Dr. Liao appeared irritated by the question. “Why put an astronaut in orbit when a chimpanzee will do? Why put a man on the moon? Lake Vostok is the equivalent of journeying to another world. A robot can collect a few fossils, but it cannot experience the wonderment of exploring an ice sheet from below, nor observe Vostok’s underworld through a scientist’s eyes. Are there dangers? Of course. But we’ve minimized the risks, and I dare say exploring a subglacial lake is far less taxing than rocketing into space. There are no less than a dozen scientific organizations participating in this venture, with volunteers vying to be among the chosen few to visit this lost world.”

“If that’s the case, why choose me?”

“You have been blessed with the unique ability to see what others have seen and think what nobody has thought. While we’ll have teams of paleobiologists at the camp, none have your field experience or reputation. Who better to resolve what will no doubt be a Rubick’s Cube of fossils and processes—”

“And perhaps a life-form or two,” interjected Dr. Ahmed. “It is my belief that your team will come across bacteria and biologicals that have survived in that isolated environment for millions of years. As Captain Hintzmann mentioned, your participation also helps us procure the necessary funds to expedite this mission—funds from which you shall be well compensated.”

Dr. Liao handed me an envelope. Inside was an offer for a research stipend covering September through February of the coming year. I passed the sheet of paper to Brandy, whose eyes widened at the mid-six-figure salary. “Who do ye have tae murder, then? The Queen, I hope.”

“I’d be gone six months. The way things have been lately, maybe that’s a good thing… .”

Brandy’s eyes teared up. “Go, then. I ken ye want tae. It’s in yer blood as sure as the plaid’s in mine.” She straightened in her seat. “Besides, we need the money.”

For months we had poisoned our arguments with the threat of divorce. Threats are threats until they force you to make a decision. At that moment we both sensed that this was it—we’d either commit to staying together or officially end our marriage with my acceptance of Dr. Soto’s lucrative offer.

Put to the test, neither of us wanted to be without the other.

“Here’s another alternative, Brandy. I was just offered a teaching position at Cambridge University. It’s not nearly as much money, but at least I’d see you and William on weekends.”

She reached for my hand beneath the table. “Or we could stay wit’ ye during the week and see my father on weekends. True could handle things while I’m away.”