Fatal Descent Read Online Free PDF Page A

attractive, but in a softer, more rounded and feminine way than her athletically fit sister and brother. When she shook hands, Mandy noticed that, like her mother and sister, Amy’s fingernails were professionally manicured and painted with a light pink polish. She wondered if the three women had had a salon day together recently and thought, why bother? By the end of the trip most of their nails would be broken and mud-caked. At least, that’s how Mandy’s always came out, so she never bothered with manicures.
    While she shook hands with Mandy, Amy said, “I’m the middle child. Les and I live in Omaha, too.”
    “What do you do there?” Mandy asked.
    “I’m just an old-fashioned housewife,” Amy said timidly and glanced at her husband. “I cook and clean and garden. Les is the breadwinner.”
    Amy’s husband looked to be in his mid-thirties, about ten years older than his wife. He had the large, bulky build of a bar bouncer or former football player, but of one who had gone a little soft around the edges. He had a tight grip around his wife’s waist, and his handshake was almost bruising. He eyed Mandy up and down until she shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny.
    “I’m a corporate security officer.” Les said it with almost a swagger, as if the title should mean something to Mandy and Rob.
    “Sounds important,” Rob said.
    Good, Mandy thought. Rob had caught on that this guy expected some buttering up.
    “It is. Mostly hush-hush, too.” Les released his wife and rubbed his hands together. “I’m starving. I hope this place makes a good burger.”
    “That’s what they’re known for,” Rob replied. “And their shakes. They have all kinds of flavors and they’re really thick.”
    “Oooo, I’d better stay away from those,” Amy said. “Got to keep my figure for Les.”
    Rob swept a hand toward the line in front of the order window. “Go ahead and get whatever you want. Tell them to put it on RM Outdoor Adventures’s tab.”
    The Nortons had arrived while Ron and Mandy had been talking to the Andersons, and they were in the food queue along with the others. Mandy looked around. No sign of Tom O’Day yet. Cool was playing it just a little too cool.
    After they had all gotten food and taken their seats, Rob suggested they go around the table while they were eating and share their names and occupations. “And tell us something else about yourself, like your favorite food.”
    This was a common ploy on pre-trip get-togethers for multi-day trips. Mandy would make a mental note of the favorite foods. Then she would make a last-minute run to the local City Market grocery store to buy whichever items she could that would pack well.
    Gonzo set a light tone for the sharing by clapping a hand on his chest. “I’m Gonzo Gordon, the best river guide you’ll see this side of the Mississippi, and I’m being modest here. I’m also your quartermaster, in charge of supplies, so if we run out of TP, come beat up on me. And, I’m one of your two climbing guides …”
    He raised a questioning eyebrow at Mandy, but she shook her head. Don’t mention Cool.
    “… and my favorite food is—what else?—pizza!” he finished with a bow.
    “Where the heck is O’Day?” Mandy whispered to Rob.
    “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be here.”
    When it was Alex Anderson’s turn to talk, he said, “I’ve got two new favorite foods now. It’s a hard choice between this awesome chocolate shake,” he held up his tall Styrofoam cup, “and the best tater tots I’ve eaten in my life.” In his other hand, he held up a greasy paper tray of Milt’s specialty tater tots that came with every order. He nodded his head toward Rob. “Great choice for dinner tonight.”
    Mandy was sure his oldest sister wouldn’t agree, as her tater tots remained untouched. While the introductions continued, Mandy noticed Alice frowning at the plastic utensils. After sawing away at something in her turkey Cobb salad with her