by Hanson
Maxine gave her an understanding smile. She’d worked at Hope Haven as a young RN and knew there were situations beyond the control of a nurse.
Penny was winding down her long preamble. When she introduced the county health nurse, Elena realized that Maxine would be the real head of the task force. No one in the room, not even Dr. Hamilton with his long years of medical experience, was more qualified to coordinate disaster preparations.
Maxine was medium height, neither heavy nor thin, and had a halo of light brown hair around her pleasantly round face. Even in a flared navy skirt and white uniform blouse with a logo over the pocket, she didn't look like an authority figure, but Elena knew looks could be deceiving. The county health nurse had a well-deserved reputation for getting things done. Maybe no one else noticed, but Penny stepped aside a bit reluctantly. Elena was relieved to know a public health--expert would be guiding them.
“As I see it, Hope Haven has a threefold responsibility,” Maxine said, speaking in a gentle but persuasive voice. “First, you need to distribute the limited supply of vaccine to those who are most vulnerable. You need to establish guidelines to decide who gets shots. Dr. Hamilton, would you be so kind as to head up a subcommittee to determine the criteria?”
“Happy to,” the distinguished silver-haired physician said.
“Thank you. Second, there needs to be a plan to handle a large number of critical cases, should it be necessary. Flu patients will have to be isolated from the general population; and no visitors can be allowed in the hospital, even if it means drawing extra security from local law enforcement.”
“Do you think things will get that serious?” Penny asked.
“No, but we have to be prepared for the worst possible situation. I’ve already spoken to James Bell, and he's agreed to head a group that will formulate emergency plans,” Maxine said, looking toward James who gave an affirmative nod.
There were approving looks on both sides of the table, a measure of how much James was respected.
“The third major responsibility is keeping the public informed. We need to hammer home how important simple hygiene is and, at the same time, stress the seriousness of an epidemic without causing panic.”
“What about the schools?” a woman from radiology asked. “Will they be closed?”
“I’ll be in constant contact with the superintendent about closing the schools if necessary. As I was about to say, my office will handle public information, but I am asking a few of you to help. Right now, the number one priority is to spread factual information and combat rumors.” Elena knew she was right about that. A few staff members were already panicky, and it would get worse before this was over.
“Mr. Varner and I have had a long discussion about personnel and have come up with suggestions on how each of you can best help. With Penny's input, of course,” she added diplomatically.
Copies of the assignments were passed around, and Elena was happy to be working on public information with Maxine. Anabelle would be working with Dr. Hamilton, and Candace was on James's committee.
Elena left the task force meeting without a clear idea of what she could contribute, but no doubt she’d be hearing from Maxine soon.
As she approached her house, Elena was excited to tell Cesar about the task force. Maybe he would have some idea of why she’d been appointed to the information committee. She smiled, anticipating what he’d have to say. It was a running joke between them that she could talk nonstop for hours on end when she was fired up about a cause, and it was another joke altogether that she never said no to joining a cause.
Cesar's red truck wasn't in their driveway, which wasn't terribly surprising. As a police detective, he occasionally worked overtime, or he might have gone to the library to study for the course he was taking online. Rafael's battered white van, used to haul his band's instruments on their weekend gigs, was parked there, and Elena tried to think of the best way to suggest that he get a flu shot at the hospital as soon as possible.
She shivered in the cold wind that was picking up, carrying a dusting of snow in its wake. Much as she anticipated the arrival of spring, it looked like they were due for more wintry weather. Sometimes she longed for the blazing sun of summer.
“Hello,” she called out as she came into her cozy kitchen. “Anybody home?”
“Just me,” Rafael said, coming into the room. “Dad left a note. He and Izzy were too hungry to wait for you, so they went out for pizza.”
“I guess that leaves the leftover casserole for you and me,” she said, shrugging out of her heavy jacket.
“Sorry, Mom.”
He gestured at the empty dish soaking in the sink, a sheepish smile on his handsome face. He had his father's dark, sometimes mischievous eyes; and she loved the way they sparkled when he was happy.
Her son was happy, she realized. He’d been depressed and unhappy for such a long time that seeing his contentment was like sunshine to Elena. He delighted in his daughter and was focused on becoming a police officer like his father after years of uncertainty about his future. “How did your class go today?” she asked, rubbing her hands together to warm them.
“Great. It's nearly the end of the semester, so I’m eager to see what grade I’ll get. If it's good, it will look good on my résumé when I start applying for police jobs.”
After much soul-searching, Rafael had decided that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a police officer. When he finished his community college courses, he was going to start applying for jobs. It could be a long process; and when he was hired, he would be sent to a police academy for training. Both of his parents gratefully supported his decision, glad that his uncertainty about his future was resolved.
“There's no reason why you can't get an A,” the proud mother in her said. “You have a good head.”
“When I use it, you mean,” he said with a broad grin.
“Speaking of using your head,” Elena said, taking the opportunity that had arisen, “you really should have a flu shot. There's a possibility we might have a flu epidemic in the county. That's why I’m late coming home today. I’m on a task force to help prepare for it.”
“It's almost spring, Mom. I’ll be fine.”
“Rafael,” she said in a stern voice. “You can still listen to your mother. Flu shots are in short supply; but if you become eligible for one, I want you to promise to get one.”
“But, Mom, with you on the job, the flu wouldn't dare invade Deerford,” her son teased.
“I’m serious,” Elena protested. “Promise me you’ll have the shot if I can get one for you.”
Usually she worked hard to treat her son as an adult. He’d been left with a baby to care for by himself, and it had been a blow to his pride to move back with his parents, however supportive they were. On this issue, though, Mother still knew best.
“You win,” Rafael said with a smile. “I’ll brave a cold steel dagger if it will put your mind at ease.”
“A tiny pinprick,” she admonished him, returning his smile and grateful that he’d agreed.
Rafael headed to his room to study, and Elena decided to open a can of soup for supper. But before she could open the can, the kitchen door flew open, announcing her husband and granddaughter's return.
In her long marriage that had begun when she was only nineteen, one thing hadn't changed. She still felt a rush of happiness when her handsome husband came home. She often fretted over the dangers of his job as a detective, and it was always good to have him back in the security of their house.
He pulled her into his arms and gave her a warm kiss before slipping out of his winter jacket.
Izzy stood still for a quick hug and then ran off to tell her father about pizza with her grandfather. Elena watched her beautiful, dark-haired little granddaughter for a moment and then turned to her husband.
“So how was your day?” he asked, his black eyes sparkling in the way that told her he’d missed her.
“You’re l
ooking at a member of a task force,” she said with quiet pride. “The hospital is preparing for a possible flu epidemic.”
“Congratulations. They couldn't have picked a more competent nurse.”
She flushed ever so slightly at her husband's compliment. “Oddly enough, I’m on the information committee.”
He laughed out loud.
“What's so funny?” she said with a smile.
“Sweetheart, I can't imagine a better person to spread news.”
“Are you saying I’m a gossip?” she asked with mock severity, hands on her hips.
“Not at all, only that you know how to stay on top of a situation. What I want to know is how much time this is going to take. You know that sometimes I feel like I have to make an appointment to see my own wife.”
“You’re exaggerating. I’m almost always here when you get home from work, not that you’re always on time.”
“Sometimes I have to work overtime. It's part of the job.”
“I should know that after all these years. The task force is part of my job, if you want to put it that way.”
“Yeah, but you find plenty of other things to take up your time. Your Wednesday night thing, for example.”
“That's my Bible study night, as you well know. I’ll thank you not to call it a ‘thing.’”
“Sorry. I just miss you when you’re gone so much, but don't worry about it. There's a basketball game I want to watch on TV tonight. Any chance you’ll make some popcorn and watch it with me?”
“I’ll pop the corn and maybe watch a little of the game, but I have clean laundry to fold and dirty clothes to wash. And Izzy hasn't had a home-baked cookie in her school lunch in ages. Then I have some calls to make for a potluck at church.…”
“Wake me up before you go to bed if I fall asleep in my chair,” he said in a disgruntled voice.
Elena sighed, feeling a little tinge of guilt. She knew that deep down he understood how hard it was to balance a full-time job and a family, but occasionally he’d acted resentful about the time she devoted to extra activities, especially anything to do with church. She prayed that someday he would come to accept the Lord as part of his life and join the community of believers. She loved him and didn't want him to be unhappy, but the church was part of her life too.
Izzy raced into the kitchen, eager to tell all about her day at school. Elena's heart swelled with love and joy, and she tried to forget Cesar's cross mood. Someday he would understand that the church could be a uniting force in their marriage. She had to believe that.
Chapter Three
JAMES CAME HOME TO FIND A CRISIS ON HIS doorstep. His two teenage sons, Nelson and Gideon, had been out searching since dinner, but now it was getting dark. They came home looking tired and dejected.
“Dad, we looked everywhere for Sapphire,” Gideon, the elder son, said.
“Yeah, we asked everyone we saw too,” Nelson added. “I don't get it. How could she just disappear?”
“Maybe she got confused by our new neighborhood,” James suggested.
“That's possible,” Gideon said. “She's never disappeared like this before.”
Sapphire was Fern's beloved Maine coon cat. She had silvery gray hair marked by darker striations. At fifteen pounds, she was an adult with several distinguishing characteristics. She had a ruff around her neck like a lion, a bushy tail not unlike a raccoon's, and six toes on her feet. More importantly, she’d never run away before. Quite the opposite, she usually came when her name was called.
“Maybe she’ll show up tomorrow,” Nelson said. “She has to be hungry.”
“Thanks for all your effort,” James said. “But don't you guys have homework?”
Nelson quickly agreed that he did have an English assignment, but Gideon sighed at the prospect.
Their father shooed them off and then walked into the family room to give his wife the bad news. Sapphire was Fern's cat, an adored companion when MS kept her home for days at a time.
She was stretched out on the couch with an unread book on her lap. Although she was nine years younger than her husband, her disease had taken a toll. There were silver strands among the brown in her pixie cut, and chronic fatigue had left her looking frail and older than her forty-four years. But to James, she was still as beautiful as ever; and he rejoiced whenever her MS showed signs of remission. Lately she’d been walking well with a cane, only using her portable wheelchair for excursions outside their home.
James took a deep breath. He knew how distressed Fern would be and hated to be the bearer of bad news.
“The boys didn't find her, did they?” she asked, guessing what he was about to tell her.
“No, they had to give up because it's too dark to see. Maybe tomorrow…”
“Maybe,” she repeated without sounding hopeful.
“She isn't familiar with our new neighborhood. I called a couple of friends on our old street. They promised to be on the lookout for her in case she made her way back there.”
“I know you’re doing all you can, but I’m not optimistic. It's not like Sapphire to wander off. You can set your watch by her dinnertime. You know how she sits and stares at the cupboard when it's time to eat. I hope she isn't starving.”
James was pretty sure Sapphire could look out for herself in that respect. If she couldn't beg a bowl of milk from some kindly soul, she still had her ancestors’ hunting skills. But he didn't want to point that out to Fern. He was much more worried that their pet had lost a territorial battle with an automobile.
He got up early the next morning, hoping to find the family feline meowing outside the back door. She’d only been gone one night, so there was still hope.
Moving quietly through the kitchen and out the back door, he stood for a few moments enjoying the spacious backyard and the patio with a whirlpool tub. They’d moved from their old home to make life easier for Fern.
There was no sign of Sapphire, nor had he really expected to find her. He was also concerned that their old house hadn't sold yet, putting him in a gloomy mood as he started his day.
Elena saw James pulling into the staff parking lot as she got out of her own car Tuesday morning. On the way to work, her mind had been full of questions about the task force. This was the first day of March. Would there really be an epidemic when winter was almost over? Of course, the snow crunching underfoot made spring seem far off. She wanted to hear what James had to say about it, especially since he’d been given such a responsible job.
There was a cold wind this early in the morning, and the piles of dirty snow that ringed the parking lot showed no sign of melting away any time soon. Maybe if they could get through this month, the flu threat would pass them by. She prayed that the severe strain wouldn't claim any victims, here or anywhere else.
“Good morning,” James said as he left his car and walked toward her.
“Hi. Glad I caught you before our shift starts. What do you think of the task force? Do you really think we’ll need emergency measures?” she asked.
“It's good to be prepared, even if there isn't a crisis situation. In fact, we should be familiar with disaster procedures even if we never need to use them.”
“I agree,” Elena said. “I just wondered whether you’ve seen reports from other parts of the country. How real is the threat?”
“Very real,” he said in a glum voice.
He didn't sound like his usual upbeat self, and she wondered whether his new responsibility was preying on his mind.
“If you’re worried, then I’m in panic mode,” she said, exaggerating in an attempt to cheer him up.
“Don't get hysterical,” he finally teased. “I’m concerned about the possibility of an epidemic, but I’m down because my day got off to a bad start.”
“Oh, I hope Fern hasn't taken a turn for the worse.”
“No, thank the Lord, but I am worried about her. Sapphire is missing, and you know how Fern loves her. I was hoping the cat would show up this morning, but no luc
k.”
“She's pretty much a house cat, isn't she?”
“Yes, but we’ve always been able to let her out for a little exercise. She rarely left our old yard, and she was good about coming inside when she got tired. Of course, in our other house, she had a little swinging cat door so Fern didn't have to let her in. I’ve been meaning to install one in our new home, but there are always so many things to keep me busy.”
“I don't know how you manage to do everything you do as it is.”
“My days are full,” he admitted, “but the Lord has given me the strength and energy to do all that's required of me. Fortunately, I like being busy.”
“Well, good luck heading the committee. I hope everyone on the staff cooperates.”
“I’m sure they will when they understand how serious an epidemic could be. I guess that's your responsibility, convincing people that it could happen here.”
“The county nurse has ideas on how to do that. In fact, I got a phone message asking me to meet with her after my shift. Maxine is so efficient, my job should be easy.”
“No doubt she’ll find jobs for you,” James said with a soft chuckle, sounding more like his usual self.
Elena's morning flew by, giving her no time to wonder about her role on the task force. They had some empty beds in the Intensive Care Unit, but the patients they did have more than made up for any decrease in numbers. Among the more critical they had a man in his early sixties whose chance of survival was slim and an elderly woman who was barely hanging onto life. The families of both were in the nearby lounge hoping to spend a few precious moments with their loved ones. Visiting was strictly controlled in ICU, but when a patient was terminal, the rules were relaxed.
