Read Online Subterranean by James Rollins - Free Book Online Page B

watching you. Both in that crowded bar and now here among the caves, you’ve been awfully edgy. Shallow breathing, sweaty palms, pale face.” Ben saw her eyes sink to the stone floor with his words. “That’s why I came out to talk to you alone. I thought maybe there was something you’d like to get off your chest.”
    She raised her face to him, her eyes rimmed with tears. “You’re right, Ben. I have a problem with tight places.”
    â€œClaustrophobia?”
    She rubbed at her forehead, eyes down again, and nodded.
    â€œDuring the trip ahead, there are going to be many tight places. A panicked team member could jeopardize all of us.”
    â€œI know. But I’m on medication and have been through years of therapy. I can handle this.”
    â€œEven that tango bar in Buenos Aires shook you up.”
    â€œBecause I didn’t take my pills. Didn’t think I would need them. The bar with its packed crowd and loud music just caught me off guard. I can handle this mission.”
    He reached over and held her shoulders. “You’re sure?”
    She looked at him. “I’ll be fine. I can do this.”
    A fish jumped again. This time the splash failed to startle Linda. She continued to stare Ben straight in the eye.
    Silent for several breaths, he weighed her resolve. “Did you pack a fishing pole?” he finally asked.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œYou’ll need it if you want to collect specimens during this trip.”
    â€œRight,” she said with a smile. “So you won’t mention this to anyone?” She wiped at her eyes.
    Ben released her and picked up a flat stone. He skimmed it across the smooth lake surface. “Mention what?”
    The more life changes, the more it stays the same, Ashley thought, staring at her plate. Before her, cheese bubbled and white pasta floated in a steaming marinara sauce. Waves of garlic assaulted her nose. Lasagna again. Ashley smiled, remembering the last lasagna dinner, when Blakely first proposed this mission. The food was the same, but not the surroundings. Linen, bone china, crystal chandelier, mahogany dining table. Not her trailer’s kitchenette. She speared a forkful of the pasta.
    â€œProfessor Carter,” Blakely said. “I’ve arranged a research associate, Dr. Harold Symski, to guide you on a tour of the north wall. He’ll be calling on you around eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”
    With a hand held up, she swallowed her mouthful. “Since I only have the one day, I would rather start earlier. Say around six o’clock.”
    Blakely smiled. “I’ll let Dr. Symski know.”
    Ben cleared his throat and wiped a dribble of cheese from his chin. “I’d like to go and check them out too.”
    â€œFine with me,” Blakely said. “Is that all right with you, Professor Carter?”
    Ashley pictured Ben crawling beside her into a cramped cave, his body pressing against hers. “As long as he doesn’t get in the way.”
    He raised his hands in feigned innocence. “Who, me?”
    Blakely addressed the rest of the group. “Any others?”
    Jason raised a tentative hand. “I’d like to go.”
    â€œI don’t think that would be wise,” Blakely said sternly. “There are many rockfalls and pits in that area. It’s safer here.”
    Jason turned toward Ashley. “But Mom, I—
    Linda interrupted. “He can come with me to research the lake. The section I’ll be surveying lies within the boundaries of the camp.” She turned to the boy. “Would you mind helping me, Jason?”
    Ashley looked down at her blushing son. “Is that okay with you, honey?”
    He nodded, his voice squeaking a bit. “Sure. I’d like that.”
    Linda smiled. “Then it’s settled. Jason and I will be doing research.”
    Ben, seated on Jason’s far side, nudged him with an elbow.