The Fourth Quarter

By Sherri Moorer

Celebrate fall with four tales of mystery, intrigue, and suspense:

 

Quarantine (Fall): A quarantine reveals dark secrets in a small town.

 

Resonance (Halloween): A mysterious painting triggers strange events on a secluded estate.

 

Duality (Thanksgiving): A group of siblings and cousins work together to help a neighbor on a cold case podcast solve this decades-old mystery of the girl who died twice.

 

A Christmas Proposal (Christmas): Cindra and Keegan are challenged to give humanity the greatest gift: hope for the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sherri Moorer
• Release date: Sep 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223308379

Sherri Moorer

My name is Sherri Fulmer Moorer. I write because I’ve always loved to do it, and ebooks allowed me to share those stories with readers. The purpose of my writing is to escape reality and experience the adventure of ordinary people dealing with extraordinary circumstances. I write in a variety of genres because I can’t be pigeon-holed into one area, and I’m many other things in addition to being an author. I work full-time in professional licensing, which is great for keeping me in touch with people and reality and, in turn, inspires me to write more. I’m married and live in the woods with two parrots that keep our hearts, home, and lives filled with joy and silliness that most people find strange. I’m a social media rambler and borderline introvert/extrovert who's kindred spirit, according to online quizzes, is somewhere between a Sith Inquisitor from Star Wars and Scooter from The Muppets.

Book preview

Chapter 1 ( 3:50 A.M.)

The woman stood behind the hospital, cradling a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She was trembling, either from the chill in the air, or her nerves. She heard footsteps approach as the warm liquid slid down her throat.

You’re late, she said in a thick, country drawl.

My apologies, her companion said, huddled in a long, dark coat. The hood was pulled up, but the face was partially visible. Are we set?

The woman took another sip of her coffee and nodded. There were complications, but we’re set.

Complications?

Don’t worry; they’ve been dealt with.

The figure looked around. You have the money?

The woman nodded. It’s in a safe place.

They heard a noise around the corner, but several moments passed in silence. Finally, the figure spoke.

Why do we have to wait?

The woman sighed and tossed the empty cup in a nearby trashcan. We’re sticking to the plan. This illness has already caused unexpected problems. People have been hospitalized, and the Health Department is snooping around. She stared in the distance, toward the small administrative building across the parking lot. We don’t need to risk it by disappearing too early. Be patient. It’s Friday. We’ll have the weekend to get away.

Do we have any time to spare if the Health Department is involved?

We’ll be fine. The woman smiled. Relax. Everything is on schedule. I have the money and tonight we’ll be on a plane to anywhere we want. Don’t do anything to stir up suspicion. In fact, it might be best if you were seen as little as possible.

The figure nodded. We should meet again to finalize our plans.

An alarm sounded from the Nurses Station inside the door. The woman stiffened. I better get in there.

Then we’re set?

The woman nodded, exasperated. We’re set. I’ll meet you this afternoon. Don’t be late. And try to get some sleep.

The figure chuckled. Who can sleep? We’re about to have an exciting day.

Neither of them saw the man pressed against the side of the building as they parted ways.

Chapter 2 (7:55 A.M.)

Caitlyn Rosenblume rode her bicycle into the medical complex. It was a beautiful, crisp fall morning in Woodland, South Carolina, located fifty miles northwest of Columbia. She and her husband, Jared, built on family land that was closer to the center of town recently, so she rode her bike when the weather permitted to save on gas. Caitlyn worked at Woodland Memorial Hospital as the Administrative Assistant to the head of Accounting Services, Clara Ross. Mrs. Ross had been out sick all week, so it had been hectic as she scrambled to keep things moving.  Actually, most of the staff had been out sick all week. The previous day, only eight people showed up.

She rode up to the door just as her cousin, Megan Nichols, was walking in. Megan was an Accounting Coordinator responsible for managing their federal grant. People often asked Caitlyn and Megan if they were sisters, because they did look alike – they shared the same dark hair and eyes, but Megan was taller and thinner with wavy, long hair, while Caitlyn was shorter with straight hair hanging past her shoulders.

It rubbed many people the wrong way when Megan was promoted from a mid level accounting position a year ago, but she was the only person on staff that was a Certified Public Accountant besides Mrs. Ross. Caitlyn didn’t begrudge Megan the promotion. Megan was in the middle of a divorce, and she needed a better paying job so she could support herself. Not only had her husband been cheating on her, but he was recently arrested for running a methamphetamine lab in the trailer he shared with an old high school buddy. Mark never held a steady job. Megan was living with her parents – Caitlyn’s aunt and uncle – until the divorce was finalized.

Hi Megan, what’s up?

Megan smiled. Not much. It looks like we’re short staffed again today.

Caitlyn glanced at the parking lot, where only two cars were parked. I’ll say.

That’s fine, Megan said as they walked in the office. Maybe I can get caught up with some of my work. I left early yesterday to meet with my lawyer, so I could use some peace and quiet.

How did that go?

Pretty good. It should be finalized the week before Thanksgiving. Megan sighed. Maybe I’ll get enough out of this to make a down payment on one of those new town homes they’re building near you. They’re supposed to start selling them the first of December.

You’re still not thinking about finding a roommate? Caitlyn asked.

Megan shook her head. No, after Mark I’ve had it with other peoples’ problems. I think I’d be better off on my own. I want to reestablish life on my own terms.

There’s a lot of freedom in that.

They heard a throat clearing behind them.

Good morning Elly, Caitlyn said without turning around.

Why is that bicycle in the building?

Caitlyn turned and looked at Elly Jenkins, the Business Manager. She looked silly in her jeans and three-inch heels, but Caitlyn suppressed the urge to laugh. It won’t hurt anything in my office.

The housekeeper complained about dirt being tracked in the carpet. Besides, it doesn’t belong inside. Do you keep it inside your new house?

No, I keep it in the garage and ride here in the bike lane, so I don’t know where she found dirt. It’s not like I ride it through the woods.

Elly put her hands on her hips, her green eyes flaring. It needs to be outside.

Megan stepped between them. This isn’t worth a fight. Leave her alone. At least she’s saving gas, and she’s getting exercise. Megan looked at Elly critically. You might want to think about doing the same.

Don’t talk to me like that!

It’s too early for this, Caitlyn said. Elly, where is everybody?

Mrs. Ross, Rachel, Susan and Valerie are still in the hospital. Everybody else called in sick, except Mandy. She should be here soon.

Why is everybody out? Megan asked.

The four in the hospital have pneumonia. As for everybody else, I don’t know. There are twenty-five people on staff. I can’t keep up with all of them.

You certainly try

Don’t start with me!

Caitlyn started to jump between them when Mandy Murray came up the hall, with a police officer. This officer needs to speak with us. She looked around nervously. I can’t find anybody else.

Elly stepped up, flashing her charming smile. I’m Elly Jenkins, the Business Manager. She gestured toward Mandy. This is Mandy Murray, my assistant. Please, come to my office, she said, guiding him around Caitlyn and Megan. She whisked them up the hall, her long red ponytail flying behind her. Mandy glanced at them with bashful blue eyes and dutifully trotted behind them, her curly black hair bouncing with each step.

The officer stopped at the end of the hall and looked at Caitlyn and Megan. Actually, we need to see everybody that’s here right now, he said. Do you have a conference room?

It’s around the corner, Elly said. Come on ladies. Caitlyn, leave the bike in your office.

Let’s go directly there, the officer said. We have a serious situation on our hands, and the sooner we get you informed, the better.

Chapter 3 (8:15 A.M.)

Their impromptu meeting took place in their conference room, located on the back hall of the building. The middle aged police officer stood at the head of the table. My name is Officer Richards. He sighed. Before I start, I want to impress on you that I’m here to protect you and ensure that you will return home to your families tonight.

Why wouldn’t we? Megan asked.

He took a deep breath. I’m sure you’re aware that four of your colleagues have been admitted to the hospital since Monday for pneumonia. Elly has informed me that sixteen people on your staff have called in sick during the course of this week. I don’t think I have to explain that such excessive absenteeism is unusual. He paused as he looked at the paper in front of him. The Health Department got a call from the head doctor on duty at the hospital late yesterday afternoon expressing concern over the fact that so many people on your staff have become ill in a short period of time. They’ve been here all night, running tests on the patients admitted to the hospital and studying the medical files for your staff members that visited their doctors this week. Everybody on your staff that’s out today has pneumonia. They’re currently being treated, and rest assured their doctors will monitor them closely. Four people admitted to the hospital aren’t doing well. Three of them are in critical condition, He flipped a page in his report, and Clara Ross died at 4:00 this morning from complications due to asthma and pneumonia.

They gasped.

I’m sorry to tell you this. Her husband gave us permission to do an autopsy, which should be in progress. Due to the fact that so many people have become ill with a possible contagion that could pose a threat to the community, the hospital complex is being placed under quarantine until a full investigation can be done to determine the possible communicability of this pneumonia to the general public.

The room broke out in chatter. Finally, Caitlyn raised her hand. Officer Richards?

Yes ma’am?

Can I go home? My doctor gave me a pneumonia shot during my physical last year. It should protect me from this, shouldn’t it?

He shook his head. I’m afraid not. While I’m glad to hear you had that shot, we can’t be certain you’re fully protected. Some pneumonia progresses from a bacterial based infection, like a sinus infection or bronchitis. That’s what the shot protects you from. Some progresses from a viral illness, like a cold or the flu. These are contagious, and in that case none of you are protected. In fact, you might be in danger just from working in the same environment with the people that got sick this week.

Then why not give us an antibiotic shot and let us go home? Megan asked. We’ll get it or we won’t. I doubt we’ll go anywhere if we’re that sick.

That’s an option we’re exploring, Officer Richards said. The doctors and nurses are opposed to administering antibiotics to perfectly healthy people. Antibiotics won’t help if it’s viral based, and if it’s bacterial based and you aren’t symptomatic yet, you run the risk of making the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic. He sat down. Ladies, I don’t like this any more than you do. Keep in mind that I’m here to protect you. Right now you aren’t sick, and we want to keep it that way. If we can determine that it can be prevented from developing or spreading, we’ll let you go. My job is to secure this office while the Health Department officials complete their investigation at the hospital.

Officer Richards, what if somebody needs emergency care? Elly asked.

The doctors and nurses in the ER will determine the severity of the situation. They are going to refer everybody to the hospitals in Columbia or Greenville, but obviously they will have to administer care if it’s an emergency or if the patient refuses to make the drive. All incoming patients are being informed of the situation and will be required to sign a waiver if they choose to get care at Woodland Memorial.

What are we supposed to do? Caitlyn asked. Just go about our business like a normal day, only we can’t leave the building?

Mandy helped me shut down your telephones and e-mail when she came in, Officer Richards said. You can work on files stored on your computer, but we don’t want you calling or E-mailing anybody, just to protect the confidentiality of the situation. In fact, I saw that all of you brought purses today. Could I please take a look at them?

Mandy clutched hers tightly. Why?

We’re under orders to confiscate mobile devices that could be used to for communication outside this building. He put his hand up as they started to object. You’ll get them back before you leave.

Caitlyn put her purse on the table – a cloth purse with pictures of parrots standing in palm trees stitched all over it. Thank you, Officer Richards said, glancing in the bag. You don’t have a cell phone?

Caitlyn turned the pockets on her large, pink sweater inside out. No.

Wait, Elly protested, what about that fancy phone your husband gave you for your birthday?

Caitlyn turned up her hands. Obviously, I don’t have it with me now.

Elly snorted. I find it hard to believe that. You always have that thing with you.

Ok, that’s one down. Come on, ladies, Office Richards said They sat quietly as he glanced through the other purses, had them turn their jacket pockets inside out to show they were empty, and collected their cell phones.

As I said, we’ll return these before you leave.

Do you have any idea when that will be? Elly asked.

As soon as possible. I’ll keep you apprised of the situation. In the meantime, my job is to secure the building and to interview each of you.

Megan raised an eyebrow. Interview us? For what?

Your general health history. It shouldn’t take long. Officer Richards stood. Elly, are there any other outdoor exits besides the front door?

Elly stood. There’s a back door, but it’s a fire escape. If you open it, it automatically sets off the fire alarm. Most of the windows in the offices are solid glass and can’t be opened. The only one that does open is the ventilation window in the restroom, across the hall. It’s small and only opens an inch or two. A person would never fit through there.

Officer Richards glanced in the hall. The building is a perfect square, so it shouldn’t be difficult to secure. I’ll set up in the lobby since that’s only way in and out of the building. He looked around the room, his gaze falling on Mandy. You, with the deer in headlights look. Come with me, you’re first. The rest of you hang tight and I’ll send for you when I’m ready.

Caitlyn and Megan silently headed to their offices, processing the information Officer Richards gave them. Obviously, this day wasn’t going to be as simple as they hoped.

Chapter 4 (9:30 A.M.)

Caitlyn dropped in a chair across the desk from Megan. "I just got grilled about my