CHAPTER TWO
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that,” said Jalen as they walked back to the cafeteria. They’d missed lunch, although no one thought about food with those smells. “It was like a pandemic.”
“Don’t utter those words, brother,” said Frank. “Whatever it is, it damn sure has a hold on the community. I assume everyone scrubbed down afterwards?”
“I damn sure did,” said Dom. “We also all changed our clothes.”
“Same,” nodded Jalen and the others. “I did get to meet the new docs and nurses. They all seem great and definitely will fit into this team. Did you see the size of Quentin? That dude is nearly as big as Noah.”
“Bastard is definitely big,” smirked Bodhi, “and I say that having a brother that looks like sasquatch.”
“I heard that,” said Cade. The others only laughed shaking their heads.
Inside the cafeteria, families were coming in, ready for the evening meal. It was warm, out of the biting winds of winter, and the smells that assaulted them were unbelievable.
“I smell gumbo,” grinned Aiden.
“Red beans and rice,” smiled Dalton.
“Shrimp creole,” said Callan. “Out of the way boys, I’m starving.”
As they sat down to eat, the doctors and nurses came in looking exhausted. Cam and the other seniors frowned, moving to speak with them.
“How are things?” asked Luke.
“We had to admit a few people,” said Kennedy. “This isn’t the flu. We’re not sure what it is. It presents like the flu with aches, pains, and fever but some patients develop blisters on their torsos, blurry vision, even vomiting and diarrhea.”
“We were a witness to that,” said Carl. “I’ve never seen that many people sick at one time. Are they all from this area?”
“No,” said one of the new doctors, Darcie.
“Hello again, everyone. You were amazing in there. I’m so glad you were all available to help.
But to answer your question, they weren’t all from this area.
Some were coming from as far away as Bogalusa.
They were referred by friends because they’d been sick for so long by other physicians and no one could seem to help them. ”
“We’ve got Suzette and Riley working in the lab trying to figure out what the hell this is, whether it’s an old strain just amplified or something new that we haven’t seen before,” said Layla. “It’s terrifying and we have to find a way to stop it before it spreads.”
“Get some dinner and try to get some rest,” said Kennedy looking at her fellow doctor.
“I’ve already eaten,” she smiled. “I’m going to head back and be on hand for the night crew. We know folks will come through the emergency room if they have to.”
“Call us if you need help,” said Callan. “We’re just a few minutes away.”
Layla nodded, Cole standing to walk his wife back to the hospital. No doubt, he would spend the evening sleeping in her office in case she needed anything. Alexandra walked toward her son’s table, bending to kiss him on the cheek.
“Hi Mom,” smiled Luke. “Where’s dad?”
“Your father is having an existential crisis. He’s learning the importance of being able to communicate with the animals.”
“Yeah, we heard that he was arguing with Elvis and Stella. Is there another problem?” asked Luke.
“No, no, he figured out the Elvis thing. A few of the wives got together and knitted him a complete neck scarf. He’s very cozy now. Stella didn’t get her own pool, but Grant was able to give her a private pond.”
“So what’s the problem?” frowned Cam.
“Well, it seems Alvin would like the freedom to nibble on the illegal trappers and fishermen in the bayou. He says it would save everyone a lot of time and Trak is happy to help him.”
“I bet he is,” laughed Eric.
“Semu has adopted a litter of motherless kittens and wants the heat turned up in her enclosure so they don’t get cold.”
“That feels reasonable,” smirked Hex.
“All of it is reasonable,” grinned Alexandra, “it’s just feeling a bit like insanity to Gaspar. Oh, I almost forgot. I need to find Lucy and Claire. The toucans and flamingoes have come down with something. They’re not eating at all.”
“Wait, the birds aren’t eating?” asked Darcie turning around from her table. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to listen in.”
“It’s okay,” smiled Alexandra. “Yes, the birds came down with something a few days ago and haven’t eaten in a while. Tito, one of the flamingoes said his stomach was hurting.”
“I don’t like this,” said Darcie. “I don’t like this at all.”
“Don’t worry. My sister and Claire will take a look at them,” said Luke.
“I know, Luke but many unusual, deadly viruses often have their start in the animal community. Bird flu, diseases in horses or cows, even chimps. If those birds carried something into our community, they could be our patient zero. When did they arrive?”
“The flamingoes have been here for at least a year,” said Cam.
“Then it’s not them. The toucans?”
“I’d have to check, but I’m pretty sure they came six or seven months ago.” Darcie nodded, then stood. “Where are you going?”
“To find Lucy and Claire. I just want to check a few things to rule out the birds.” The look on Darcie’s face had them all concerned but they understood that she had to check everything.
“This would fucking suck if one of the animals brought the virus in,” said Hex. “It would kill Mama Irene. You know what I mean.”
“I know what you mean, brother,” said Luke. “Maybe for the time being we keep people out of the animal sanctuary both for the sake of us, and the animals.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” said Cam.
The wind whistled outside, blowing the moss from the trees, leaves and fallen flowers circling the earth. In the distance they could see lightening streaking across the sky. There was a storm warning that would bring gale force winds, rain, and even a possibility of sleet, ice, and snow.
The team turned to look outside, the sudden burst of wind feeling like an ominous warning. Luke stared at the others.
“Let’s buckle everything down. I think it’s going to be a long night.”