could see the open garage door.

“My name is Agent Walker, FBI. What is your name, sir?” asked the big guy.

“Colonel Max Graham.”

“Some ID, please,” requested the agent.

He was inspecting the military ID while Max continued to look at the activity near the building.

“Hold on, Colonel. Let me contact the agents in charge of this investigation.”

Max backed down, hands on his hips, impatient to understand what was happening.

“What’s taking so long?” he thought.

“Sir, Agents Reed and Strickland would like to talk with you. Just follow me,” he requested.

Max followed closely behind Walker, heading toward the condominium.

“Thanks, Walker,” said George.

They introduced themselves to Max. “I’m FBI Special Agent Reed and this is my partner, Agent Strickland.” They shook hands.

Max said, in a commanding voice, “What’s happening here? I would like to see Dr. Chen, Agent Reed.”

She responded, “Let’s go to the police van. It’s a bit more private, and we can talk,” she directed.

Max followed her, stepping into the white unit. Mark remained silent but accompanied them into the van.

George said, “Let’s sit down here at the table.

“There was a small built-in table with bench seats on either side to the right of the door. Max sat on one side, and George and Mark slid into the seat opposite him.

“Colonel Graham, please tell me about your relationship with Dr. Chen,” she asked.

Max was glancing around, noticing others working at computer monitors, but he couldn’t quite stay focused. He felt confused and uncertain of what was going on.

“Look, I will tell you all I know, but I need to see Dr. Chen and know that she is all right. I have been trying to talk to her for most of the day and could only speak with her briefly. I understand about the investigation and the need for security, but she and I are,” and he hesitated, “involved, on a very personal basis. Do you understand?” he asked, intensely. “Tell me what’s going on. Now!”

George touched his arm gently and said, “Colonel Graham, Dr. Chen has been shot by an unknown assailant and is dead.”


68



Annie had bathed the boys, dressed them in their jammies, and then they curled up on the sofa in the TV room, watching a video. It had been fun having the sandwiches and potato chips although they missed their mom. But Annie was nice, and they loved being with her.

It was around 9:00 p.m. when Mike began the drive to Baltimore. He wanted to get to Maggie as soon as possible. He couldn’t wait any longer. He had called the evening shift nurse, saying he was coming, and asked about Maggie’s status. The nurse, Jeff, said she was holding her own, but her prognosis was uncertain. He told Mike that he would be able to look at Maggie through a glass partition and talk to her through an intercom but that was all. Mike didn’t care. He had to be with his wife.

Dwight, from crew dispatch, had called earlier that evening, totally distraught. But somehow, he managed to get the words out. Terry had died that evening, and Mike had broken down. How could this nightmare be happening?

His eyes were still puffy from crying, but Mike focused on the drive. It had been easy to find the hospital. He parked near the emergency entrance, where one of the clerks directed him to ICU. Maggie was in an isolation unit on the same floor. After thanking the clerk, Mike hurried down the hall.

He got to the unit and was directed to a waiting room, where there were several others sitting quietly, hoping for those few moments when they could see their loved ones. A TV set was on in the corner of the room. The news reporter was talking about the growing fears of a dangerous pandemic.

Finally, after about thirty minutes, Jeff called for Mike and led him to a small private room with a large glass window. Mike listened as Jeff explained which bed Maggie was in. All Mike could see was a large clear canopy around her bed, and tubes and monitors everywhere. But he could see a blurred image of her face, looking as though she was in a deep sleep, her body very still. There was a phone on a table beside the window.

Jeff said, “I’ll go in and place the phone next to Maggie’s ear, and you can talk to her. Dial zero-six and we will be connected. It’ll take me a few minutes to get my mask and hood on.”

Mike nodded. “Okay.” A few minutes later, he saw Jeff enter the unit and go into the canopy. Mike dialed the number.

Jeff picked up and said, “Go ahead.” Then he placed the phone near Maggie’s ear.

Mike began talking to her, very softly, saying, “Maggie, it’s Mike, I love you, sweetheart. Don’t worry. The boys send hugs and kisses. You will be home soon. I am going to spoil you. And the boys will love their new brother or sister, our baby, Maggie.”

He just kept talking to her, telling her everything she needed to hear.

Jeff turned around and spoke into the phone, “Her eyes are open, Mike. Your girl is a fighter.”

Then Jeff hurried off to report to the doctor and get further instructions. Mike had tears running down his face, as he stood, head bowed in quiet prayer.


69



Later that evening, Mark and George were driving to their Baltimore hotel, talking about the case, needing to decompress from the trying day. They had much work ahead, putting together the various pieces of this still unfolding crisis. The presumed vials of the H5N1 vaccine were at the CDC, and the Edgewood Facility was under heavy guard. Much of the evidence continued to implicate Adams and Chen. Chen’s murder further complicated the investigation. It had been difficult telling Max about Suzy. The man had maintained self-control but was clearly devastated. George realized at that moment that no one is promised tomorrow.

Mark appeared deep in thought and then asked, “How about a late dinner?”

Hesitating, Georgiana looked up from her notes at Mark. He was staring at the road ahead, hands gripping the steering wheel, waiting for her answer.

“I have wanted you to ask me that for a long time,” she said, reaching over and touching his hand.

He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm tenderly.