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

She knew why he chose to sit so far away. She shifted her peas around her plate, admitting that she had
been a real bitch this afternoon.

Perhaps she should apologize for her outburst earlier. She opened her mouth to speak when the dining
room door swung open and Khalid entered.

"Good evening, everyone," he said as he crossed to sit on the other side of Linda. "Sorry I'm late, but I
ran into Dr. Blakely, who asked me to mention he's going to be involved with last-minute arrangements
and won't be joining us for dinner."

Ashley noticed someone else was missing. "Has anyone heard from Michaelson?"

"Yes," Linda said, holding up a hand. "Well, actually, not directly. A Marine who helped us fish today
told me that Major Michaelson was housing in the military section of the base. Across that gorge."

"Why's he doing that?" Ashley said. "We've got plenty of room here. This building's practically empty."

"I guess he's getting those other two men ready for the trip," Linda said. "Our guards."

Great, she thought, two more gun-toting men along for the ride. But this was no time to grouse. It was
the eve of their adventure. Besides, as leader, she should say something. Something dramatic. Something
uplifting. Though her mind was blank, she set down her fork, determined to say something.

While she watched the others finish their dinners, she struggled to find the right words. By the time Ben
had wiped the gravy off his plate with a slice of sourdough and patted his belly with a sigh, she still had no
idea what to say. To hell with "proper" words.

Ashley cleared her throat. "I'd . . . like to . . . make a toast." She raised her water glass and stood up.
The others looked at her expectantly. "Over the past few days, we've all had a lot thrown at us. And I
think we're all feeling trampled on, but tomorrow we embark on a trip where the success of our mission
will depend on our ability to work as a team. And as much as Blakely may get under my skin personally,
I think he put a hell of a team together. So," she said, raising her glass higher, "here's to us. To the team."

"To the team!" the group echoed, hoisting their drinks.

"Yeah, to you guys!" Jason said, swigging from his cola.

Linda tousled his hair. "What about us girls?"

Jason blushed. "You know what I meant."
"I know." Linda leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks."

Jason turned an uncomfortable shade of purple.

As Ashley smiled at her son's consternation, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Ben stood behind her. He
leaned and whispered in her ear. "I'd like to talk to you. Would you mind a short walk after dinner?"

"Umm . . ." she hedged, caught off guard. This was the last thing she had expected. "I've got to put Jason
to bed."