Oscar
My estrangement from Ivy had provided me with many lonely nights, but I’d never realized how much having empty arms had impacted me until I had her back in mine. It was as if they were created just for her—no other woman would do.
It was early morning, and I watched as her chest rose and fell in sleep, grateful to whatever guardian angel had kept her safe for me. Life was too short to dwell on unimportant things, but Ivy and I had some pretty huge obstacles in our way.
For one, I knew she felt as if I’d abandoned her—that I’d chosen my country or my pride or duty over her. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. My biggest mistake had been not involving her more in my decisions. I’d not treated her equally, blowing off her concerns with little more than a wave of my hand.
However, I had known that I had a limited education, and no way to get myself through college when we’d discovered that Ivy was pregnant. I also knew that our baby didn’t have four years for me to finish and get a degree. I needed immediate income, and although the army didn’t pay a lot, there were other benefits like health insurance and future job training. There wasn’t a price tag you could put on their importance, so I’d enlisted, knowing that while doing so I was making my deceased parents proud and feeling a sense of accomplishment in my heart.
I wouldn’t apologize for that. But perhaps I could have requested a different post. There was no guarantee that it would have been granted, but I hadn’t even requested it. If I had, maybe Ivy would have seen that I was trying. That I cared.
Or maybe if I’d responded to her final letter, called her, visited her in Hollywood. Maybe she would have seen that I loved her, instead of just letting her go. But I didn’t want her to feel like I was holding her back from her dreams. Still, I didn’t fight for her. And maybe that was all she was wanting?
Hindsight was truly twenty-twenty, and all I could do now was move forward. Convince her that I loved her and that I would never leave her again.
She stirred in my arms, mumbling something in her sleep. “Oscar. Help me, please,” she whimpered, and it tore my heart wide open to know that in her distress, in her dreams, she called for me. Ivy trusted me enough to know I’d try to save her. And I had.
I pulled her closer, and she snuggled in, turning over to press her face to my chest. We lay there for a couple more hours, Ivy sound asleep and me staring at the ceiling, relishing these quiet moments with her.
I knew immediately when she’d woken up. Her body stiffened, then slowly relaxed, until finally she lifted her gaze to meet mine.
“Good morning, love.”
“Morning.” She slapped a palm over her mouth. “I need to brush my teeth.”
I grinned at her concern over morning breath and allowed her to slip from my arms. “There should be an extra brush in the drawer and toothpaste on the counter.”
“Shouldn’t I go to my own room?”
“Do you want to?”
She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and bit down slightly. “Not really?”
“Is that a question or a statement of fact?” I quirked a brow, and she smiled.
“A statement of fact.”
“Then use the extra brush in my bathroom.”
Ivy turned quickly, as if trying to hurry so she wouldn’t change her mind, and closed the bathroom door behind her. I stretched my arms behind my head, waiting on her to finish her morning routine. When she was done, she peeked out the door and then ran back to the bed and slipped under the covers.
“Why is it so cold in here?”
I nodded at the window air-conditioning unit. “I keep it on sixty-five year round. I get hot.”
She shivered and cuddled closer. “It’s freezing.”
“You didn’t seem cold earlier.”
“I was snuggled up to a furnace earlier.”
I let my arms fall around her as we lay there in silence. I didn’t want the moment to end. Having her here like this with me was a dream come true.
“What’s the plan for today?” Ivy played with the blanket that lay over top of us.
“I thought we’d go shopping and get you the things you need. Then, we’ll swing by the clinic and see if Lydia has any news for us and visit Lola.”
She was quiet a long time before she spoke. “What if we don’t find her?”
My heart broke in two. Ivy should be free to recuperate after her ordeal, and instead, she had a whole new one she had to deal with.
“We will.”
I put my fingers under her chin and lifted it so she’d meet my gaze. “I will do everything in my power to find her. Ryder is looking for clues. If anyone can find where they’re keeping her, it’s him.”
Ivy went back to playing with the blanket until finally, she sat up. “I should go get ready. It’s after eight. If we want to get out of here at a reasonable time, I should shower and change.”
I nodded as she slipped from my grasp, aching with the need to continue to just hold her close. She smiled bashfully as she made her way out of my room and next door to her own. I heard the shower click on before I left the bed to do the same.
***
“Why are we at the bank?” Ivy turned confused and skeptical eyes my way, but I turned the Mercedes off and slid out of the car. I waited for her to join me and took her hand as we walked to the front door of the bank.
“So you can get a debit card.”
“I don’t have any identification to prove who I am. And this isn’t my bank.”
“No. It’s mine. And let me worry about the identification thing.”
It only took a few minutes to convince the banker that I was who I said I was and that I needed a debit card issued in Ivy’s name. Since the account had both of our names on it, she finally complied. Ivy complained the entire way to the mall about my high-handedness and ridiculous overtures—there was over a hundred thousand dollars in that bank account—but I also saw relief in her eyes.
“Money has been tight?” I didn’t want to pry, but I was hoping to assuage some of the guilt I felt for not reaching out to her earlier to give her the account.
“Mom had life insurance when she died, but it wasn’t a ton. We used it to pay off the house so we didn’t have to worry about a mortgage payment each month, and the rest we put towards Cami’s schooling. Both of us have worked jobs to keep food on the table, but we live simply in order to keep expenses down.”
I didn’t get off scot-free, but I was glad to hear they’d been able to pay off the mortgage. Still, the money in that account might have helped Ivy and Cami not live quite so frugally. I’d make it up to them, I promised myself.
It was clear from Ivy’s shopping habits that she was indeed used to living in a manner of pinching pennies. She passed by the racks of clothes to go straight to the clearance sections. After the fourth place, I stepped in and began pulling clothes off the racks.
“What are you doing?”
“Buying you clothes that aren’t sixty percent off. You need a new wardrobe, Ivy. For once, just buy what you want. I can afford it.”
“That’s not how I do things.”
“It is today.”
She stood before me, hands perched on her hips, light-green eyes firing. A slow smile started on my lips, and I caught the tightening of her expression as she tried to keep from smiling back. It felt good to fight with her. Finally, she threw her hands up.
“Fine. You want me to spend your money? So be it.”
We were finished in half an hour, and I was a few hundred dollars poorer, but I couldn’t remember a time where I’d had that much fun.
We arrived at the clinic around four o’clock in the afternoon, and Ivy immediately tensed up. It wasn’t surprising that medical facilities weren’t her favorite places to visit. After what she’d been through, it would take years for the panic not to rise up in her chest and threaten to overwhelm her. And there was a distinct possibility she’d react this way for the rest of her life.
I took her hand as we entered the facility after a security guard allowed us in. Lydia and her father had taken all precautions to ensure Ivy’s safety while she was there, and Lola’s as well. I was grateful to them both.
Lydia was waiting for us in the hall. She smiled warmly and ushered us into her office. “Have a seat. I have some interesting news to share.”
Ivy glanced at me with wariness in her gaze, and I nodded my head, hoping to reassure her. I noticed she didn’t let go of my hand as we sat in the two white lounge chairs in front of Lydia’s desk. Her office was simply decorated, with light-pink accents dotting the room. More personal than other doctors’ offices I’d been in. There was a feminine softness to it that put you at ease. Although, it was obvious that it was going to take more than a lovely office to calm Ivy’s nerves. She was trembling with anxiety and, I guessed, a little bit of fear.
Lydia sat down in her chair and leaned forward. “We took blood samples from you and Lola. You were both given the same strain of a virus.”
“A virus? It wasn’t poison?”
Lydia shook her head. “No, it’s definitely a virus. A very deadly one at that. At first glance it has the same characteristics as the bubonic plague, responsible for the 1920s outbreak in New Orleans, also known as the Black Death.”
“Damn.” I hadn’t meant to say the word aloud, but it was terrifying the information Lydia was sharing. If the virus got out into the community, the results could be devastating.
“Exactly. Fortunately, medicine has come a long way since the twenties, and we know how to treat the bubonic plague. However, this strand is different. It’s mutated, and we’re not sure the regular treatments will work.”
“But if I had the plague, how did I recover from it when the other patients haven’t? And why did the doctors and even you and Oscar not get it? Isn’t it extremely contagious?”
Lydia smiled. “It is, and we assume that it’s part of the mutation that makes it less contagious. And as far as why you recovered? That’s because you are a freak of nature, my dear.”
“I’m what?”
Lydia chuckled. “There are instances in history where a person has a certain immunity in their blood to diseases. Henrietta Lacks is a modern example. We are still using her blood to find cures and vaccines for different illnesses. We won’t get into the ethics of how that all came about, but I use her as an example of someone in modern history who has had a certain quality in their blood that is resistant to diseases. Your blood is much the same.”
“So, I’m immune?”
“Not quite immune. It’s more like your blood is already immunized or vaccinated against the virus. You still get it, but the effects are not as deadly.”
“Wow.” Ivy’s eyes were wide, her mouth hanging open.
“You’re one lucky woman. Had you not had that type of immunity, you wouldn’t be here with us right now. I’m assuming that’s why you were protected, why so many other doctors were called in to research you.”
“But what are they trying to accomplish by creating a virus like that? And why do they care if I’m immune?”
Unease prickled my skin. A pseudo-religious group formerly known for drug and gun running was now using human test subjects to create a virus with plague-like properties. That was not good news. “If they had someone with natural immunity, they could study her to possibly develop an antidote.”
Lydia’s face was grim. “Exactly.”
Ivy shook her head, releasing my hand and holding her temples. “An antidote? I don’t understand any of this.”
I put my arm around Ivy’s shoulders, drawing her a little closer. “We’ll get Ryder on it. See if there are any murmurs on the Dark Web. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Ivy’s gaze shot to mine, horror on her face. “That’s why they took Cami. It wasn’t to punish me. They wanted to see if her blood was the same.”
“That would be my guess,” Lydia agreed.
“But we have different blood types. I’m type O negative.”
“Which is the perfect blood type to help other people, since you’re a universal donor. I don’t know if the blood type matters in terms of whether or not your sister has the same qualities in her blood, but I would assume she does not. These things don’t usually run in the family.”
“Then we have to find her. If they give her the virus, it will kill her.”
“We’re doing all we can. I promise.” I wanted to assure myself as much as Ivy. We would find Cami before it was too late. The alternative was just not something I could contemplate.
“I have a request.” Lydia seemed hesitant to ask, and I stiffened, not sure I wanted her to. Ivy had been through so much already.
“Sure. What can I do?” Of course Ivy would be ready to jump in to help, no matter the personal cost.
“I’d like to use your platelets along with a cocktail of drugs to treat Lola. If my suspicions are correct, it could be the key to helping her recover.”
She didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
“Wonderful. We’ll take your blood now, and then in a couple of days, have you donate more.”
Ivy’s color drained as realization dawned on her. She still hated needles, and it was probably worse after the last several months. Lydia must have seen the change as well.
“You don’t have to, Ivy. No one would blame you after what you’ve endured.”
Ivy shook her head and straightened her shoulders. “Maybe not, but I would. I’m not at risk with you. You won’t harm me. And I want Lola to get better. Of course I’ll help.”
Lydia nodded and stood. “Let’s get started, then.”
We followed after Lydia as she took us to a small room with a reclining medical chair. She motioned for Ivy to sit, and I stood next to her, holding her hand. Lydia reclined the chair back and smiled. “It will help you relax.”
Ivy didn’t respond, just squeezed her eyes closed as she took out her fear by punishing my hand. At that moment, I couldn’t care less if she broke my fingers. I’d do anything to make it easier for her.
Lydia was fast, and she had Ivy hooked up to the machine, needles in both arms, in record time. She pushed Ivy’s hair back from her face. “It will take about three hours. Get some rest, relax. I’ll be back soon.” Before she left, she turned a TV on across the room and handed me the remote. Then she wheeled a chair in so I could sit. I’d yet to let go of Ivy’s hand. Finally, she placed a few warmed blankets on top of Ivy. “These will help with the chill.” Patting Ivy’s leg, she left.
Ivy didn’t say a word. The room was quiet, and I waited in the silence for a few minutes before breaking it.
“How you doing?” I gave her my best imitation of Joey from the show Friends.
Ivy chuckled softly, rolling her eyes before sighing. “I’m doing my best to keep it together. The fact that I have not one, but two needles in my arms is enough to send me over the edge.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I want to help Lola.”
“You are the bravest woman I know.”
Ivy opened her eyes long enough to roll them again. “Don’t be ridiculous, Oscar. People donate platelets all the time.”
“Yes, but those people haven’t been through what you have. You are brave. A survivor. I’m proud of you.”
Ivy squeezed my hand and closed her eyes. After a few moments she was breathing steadily, and I knew she’d fallen asleep. I leaned back in the chair, resting my head on the back, my hand still tucked into Ivy’s, and dozed off. Neither of us had had a lot of rest these past few weeks, so even though I would have preferred a nice comfortable bed, preferably with Ivy in it with me, a quiet room in the clinic would have to do.
Before I knew it, Lydia was back and unhooking Ivy from the machine. When she was done and Ivy was bandaged up, we followed her out to the hall.
“I’d like to see Lola.”
Lydia dipped her chin in agreement. “Let me get gowns and masks for you. We don’t think it’s airborne, but we’d rather be safe than sorry.”
She returned with the garments, and Ivy and I made our way into Lola’s room. She looked so small lying on the bed, her frame thin and her complexion so pale it was almost translucent. There was a plastic barrier around her to protect those attending to her or visiting her. Since we knew little about this particular virus, we had no idea how it was spread. It didn’t appear to be airborne, but we didn’t know what prolonged exposure might do.
Ivy approached the bed and took Lola’s hand through the plastic.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was a whisper as she spoke to her. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. You didn’t deserve this. But Lydia and Dr. Ayala are going to make you better. Just hold on, okay? We’ll get you back to your family.”
Ivy turned to me. “Do you know who her family is?”
I shook my head. “Ryder is working on it. We definitely haven’t received a picture or missing person’s report that fits her description. Not yet anyway.”
“I hate that she’s all alone.”
“She’s not. She has you as a friend.”
“I barely know her.”
“And yet, you still care about her.”
Ivy shrugged. “Someone needs to.”
“Your blood will help her. She’ll be better in no time.”
It was an assurance I wasn’t qualified to make, but I had to believe Lola would pull through.
We stepped out of Lola’s room and discarded our personal protective gear, and we said our goodbyes to Lydia, who promised to call as soon as there was a change in Lola.
The drive home was quiet, neither of us filling the void with words. A lot had been shared today, and I still needed to fill the team in on what Lydia had surmised. If Cami wasn’t immune, like Ivy was, we needed to find her as soon as we possibly could. There was no time to waste.
I let Ivy into her room. It was well past dinnertime, and I knew she was tired. “I’ll order us some food. Clean up. Relax. I’m going to go fill the guys in on what we found out.”
Fatigue was evident in Ivy’s face and posture. She simply smiled and made her way to her bathroom. I shut the door and walked quickly to the offices, where I found Cade, Levi, and Ryder all in the computer room. They looked up as I entered.
“You look terrible,” Cade deadpanned.
“Thanks. I feel pretty terrible. Spent most of the day at the clinic with Ivy. I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
All three responded with increased attention, immediately on alert. I filled them in on the virus, Ivy’s immunity, and the ticking clock for Cami’s survival.
“Damn, that is really terrible news.” Levi pushed his hand through his hair. “So, if they’re testing a virus, their plan has to be to distribute that somehow—right?”
“That would be my guess.”
“But why? To what end? What’s the motivation?” Ryder asked.
“Do they really need an end game? These are bad guys. Domestic terrorists. Fear is a great motivator,” Cade piped in.
“I don’t think so. I think they definitely have a purpose. Ryder, look for anything that has to do with a reckoning coming. Some sort of apocalyptic language in the feeds. Flag anything that even remotely alludes to it. My guess is they have a strategy, but they need the antidote. Whether to keep themselves safe or to sell to the highest bidder is anyone’s guess. Maybe both.” Levi stood, pacing as he thought out loud.
“I agree. And for Ivy’s sake, we have to find Cami while still keeping Ivy safe. They need her, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her back.”
The words sent a chill up my spine, and I vowed they’d have to go through me to get to her.