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

you. I just have these nagging doubts about bringing Jason along."

The tension in his shoulders seemed to relax. "Your son has a lot of spunk. He'll do fine."

"Thanks. But what about Ben? He didn't come on this mission to be my baby-sitter."

The major smiled. "Maybe some of Jason's maturity will rub off on him."

She chuckled. "That man sure is a walking showboat."

"At least he knows his business." He nodded toward Ben. "I read his file. A celebrated
search-and-rescue worker, specializing in cave reconnaissance. Two years ago, he rescued an
experienced research crew in the Lechuguilla caves. The researchers had disappeared for eight days, and
no one could find them. Ben went in alone and came out with a broken leg and the four crew members.
He knows his caves. Almost a sixth sense."

"I didn't realize . . ." She glanced at Ben, who was now playing cards with Jason. She sat there
pondering the revelation.

"Your file was just as impressive," the major said.

"My file?"

"You seem to have an amazing ability to ferret out new discoveries in otherwise heavily researched
sites."

She just shrugged at his praise. The major seemed extraordinarily talkative. He'd otherwise been so
close-lipped and stoic. She turned to him. "You sure as hell know a lot about us, but all I've received
were tickets and a schedule. I don't even know your first name."

"It's Dennis," he said. "Dr. Blakely plans a full debriefing at Alpha Base."

MajorDennis Michaelson, she thought. With a first name, the major almost seemed human. She settled
back in her seat. "Where are you from, Dennis?"
"Nebraska. Our family's farm is just outside North Platte."

"So why did you join the Marines?"

"My brother, Harry, and I joined together. He's a big motor buffтАФcars, bikes, drag racing, that sort of
thing. He joined to get his hands dirty on even bigger engines. The guy was never happy unless his hands
were filthy with oil. Always needing to tinker." An affectionate smile had appeared on Michaelson's face
as he described his brother.

"And what about you? What drew you away from the farm?"

"Partly to keep an eye on Harry. But also, as I said, our family farm's just outside North Platte. And
North Platte is just outside of nowhere."

"So you joined to see the world. And now here you are. Serving at the bottom of it."