Lynne nodded. “Zach? We need to get you to the infirmary. If you infected yourself, the fever will start within an hour.”
Chapter Three
After a full day of monitoring the spread of outbreaks, Deke leaned back in his chair and eyed the president’s chief of staff over the man’s sprawling mahogany desk. They’d shut the doors, and quiet reigned for the briefest of moments inside the West Wing. “What happens now?”
George Ellis rubbed a bruised hand over his bald head. “Nothing for now. We’re covering for the president, and as soon as his fever breaks, everything will be fine.” Almost sixty years old, the stately politician filled out his expertly cut suit like he ran five miles a day, which he did. His eyes were a deep brown, his skin a shade darker, and intelligence all but emanated from him. “The fever has lasted longer with him than with the students, but he’s only fifty-five and in great shape.”
Deke exhaled. “Even so, fifty-five is different from twenty years old, like it or not. He’s older and it’s not unrealistic to believe it’ll take him a little longer to fight off the infection.”
“Don’t tell him that when he’s better.”
“What happened to your hand, sir?” Deke asked quietly.
George winced. “I ducked when I should’ve dodged, practicing with Secret Service agents earlier.”
Deke smiled. “I’m glad you took my advice about additional training.”
George glanced at his hand. “I’m not.” He flexed his fingers and winced. “The president’s fever is at one hundred and four, so I’m thinking it’ll break soon.”
Deke swirled the brandy snifter. “We’re going to scan his brain, right?”
“Yes.” George took a deep swallow of his drink. “If he protests, we have a problem.”
“He won’t.” Deke knew his friend, and he’d want to make sure his brain still functioned normally before continuing to lead the country. Of course, if his brain wasn’t functioning, he might not agree. “How’s Sally?” The president would want to know his daughter was doing better when he awoke.
George shook his head. “Not good. We’re keeping her contained in the residence, and she’s quieted. Is claiming she’s better, but . . .”
Deke lifted an eyebrow. “But?”
“She doesn’t seem right.” George rubbed his chest. “I’ve known that girl since she was two years old, and now there’s a different light in her eye. One I don’t recognize—or like.”
Bloody hell. So much for Sally’s brain kicking back into normal. “We’ll find a cure, I’m sure of it.” Yet nothing was coming close. He’d checked in with Nora through the day, and so far, Scorpius was invincible.
George nodded. “I know.” His gaze sharpened. “Just in case, I have the vice president under tight security.”
Deke grimaced. “How’s he feeling after the heart attack last month?”
“Not good.” George rubbed his chin. “I’m glad we kept it quiet.”
The government kept a lot quiet, but Deke was okay with that. For now. He lifted an eyebrow. “I hate to sound cold, but who’s third in line? Just in case? Is it you?”
George’s eyes widened. “Hell, no. How can you not know the order of succession?”
Deke shrugged. “Don’t really give a damn until it matters to my job.”
George shook his head. “Third in line is the Speaker of the House.”
“A politician?” Deke winced.
“We’re all politicians, jackass.”
Deke snorted a laugh. “Oh yeah. I forgot.”
George studied him like a hawk searching for dinner. “You’ve seemed more at ease since the crisis started than you’ve been all last year.”
“How so?” Deke took another sip and allowed the aged liquor to heat down his throat.
George shrugged. “You’re a man of action, McDougall. Always have been and always will be. Strategizing, being on the sidelines, hasn’t been good for you.”
