The Epidemic

Chapter 6

The Epidemic

Chapter Six

"I am so happy to see you!" Nicola said as he walked over to us, offering a hug.

"We missed you so much, Nicola!" I said as I hugged him, Scout's leash in my hand with Scout pawing at my leg.

"Oh, I missed you, Scout! Oh my, you've grown!" Nicola said as he reached down to pet Scout.

Jacob smiled as he took his suitcase out of the back. "Thank you for letting us know about this, Nicola."

"Of course. I am still working on your case with David and Simon. We are meeting with the British diplomats that you have allied tomorrow." Nicola responded, giving a hug to Jacob.

I nodded. "I'm glad they contacted you guys."

"Well, how about we go to my house and get you all settled." Nicola suggested, motioning to his car.

"Okay." Jacob said.

We put our stuff in our car and went to Nicola's house. Nicola's wife, Katina, had gotten married a few months ago and things were going well. Both were very focused on their work, however were also very focused on their significant other. Katina loved to cook and Nicola always had a sweet surprise for her.

However, their wedding went awry, and it was partially my fault....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob's Point of View, A Few Days Later...

I watched Katina walk down the aisle to Nicola, who stood at the altar, wearing a suit and nervously staring at Katina.

A tear came to my eye. I remember Marrie and I's wedding day.

It was truly one of the best days of my life.

I wiped a tear from my eye as Katina reached the altar and Nicola lifted her veil.

If only Adalyn was here.

She would be so happy to see the two get married. She would tell me how beautiful Katina looked and how handsome Nicola looked and she wouldn't be able to contain her excitement for the couple.

They said their vows and did the basic wedding stuff.

Then, someone who looked like a worker from the Macedonian Diplomats came rushing into the ceremony, shouting "stop! I must speak to Nicola!"

I stood up and ran over to Nicola as the people in the other pews of the church began chattering about the disturbance.

"Nicola, what's happening?" I asked through gritted teeth.

He shrugged and motioned for the guy to come over. "Why must you do this to me on my wedding day?"

The guy panted and attempted to catch his breath. Katina was standing next to Nicola, holding his hand and looking at the worker.

"What is happening?" She asked, concerned.

"I apologize profusely, but I was just given this. We must go to the office and get to the bottom of this."

I looked over at the paper the guy was holding.

It read, "Mysterious Explosion Occurs on Taiaro Atoll, Isolated Cult Believed to Have Committed Mass Suicide."

Katina, Nicola, and I were standing in Nicola's office, looking at all of the online reporting of the compound explosion.

"Adalyn was there." I said.