That’s all that’s left of him, she thought, sighing and turning away. Abby had her face turned to the sunshine. Cate studied the young woman. She looked… better.

“So, how’s the geology department treating you?” Cate asked.

Abby shrugged. “It’s okay, I guess.” She turned to look at Cate with ancient eyes. Her smile seemed forced. “What good is a geologist who can’t stand to go below ground?”

Cate nodded her understanding. “Yeah, it takes time.”

Abby tilted her head back to the sun. “I think they’re going to downsize us.”

“It’s happening all over. But you’re welcome to join me in the biology department. We can always use good people.” Cate chuckled. “After all, ever since the Mironov Foundation set up an annuity donation of one million dollars a year to our department, and in my name, for now at least I’m a highly protected species.”

Abby wrinkled her nose. “I’m a geologist, not a biologist. Thanks anyway, but I’ll be fine.” She stood, brushed her dress down, and turned to Greg’s plaque. “We care, but no one else does.” She turned to Cate. “I’m not even sure they believe us.” She snorted. “Not that we can tell anyone.”

Cate hiked her shoulders. “Does it matter? As long as no one else goes down there.” She, Abby and Jack had been interviewed too many times to count, by everyone from the Environmental Protection Authority through to Homeland Security. Bottom line was, they barely listened about the underground sea, or the Megalodon, or even Greg’s death. What they wanted to know was more about the tactical nuclear explosion, the connection to the billionaire, Valery Mironov, and also the Russian citizens, Dmitry Torshin and Yegor Gryzlov. Things they could understand and deal with.

Cate looked across the verdant lawns. While the authorities continued their investigation, the trio was instructed to talk to no one, any time, any place and any where. It was just fine by her.

Abby sighed. “You know, up here in the sunshine, it feels like it was all just a dream.” She looked down at Cate. “A bad dream.”

Cate nodded. “It was just a nightmare. That’s what I keep telling myself.”

Abby knelt to hug her, and then stood again. “Brings back bad memories.” Her smile faded. “Sorry, but even seeing you does it to me. Good luck, Cate. Give my love to Jack.” She turned and strode away.

Cate groaned, sitting cross-legged. Wish I could just walk away from it all, she thought, watching the young woman vanish across the perfectly manicured lawns. She took another bite of her apple and chewed slowly, but the flesh was cotton-wool tasteless to her.