Immunity 5a/5

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Immunity, by T. L. Odell
Part 5a - Disclaimers in Part 0

* * *
Joe was wiping down the bar when Anne called.  "Slow down," he
said into the handset.  Let me take this in the office where it's
quiet."  Joe called to Mike to keep an eye on things and went to the
back room.

"Joe, he's a different person.  I don't know what he's afraid of, but
he's definitely retreating into himself.  I keep telling him that once
he's over the virus, he'll be his old self again, but I don't think he
believes me.  It's been two days; his temperature is practically
normal, but he can't keep any food down, and he won't leave the
bedroom.  Two days ago I could barely keep him in bed.  Now the
only thing he seems to do is scratch himself to see if he heals.  His
arms are a mess. There's no fire in his eyes.  He's a stranger.  What
do you think I should do?"

"Just leave him be, Anne.  I'm sure that once the virus is out of his
system, he'll perk up.  It will take time, that's all.  According to
what I've been able to find out, ten days is average, two weeks is
common.  Sit tight; I'll be there in a couple of hours."

"Thanks, Joe.  Bye."

Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod, cowering in bed.  No fire
in his eyes?  That bothered Joe more than he liked to admit.  He
asked Mike to take over for him,  and left the bar.  He got into his
car and began driving to Anne's.

It was just after noon when he walked up the driveway and
knocked on the door.

"You know you have a large black and white dog on your porch?"

"I'd forgotten all about it. Bring it inside."

Joe retrieved the toy and handed it to Anne.  She looked a little
drawn and haggard, but she still had that room brightening smile.

"You know where the guestroom is," she said as she put the dog on
the couch.

"Sorry it took a little longer to get here.  I stopped by Duncan's
place and grabbed some clothes. Is he still in his funk?"

"With a capital F.  I was trying to convince him to bathe; he won't
let me near him for a sponge bath, and he's getting really
odiferous."

"Let's see what happens," said Joe as he walked toward the guest
room.  "Hey, Mac,' called Joe as he entered the room. The
sickroom smell washed over him.  "Anne said you weren't quite up
to snuff yet, but I thought you might like a little company," he
continued as he walked straight to the window, pulled back the
curtains, and raised the sash.  "What are you trying to do,
asphyxiate yourself?

"Go away, Joe.  I'm sick and I need to rest."

"You stink and you need a good scrubbing.  I think you've gone
beyond the sponge bath phase.  Bath or shower?  You choose or I
will."

"I said go away."

"And I said you need a thorough cleaning.  Anne, would you
please draw the gentleman's bath."

"As you wish, master," smiled Anne.  "Bubbles?"

"I think we can spare him that."  As the tub filled with hot water,
Joe tried to engage Duncan in conversation.  Duncan merely pulled
the covers higher over his head.

"Okay, Mac, what's it going to take to get you into the tub?  Do I
threaten you with your own sword?  Or maybe I should tell you
that you probably haven't been this skuzzy since you were a kid in
the Highlands.  I know; we'll update your Watcher file with a
picture of you hiding in bed.

"Shut up!  Just stop talking and I'll take a bath."  He stripped off
his shirt and got shakily to his feet.  Joe reached to support him,
but Duncan pushed his hand away.  "I can do it myself," grumbled
Duncan.

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," said Anne as she left
the room.

As Duncan lathered and scrubbed, Joe sat on the edge of the tub.
He began speaking slowly and calmly, telling him what else he had
found out about the flu.  "This is not a twenty-four hour bug, and
you're no different from any other Immortal who comes down with
it.  You thought you were cured as soon as you could get out of
bed.  You weren't.  You had a setback, and it sent you into a pool
of self pity, driving poor Anne crazy with worry.  You should be
ashamed."

"So this is my fault now?" exclaimed Duncan.

"Of course not.  You got sick.  Deal with it.  Get over it.  And then
get back to the dojo and build your strength back up.  Anne and I
will be in the kitchen.  Holler if you need something."

"How about a razor and mirror first?  I could use a shave."

Joe handed him his shaving kit and a mirror, and then headed for
the kitchen

End of Part 5a

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