Doctor Kimberly Cortwell is not having fun. The virus has caused nothing but overpowering work for everyone, and it doesn’t seem like there’s an end in sight. She’s not particularly surprised to have a new case at the hospital but this case is special.

Seth Ash is not reacting to the illness like other people do. Something is happening in his body, and whatever it is just might be the key to making real headway against the pandemic. It would be a truly exciting and wonderful thing if the man wasn’t so irritating, smug, self-righteous, and handsome. Wait…handsome?

Here is an excerpt:

She returned to the nurse’s station and again washed up. Gina handed her a clipboard. “Test came back,” she said.

“He’s positive,” Kimberly said.

“You haven’t even looked.”

“I can tell by the tone of your voice.” She looked at the chart. “But…none of this makes any sense. Why was he admitted again?”

“He went to the emergency room for an injury: quick stiches and a tetanus shot. But there were breathing issues when he was checked in. So he was admitted.”

“Are we sure this test is correct?”

“Yes, Doctor,” Gina said. A Yes, Doctor in that tone of voice was professional. It meant she caught the surprise and interest she displayed.

Kimberly stared at the chart.

“Is anything wrong, Doctor?” Gina asked. Kimberly shook her head. Gina probably wouldn’t have followed up with any other doctor, but she asked, “Then why did you ask if the test was correct?”

Kimberly looked at her friend and said, “Because if the test is correct, Seth Ash in room 204 might be the key to ending all this.”