Chapter 5
Abbey was more concerned the next day. Jed's temperature continued to rise even though the Advil normally brought it down. At her last check it was up to 102.4. His skin was cool and clammy, he was restless and sleeping almost non-stop.
'Hackett said he got a flu shot', she thought. 'I got one the same day.' But his symptoms looked exactly like the flu.
Charlie had stayed the night in case Abbey or the President needed him and Leo was canceling his appointments for the next few days.
"Abbey, do we need to call Hackett?"
"He's already been up here to check on him, Leo. Said there's nothing else we can do than what we're doing. He's had the flu before and it took him at least a day to turn around. But I'm worried. His temperature hasn't even begun to fall like it should have."
Knock!
Knock!
Leo went over to the door and opened it. Charlie handed him a message and Leo took a minute to read it.
Abbey saw the fear that spread across his face. "Leo, what is it? What's wrong?"
Leo walked quickly to the TV and turned it to the cable news channel. "Watch this Abbey."
They both stood next to each other while the newscaster made his announcement. "According to an HHS spokesman, Secretary Don Moore passed away an hour ago from severe complications from the flu. Secretary Moore had a kidney transplant three years ago and was extremely susceptible to any infection. Further tests are planned today to determine the exact cause of death. The President, Secretary Moore and Director Black of the CDC returned from an avian flu fact-finding trip to Asia only three days ago. We are awaiting updated information on the status of President Bartlet's condition and Director Black's current illness as well. Both are also suffering from a flu-like illness. More information to come."
Leo muted the TV and turned to look at Abbey. Both wanted to believe the illnesses were just a coincidence. But both knew better.
"Leo, surely this is not the avian flu. Surely."
"Abbey, there's only one way to tell. Are you going to call Hackett or do I?"
Abbey paused, her thoughts focused on the person lying in the bed in front of her.
"I will. He'll have to draw some blood. That's the only way to know for certain. And isolation is mandatory. Jed will have to be transferred to Bethesda."
They both continued to look at the sleeping President.
Is it even remotely possible that the traveling party could have brought back the avian flu?
Could it be the start of an epidemic right here in the White House?
Only time would tell.
Both Abbey and Leo knew that if it was the bird flu, that the mortality rate was high. And the President of the United States was now on that list.
"I'm scared, Leo."
"Yeah, me too."