“Yeah, well, Valery is very persuasive…” He turned and lifted his eyebrows. “…and very rich. It seemed money was no object to him, but speed and secrecy was.” He looked down at her. “Besides, I’d be lying if I said wasn’t curious about you.”

They walked in silence for a few more moments, and then Jack leant across to her. “I tried to contact you; about a year ago.”

She could feel him looking at her.

“I even left a message… left several actually.”

She stopped and faced him. “Jack, it’s just a job.”

“Just a job; that’s it?” He gave her a crooked smile.

“That’s it,” Cate said, feigning indifference. “We had our time, it was fun, but that’s all in the past now. However, for all your faults, and there sure are millions of them,” she smiled. “…you were damned good at what you did.”

“Thanks… I think. Well, that’s fine with me then.” Jack pulled in a cheek. “So, that image; that’s important, huh?”

“Sure is.” She glanced at him. “You said size was hard to estimate, but it took out our probe…” she opened her arms about three feet wide. “…and my gut tells me it was no minnow.”

Jack nodded, as they continued on. “Recognizable predatory behavior – some sort of shark species. But is it an old one or new one?”

“Well, I think it’s something that’s been trapped there for perhaps millions of years, and I need a classification. It makes sense to get that from an expert.”

“Ah, so you get to use me. Add my name to the report to lend it some legitimacy?” He nudged her. “Well, I’m glad to be here. I’d hate to think you went on this crazy-ass mission without me. At least this way I can keep an eye on you. For all my million faults, I still worry about you.” He looked from under a lowered brow. “Maybe that’s another of my faults – make it, one million and one.”

“Well, that one’s not a fault.” She smiled. “But I’m a big girl, and I can look after myself now.” Cate looked up at him. “We also need a pilot, and I know you can work just about every type of submersible on the planet. Besides, you think I’m totally going to entrust my life’s work, and life, to a couple of Russian engineers I’ve never met before? I’m happy to take risks, but I’m not suicidal.”

She turned back to the huge tent-like structure that had its own plastic canopy entrance walkway. Cate pushed aside the heavy flap, releasing the monstrous sound of grinding rock.

Just inside there were tables of hats, gloves, protective goggles and earmuffs. Jack and Cate kitted up, and walked to a railing that ran around the edge of the pit. Together they peered down into the deep, fifty-foot circular hole.