Read Online Colder Than Ice by Helen MacPherson - Free Book Online

change, and prepared herself for another painful
closure in her life.
    Sydney,
Australia—2009
    ALLISON
PICKED UP her stress ball and launched it at her door. “For Christ’s
sake!”
    Rick
Winston ducked and just managed to avoid the forcefully thrown missile.
“What’s wrong?” He picked up the sponge ball and placed it on
Allison’s desk.
    Allison
furiously pointed at the digital tablet’s screen. “We’ve got the
money.”
    “That’s
great news.” Rick looked at the firm line of Allison’s mouth and the scowl
on her face. “It’s not?”
    “We
only get it if DeGrasse can head the expedition.” Allison turned the
screen. “Here, read for yourself.”
    Rick
scanned the e-mail. “I think she’s made it clear that she sees the role as
only a coordinating one.”
    “That’s
not the point. She’s a bloody psychologist and has no experience in leading an
archaeological dig,” Allison said with a pout.
    Rick
laughed. “I think you’re forgetting something here. Correct me if I’m
wrong, but it’s the $300,000 she’s managed to get that’s allowing the dig to
get off the ground.”
    Allison
shook her head. “That’s not the point. This is my dig.”
    Rick
laid a soothing hand on Allison’s arm. “Be reasonable. You might see
yourself as the leader. But you’d be the leader of nothing if she hadn’t gained
the additional funds.”
    Frustrated,
Allison slapped Rick’s hand. “Damn it, Rick. Can’t you humor me and be on
my side for once? I hope this bloody Yank doesn’t turn the whole thing into a
social experiment.”
    Rick
stepped away, rubbing his hand where Allison had hit him. “Oh, for
heaven’s sake, Alli, grow up. I doubt she’s going to make it anything like
that. In fact, I’d be surprised if half the time you know she’s even
there.” He turned to leave.
    “Where
are you going?”
    “Di
and I have to go over to Greeton’s and pick up the first of the equipment for
New Zealand training. We shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours.”
    Allison
crossed her arms. “So it’s Di now. What happened to blimbo?”
    Rick
tilted his head to the ceiling and closed his eyes. “I give up,” he
muttered and closed the door behind him.
    Allison
again picked up the stress ball and threw it at the closing door, gaining
satisfaction as it hit the polished wood with a resounding thud.
    Houston,
Texas—2009
    MICHELA
POURED HERSELF a glass of red wine and went to her digital tablet. The
meeting hadn’t been as bad as she expected it to be.
    She
worked through the messages in her inbox and cringed when she saw the response
from Dr. Shaunessy.
    Dr.
DeGrasse,
    You
can imagine my surprise at your last e-mail. I accept Ms. Finlayson’s
conditions but I believe we need to be clear where your delineation of
responsibility lies. As you’ve already mentioned, your role as leader will be
purely managerial. The oversight of the dig is my responsibility.
    We
will only be a team of eight. As well as your research and oversight, you’ll be
expected to help with everyday tasks. Hopefully you won’t mind getting your
hands dirty.
    There’s
also a legislative requirement for any group going to Antarctica to undertake
training prior to arrival on the continent. I’ve approached the Christchurch office
of the Southern Hemisphere Antarctic Division and they’re willing to provide
their training location near Mount Cook in about two week’s time. Regardless of
Ms. Finlayson’s donation, if you’re to be part of the team you’ll have to
attend this training. The rest of the team will look at meeting at 2.00 pm, New
Zealand time, Friday 8 May at Christchurch Airport. You should meet us there.
    Regarding
e-funds transfer, I’ve placed at the bottom of this e-mail an electronic
encoder that will allow you to access the expedition account. If you’ve any
problems operating this, let me know.
    Dr.
Allison Shaunessy
    Michela
snorted at Allison’s officious response. It was obvious from her words