Chapter 19

Thomas Mike wasn't an ordinary officer who worked in EPA. He was Assistant Administrator for the office of water. The protection and delivery of pure water to the citizens was the responsibility of this section of EPA. It had come under the radar since the beginning of Alto virus. Because most of the medical research bodies implied that the contamination of water may have led to the proliferation of disease. But due to the involvement of influential personalities in the higher offices it had not openly admitted the possible negligence. So many people contacted EPA for surety of safe drinking water but their doubts were dispelled by the representatives of the respective office. Since then the access of public had been prohibited in that area.

David and Amelia were allowed because of its close ties with the Carson family. Thomas Mike was a middle-aged man unlike what Amelia expected. She assumed he would be David's young friend. But she was surprised to see him. Dressed in a grey coat pants and silver tie with black oxfords, he was a jovial man with a confident look on his face. When David knocked on the door they were welcomed with a warm smile without any delay. He glanced at his watch and smiled, "Right on time," as he motioned them to take a seat.

"Before you begin let me ask you something important?" David knitted his brow as he anticipated his question. "What would you like to have? Tea or coffee?" he smiled again breaking the suspense. Amelia laughed too. They looked at each other and then said, "Coffee." He had a magnificent office with luxurious five seater leather sofas and table on one side, each corner embellished with pothos and dracaena plant. A frame was hung on one wall with a mesmerizing scenery that depicted beauty and peace together. Below the frame was a small aquarium fish tank where tiny and medium sized fishes with beautiful colors swam. At the other wall there was a floor to ceiling Victorian style wooden bookshelf with carved pillars on both sides. His desk and high back executive chair was placed in front of the wall adjacent to the door. On that wall just above the chair there was another frame that showed the picture of George Washington. A man who was the founding father and the first president of America. That indicated the reverence of officials towards their ancestors. There was another table at the corner where a coffee maker was placed. Thomas stood up and went there to make coffee for his guests. "So, what is it that brought you here?" As he put the cups of coffee in front of them.

They stared at each other again incredulous how to begin. Though they knew he wouldn't be ignorant of the facts. "As you know that there is an outbreak near Stans." David began to say. "Yes Alto..." he briefly said nodding his head. "So, we need your help." He concluded abruptly. "How can I help you" he puckered his eyebrows trying to make sense of what he just said. "Actually we want to make sure if there is any contamination...If there is.." he repeated and continued again "which we don't know yet; it should be dealt early." Thomas interlaced his fingers while listening to them. "Some doctors and scientists believe that there is a contamination of some sort that has led to spreading of this disease." Without waiting for his response Amelia began, "We are experimenting," she lowered her voice as if she was scared others would hear her which she didn't want. Thomas did not agree to the contamination theory presented by them because according to him they had advanced level of water delivery system and that it was impossible anything like that could happen. David and Amelia gazed at each other sensing that he might have been offended. "We know that and our assumption may not necessarily be true but we want to make sure. So that we can rule it out" They justified their stance. "Basically, this disease occurs due to unsafe drinking water or food. That's the main source of virus. And as it is happening at that single area so we are suspecting the water contamination is the cause. Once this possibility is ruled out we would move to other possibilities." Amelia said as she bit her lips. Thomas looked at them silently but he was engrossed in his thoughts perhaps he was trying to figure out what to do. David grew anxious too as he took a sip from his coffee which felt bitter than usual. They did not know what would come next. "There is a possibility that the disease will spread if not prevented early." Amelia broke the silence again. "It may possibly engulf the whole of America. And it's very dangerous." she pressed. "People are not just dying rather they are dying in a horrible way." David said.

they tried to convince him but he was unsure what to say. "Actually, I want to help you. but I am afraid I am not in a position to do that." he said as he lowered his eyes. David was astonished. "Why?" he could only manage to ask awkwardly in a single word, because he assumed he was the only person in a position to help them. "First of all you can't use governmental machinery secretly. Secondly, it's impossible in a short time. And finally, the thing for which you are requesting is very complicated, hard and extremely difficult to execute. So, even if I secretly arrange something for you there is a very low probability you would succeed." he clarified everything in three sentences. "But if we don't go there no better solution can be found. At least we can try." she beseeched. "There must be some way to go there?" David asked pleadingly. Despite the severity of situation the response of EPA was quite shocking for them. They were not able to decipher why they were reluctant to help. Even though there were plausible explanations about the expected pollution. They did understand that Thomas was willing to help them but there were rules he couldn't break. Breaking them would not only suspend him from his job but also drag him to jail. Without saying anything, Amelia put her hand into her pocket and took out her mobile. She browsed something on her phone and then showed it to Thomas. He budged a little at the sight of the picture but didn't say anything. David looked at her surprised. "It's not just death, it's a horror. And it's getting closer to us." She said visibly tensed. "We know your position. But we also know the thing that we are dealing with is not just coming for us. It is coming for you too. If we don't control it now it will engulf the whole world."

"What good will EPA be then. And your position will have no value if every citizen dies like that." she said despondently. Thomas lost words. After a minute of silence he grabbed his phone and dialed a number.

"Good afternoon Albert!" he said, "I am coming to meet you... along with my friends. Are you home?" he asked in a friendly way. "No not now I'll be available at night. I am out of city." the man said from the other side. "Okay will see you tonight." he informed him. "Is everything okay" he seemed concerned. "There is something important. Will let you know once we meet," he said and hung the phone.

*********

"This is Albert." Thomas introduced them to him as they entered his house. And these are my young friends Amelia and David Carson." He said enthusiastically. Amelia wasn't sure what befriended them to Thomas. Was it because of David's close ties with him or due to the gravity of situation that he too might have sensed. But she still didn't realize what brought them there. And who was Albert. She knew that they had to wait a little, until the reason for their meeting was disclosed. "Albert I know that you are the only person I have ever trusted in the entire EPA." Thomas began. "You know that we have a situation in Stans." Albert nodded. "These young doctors need your help." he looked at them and said. Without waiting for his response Thomas addressed Amelia and David, "he is an engineer. He knows every nook and corner of the water delivery and sewerage system in almost every area. In fact he is the one who has been a leading designer of the system."

"But you know that it's a serious matter." Albert raised his eyebrows as he reminded him. "But not as serious as our own survival," Thomas replied. "Help them however they need. And it is confidential." He winked. "You two should be careful too. Albert is there to help you. Don't let anyone know you have met us because of this." he cautioned them.