The Flu 1/2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

long drink of his coffee. “Will you think about it?” He set the mug down. “And thank you for the coffee.”
    Dylan nodded slightly as Patrick walked from the kitchen. She followed.
    At the front door, Patrick stopped. “Perhaps I’ll see you and Tigger tonight at Central Park. I hear Fridays are concert nights. Will you be there?”
    Dylan only nodded again.
    “Hope to see you then.” With another flash of a smile, Patrick walked out.
    Dylan was mesmerized. He spoke so well, so strongly, and brought up a valid point. Where every other teacher had encouraged special education for Anthony, Patrick was the first who didn’t. It was a breath of fresh air having someone like him in Lodi. Open-minded, smart and, not to mention, really good-looking.
     
    * * *
     
    Winston Research
    Reston, Virginia
     
    “Nothing.” Paul Lafayette, head researcher of virology, dropped a clipboard of notes down on the research director’s desk. “Ten days now.” Paul’s index finger glided over his narrow mustache with concern.
    Director Henry Davis shook his head. “It’s not the first time, Paul. Last loss of communication with the Alaska station was fifteen days. You know it.” He pushed the clipboard forward.
    “See, I understand and recall that. However, we’re talking August here. The weather—”
    “Has it been clear?” Henry asked.
    “No. Unseasonable storms have hit and—”
    “There you have it.” Henry cut him off. “That damn satellite dish shuts down every time ice and snow get heavy. Don’t worry about it.”
    “Okay.” Paul lifted his clipboard again. He walked to the door and stopped. “Can I ask when I am allowed to be concerned about this? Because I have a bad feeling. It’s the wrong time of year for us to lose contact. In five years we have never lost contact at this time of year. And we’ve had unseasonable weather before. It melts faster.”
    Henry’s thick fingers tapped on the desk. “Only because you’re not off the mark often....how about three days. Will that work?”
    “Yes.” Paul nodded. “I’ll make preparations in case we have to shoot up there. I wish it were sooner but...I appreciate it.”
    Henry watched Paul leave the office. He understood Paul’s concern, but in Henry’s mind, one day or three just didn’t matter. Considering where the station was located, length of time didn’t make a difference. But that argument was moot. In Henry’s mind, all really was fine.
     
    * * *
     
    Allakaket, Alaska
     
    “At least we didn’t end up having to eat each other,” Trevor joked with Bill as they walked into the small village’s community circle.
    “I’d starve if I had to dine off of you,” Bill responded facetiously.
    “The pilot was meaty,” Trevor noted. “Get a good four days off of him.”
    Bill laughed. “In all seriousness,” he stopped walking, “we were lucky. We could have crashed completely. We could have been stranded out there longer than ten hours and...that radio may have died altogether.”
    “True.” Trevor let out a breath and looked around at the people who were responsible for finding him, Bill, and the pilot, when the helicopter they flew lost all power and made a rough emergency landing not far from the town. “Wouldn’t that have been par for the course on this story? Stranded in Fairbanks. I don’t think anyone is ever stranded in Fairbanks. Finally we lift off and we crash...sort of. Well....” He sighed. “At least tomorrow we’ll be in Barrow. The end of this project is in sight.”
    “Barrow ain’t the end for you. It’s only the beginning.”
    “Yeah, but....” Trevor waved his hand, “it’s the beginning to an end. I’ll still be home in time for my birthday.”
    “If something don’t happen to you.” Bill started to walk again.
    “Look around.” Trevor motioned out his hand. “What can happen to me way up here?”
    “Um...helicopter crash, perhaps? Hear they’re common.”
    Trevor snickered. “Let’s just