Infected Waters: A Titanic Disaster Read online

  “Do you think he’ll tell us?” Lillian asked worriedly.

  “Anything Cookie knows he can’t help sharing with others. He is the best source of ship gossip there is, and he likes you. He’ll tell us everything we need to know.”

  Taking the crews corridors, they arrived at the kitchen.

  Gil peeked inside. “Coast is clear.”

  “Ah, it’s my two favorite passengers. I’ll have you a snack made up in just a minute.” Winking at the pair, Cookie turned to prepare their food.

  “Cookie, we heard…or, well, Lillian saw something disturbing and we thought you might know what’s going on.”

  “What did you see, baby girl?” Cookie’s face became serious as he faced Lillian.

  “They were taking a body to the furnace,” Lillian whispered.

  “The crewmen?” Cookie inquired.

  “Yes. And the steward, Jonathan.”

  “Hmm. If Jonathan was there, then the captain would have approved it so they don’t have a contagious corpse waiting in storage to infect more people.” Cookie rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  “They learned many years ago that rats and vermin can get anywhere. If they were to get this sickness it could kill everyone on board. It’s just a precaution.”

  “I knew you would know if we needed to be concerned about it. See? Now we can just go and explore.” Gil tried to convey the need to downplay this incident.

  “You should be safe, baby girl. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Cookie pointed between Gil and himself. “Go and explore for a while and I’ll see what I can find out about this.”

  Handing them a snack, Cookie admonished them. “Don’t go hanging around the infirmary and keep what you saw to yourself. They wouldn’t like it if they knew you were spying on them. Be safe, both of you.”

  “We will, Cookie. Thanks. You always make me feel better.” Lillian gave Cookie a hug, causing him to blush.

  Taking Lillian’s hand, Gil pulled her through the corridors until they reached the cargo bay. Knowing just where to take her, Gil headed right and through rows of boxes.

  The blanket they had spread over the crate at the top of the pile was still there.

  “No one found our secret place.” Lillian sighed in relief.

  “Unless they have wings, it would be difficult for someone to discover this place.” Gil waved over the massive amounts of freight piled throughout the room.

  “I guess you’re right. I’m just a bit worried is all.” Lillian busied herself with taking their snacks out.

  Gil reached out and brought her chin up so that her eyes met his. “Even with this infection, we’ll be fine. We know about it and can make sure that we stay far away from anyone that becomes infected.”

  “You don’t know we’ll be okay. I mean, have you ever heard of a sickness where people try to eat each other?” Lillian questioned.

  Gil looked thoughtful as he considered her question. “I’ve never heard about an illness like this, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened before. I’m only starting to explore the world, so I couldn’t really say.”

  “There are those tribes in Africa who eat each other. Although, they mostly eat the warriors they kill from the other tribe,” Lillian informed him.

  “How do you know about things in Africa?” Astonishment filled Gil’s voice.

  “I read Papa’s missionary letters when he’s out for the day. I’m not supposed to, but they are so interesting.”

  “Have you always been this sneaky?” Gil admired her skills for gathering information.

  “Only since I was born,” Lillian giggled.

  “You, my dear, have perfected the art.” Gil made an exaggerated bow from the waist.

  “It’s so nice to be able to laugh without a reprimand. Refreshing, really.”

  Taking a deep breath to emphasize her point, the enclosed dust filled her lungs, making her cough.

  Pounding her back, Gil couldn’t help but notice the way her clothes showed her blossoming womanhood.

  Ignoring the thoughts that suddenly filled his brain, Gil concentrated on making her laugh instead.

  “Next time you should only take deep breaths when out on the decks instead of a room filled with dust.” Gil teased her as she regained her breath.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be sure to remember that if I feel the need to have air in my lungs.”

  Watching her smile, Gil realized that she had no idea the effect it had on the male species.

  Voices suddenly filled the room causing both Gil and Lillian to lie flat on the crate’s surface.

  “Do you suppose we can find it?” The deeper voice asked, coming closer to their hiding spot.

  “Good grief, man. It’s a coffin for goodness sake. Something like that has a tendency to stick out, wouldn’t you say?” The higher voice responded.

  “When you point out the obvious, it does. Do you think the rumor is true?”

  “The rumor of a cursed mummy? Seriously?” The deeper voice asked in disbelief.

  “You really believe something over 1000 years old would have any effect on whether our ship stays afloat?”

  “Well, since you seem to know it all, how do you explain the reason we were sent down here to make sure there’s a body inside?” The higher voice asked nervously as he moved further away from the crate.

  “The captain just wants to reassure everyone that the body is still there and not this mysterious patient they found in the beginning. At least that’s my theory on it. What do I know? I’m just a low-level steward.”

  “Ah, here it is.” The sound came from across the room.

  Scared at the words of the two men, Lillian reached across the crate until she found Gil’s hand and clung onto it for dear life.

  A few boxes were moved around and grunts emerged from the men until they walked by carrying an Egyptian style coffin toward the door.

  As the voices faded, Lillian and Gil sat up slowly to make sure they hadn’t been seen.

  “Whew. I don’t think they even knew there was anyone else in here.” Gil wiped the sweat from his brow.

  “Were they talking about a mummy? As in the kind that’s wrapped up and walks around in paper rolls?” Lillian didn’t even realize they were still holding hands.

  “I believe so. There’s a rumor that this coffin containing an Egyptian mummy from the Royal museums in London was purchased by an American and is on this ship.” Gil began the story from the rumors he had heard.

  “They say the mummy holds a curse and every ship that has tried to carry it sinks, but the coffin is always found in the remains and rescued.” Gil rubbed his thumb over the back of Lillian’s hand in a reassuring gesture.

  “Why do you think they are taking the coffin up to the captain?” Lillian wondered curiously.

  “I don’t know, but if I was him, I’d throw that thing in the sea and let it float with the fishes. I only hope he didn’t wait too long to get rid of it.”

  ~~~~~~

  Millie Jean was feeling well enough to attend dinner after soaking up the sunshine during the afternoon. Dinner was the time to show off your clothes and how affluent your family happened to be.

  Weak and pale, Millie Jean had just finished changing when Lillian bounced into the room.

  “Where on earth have you been young lady?” She demanded of her daughter.

  “I have been walking around the decks and enjoying the sunshine, Mother,” Lillian answered as close to the truth without lying.

  “You need to zip up my dress and try on this one. I had it made for you as a surprise for this trip. Your first evening dress.” Millie Jean waved to the dress laying across the bottom berth as she presented her back to Lillian for zipping.

  A gorgeous green dress with scooped neckline was waiting for Lillian to try on.

  Torn between wearing such a beautiful dress and the adult responsibilities she would be trying on with it, Lillian’s choice was taken away when her mother started undoing the buttons on her
dress.

  “Normally, I would have waited for a coming out ball in your honor, but since your dresses are so small, I really didn’t have a choice. You must wear clothing that is decent or the family will be scandalized.”

  Slipping her old dress off, Lillian waited as her mother did the honor of fixing the new gown as it was meant to be worn.

  “Thank you for such a beautiful dress, Mother. I’m sure I will have many occasions to wear it.” Lillian tried not to feel exposed in her new outfit.

  “It does take a little getting used to, but since we will never see any of the people on this horrible boat again, it will give you a chance to practice without embarrassment.” Millie Jean proudly pinned Lillian’s hair up, leaving a few wisps over her ears to enhance her features.

  “There. Aren’t you the perfect picture of a young woman?” Gazing upon her handiwork, she beamed. “Wait until your father sees you. It’s a surprise for him as well.”

  “Oh, he’ll be surprised all right,” Lillian commented with sarcasm, which her mother ignored. “If I must die, I might as well get it over with.” Lillian stood up, but had to catch the bed frame to stop from tipping over.

  “A little time will help you adjust to the way the dress fits.” Millie Jean displayed no concern at her daughter’s clumsiness.

  “I feel strange having the bottom of my dress touch the ground.” Lifting her dress to keep from tripping again, Lillian attempted to walk the length of the small room.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I got you new shoes as well. You can’t wear those childish boots, and when you go up and down the stairs they will be visible.” Millie Jean opened her trunk and took a pair of slippers out of the bottom. “I hope they fit.” She held her hands together in anticipation as Lillian took her boots off and replaced them with the silk slippers.

  “They’re perfect, Mother.” In a rare show of emotion between them, Lillian embraced her mother. “Thank you.”

  “No problem, my dear. I’m just glad to see you all grown up for a change. Now, let’s go show your father.”

  She motioned toward the door as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  The door opened to reveal her brother leaning on the wall across from their room.

  Letting out a whistle of appreciation, Samuel stood up, offering a hand to his little sister, causing her to blush.

  “Samuel, don’t be vulgar,” Millie Jean admonished him.

  “I wasn’t, Mother. My little sister looks all grown up now,” he admitted as he twirled Lillian around to show off the whole ensemble.

  Knocking impatiently on the other cabin’s door, Millie Jean was ready to eat after almost three days with little to nothing in her stomach.

  Richard appeared shrugging into his dinner jacket. Catching sight of Lillian in her adult gown, he plastered a smile on his face.

  “Where did my little angel go?” Making a twirling motion with his hand, Richard took in the full effect.

  “You’re all grown up now. Would you allow me to escort you to the dining room, Miss?” He asked, offering his arm to Lillian in acceptance of her new attire.

  “Why certainly, my good sir.” Lillian answered with a nod of her head.

  “Mother, would you allow me to escort you to dinner since Father seems to have another woman on his arm this evening?” Samuel teased his parents.

  “Yes, Samuel. You may escort me, but at a sedate pace, young man. It’s not a race to the tables.” Millie Jean smiled for the first time in days as they made their way to the dining room.

  ~~~~~~

  The situation in the infirmary had been contained, but Nora wasn’t sure if they could handle any more people becoming infected.

  Jonathan had disposed of the chest victim’s body and returned to help Nurse Angie set up the new infirmary on a different deck of the ship.

  Nora had cleaned for hours, but still felt as if the infection was crawling over her skin.

  Judith, opening the door for the doctor, didn’t notice the men in the beds until the doctor’s demand of Nora.

  “What is the meaning of this? Who are these men and how did they get injured?” Looking at the bandages on both men, the doctor hoped it wasn’t more infected injuries.

  “Sir, our first patient died and in the process of disposing the body, per the captain’s orders, four more men were injured,” Nora explained as she walked over to shut the door.

  “Why wasn’t I informed?” Anger beaded the doctor’s face as the information sank in. “You said, four. Where are the other two?”

  “They died. One at the time of the incident and the other had wounds too severe to save. We cleaned the room and have set up an infirmary on the main deck in their second gym. Angie is up there with the steward, Jonathan, arranging supplies.” Nora’s patience was unraveling, but technically the doctor was in charge.

  “Hmm. Well, that seems like a good idea to separate the ship’s sick from this dreadful infection. Since you have this taken care of I’m going to shower, look over the new room and take a long rest. Don’t bother calling me unless it’s a regular illness.” The doctor handed his bag to Judith and prepared to leave the room.

  “Sir? The captain would like to see you in his cabin immediately.”

  “Well he can bloody wait until I’ve had a chance to clean up.” The doctor slammed the door as he left the room.

  “Yeah, he wasn’t too happy to have to deliver that baby. It was breach, and the midwife finally managed to turn the baby with the doctor’s ‘help.’” Judith shook her head in disgust. “And that poor woman’s screams when the doctor tried to reach inside?” Cringing at the images she would never forget, Judith continued, “Evidently, she had been in labor for twelve hours or more when we got there, but she finally had that boy after we arrived another 10 hours later.”

  “Oh, no. I’m sure if the midwife thought she needed help it was serious. I’m just sorry we didn’t have better help to send. At least it kept him out of the infirmary during our crisis.” Nora shuddered at the thought of him handling the infected men.

  “After seeing our doc in action, those men were just lucky he wasn’t here. He would have killed them by just being in the room.” Exhaustion showed in Judith’s features.

  “Go get cleaned up and take a few hours to rest. We are going to need you to help watch these gentlemen.” Nora hated having to depend on her, but at least she had some common sense when the need arose.

  “You know, I really hated you when I first met you, but I see now why you were so bossy. Someone had to take charge of the infirmary and you have the most experience.” Judith smiled weakly at Nora.

  “I appreciate that, Judith.” Returning her smile, Nora jumped on the offer of peace between them. “Truce?”

  “Truce. I’ll get some rest and take a turn later tonight so you can do the same.”

  “Thanks. I think these guys will be fine for the next few days if the last few infected are any indication, but we don’t want to leave them alone just in case.” Nora added, “I’ve also asked for any women in third class who’ve had nursing experience to help out. We need someone to be in all three rooms and that will stretch us pretty thin for the last day of the trip.”

  “You might try to give yourself a chance to rest if you can,” Judith suggested as she closed the door firmly behind her.

  ~~~~~~

  Jonathan proclaimed the new infirmary ready for business.

  “Are you certain you can handle it by yourself?” he asked dubiously.

  “I can, but if you can talk Peggy down and have her come here where it’s safe, it would be really wonderful.” Angie was worried about her friend locked in terror in her room for hours.

  “I’ll do my best to check on her before I finish my rounds.” Jonathan frowned at the thought of all his unfinished work from the day.

  “We’ll get some help, or at least someone to call for you ladies in case of an emergency.”

  Moments later, as he stood before Peggy’s doo
r, Jonathan couldn’t help but wonder if any of them would get sleep before the voyage ended.

  “Nurse Peggy? It’s Jonathan, the steward. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

  “You’re not infected are you?” Peggy asked through the door.

  “No, I’m not infected. In fact, I’ve changed clothes three times since lunch. It’s perfectly safe for you to come out.”

  “All right, just a second.” The sounds of furniture being moved proceeded the opening of the door.

  A slight crack appeared with Peggy’s face peeking through. “What did you need to say to me?”

  “I know this afternoon was really scary, but you’re a nurse, and I know you can handle it when things get tough. Can’t you?”

  “I can, but I don’t want to be infected or die.” Peggy whined.

  Grinding his teeth together in frustration, Jonathan answered patiently. “I can’t guarantee it couldn’t happen. We have taken a lot of precautions to make sure everyone is safe. Also, the new infirmary is on a different floor than the infected patients.”

  Pulling the door open all the way, Peggy stepped into the doorway, eyes red from crying. “I guess I can try. I have been nursing a long time.” She sniffled, poking a finger in his face. “As long as it’s not with those infected ones, I will try to help the others who are sick.”

  Playing on her sympathies and experience, Jonathan stroked her ego. “Your years of nursing are needed desperately. We are having some of the girls from steerage help, but they don’t have your knowledge and clear head during emergencies.”

  “I won’t be able to sleep tonight anyway,” Peggy agreed.

  Chapter 9

  Saturday, April 13, 1912

  After a restless night, Nora returned to make the rounds on her patients who were infected.

  Patrick hadn’t come to from his unconscious state, but Jonathan had managed to tie his body to the bed. He had stationed a crewman outside his door in case he regained consciousness.

  “You haven’t heard anything from inside yet?” Nora inquired of Patrick’s guard.

  “No, Miss. Not a peep from the room all night,” he responded, standing as she entered the room.