Page 21 of The Shadow Friends

What’s happening?

Status?

???

She dialed his phone, and he answered on the second ring, sounding breathless.

“At last! What the hell is going on?”

“I’m still in isolation. I couldn’t call because they had to disinfect my phone. I just got it back.”

“Look outside.”

She went to the window and saw Declan and Ben standing below in the parking lot, waving. “You found my room.”

“Of course we did. Putting you on speakerphone, so Ben can hear. How are you feeling?”

“I feel absolutely fine.”

“No symptoms at all? No fever, headache?”

“I’ve been asked that question too many times already. I have no symptoms at all.”

“It’s still early.”

“Are you trying to cheer me up?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that Ben and I have been reading up on Ebola, and it’s nothing to sneeze at.” He paused. “Bad metaphor.”

“If I do get sick, I’m lucky that Dr. Stamoran’s advising my medical team. But they still don’t know it is Ebola. It could be anything.”

“Right. Like some other fatal exotic African virus.”

“Again, Declan. Stop trying to cheer me up.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just hate the fact you’re up there and I’m down here and there’s nothing I can do. You know, it wouldn’t be hard to rappel up there and see you. If I waited till dark, who’d see me? I’ve got rope and climbing gear . . .”

“Whoa, boy,” Ben said, breaking into the conversation. “You just got your cast off. We don’t want you in there with another broken leg.”

Even from three floors up, she could see the worry in Declan’s face. She pressed her hand against the window, wishing she could touch him. Reassure him. “Go home. You can’t keep playing Romeo in the parking lot.”

“I don’t want to leave you here all alone.”

“Alone?” She laughed. “I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses who keep asking me how I’m feeling. I’d love to be left alone.”

“Have they told you anything? Given you any updates?”

“I know all my blood tests are normal so far. I can tell they’re puzzled, though, because I don’t think they know what Dr. Maslov has. So far, his screens for Ebola and Lassa fever are negative.”

“That’s good.”

“But it could take days before they’re certain. Until then, it seems I’m stuck here. So go home. I’ll call you if anything changes.”

“You just stay healthy. I’m counting on it. And don’t worry about a thing at home. We’ve got it all covered. Callie and Luther will take care of your chickens.”

“And the conference? What’s happening there?”

“It’s been canceled. We haven’t had a chance to catch up with Ingrid, but—” He paused. “That’s her calling now. I’d better take it.”