Deadly Epidemic - Chapter Seven

As the helicopter landed, I realized two facts. One, I was getting married, and two, I had finally found the cure for the zombie disease if only I could get it to work on the ones who had the disease awhile. I was putting myself in the limelight. Not that I really cared about that. I didn't to be honest. All I cared about was curing the city of the dreaded disease that Dr. Chatman had put the majority of New Orleans under. As we got to the room where our small wedding was to take place, I whisked in an opposite bathroom.

Inside I was given a white dress from Versace, my hair quickly put up, make-up applied. Of course the president and his wife were at the ceremony too. We were married by a Catholic priest approved by the president. Luther wore a black and white tuxedo that reminded me a penguin. I smiled as we were joined hand in hand. The priest wasn't old-fashioned which I was thankful for. Luther looked into my eyes saying vows of his own, "I take you, Virginia Byrant to be my lawful wedded wife, and I do not mean that just for now, I mean it forever. May not even death separate us. Love comes but once in a lifetime and I have learned taking chances in life means taking them in love as well. I have loved you from the first moment our eyes met, and that love will not stop."

I was clinging to the hopes I wouldn't cry. I smiled, "I take you, Luther Vanderwater to be my lawful husband. May death not separate us, nor tear us apart. May we live each day knowing that it may be our last but not our last to celebrate our love or life. May God unite us under one name and one house in love. May we always know our love grow stronger each day that we are allowed to walk upon God's green earth. My love for you goes not only in this hour, but forever and always."

The priest pronounced us husband and wife and we kissed. The White House staff and the president and his wife cheered and clapped. After the ceremony we were whisked into the huge dining room where a small reception was held. The president did a small toast to us and our future and once the ceremony was over, the president's wife caught me by myself. I whispered barely above audible. "I have found the cure but procuring it in the way of it working not only in just a small dose and in someone who was JUST infected with the disease. I need to perfect it a little more."

She smiled and nodded, "I think it would be good of you to find a way to perfect it. It would seem that Dr. Chatman has not laid eyes on a way to make it work yet. I have also found out that this is not the first time he has done something like this. It would seem sources have told me that he tried to do it another time when he lived in South America and was doing mission work. He had some sort of thing for another doctor down there named Dr. Venzula. She was a co-worker of his."

I looked down and then back up, "That seems to be a path of his takes often. This co-worker, is she still practicing?" She shook her head, "No, she died mysteriously after Dr. Chatman found the cure for the disease that was attacking the village around the mission. That is rather peculiar for her to die soon afterwards don't you agree?" I couldn't have agreed more. I looked back and saw Luther standing with two older men smoking cigars. I was glad my husband wasn't smoking those dreaded things.

He joined me shortly and kissed my cheek, "Are you ready to leave and go on our 'honeymoon'? I know technically we cannot have one, but we can make do with what we have can we not? I mean staying on station and sorts..." He chuckled lowly and bit on my neck playfully. I laughed in return, "Of course honey. We will make it with what we have been given." We flew back to New Orleans and you could hear the quietness of the streets.

That was hardly seldom in the past months when Mardi Gras was a complete tourist attraction. But there was also something more majestic about this city. Just over the past few months I had always enjoyed living and staying there. Going to the top of the building and watching the sunset some evenings...and others enjoying the old architecture. The allure of the city was something no one could deny deep down. The smell of the Mississippi, and the mystery the city held.

I went inside and down the stairs leading to the dining room area. There in the dining room sat Dr. Chatman at the long table. He was looking at me and smiled, "Dr. Byrant...Luther...please join me and Carrie for dinner..." I raised an eyebrow and gasped. Luther heard me and came to my side and took my hand. There sat the body of my sister at the other end of the table. She was dry rotting and I couldn't turn to stare into those hallow eyes.

Luther gasped as well, " How could you do this Dr. Chatman?! This is insane! You are insane!" He got up from the table and took a gun out of his pocket. He looked at Luther and shot him in the right leg. I screamed out, a crimson splash of blood squirting on the hem of my wedding dress. Tears of anger rose in my throat and I took control of the situation. "Look Russell! I'll do anything you want. Just don't hurt him! I promise...my word as a doctor." He chuckled and said, "Well that is the way I see it....Kill him...and I mean it!"

I was weeping about this time. I ripped the hem of my wedding gown and tied a tourniquet around his leg to stop the bleeding. I looked in his eyes, "I swear nothing will happen to you...I won't let it!" He kissed my cheek, "I love you..."

Dr. Chatman came up to us and handed me a dagger. I stood up and looked at him, and sighed, "You were the one who killed Carrie...and started this virus...and are responsible for killing so many innocent villagers in South America. I know it all, Russell..." He nodded, "Yes and it's why you must be given a choice, Virginia. You either kill him and join me. We'll go to Europe together where we'll never be seen or you can die with him. It's your choice."

If given a choice I would have taken his place on the floor. I felt my palms get really sweaty....

To Be continued...