DECEMBER THIRTEENTH
NUMBER OF CASES: 3,125
NUMBER OF DEATHS: 19
Jack was hardly surprised when he received a call from Helen Morales’s assistant requesting his presence at a ten o’clock meeting in her office. He checked his watch. He still had time to go the ICU and check on Tess’s condition before the meeting. After reviewing her record and examining her, he concluded she was the same as when he’d last seen her eight hours earlier.
At ten a.m., Jack, Madison and Sinclair were assembled in Helen’s office.
“I wanted to get together so that Madison might update us on Isabella’s condition since surgery, and perhaps give us some more details about her theory’.”
“I’m all ears,” Sinclair said. In spite of his obviously sarcastic comment, Madison spent the next few minutes briefing him on the tumor they had discovered in Isabella’s ovary and every aspect of her care. She stressed the significance of the finding, especially with respect to a possible cure for GNS. When she was finished, he stared at her as if she were trying to sell him the tollbooth concession at the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Is…is that it?” he asked.
“I beg your pardon,” Madison said.
“I asked if that was everything you wanted to tell me.”
“Yes, Hollis. That’s everything.”
Jack was hardly surprised at Sinclair’s rude response. From the moment he learned Helen wanted all of them to discuss Isabella, he was less than optimistic Sinclair would embrace Madison’s theory.
“There are no secrets here,” Sinclair said. “I’ve already heard about this case in detail. And as interesting as it may be from a medical oddity standpoint, I’m afraid it’s equally irrelevant. Whatever the factors are that make these women susceptible to GNS are totally immaterial. I don’t deny’ that an elevated inhibin level may be an associated finding of the disease, but it’s not the cause.”
“So, it’s still your belief that GNS is a viral illness,” Madison said.
“Why shouldn’t it be? Nothing you’ve said here this morning gives me any reason to alter my opinion. Especially now that all of the patients have a fever. As sure as the sun will set this evening, these women are suffering from a new strain of parvovirus. If somebody has frostbite you treat the injury, not the blizzard that caused it. In order to eradicate GNS, you have to find and treat its cause, which is a virus, not an elevated hormone level.” He stopped for a moment to blow out a tired breath. Then, in a controlled voice he stated, “It’s inevitable we’re going to see the death rate accelerate. If there’s any hope of curing these mothers and babies, we have to begin a program of Vitracide therapy immediately.” He stood up and pushed his hands deep into the pockets of his white coat. “You may have removed this girl’s tumor, but you’re not going to cure her.”
“I guess that still remains to be determined,” Madison said.
“Even if she does recover, that’s still not hard evidence the pregnant women with GNS will also recover if their pregnancy is terminated. I think the vast majority of families will opt to treat the disease per my treatment plan and not disturb the pregnancy.” Sinclair turned to Helen. “I have several pressing matters to attend to. If there’s nothing further…”
The disappointment in Helen’s eyes was unmistakable, but Jack said nothing. He realized attempting to discuss other possible causes of GNS besides a virus with Sinclair was a waste of time.
“I understand how busy you are, Hollis,” Helen said. “I appreciate you finding the time to speak with me.”
Sinclair stood up, shook his head a few times and then waltzed out of the room.
Jack had seen all forms of professional faux pas and rude behavior, but they all paled in comparison to the gross disrespect Sinclair had just shown Helen.
“Is there anything else we can do?” Madison asked her.
“I’m running out of wiggle room. It would certainly help if you and Jack could discover how to cure this damn thing before Hollis Sinclair checkmates me.”