Colder Than Ice by Helen MacPherson Read Free Book Online

In
case you haven’t, I’ll attach her work e-mail at the end of this message.
    Re
the remaining funds, have you approached the Finlayson family? I was speaking
with my ex-girlfriend a few days ago and she’s a computer geek. She mentioned
something about the family being a giant in Information Technology in the
States. Maybe they’d be interested in providing a financial donation.
    Anyway,
I’ve got to go. There’s a big party tonight for the homeward-bound
expeditionary and I don’t want to miss out on free beer. Keep me posted.
    Regards,
    Sarah
    Michela
smiled at Sarah’s casual reference to her ex-girlfriend. “Hmm, obviously
family.” Getting back to Sarah’s suggestion, Michela opened a browser.
    “Let’s
see what the business links bring up.” Michela entered the business
listings area and uttered Finlayson.
    “I’ll
be. Go to Finlayson Enterprises, annual report.” Michela scanned the
screen. “Sarah, you were right. A top five hundred company no less, and
look at those profits. So who is it that I should be talking to about a
donation?” Her voice command took her to the Board of Directors and
Michela laughed at what she found. “A company this size headed by a woman.
I’ll bet there aren’t too many of those.” She touched the photograph that
defaulted to Charlotte Elizabeth Finlayson’s abridged biography.
    Michela
shook her head. “The best schools, married and divorced, chair of a number
of charities and still running a worldwide company. I wonder how she manages.
A home in the country as well. Now that would be nice.”
    Charlotte
Finlayson’s contact details were at the bottom of the page. Taking a gamble,
Michela picked up her cell and punched in the long distance number.
    “Good
morning. Finlayson Enterprises. May I help you?”
    Michela
was so surprised at actually reaching a person that she was momentarily
speechless. “I’m sorry. Good morning, ma’am. My name is Dr. Michela
DeGrasse.”
    “Good
morning, Dr. DeGrasse. I’m Virginia Blaine, Ms. Finlayson’s personal
aide.”
    “Please
excuse my surprise, but I’m amazed at actually getting through to her
offices,” Michela said.
    Ms.
Blaine softly laughed. “Ms. Finlayson believes she should be contactable
to anyone who has a sound reason to speak with her. I filter any undesirable
calls she might receive. You’re not one of those, are you, Doctor?”
    “I
assure you I’m not. I understand how busy she must be but I was wondering if it
would be possible to actually speak with Ms. Finlayson about a small
matter.”
    “May
I ask what you wish to speak to her about?”
    “Yes.
I was hoping to talk with her about her ancestor, Eric Robert Finlayson, and
the recent discovery down in Antarctica.”
    “You’re
not a reporter are you?” Ms. Blainey asked.
    “No,
I’m not. I work for the International Space Research Institute, in Houston,
Texas.”
    “Would
you please hold the line?”
    Michela’s
ears were at once filled with a beautiful piece of classical music. As she
tried to place the melody she was interrupted.
    “Good
morning, Dr. DeGrasse.” Charlotte Finlayson’s tones were warm and yet
businesslike. “I’m between meetings and have very little time. What is it
you wish to know about Eric Finlayson?”
    “Good
morning, ma’am. I’m a psychologist currently working with the International Space
Research Institute.”
    “Yes,
you mentioned that to my PA.”
    Michela
couldn’t be sure, but she was almost certain that Charlotte Finlayson was
sassing her. “I’ve no doubt you’re aware of the recent possible discovery
of proof of Finlayson’s expedition to Antarctica. What you may not be aware of
is that there’s a team in Australia attempting to organize an archaeological
dig at the site. I’d like to be part of that expedition and was hoping to speak
with you regarding any interest you may have.”
    “You’re
not suggesting a woman of my age would be interested in going down to
Antarctica are