Chapter 37

Monday, June 22, 1987 -Morning

The following day, Steve returned to Metzger Laboratories and discovered manila folders with medical test results heaped on Julie's desk. Steve learned that while he'd waited for Julie's health to improve, and for her to release the prized data disks to him, the physical condition of their Seattle patients continued to deteriorate. One alarming case was a pair of nine-month-old twins by the name of Andrew and Alexander Miller. Both boys exhibited respiratory ailments consistent with Red Dust exposure. Mr. and Mrs. Miller resided in an area of Washington known for its high toxin reproduction rate. Only after their sons became seriously ill did they move closer to Seattle, and enrolled the boys in Metzgar's research study.

As she had with CJ, Julie grew attached to Alex and Andy. The way she'd worried for not only these twins, but all the little ones under her care, bothered Steve. He knew how devastated she'd be if any of them died. Steve felt the decline in Andrew Miller's condition would upset Julie a great deal. He was glad he couldn't communicate with her and tell her Andrew was now on life support and his chances of survival were slim.

Picking up the phone, Steve dialed Ross'office number.

"Good morning," Ross said.

"No it isn't," Steve replied.

Ross sighed. "I imagine you're calling to see what Julie's decision is, regard–"

"I received reports from Seattle. Can I come speak with you?"

"Certainly."

Steve hung up then promenaded to Ross' office. The door was already open. Ross stood at the copy machine, loading a ream of paper.

"One of the Miller twins isn't doing well," Steve said. "His condition has weakened. They've put him on a respirator."

"You've been off the project for too long," Ross accused. "Now your patient is—"

"It isn't my fault. I don't have a magic cure for him. Julie's been ill. I'm worried about her."

"Well, you need to let her friend, Mr. Donovan worry about her, and you take charge of the project."

Ross' words stung.

"I'll go through all the new reports and assess their situation," Steve replied.

"You'll do it in Seattle." Ross sat at his desk and pressed the call button.

"Yes, Mr. Templeton." The secretary's nasally voice came on.

"I'd like you to book Dr. Maitland a flight to Seattle, A.S.A.P."

He's making me leave? Steve wondered in disbelief. What about the data disks? She must've said no.

"Will do," the secretary answered.

Ross looked at Steve. "Go home and pack. We'll send a cab for you."

"Did Julie even call?" Steve asked.

With a quick nod, Ross answered, "She's not giving them up… yet."

#

Having arrived in Seattle Monday evening, Steve knew it was too late to visit the research hospital and examine his and Julie's patients. He settled into a room at the newly renovated Marriot in downtown Seattle. Ross and Shelley Templeton spared no expense when it came to lodging their prized scientists. Steve's suite featured a living area with a desk where he could work on research notes, a small wet bar stocked with several bottles of exquisite wine, and a large bedroom featuring a California-king sized bed. Trying to sleep there only reminded Steve of the nights he'd spent here with Julie.

Tuesday morning, he woke early, showered and dressed in his best business attire. By six-thirty, he started making rounds in the research hospital's NICU. The tiniest and most vulnerable patients were first on his agenda. Thirty-seven babies in all bore a birth defect and/or respiratory ailment caused by exposure to the Red Dust. Steve thought a simple solution for evading Red Dust exposure would be for the world's human population to migrate to cities where the toxin was inactive. Julie never shared his opinion on the matter, citing it to be a ridiculously difficult endeavor to accomplish.

Steve arrived in the Miller twin's nursery by nine. He saw Mrs. Miller sitting in a rocking chair, holding the healthier twin, Alexander. She sang a soft lullaby which reminded Steve of time spent in his own mother's arms.

The sicklier of Mrs. Miller's twins slept in a nearby crib, covered in cellophane. Life sustaining tubes ran in and out of his makeshift cocoon.

Steve clutched a clipboard and addressed the boy's mother. "Mrs. Miller?"

She glanced at him with watery brown eyes. "Dr. Maitland."

Alexander clung to her as she stood.

Steve smiled at him. "Hey there, little man." He addressed the woman again. "I'm sorry I haven't been here lately."

"I know about Dr. Parrish." Mrs. Miller spoke quietly. "Is she improving?"

"She has," he admitted, hoping she wouldn't ask him for the details on Julie's recovery. He'd be embarrassed to admit he hadn't talked to Julie in over a week.

He shuffled toward Andrew's crib. "I heard Andy isn't doing too well."

Her eyes filling with tears, Mrs. Miller shook her head. "No."

"I'd like to examine him."

A nurse took Alexander from Mrs. Miller. "It'll be a while."

Mrs. Miller nodded then slipped out of the nursery.