Read Online Antarctic Affair by Louise Rose-Innes - Free Book Online Page A

have
potentially devastating effects for anyone on the island at the time.”
    Don gave him a sideward glance. Georgina stumbled
again, this time he let her fall, but she managed to grip hold of a rock and
stabilise herself.
    Lance, the seismologist added excitedly, “It’s true,
the ash fall, possible pyroclastic surges, tsunami and tidal oscillations would
prevent us from reaching the beaches. Airlifting us off would be impossible.”
    By the sounds of things anyone would think he was
looking forward to such an event.
    “Oh God,” whispered Georgina. “We’re all going to
die.”
    Don made a suspicious coughing sound.
    Taj said, “At least we’ll die doing something
exciting. How many people can say they saw an active volcano erupt?”
    “Is that all you really care about?” she asked him
angrily.
    He shrugged, “Pretty much, as long as I get a quality
photo.”
    “Taj, have I ever told you that you’re insane?” asked
Don, shaking his head.
    “No more so than you, my friend,” Taj was quick to
reply.
    Lance cleared his throat. “This volcano is
constantly monitored for seismic activity. Currently no eruption is
anticipated, but even if it was, we’d know long before it erupted. You needn’t
worry.”
    “Thank you, Lance,” she said gratefully, glaring at
Taj.
    Don chuckled.
    Onwards and upwards they climbed over the strange
dark earth covered in slippery scree. Don was out in front, followed closely by
Taj who kept a close eye on Georgina, even though he was determined to push her
to the limit of her endurance. He and Don purposely set a gruelling pace, but
surprisingly she was keeping up with the rest of the group. Considering she’d never
been mountain climbing or even hiking before, she was doing impressively well. He
gazed at her now, determination written all over her usually poised face. Sweat
was making the make-up around her eyes melt and smudge, he’d have to change her
nickname to panda soon. She’d nibbled off all her lipstick and her hair was
becoming increasingly dishevelled. This was probably the worst he’d ever seen
her look, but strangely he found her vulnerability endearing. She was trudging
along gamely, chatting to Lance, who, Taj suspected was developing a bit of a
crush, judging by his pink cheeks and the way he was gazing at her.
    As they headed up the steepest part of the ascent
all conversation faded and the only sounds to be heard were the crunching of
hiking boots on the dark mineral-laden ground and the soft panting of the less
fit members of the group. After another hour the volcanic earth turned grey and
then white with snow. Don finally called a halt. They’d reached the rim of the
crater.
    Taj saw Georgina collapse on an icy boulder, her
shoulders sagging.
    She looks wacked, he thought with a tinge of guilt. He
went over.
    “How are you holding up?” he asked.
    She gazed up at him wearily. “When I get my breath
back I’ll let you know.”
    At least she hadn’t lost her sense of humour.
    He looked around, wondering where the best vantage
point to take some shots of the view was. From up here there was a 360 degree
panorama of the island and the flooded caldera.
    He heard Georgina groan and wiggle her toes.
    “What’s up?” he asked.
    She grimaced, “My feet are killing me.”
    She took off her boots and peeled off her socks to
reveal large broken blisters on her heels.
    “Ouch,” he frowned. “That looks sore.”
    “I guess I should have worn them in first,” she sighed.
She really did look exhausted, poor girl. Her hair band had slipped back and
pink tendrils were stuck to her cheeks with sweat. Her skin had gone all
blotchy from the smudged make-up. She looked a sight.
    “I would have thought you of all people would
appreciate the dangers of new shoes,” he said wryly.
    She gave him a caustic look. “Thanks. I don’t
usually have this problem, but then I don’t usually hike up volcanoes in my
spare time.”
    Feeling sorry for her he said,