Robin Cook: Outbreak

“I know,” Marissa sighed. “So it’s really over.”

“Thanks to your persistence,” said Dubchek. “And the outbreak in New York is definitely under control.”

“Thank God,” she said.

“So when will you be coming back to the CDC?” asked Dubchek. “We’ve already gotten you clearance for the maximum containment lab.” This time there was no doubt about his grin. “No one relished the thought of your stumbling around in there at night anymore.”

Marissa blushed in spite of herself. “I haven’t decided yet. I’m actually considering going back into pediatrics.”

“Back to Boston?” Dubchek’s face fell.

“It will be a loss to the field,” said Dr. Fakkry. “You’ve become an international epidemiological hero.”

“I’ll give it more thought,” promised Marissa. “But even if I do go back to pediatrics, I’m planning to stay in Atlanta.” She nuzzled her new puppy. There was a pause, then she added, “But I’ve one request.”

“If we can be of any help…” said Dr. Fakkry.

Marissa shook her head. “Only Cyrill can help on this one. Whether I go back to pediatrics or not, I was hoping he’d ask me to dinner again.”

Dubchek was taken off guard. Then, laughing at Fakkry’s bemused expression, he leaned over and hugged Marissa to his side.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

OUTBREAK

A Berkley Book / published by arrangement with the author

All rights reserved.

Copyright © 1987 by Robin Cook

This book may not be reproduced in whole or part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement and could subject the infringer to criminal and civil liability.

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ISBN: 978-1-1012-0348-4

A BERKLEY BOOK®

Berkley Books first published by The Berkley Publishing Group, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc.,

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Berkley and the “ B ” design are trademarks belonging to Penguin Putnam Inc.

Electronic edition: May, 2002

CONTAGION

ACCEPTABLE RISK

BLINDSIGHT

BRAIN

COMA

FATAL CURE

FEVER

GODPLAYER

HARMFUL INTENT

MINDBEND

MORTAL FEAR

MUTATION

OUTBREAK

SPHINX

TERMINAL

VITAL SIGNS

THE YEAR OF THE INTERN

CHROMOSOME 6

in hardcover from G. P. Putnam’s Sons