Page 51 of The Search

“How did you find out about this slide?”

“Helen Peabody, our rescue group’s coordinator, called ten minutes ago. You were so zonked, you didn’t even hear the phone.”

“You’re dead tired. You have no business going anywhere.”

“It’s my job. It’s a long flight. I’ll be able to rest on the plane.”

“What plane?”

“Helen is calling around now to see who’ll lend us a plane and pilot. She’ll get them.” She tucked the thermos into her duffel. “Now, get on the phone and call Margaret.”

“What about Monty? He’s been wounded. You were so concerned about him and yet you’re willing to take him on a rescue like this?”

“It’s his job too. He’s sore but he’ll make it. If I see he’s hurting too much, I’ll pull him.”

“I never thought you’d be that tough on Monty. You’re crazy about that dog.”

“If there’s a chance of saving anyone, neither Monty nor I have any right to hold back. We’ve been hurt before and gotten through it.” She reached in the cabinet, got Monty’s vitamins, and threw them in the duffel. “We’ll be there for only a few days. After that we’ll let the other teams take over the search. Monty’s had enough death for a while after Barat.”

“What about you? Haven’t you had enough?”

“Oh, yes.” She turned away and wearily arched her back. “I’ve had enough. But it just keeps coming.”

“Did you ever think about saying no?”

“How can I say no when there’s someone waiting for help?”

“I guess you can’t.” He should argue with her, but he was having trouble thinking. He shook his head to clear it. “Taiwan. Where in Taiwan?”

“A place called Kai Chi. Do you want some coffee?”

“No, thanks.”

“Are you sure? You look like you could use it.”

“Five hundred dead?”

“That’s the estimate.”

“Then I guess you need some help.” He reached for his digital phone. “Though you’re making things difficult for me. How many people are in your team?”

“Six.”

“And six dogs?”

She nodded.

“Call back this Helen Peabody and tell her you’ve found a plane and pilot.” He wrinkled his nose. “My upholstery and carpets may never smell the same after six dogs running around the cabin.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re lending us your plane?”

“How soon can you have the team at the Phoenix airport?”

“Most of them are in Tucson. Five hours tops.”

“That’s too long if the conditions in Taiwan are as bad as you say. We’ll fly down to Tucson, pick up the team, and go direct to Taiwan from there.”

“We?”