Free All Fall Down by Louise Voss

lead in the event of an epidemic or pandemic within the United States, while the WHO would have global responsibility. But in cases where terrorism is—’
    ‘Terrorism? So you suspected terrorist involvement before the bombing?’ said Paul.
    Irritated by Paul’s continued antagonism towards Harley, Kate flapped a hand at him to be quiet so they could hear what the MI6 man had to say.
    Harley continued: ‘After the anthrax attacks in America in 2001, the US Government set up an agency called the BIT – Bioterror Investigative Team. Initially it was a small unit, working out of FBI headquarters, monitoring and investigating suspected bioterrorist groups and individuals. Then, after Clive Gaunt’s attempt to release the Pandora virus in London by infecting your son with it, the two governments decided it was time to join forces. The BIT became an international agency, charged with monitoring bioterrorism on a global basis. Whenever something out of the ordinary happens – like an exotic virus breaking out where it shouldn’t – the BIT steps in. I joined them not long afterwards, and because of our previous … involvement, it fell to me to enlist your help and escort you over here. Usually I’m based in London, but I’ll be staying on to help with intelligence.’
    ‘So you
did
suspect terrorist involvement before the bomb went off?’ Kate asked.
    ‘Like I said, if something out of the ordinary occurs, we investigate. And this case was unusual from the start. It made no sense, Watoto showing up on the reservation. No one who worked there had been to Africa. And even though hundreds of people pass in and out of the casino every day—’
    ‘Watoto has a short incubation period,’ Kate interrupted. ‘It’s highly unlikely someone who’d contracted the disease in Africa would make it all the way to a casino outside LA. They’d be far too sick by that time to want to go gambling.’
    ‘Exactly. Which made us suspect the source of the virus was closer to home. That’s why BIT took the lead on this. Obviously we’re working with the CDC, who will keep the public informed and try to contain the outbreak. But it was BIT who put together this team and set up the facilities where you’ll be working. Previously, the team were going to be based in LA, but in light of the media coverage we’ve decided to move the whole operation out here. Also, it hasn’t been announced yet but the airports in LA are going to be shut down tonight. No more domestic or international flights in or out of the city.’
    ‘That makes sense.’
    ‘And to prevent leaks to the media, only necessary personnel will be permitted anywhere near the lab. Which is why we can’t allow you in there, Paul.’
    Before Paul could respond, there was a loud knock on the door of the plane. It opened and Agent McCarthy stuck his head through. ‘Time’s up.’
    ‘Give me one more minute,’ Harley said.
    ‘We’ve got to get moving.’
    Kate stood up. ‘Let’s go. I’ve heard enough.’
    Paul blinked up at her, surprised. ‘Kate?’
    She gestured to the pictures in the newspaper. ‘I don’t want to waste any more time sitting around here speculating about who, how or why this outbreak happened. Right now, I just want to get on with helping to find a cure.’
    In the doorway, McCarthy applauded with slow handclaps. ‘Finally, someone around here speaks sense.’
    Paul got to his feet and Kate took both his hands in hers. ‘I wish you could come with me, but it sounds as if I’m going to be working all hours. I won’t get to see you anyway.’
    ‘But I want to help.’
    ‘There’s nothing you can do,’ Harley said firmly.
    Paul opened his mouth to argue, but McCarthy stepped forward to usher her away: ‘Let’s get going. Dr Maddox, you’re coming with me and Agent Thompson. Harley, you should wait for further instructions. Agent DiFranco will drive you and Mr Wilson.’
    He smiled grimly at Paul’s expression. ‘Don’t look so