Decrease

Friday - September 17

"Thank you. How may I help you, Mr. O'Connor?"

"Dr. Bennett, I know you have your hands full with this godforsaken plague, as well with the loss of your wife, Claire, which I convey my deepest condolences. But, I was wondering if there is any possibility that Ms. Bennett-Hanley's possessions could possibly be out by the end of the month. The next tenant on the list has been notified that the apartment will soon become available, and that they may take possession on the first of next month. Do you think Ms. Bennett-Hanley's belongings can be removed by then, Dr. Bennett?" O'Connor asks.

About to give him an answer, I instead ask him a question. "Listen, O'Connor, how did you get through to my office? All outside lines are down. How did you manage to contact me?"

As I wait for an answer, I impatiently ask, "Well, O'Connor, what's your answer? We're on lockdown. So, how did you get through?"

"I was given your number, Dr. Bennett," he replies.

"Who gave you the number?" I sternly ask.

"A colleague," he says.

Silence continues until I robustly articulate, "What the hell is their name, O'Connor?"

The line suddenly goes dead. I continue to listen, but eventually a dial tone initiates.

I check the number, so I can call back. When I do, the only numbers appearing are zeroes. I pick up the phone and dial the Operator.

"Hi, this is Dr. Bennett. Could you give me the number of the person who called my office just now?"

The Operator proceeds to tell me that there haven't been any calls received from the outside since lockdown began.

"Bullshit! I just got done talking to this guy named O'Connor from my aunt's apartment. There must be a number."

The Operator continues to tell me that it's impossible, because all outside lines have been physically disengaged.

"Okay. Thanks." I hang up, knowing damn well that the call came from outside the CDC. Or did it? I redial the Operator again.

"Yeah, sorry to bother you again, but this is Dr. Bennett. About that call I inquired about, do you know if you can tell me if it came from inside the building?"

The Operator checks my line, then says, "The last call we have on record for your office is from Dr. Nguyen's office."

"Did you say Dr. Nguyen's office?"

"Yes, Dr. Bennett. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" the Operator asks.

"No... thanks." I hang up and decide to call Julie's office. Knowing that she's not in the building makes me wonder who is using her phone. I dial her extension and it rings. After five rings, it goes to voicemail.

"What the..." I slam down the phone, and decide to go to her office.

I leave my office and head for the elevator. All of a sudden, there's a loud scream. I look around to see where it came from. I hear the scream again. I run down the corridor, and when I reach the end, I hear a scream coming from an office. I knock on the door, waiting for a response. No one answers. I slowly turn the knob and enter.

At first glance, I see no one. Then I hear a gargled, wheezing sound coming from behind the desk. Slowly, I approach the desk, unsure of what I will find. When I'm able to stretch my neck around the corner of the desk, I notice someone curled up, and groaning. I can't see their face. I step closer, and then jump back. I mutter, "Oh, God!" and quickly rush out, locking the door, so that no one else can enter. I lean against the door, and say, "God, we're all going to die!" Breathing heavily, I begin to head back to my office when I run into Jeff Hollister, Julie's former administrative assistant, now mine.