"James Rollins - Subterranean" - читать интересную книгу автора (Romeyn Henry)

"And earned yourself a bit of a reputation. Quite the cave hound. I read about that cavern rescue in the
States. Big hero, huh?"

Ben shrugged.

"But that's not why you left here. It was Jack, wasn't it?"

Ben's face went cold at the mention of his friend's name. "I believed in the Guard. And honor. I believed
in you."

Colonel Matson grimaced. "Sometimes political pressure bends rules. Distorts honor."

"Bullshit!" Ben shook his head. "The prime minister's son deserved every inch of the pummeling he got
from Jack after the shit he tried with his girl."

"A prime minister has powerful friends. It couldn't go unpunished."

"Bloody hell!" Ben slammed his fist on the arm of his chair. "I'da done the same. His court-martial was a
travesty." Ben stopped, swallowed hard, then continued in a quieter voice. "Jack was stripped of
everything that made him a man. And you wonder why I left?"

Matson sighed, seemingly satisfied. "Then the balance of fate has shifted your way this time. Now the
political pressures are aligned to help you."

Ben's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I should pretend I never received this letter. As much trouble as you caused, you sure as hell deserve a
couple years behind bars."

"What letter?"

"A command from the Home Office. You're to be set free."

What joke was this? They were just going to let him walk? Ben watched a worried look pass over
Matson's face. "What's up, Colonel?"

"There's a catch."

Of course, Ben thought. There always was.
 "You must join an international expedition. A professor somewhere in the Americas has requested your
expertise in cave exploration. Some hush-hush operation. No other details. They'll waive all charges and
pay you for your services." He slid a sheet of paper toward Ben. "Here."

Ben quickly read the letter, and his eyes caught on the figure at the bottom of the page. He stared at all
those zeros, daring them to change. This couldn't be right. After this, he could own his sheep station free
and clear. No more shady tour operations.

"Almost too good to be true?" Matson leaned forward, his hands on Ben's shoulders. "But impossible to
pass up."