Contagious

by Druga, Jacqueline

  “Will it get there?”

  “For the first time, I can say ‘maybe’.”

  “Mi,” Tony sat down. “What is this ‘Sealed’ thing? How is that doing any good? I mean, they say in London, they are taking people from their homes and moving them to Heathrow.”

  “It’s under quarantine. It’s the only way to keep tabs on everyone exposed. We can shut down their homes, but that’s not going to help us or them. A hundred homes is a hundred places we have to watch. If we keep them in one place, we can monitor, deliver supplies and medical attention if need be. We’ve sectioned Heathrow off. Sick … not sick.”

  “Are there infected?” Tony asked. “Because they aren’t saying.”

  “Not yet.”

  “What about …” Tony’s eyes shifted and he stood up.

  Amita knew what caught his attention. The President of the United States was on the news. Tony turned up the volume, but Amita was all too aware of what the early morning conference was about.

  “Yes,” the President said. “We have quarantined JFK. We did so early yesterday morning.”

  “How many people are quarantined in there right now?”

  “Four hundred and twenty-seven. Health officials are being very cautious. They are isolating not only direct contact, but secondary and third parties as well.”

  “How long will the airport be shut down?” another asked. “Will we eventually suspend air travel?”

  The president shook his head. “We don’t see it coming to that and we believe after one week we can lift the quarantine.”

  “Have there been reports of anyone else being sick?”

  “Thankfully the only thing people are complaining about is the food.”

  “We were initially told it was a gas leak.” a reporter stated. “Why the lie?”

  “To keep panic low and to figure out what we are dealing with.”

  “And that is?”

  “A virus. But so far it is nothing major and nothing deadly.”

  Amita lowered her head and dropped her toast.

  Tony turned down the volume. “That’s not true is it?”

  “It kills fast. Within twenty-four hours. I don’t know for certain what the fatality rate is, but I do know for certain....no one has beaten it.”

  Tony was forcefully optimistic. He sat down again and held her hand. “But look at it this way. No one is sick. Heathrow or JFK. Maybe it stopped in Paris. Maybe it’s contained.”

  “I hope. But I can’t do a victory dance yet. It has a three to four day incubation period before symptoms show. If this thing is not contained, then tomorrow, all those not showing symptoms, all those exposed, will be sick. And for the US, tomorrow is D-Day,” Amita said. “The virus awakens on our shores. The battle begins.”

  “You’re too good. Too thorough.” He gave a strong squeeze to her hand. “You have to believe if they do get sick, you've got everyone contained.”

  Heavily, Amita breathed out and made eye contact with her husband. “Let’s hope.”

  <><><><>

  Ambassador Suites

  Cleveland, OH

  Joel wanted bacon. His wife hadn’t bought any, and even if she had, there was no way Joel could make any before going to work. His wife Bianca had such an aversion to the smell of fried foods, she would have had a fit. Besides, Joel was already dealing with her griping about his Ben Gay.

  He hoped he made it to the hotel in time to sneak some bacon off the buffet left overs. If not, he was pretty sure he could convince Ernie to make him some.

  Chances were they’d be out, simply because house occupancy was only at twelve percent. They didn’t make much food when it was that low. JJ Wylde and his entourage of dancers, musicians, security and so forth, had booked three of their five floors. Even though they weren’t arriving until sometime during the day, they had booked them all the night before to ensure availability.

  The hotel was empty.

  Joel was in luck.

  There was a pan with a half dozen strips on the back shelf, as he grabbed for one, he saw the room service girl., Katie, pouring an obscene amount of vodka into a large glass.

  Chomping on his bacon, Joel walked over to her. “Please don’t tell me that’s for you.”

  Katie giggled. “No. It’s a Bloody Mary for a guest.”

  “At eight in the morning? Someone has a problem.”

  “No, she doesn’t typically drink. But she told me she has a spiritual hangover from all the healing work she does.”

  Joel nearly choked. “Our self-help lady, Semora Love is getting her buzz on before she guides others.”

  “She has a headache, Joel.”

  “Take her some Ben Gay. That will help.”

  “You’re the only one that helps.” Katie finished making the Bloody Mary.

  “Not true. It’s an ancient Chinese secret.”

  Katie lifted the tray and placed it on the room service cart. One lonely glass, but they followed strict protocol and everything was delivered on a cart.

  “No food?” Joel asked. “Just booze?”

  “She’s not feeling well, I guess. But she has that seminar today.”

  Joel watched Katie as she started to wheel the cart. “Hey, just in case, keep a distance and wear gloves.”

  “Joel that would be rude.”

  “No, it would be safe. There’s that crazy virus going around.”

  Katie shook her head. “Watch the news. It’s in New York, and I know for a fact she came from Eerie.”

  “I guess you’re right. I’m being paranoid.”

  Katie gave a ‘no problem’ look and wheeled the room service cart away.

  As Joel enjoyed his bacon, he realized how insane he sounded. Wear gloves. Keep a distance. It wasn’t like Joel to overreact or get paranoid about things. He blamed it on his wife for going on and on about the quarantines. He made a mental note not to get like that because someone wasn’t feeling well. After all, he was in Cleveland, and really what were the chances that Miss Semora Love had that mystery virus?

  <><><><>

  It was a really bad habit, but Ava only indulged when she wasn’t home, and being at the hotel, was away from home. She was going to have a cigarette.

  She grabbed breakfast on the way there and still had time to kill. She peeked in the ballroom where the seminar was going to be. The wait staff was setting up beverages and she saw Semora Love reviewing her notes.

  Ava felt a twinge of excitement when she saw Semora and almost did a fan boy when she waved. After all, Semora was a celebrity of sorts.

  An employee told Ava she could smoke behind the building and she went back there. She lit up, inhaling slowly, enjoying the puffs of nicotine that she knew would make her a little dizzy. A third of the way through her smoke, she heard sniffling and sighing.

  Thinking 'what the heck' and wondering if someone was hurt, she walked toward the sounds.

  A few steps into her search she spotted him. A large man sat on the ground next to a garbage dumpster. With a duffel bag next to him, his head was down, his long dark hair hanging in his face and his shoulders were bouncing.

  Ava took a few more steps and called to him. “Hey. Are you okay?”

  He nodded.

  “Did you miss your plane or bus?”

  He shook his head. “You shouldn’t smoke. It’s bad for you.”

  “Yeah, well so is crying by a dumpster.”

  “I’m not crying. I’m … waiting. And my allergies are bothering me.”

  “You’re crying. It’s okay to cry.”

  “I’m not crying!” He blasted.

  Ava stepped back. He was too big to argue with and too scary looking. What if he had a gun or explosives in the duffel bag and was going to blow up the hotel? Quickly, she snuffed out her cigarette and raced back into the hotel and to the front desk.

  “May I help you?” the front desk clerk asked.

  “Do you have a manager available?”

  There was a shorter man
in a blue shirt and navy tie. He turned around. “I’m Joel Carson, I’m the manager. What can I help you with?”

  “There’s a big, scary man with a duffel bag crying by the dumpster. I think he may be dangerous.”

  Joel groaned. “Aw, Rayne.”

  “No it’s sunny out.”

  “No. Just …” He held up his hand and quickly walked from behind the front desk. “I’ll handle it. Thank you.”

  Ava nodded, then watched the manager walk outside. Figuring she still had time and was curious, she followed to see what was happening.

  The manager walked directly to the dumpster and to the seated man.

  Ava snuck close enough to hear.

  “Rayne,” Joel blasted. “What the hell are you doing out here? You aren’t needed for another five hours.”

  “I have nowhere to go.”

  “How about home? Sleep. You can’t be out here moping.”

  “She left, Joel,” Rayne shook his head. “She left. She took everything. Everything I have. And I just got a text.” He lifted his phone. “There’s someone else.”

  Groaning out a compassionate, “Oh.” Ava walked over. “That’s horrible. No wonder you’re so sad.”

  “Oh my God,” Joel said. “Don’t encourage this behavior.”

  “You can’t leave him like this,” Ava said. “I know what this is like. I had this happen. You come home. Everything is gone.”

  “Yeah,” Rayne looked up at her. “One fork.”

  Ava closed her eyes and shook her head. “One fork. Well it is her loss. She should …. Hey …” Ava smiled brightly. “I know you.”

  Joel asked. “You know him?”

  “You know me?”

  “I know you,” Ava said. “You’re Rayniac the Wrestler.”

  “You know that?” Joel questioned in shock.

  “Oh, I should. I write for Venue Vine.”

  “I love that blog.” Rayne exclaimed.

  “And my kids love you. You can’t let this get you down. You are on the cusp of greatness. You know that right?”

  “Thank you.” Rayne slowly stood and extended his hand.

  “Wow you’re big in person,” Ava said. “I only saw you from a few rows back. Yeah, I write under the name Avery Smith.”

  “I know you,” Rayne said,

  “Yep, and I know you.”

  “Oh my God.” Joel whined. “Okay, can we go inside now? Please. Rayne go home.”

  “No,” Ava said, “Rayniac. There is a self-help seminar inside. Why don’t you attend? This woman is phenomenal. This could be exactly what you need. There’s a reason you are here on this day at the depths of your despair. The seminar.”

  “No,” Joel said. “He’s just insane. Depths of his despair?”

  “Yes.” Ava nodded. “He’s depressed and needs this.”

  Joel tossed out his hands. “And on the cusp of greatness as you said. Maybe you should run the seminar.”

  Ava found enjoyment in that comment and turned and peered up to Rayne. “Will you? I’ll even pay for you. Please. Just to tell my kids Rayniac sat next to me. Will you take a selfie with me so I can post it?”

  “Sure. Yes. Thank you.”

  “No, thank you.”

  “Oh my God,” Joel said again and shook his head. “I think I’m the one who needs that drink instead of your seminar hostess.” He walked away.

  Rayne reached down and grabbed his duffel bag, fixed his hair at Ava’s request and followed her in.

  She told him to go and wash his face, which he did and then she led him to the ballroom.

  Semora Love was in there at the podium and the guests were still outside.

  “Miss Love?” Ava called out, walking in with Rayne. “I know you book these things ahead of time, but is there any way this man can attend? He’s having a really rough time.”

  Semora placed her hand to her chest. “I can see that. I sense that.” She walked toward them. “Please. Have a seat. Let me look at you.”

  Ava sat down and so did Rayne.

  “I can pay for him,” Ava said. “I’ll write a check.”

  “No. No.” She shook her head. “This man is in pain. It would be wrong.”

  Sadly, Rayne nodded.

  Semora reached out to him. “This is what you need. Trust me. I promise.” Before touching him, she turned her head, buried her mouth in the fold of her arm and coughed twice. She then laid her hand on his. “Your life will change from this moment on.”

  Chapter Four

  Cleveland, OH

  It was a good day. Ava was grateful that with the way it started, it just got better. Not once during the seminar did the kids call or text. There was no call from the school or the police. Rosie didn’t bother her, but then again, Ava didn’t expect her to. Not until she needed more money.

  Running into Rayniac the wrestler made it all worthwhile. The poor man was simply heartbroken and his pain was palpable. He ended up being a focus at the seminar. Of course, Ava had to giggle because she kept thinking Semora was using Rayniac as an example just as an excuse to touch him.

  Rayniac wasn’t a national superstar, but locally any true wrestling fan of the independent circuit, worshiped him. He carried Cleveland bragging rights.

  She had lunch with him, posed for selfies, and got a lot of knowledge, along with a book from Semora Love.

  The Seminar was better than she could have expected, with helpful tips that were common knowledge, but also ones she never thought of. Ava took notes on her tablet.

  The Seminar ended just before three. Ava kind of thought it would end earlier. It was obvious Semora was under the weather. But she was a trooper, pushing through, despite her sniffles and coughs.

  It was funny when the manager Joel came in to retrieve Rayne and Semora gave him a hard time.

  The manager didn’t back down.

  Semora told him, “If you want this man to work well for you, he needs to finish this seminar.”

  “I don’t care how he works, all he has to do is fold his arms and look mean.”

  “Its expectations like that, Mr. Carson, that have given this man a complex.”

  “Ha, he goes by the name of Rayniac the Wrestler. I think his complex started way before he knew me.”

  “Surely, this one hour is not as important as his wellbeing.”

  Joel, the manger gave up, waving out his hand with a groan and saying, “Fine, keep him.”

  The seminar cheered.

  Semora rubbed his chest again, stating something about Rayne’s heart.

  The song was a nice final touch, Semora wrote it. Well, the words, at least. They sung it to the tune of America, the Beautiful.

  Oh, beautiful for what I see, when I look into the mirror

  And all my weaknesses will leave, I will not live in fear.

  I love myself, I love myself

  I’ll find my inner cure

  I’ll find the freedom from my chains

  And emotionally soar.

  Rayne had a nice singing voice. He obviously felt better and held his head up.

  “Thank you.” he told her as they left the seminar. “This was just what I needed.”

  “You’re welcome. I know the hurt is there, and it will be for a while.” Ava told him. “But this stopped it for a few hours, right?”

  “Right. And I have a clearer head for this special security detail.”

  “Sounds exciting. Can you tell me what it is?”

  “JJ Wylde is staying here with his people.”

  “I thought he had his own security.”

  “I’m here for the hotel against him.”

  “Oh, good idea, he pees in plants. Good luck. I’ll be in touch.” Ava reached out and shook his hand.

  Rayne leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, then smiled. “You’re a good woman, Ava. Your husband is very lucky.”

  “I’m gonna hold you to telling him that when you come for dinner.”

  On an ‘up’ Ava started to leave and her da
y got better without even leaving the hotel. She didn’t have to stop and rent movies. A woman at the seminar had told her about three really good ones that were on demand. Then before she walked out the door, the manager stopped her. He wanted to thank her for helping Rayne, even though she made him late for work.

  Since he overheard them at lunch and heard Ava stating she was going to be making pizzas with the kids, he gave her two pizza kits from the kitchen.

  Bonus, she could go straight home and avoid any extra time that could breed trouble.

  She hit every green light, and didn’t even get angry when Darren called her and complained that he was upset she ‘posted’ pictures on line of her and a Neanderthal.

  “Take them down, my reputation is at stake. How do you think that makes my wife look?”

  “Considering your first wife is a meth addict, pretty much anything I do short of crack makes me look good. Just show them pictures of your first wife.”

  Darren didn’t like that and told her so, then simply ordered her again to take them down.

  Ava stayed calm, said she would but had no intention of doing so. She shook off any residue of bad energy from the Darren call—something she learned from Semora—grabbed her pizza kits and went to the house.

  Before she stepped in, she prepared herself for hell. After all, the twins were home with Landon. Knowing how their moods were going to be after a brief look at Rosie, Ava braced herself and stepped inside.

  She didn’t expect what she got.

  Excitement.

  “I saw your picture,” Calvin explained. “How cool was that? We love Rayniac.”

  “I know,” Ava said. “He made you a video.”

  Landon tugged her pant leg. “Is he big mommy? He looks big.”

  “Huge.”

  Cassie came barreling down the stairs. “Did you get his autograph?”

  Ava looked at her. She was smiling. A seldom seen look on Cassie’s face. “No, I didn’t but … he’s coming for dinner next week.”

  “What’s that?” Calvin asked of the items she carried.

  “Oh, pizza kits from the hotel. A gift because, you know, I helped Rayniac.”