Blind Descent

"No. Don't," Frieda said. "Life is too embarrassing as it is. An attempt on my life. Who'd believe it? Even I don't believe it. I can't remember anything that makes sense. Let's leave well enough alone. Please."

It didn't feel "well enough" to A

For the descent to the floor of the Lounge and the haul up the other side, A

Frieda was in good spirits, and it was contagious. They made it through the magnificent tables without destroying a single formation. On the ascent A

As promised, phone service awaited them at the top. Twelve or fifteen cavers were scattered around the low-ceilinged room that co

Frieda was sequestered near the back of the clam shell, Holden's pack and helmet laid down like sentinels guarding her from all but A

A

The "phone booth" had been established up near the keyhole, where those using it would be afforded at least the illusion of privacy. Always needing to be near the spotlight, Sondra squatted close by, sitting on her helmet, a notebook on her lap. Playing at being a journalist, A

Oscar used the phone, then Brent Roxbury, and finally Holden. After he'd been on the line for maybe three minutes, Sondra slammed her notebook shut like an angry schoolgirl and huffed over to where A

"The New York Times." She spit out the words. "They're onto this story. Like they can know anything." She flopped down, glaring at A

A

"Who'll care? By the time we get out of this hellhole it'll be old news."

"I guess." A

That was about as close as A

"I told Holden I'd talk to the Times," Sondra said. "He said they declined. Those sons of bitches have no interest if you're female. Screw the truth. White male only wants to talk to white male. Big surprise."

Holden Tillman's race would be pretty hard to discern over the phone, but A

"A

Grasping at any excuse to leave, A

"It's Katie Couric," Peter called.

Sondra gasped. Or hissed. A

Frieda did splendidly. Dr. McCarty's central nervous system exam had freed her from the cervical collar, and she was in excellent spirits. Whether she liked it or not, she was both a good sport and a trooper.

She was charming and gracious and brave and fu

Phone calls finally at an end, Holden delivered the good news. At least it was good to everyone but A

Like a good citizen, A

Holden went on to tell them anyone feeling the need to could rotate out. A cave rescue made special demands. Those unaccustomed to it, not in perfect health, or "off their feed" for any reason were to go and Godspeed. They'd already given several lifetimes' worth.