Allen Steele by OceanSpace (epub)

Author:OceanSpace (epub)
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-09T00:00:00+00:00

He felt the blood rush from his face. His French contact must have sent this final message while he was distracted with Judith; he hadn’t heard the terminal chime when it came in.

“Who’s Pattie?” Judith asked, reading the identifier at the left margin of the window.

“One of my grad students,” Charles replied, thinking quickly. “She’s doing an internship at Scripps this summer.”

“You’ve told her about the new site?” Judith gave him a look. “Better watch out…the company doesn’t like us disclosing information.”

For a moment Charles wondered if Judith had guessed what he was really doing. Yet there was no way she could, from so little evidence. She was very intelligent, certainly, but there were limits to even deductive reasoning. “She doesn’t know anything she couldn’t figure out from reading the SOSUS data,” he replied as he reached across her to close the window. “I’m hoping that she finds similar Scripps data from the Juan de Fuca sites that might help us, that’s all.”

He picked up the discarded cup and stood up. “Look, I don’t think there’s anything going on between Peter and that woman, if that’s what’s bothering you. And you can’t afford to let it affect your work.”

“Yeah, I know.” She snuffled a little, then picked up the towel and used it to dry her face. “You’re right. I’m just being foolish…but, Charles, the way she’s been looking at him…”

“She’s probably just flirting.” He was relieved that the subject had been changed. “How does Andie feel about this? Have you spoken to her?”

“Yeah. She was there when I…” Judith grimaced. “I talked to her afterward. She was with them all afternoon, and she says nothing happened between them. But Andie’s starting to like her, so…”

“Perhaps you ought to do the same. After all, you’re going to be aboard the Galatea together for the next three days.”

Judith didn’t look pleased at this prospect, but she nodded. “Maybe you’re right.” Then she stood up and looked around. “Where do we stow the hammocks?”

“Over there. Bottom shelf.” He pointed to a supply cabinet on the far side of the compartment. “You’re going to sleep here tonight? You’ve never done that before.”

“I’ve got some more work to do before we leave tomorrow.” Judith snuffled again, then walked over to the cabinet. “Besides, when I’m mad, I stay mad. I think I should be alone for a while.”

“Hmm…well, suit yourself.” While her back was turned, Charles quickly made sure he had deleted everything from memory. Satisfied that his tracks were covered, he shut off the computer. “I think it’s time to get some dinner myself,” he said, pushing back his chair. “If I see Peter, should I tell him anything?”

Judith had just pulled the folded hammock out of the cabinet. She thought about it a moment, then shook her head. “No. If I want to talk, I’ll page him.”

“Do what you will.” He stood up and headed toward the stairs. “See you in the morning. Try to get some sleep.”

“Good night, Charles.” She smiled at him.

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