Read Online Perfect Specimen: Brietta by Kate Donovan - Free Book Online Page B

her amoxicillin, she noted with satisfaction that her head still felt great. Not that she would allow herself to get too encouraged this time, given the intensity of her recent relapse. Still, the day was off to a promising start.
    After a quick trip to the lavatory tent, she started toward the canopy, then realized Taggert was already astride Kasha. And damn did he look good in the saddle again. So good she decided not to be so tough after all.
    “Hey!” She waved to him. “Wait a minute.”
    He waved back. “How’s the head?”
    “All better. “ She walked over to him and flashed a hopeful smile “I was actually thinking I might ride along with you today. We could explore together. That is, if Kasha doesn’t mind.”
    Taggert eyed her impatiently. “Why would you do that? The cemetery’s your assignment, remember?”
    She glared. “Thanks for reminding me. Have a good day.” When she turned away, she half expected him to come after her, or at least to call out some lame-ass apology. But all she heard was the pounding of Kasha’s hooves.
    Dashing to her tent, she grabbed the binoculars and marched back out in time to see him proceeding southwest at a jaunty pace. Not a care in the world, the creep. All business by day, all hands by night.
    “Classy, Taggert,” she muttered. “Thanks for keeping me from making a huge mistake.”
     
    * * * *
     
    He was all business after that—day and night—and things settled into a routine so comfortable, so productive, Brietta decided to forgive him for treating her like an underling.
    To her, it was really the opposite. She had the best part of this project, whether he knew it or not. With Vince, the mad gridder, by her side, she made quick progress, and in the afternoon of their fourth full day at the site she decided they all needed a reward, so she announced casually, “Anyone feel like digging up a dead body?”
    Vince whooped, and Melody grabbed a small trowel. Then they waited patiently for further instruction.
    “Use your instincts,” Brietta suggested. “Pick a grave, any grave. Stay inside the grid lines and go slow. Judging by Taggert’s experience, the first nine or ten inches of dirt are just post-internment deposits, but below that every grain of sand or speck of dust needs to be handled carefully. On the other hand,” she admitted, “I’m beginning to think he was right. There might not be much in these tombs except bones, so don’t overthink it. Have fun. But go slow.”
    The students didn’t need any more encouragement, and she was pleased to see that they didn’t select side-by-side graves, but relied on their professional instincts instead, with Vince selecting a patch of dirt at the center while Melody was drawn to an undisturbed corner.
    Anxious to choose her own personal treasure trove, she smiled to see that Hannan was hanging back. “Aren’t you going to dig with us?”
    “I’m not an archaeologist. I’m a bodyguard.”
    She arched an eyebrow. “These might be relatives of your ancestors. Doesn’t that intrigue you?”
    “Indeed it does.” He stepped up to her and touched her shoulder. “Thank you for including me. And for understanding why I’m here.”
    She bit her lip, pleased by the sentiment. Then she watched in awe as the bodyguard studied the burial ground solemnly, then started walking along its length. Finally, he walked over to a spot on the eastern edge, tapped the ground with his foot, and announced, “I think this is my grandmother.”
    Brietta laughed, hoping he was correct about the gender at least. The idea of a cemetery filled with males had its allure, but in terms of ancient artifacts—especially pottery and jewels—Brietta’s money was on ancient women every time.
    Raising her binoculars, she scanned the distance for signs of Taggert, but he was nowhere to be found. Oddly enough, her last glimpse had caught him leading Kasha through the dense scrub on foot, walking northward toward the same area to