Abel Brannon's greed could bring the US government to its knees-but the exotic animal dealer will never know it.
Ten days ago Brannon illegally imported six West African Diana monkeys, unaware they carry the deadly Marburg virus. He dies several days later, but not before selling them. The threat becomes clear as the buyers fall ill. Multiple government agencies respond quickly but so does a more sinister force.
Aagel, a jihadist, acquires one of the monkeys and recruits Jabayer, a retired biology professor, to culture the virus by leading him to believe it was for peaceful purposes. In truth, Aagel plans to release Marburg, now in aerosol form, on the US Congress hoping to cripple the government and cause widespread panic.
As Aagel's plan grows ever closer to completion, agents from Homeland Security, the FBI, CDC, and local police forces scramble desperately to identify and locate the perpetrators and minimize the damage.
Marburg has gained a foothold in America. Pray it doesn't spread.
About the Author: David B. Welsh is a vascular surgeon and Massachusetts native who graduated from Iowa State University. He received his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed his internship and first year of residency, then served three years with the US Air Force in Japan.
After completing his residency, Welsh joined the Southern California Permanente Medical Group at the Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California.
Since retiring, Welsh has turned to writing. In addition to Marburg, his published novels include Genes, Dots, and Spies and The Shakarchi File. He and his wife, Ahlene, a metalsmith and weaver, divide their time between Claremont and Cambria, California.
