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Five

Despite their best efforts and intentions, they were not able to get much done before the converging storms from north and south unleashed a torrential downpour on them. The temperature also plummeted, and everyone was forced back into the trailer.

“You know, L.J.,” Roarke said, “I’ve got to get Brad home soon and make it back to Springfield myself. Early tomorrow morning I’m meeting some benefactors regarding possible grants.”

“Please don’t let us keep you,” Cooper said helpfully. He had been downright jealous of the easy camaraderie between Roarke and L.J., and feeling a bit insecure about the fact that they shared a whole world of which he was only vaguely aware. He felt on the fringes of it, and did not like the feeling.

Mona, apparently, was none too thrilled with Bradford Palmington herself. The Channahons were not happy campers.

“Oh, we still have a little bit of time. I’m not going to be able to do anything in Kampsville for quite a while. The rains are predicted for days, so I should be able to help you set up,” Roarke said. He turned to Cooper. “Dr. Livingston wants to model this excavation after the Kampsville experience—getting people to dig, but also assist in the laboratory to wash, sort, catalogue and tabulate any materials that might be recovered from the site.” Looking at Mona, he added, “LJ. has told me how interested you are in the field. You’ll benefit from an interdisciplinary approach in which you’ll be able to explore ceramics, paleontology, botany, geomorphology and lithic findings.”

“Lithic means stone tools,” Mona told Cooper with an air of self-importance.

Cooper refrained from reminding her that he still had some recollection from that dig he’d participated in, and the difficult six credit hours he’d earned. Let her enjoy her moment of glory, even if it meant he had to stand in the shadow of a man he was trying hard to dislike, but not quite succeeding.

“Sounds interesting,” Cooper said noncommittally.