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ice water poured into her lungs. The team overnighted at the base’s military barracks and the next morning were hauled once again aboard the Argentine transport. By noon, Blakely had promised, they would reach their final destination, the U.S. naval base McMurdo.
    Ashley longed to spend more than twenty-four hours outside an airplane’s cabin. She pushed herself up a bit to see if Jason was behaving himself. He was seated across the rattling cabin next to Ben, talking animatedly, his hands expressive. The two had become fast friends since bunking together in the male dormitory of the barracks in Esperanza.
    Ben noticed her stare and grinned over Jason’s head at her. The Australian was demonstrating admirable patience. Jason’s stories could get long-winded.
    â€œHe’s fine,” said Major Michaelson, seated next to her.
    Startled, she snapped at him. “I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
    â€œI just meant . . .” He shook his head with a frown. “Never mind.”
    Ashley bit her lower lip. He was obviously just trying to reassure her. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t directed at 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.”
    â€œThanks. 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.”
    â€œAt 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.”
    â€œI didn’t realize . . .” She glanced at Ben, who was now playing cards with Jason. She sat there pondering the revelation.
    â€œYour file was just as impressive,” the major said.
    â€œMy file?”
    â€œYou 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.”
    â€œIt’s Dennis,” he said. “Dr. Blakely plans a full debriefing at Alpha Base.”
    Major Dennis Michaelson, she thought. With a first name, the major almost seemed human. She settled back in her seat. “Where are you from, Dennis?”
    â€œNebraska. Our family’s farm is just outside North Platte.”
    â€œSo why did you join the Marines?”
    â€œMy brother, Harry, and I joined together. He’s a big motor buff—cars, 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.
    â€œAnd what about you? What drew you away from the farm?”
    â€œPartly 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.”
    â€œSo you joined to see the world. And now here you are. Serving at the bottom of it.”
    â€œYes,” he said almost fiercely. “And right now North Platte never looked so good.”
    â€œSo why not quit and go back to the farm?”
    His face suddenly clouded over, black eyebrows pulling together. He shook his head but remained