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people to run a check right—”
    “There’s also a potential problem with the CDC officer in charge at the hospital. She is calling on Calgleef to suspend the program until we have better information—”
    “Suspend the program? We can’t have that, do you know how much is at stake?”
    Moya didn’t but he could guess. “Sir, Calgleef would need an order from the president to do that, so we have some time. Have your techs look for the virus cells first.”
    “The virus? What do you—”
    “Sir,” Moya cut Thorncroft off again; he wouldn’t be able to get away with it much longer. “It’s the process of elimination, and that’s where we have to start.”
    “Okay then, Moya, consider it done. Now unless there’s anything else, I have some unfinished business to attend to.”
    I bet you do at that. And please don’t fill me in on it!
    “No, sir, that’s all and thank you.” Moya ended the call and called Calgleef back as quick as he could. It would be easier to keep images of a naked Thorncroft romping with young men out of his head if he kept busy.
    “Stall for time, Dr. Calgleef. I’m getting those tests you asked for done,” was all he told the director, then hung up. It was in his and Thorncroft’s interests that the tests were carried out, but by telling the director of the CDC he’d done it for him, his loyalty would be guaranteed.
    Now he had to wait on the technicians from Thorn. He believed the virus was still active in the vaccination; there could be no other explanation for all patients showing symptoms otherwise. He couldn’t tell Thorncroft directly but he could hint—like leading a horse to water.
    “Now if I can just get them to drink!”

    * * *
    “ H ow do you feel ?” Delaney asked her younger assistant. Together with other staff they moved most of the ill into the consultation rooms, the most severe cases into beds in intensive care.
    Tilford pulled the surgical mask everyone he wore below his chin. “Confused more than anything, but physically I’m okay. You?”
    “Holding up but I’ll join you on the confused part.”
    “Well it’s about to get worse.” Tilford gave a subtle nod behind her.
    Before she had a chance to turn, around the sour tone of hospital CEO Gerard sounded.
    “Dr. Delaney, what is the meaning of all this? What have you done?”
    She didn’t like the insinuation but had more important concerns than Gerard’s temper. She had to refrain from an argument; he appeared the type who would have no qualms in removing Delaney, her team and probably the patients from his hospital. She couldn’t risk the consequences; it would be horrendous.
    “There have been some complications—”
    “COMPLICATIONS?” Gerard pointed at the remainder of the patients in the room. “Looks more like a fucking disaster to me!”
    Delaney couldn’t argue against that if she wanted to.
    “Mr. Gerard, we’re doing everything we can to contain the—”
    Delaney shot a remonstrative look in Tilford’s direction. Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say anything!
    “Contain what, Tilford?”
    “The, err, problem, sir, to outpatients.” Tilford responded.
    Delaney breathed a little easier.
    Gerard had been so intent on stamping his authority he hadn’t noticed the surgical masks worn by the staff hospital and CDC staff.
    “And what exactly is that problem?” Gerard’s no longer seemed confrontational.
    Delaney noticed the recognition in his face and the two backward he took; he understood. The virus was out!
    “So… so where are all the patients you inoculated this morning?”
    “Because of the different reactions, some are still here in the consultation rooms while the most severe have been moved into IC right —”
    Gerard’s pupils grew to a size of black plates. He stared at Delaney for a moment, panic all over his face, he then whirled on his heels and stormed from the waiting room.
    “The hell?” Tilford stared at the departing CEO.
    “I’d say he’s