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BY THE TIME JACK CAUGHT up with his parents they weren’t the only ones trying to push their way into Mayor Iverson’s office. Word of no trains for the foreseeable future spread fast.
“Let me through.” His father pushed aside the people blocking the door. “What the hell’s going on, Iverson? Margaret and I go to the train station to welcome Harry home and instead we’re told no more trains.”
An angry cry rose from the fast-growing crowd demanding answers.
“Our son was on that train, too.” Mr. Finley hollered over the din.
“And new Bibles for the Sunday School.”
Jack recognized the Lutheran minister’s voice but couldn’t see him over the heads of the crowd.
“Mayor Iverson, a statement for the Gazette, please.” Peder Lindstrom stood pencil at the ready.
More voices chimed in, wanting to know about a loved one or a delivery. Jack worried things might soon turn violent if Martin Iverson didn’t have an acceptable answer for his actions. Why hadn’t his mother gone home to await news with Aunt Caroline? A man tried to push her aside and she attacked, wielding her parasol like a sword. Sweetie growled and snapped at the offender.
She shoved the tip of her parasol into his chest. “Unhand me, sir.”
The man fell with a yelp and a weak apology. Jack chuckled and stopped worrying about his mother’s safety.
“Everyone, please.” Mayor Iverson stood, arms raised, with only his desk as protection between him and the townspeople. “Let me explain.”
Jack’s father made his way to the front of the crowd. “What was this about an order of the town council?” His face was red, and his voice shook with barely contained anger. “I’m on the council, and I didn’t vote for any such order.”
“Same here,” another voice called from somewhere in the crowd. Jack wasn’t sure who.
“Yes, Mayor, explain.” Peder Lindstrom’s pencil made scratching noises as he scribbled notes in the little book always at the ready in his front pocket.
The crowd quieted to hear what their mayor had to say.
Mayor Iverson’s shoulders drooped. “In truth, there was no vote. It was my decision and mine alone.”
The crowd roared in protest.
“You can’t do that, Mayor.” Jack’s father leaned across the desk, forcing the mayor to retreat a step. “We have rules in place. Rules you agreed to when you took office. Every major decision must go before the council for a vote.”
“There wasn’t time for a vote, so I made a unilateral decision based on Doc Peterson’s recommendations.” The mayor nodded to a man making his way forward.
A low rumble ran through the crowd. They parted like the Red Sea to allow Doc Peterson through.
“What’s going on, Doc?” The harshness disappeared from Jack’s father’s voice. The only person more respected in Pine Lake than Harold Barnes, Sr., was Doc Peterson.
“I’ve been receiving reports of influenza from my colleagues in neighboring counties. I haven’t seen any myself, not yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”
Jack spoke up. “What can we do, Doc?” People leaned closer to hear his answer.
“Until further notice, all schools, churches, theaters, bars, and restaurants will be closed. I’d suggest you wear a mask if you go out in public. This is a particularly deadly strain, worse than any we’ve seen in a long time, and highly contagious. So, avoid crowds whenever possible, and call me if you need help.”
People turned from one neighbor to another. Jack’s mother pulled Sweetie tight against her chest. The little dog yelped in pain. She stroked the dog’s head. “Poor thing,” she cooed. “Mommy’s sorry.”
Jack wondered if they were thinking the same thing he was. How many of them might already be sick? Several men raised their collars. Women held handkerchiefs over their noses and mouths. A breeze blew through the open window and he sneezed, not once, but three times. Everyone took a step back.
“Dust. I’m fine.” He’d never seen a room clear so fast before. Not even when Harry yelled fire in Dooley’s Tavern as a joke. And those men, drunk or not, cleared out pretty fast. Unfortunately, neither Mr. Dooley nor the sheriff thought the prank half as funny as Harry and his friends. Although Jack thought he’d caught a brief hint of a smile from their father before he hauled Harry home with the promise of a suitable punishment.
Leave it to Harry to cause a minor stampede and get away with only a stern warning.
Jack’s thoughts returned to his brother and Fin.
Where are they? Could they be sick?