“Did you say the bayou?” asked Luke.
“Yep,” she nodded.
“Is his name Harmon?”
“No. It’s Micah.”
“I want to speak with him,” said Luke.
Ambry looked at Layla and Kennedy and they both nodded. Luke followed the woman down the hallway and heard the coughing the entire way. He donned a mask and gloves and then stepped inside the room.
“You the doctor?” he asked.
“No, sir. She’ll be in here soon.”
“She? I got a woman? Come on, don’t you go not men doctors?” he asked.
“We kind of like the pretty ladies taking care of us,” said Luke trying to hold his tongue. “Micah, we’re trying to figure out where this flu or virus started. Ambry here tells me that you live way out in the bayou.”
“That’s right. Been livin’ out there my whole life. Don’t ever come to the doctor unless I’m feelin’ like it’s my time and I damn sure feel that way. My good friend died just last week from this shit.”
Ambry raised her brows and the old man shook his head.
“Sorry, miss.”
“It’s alright, Micah. You’re not feeling like yourself.”
“Micah, do you happen to live near a man, Harmon Blanchet?” asked Luke.
“Yeah. He’s my neighbor when he comes out there. Just saw him this evenin’ before I came in.” Hex and Luke smiled at the man, nodding.
“Micah, we think Harmon is the first person to be exposed to the virus and we want to help him. He might be the one person in the most danger. Can you please help us to find him?”
“Sure. It’ll take you a while to get out there but if you’re from here, it won’t be so hard to find. Give me a piece of paper and pen.”
“Actually,” said Hex, “it would be better if you just tell us. We’ll record it and go out there. You touching paper and pen only contaminates all of that. Ambry will get you what you need once the doctor sees you and we’re gonna go get your friend, Harmon.”
Micah recited the directions and Luke could see it clearly in his mind. It didn’t border Robicheaux property but it was past The Well, their favorite dancing, drinking, and having a good time spot.
“Ain’t smart to go out there now,” said Micah. “Too dark and it’s cold as a bugger. He’ll be there early in the mornin’. Don’t plan to do nothin’ except fishin’ from what I know.”
“Thank you, Micah.”
Luke and Hex walked out of the room, showered, changed their clothing and waited to hear if Micah was infected with the virus. An hour later, Ambry appeared and nodded.
“Definitely. We’ve given him a little ‘water’ and we’ll wait to be sure it takes effect. If we can get his neighbor in here, we’ll be able to really put him to the test to see what he’s been exposed to.”
“We’ll make it happen first thing in the morning,” said Luke. “Micah is right. It’s too dangerous to take this route at night. Is he the only new patient?”
“So far,” nodded Layla. “I suppose we should knock on wood or something. Let me go get the meds.”
Luke and Hex filled the others in on what they found. Riley, Suzette, and Gabi all agreed that considering his job, it definitely made sense that he might be their initial carrier. The question they all had, was why he wasn’t as sick as the others after all this time.
“I guess we’ll find out tomorrow,” said Eric. “Do you want us to go with you?”
“It might make more sense to have a few men just in case he puts up a fight. It doesn’t sound like he’s that kind of man but you never know,” said Luke. Cam smiled at this friends.
“Sounds like a party.”
