The Dread Merchant

In a world plagued by a devastating virus known as "Scratch 'n Sniff," Nick Ritter, an expert crisis consultant, finds himself sheltered with a makeshift family near the Canadian border as they face a bleak winter. With a stolen vaccine in his possession, he must decide whether to prioritize the survival of his group or the fate of humanity. Meanwhile, the lives of his companions—each grappling with personal challenges and revelations—intertwine with his fate as they confront forces that threaten their new lives and unearth dark secrets. As Nick navigates these high-stakes dilemmas, he must outmaneuver an obsessed antagonist in a struggle that reveals both personal and global stakes.