Read Online Alien Virus by Steve Howrie - Free Book Online

wasn’t
long before Frank introduced Tony to his mother Audrey. Through
her, they found Gareth – and Kate was next. Eventually, Frank’s job
at the University became untenable. His colleagues became more and
more vindictive of his research. And when Frank was no longer
allowed to tell his undergraduate classes about ‘this fictitious
virus’, that was the beginning of the end.
    Tony, on the other hand, was more cautious
about the people he spoke to. Their two characters complimented
each other in many ways. But when Frank was adamant about going
public about the virus, and Tony wasn’t ready to do so, the
inevitable rift occurred. Neither Gareth nor Kate wanted Frank to
leave, but Tony was more laissez–faire about it.
    “I’m not going to stop him,” he said.
    Audrey tried to talk Frank out of going down
to London into ‘Virus Hell Hole’; but he wouldn’t be stopped. That
was where the greatest concentration of the virus was, so that’s
where he was going to start. On reflection, Frank probably
underestimated the power and strength the virus had down there. If
people didn’t listen in Edinburgh, he wasn’t going to get much
reaction down there either.
    He personally delivered a letter to the
Prime Minister, posted circulars to members of parliament, and
stood on a soapbox at Speaker’s Corner. He even took a handwritten
note to Buckingham Palace for the Queen. He went to every major
television and radio station in town, and called at the offices of
London’s newspapers. Then, after getting no reaction from those in
power, he went directly to the people – speaking to anyone and
everyone who would listen. On street corners, in the underground,
in museums and art galleries (from which he was thrown out many
times) and in pubs – where I met him of course. Most regarded him
as one of those cranks who carry bill–boards saying ‘The End is
Nigh’. He didn’t do that – but his message was just as deadly: if
people did not wake up to the danger within them, then the end of
life on planet Earth was just around the corner.
    Who could say the effect that Frank Peters
had on the population of London. Many thousands must have heard him
speak – and then there were those who told their families and
friends about the strange man who spoke to them on the train, bus
or underground as they travelled to and from work. But there’s one
thing certain, he gave it his best shot and was an inspiration to
us all. In the next phase that was now unfolding, one without Frank
Peters, Tony hoped we could achieve just half of what Frank had
done in his life, and eventually rid mankind of this unseen virus
that was a threat to our very existence.
     
    ***
     

Ten
     
    After Kate and I had left for Orkney, Sandi
invited Gareth out for a coffee. She knew something was troubling
him and thought a chat and a drink would do him good. The fact that
she fancied him like crazy had nothing to do with it – nothing.
    Gareth took the bus over to Inverleith Row
where Sandi was staying, and they walked around the busy streets
looking for somewhere outside they could sit and enjoy the air.
They found a small Italian café and ordered two large coffees. They
chatted amiably about nothing much for a few minutes, then
something caught Gareth’s eye.
    “Jesus!” he muttered.
    “What is it?” But before Gareth could
explain, a dark woman recognized him and approached the couple
hurriedly. It was Emily.
    “Who is this?” she demanded looking at
Sandi.
    “This is nothing to do with you,” he
replied.
    “Oh, so now I see what’s going on. You just
wanted to dump me for her – whoever she is. How long’s this being
going on?” She was angry and bitter.
    “Just calm down Emily – that’s not the
situation…” Then Emily stepped back in a moment of realization.
    “Wait a minute – I know who you are. You’re
the one in all the papers – the one who was abducted!”
    Oh shit, Sandi thought. She stood up
quickly, grabbing her