Using both hands, he carefully lifted a crystal statuette from its interior. He reached for his briefcase and clicked it open. Leaning forward, he held up a hand, begging patience. 'Why?' Ashley questioned tentatively, still suspicious. ' He sat down on the sofa and crossed his legs, arms spread the length of the sofa. I have been given free rein to hire whomever I want at whatever salary I desire. 'This is a project advocated by the highest people. 'How can that be possible? There are university statutes… rules… seniority… How?' She had dreams like this after too much sausage-and-onion pizza. Guaranteed tenure at the university of your choice. 'Exclusive authorship of research garnered. An assistant professor's salary barely covered their living expenses, let alone her research projects. Since her divorce, she had been struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. 'Just get your-' Her arm dropped to her side. 'It pays a hundred grand for two months' work. ' She snapped her arm toward the screen door. 'Don't make me toss your butt outta here. 'You and your entourage can hit the trail now. 'I like your no-nonsense attitude,' he said. His eyes widened a moment, and then he smiled even broader. Caked with trail dirt, arm in a sling, clad in mud-stained jeans, she was no beauty queen. Your picture in last year's Archaeology magazine failed to do you justice. He stepped toward her quickly, hand proffered. Spotting Ashley, he broke out in a sudden smile of recognition. He pushed a pair of wire-rim spectacles farther up the bridge of his nose. He was older, his close-cropped hair graying slightly. The door opened and a tall black man, thin as a pole and dressed in a three-piece suit, entered the hallway.

The sound of rushing water from the hall bathroom drew her attention. Her son pointed to the briefcase and whispered, 'It's in there. ' She waved at Randy as she was tugged toward the family room. 'You know we don't allow that sort of language here.

Subterranean by James Rollins