Pressure by Brian Keene Read Free Book Online

I’m staying onboard. Just because the NOAA is taking over doesn’t mean we’ll be leaving completely. Alpinus Biofutures still has a vested interest in what’s occurring here. I’m sure you’ll still be a part of the team, as well?”
    â€œI guess,” Carrie replied. “Honestly, I don’t know yet. I haven’t talked to anyone from Alpinus since I got out of the hospital. I don’t know if I still have a job or not.”
    This time, Paolo’s smile was wistful. He stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
    â€œSame old Carrie,” he said. “Always up to something.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    He turned back to her. “You’re staying on. Maybe not for our current employer, but you’re definitely staying here.”
    â€œHonestly, Paolo, I haven’t decided anything yet. Have you forgotten that Peter died? Or that I almost did?”
    â€œI’ve forgotten nothing. Especially how you operate. And I know exactly what you’re up to.”
    He waited for her reaction. Carrie started to protest her ignorance, but something in his expression told her that it was pointless to do so.
    â€œGoddamn it, Abhi,” she cursed. “Let me guess. He told you because he was worried about me?”
    â€œI haven’t talked to Abhi since yesterday.” He pointed at the table. “But I know a pre-dive meal when I see one. You just got released from the hospital. You are probably famished. And the food here is fine. Yet all you’ve ordered is a small bowl of fish soup, and a large pitcher of water. You’ve drank seven glasses.”
    â€œHow long were you watching me, Paolo?”
    He ignored the question. “You’re hydrating, and you’re not gorging yourself, which tells me that you’re diving soon. Possibly tonight?”
    Carrie remained silent, waiting for Paolo to make his next move. He was right. They both knew that. A diver lost lots of water while swimming, and it took a human body several hours to store water, so hydrating before a dive was essential. So was a diver’s food intake. Diving on a full stomach meant that their body would use energy and oxygen to digest the food—oxygen that was needed elsewhere during a dive. And diving on an empty stomach increased a swimmer’s chances of freezing more easily, because if they ran out of carbohydrates, their body would begin metabolizing their fat stores, which once again used up crucial oxygen. She felt a pang of guilt for having assumed that Abhi had broken her confidence. The question now was, what did Paolo want?
    â€œI thought so,” he said, finally, breaking the silence first.
    â€œSo, what are you going to do, Paolo? Tell Alpinus I’m diving without their permission? Get me fired? Is this about revenge?”
    Frowning, he placed a hand over his heart in a broad, sweeping gesture. “You wound me, Carrie. There has been plenty to occupy us both these last few weeks, and despite all of the setbacks the mission suffered, we have each made valuable contributions, regardless of our positions—a position, that I must admit, I’m curious how you obtained.”
    â€œFuck you.”
    â€œI see that is something else that hasn’t changed, Carrie.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œYou still curse like an American gangster rapper.”
    â€œI’ve got ninety-nine problems and you’re not one.”
    He wagged his finger. “That is a Jay Z song, yes?”
    â€œIt is, but Ice-T did it first. People forget that. And don’t try to change the subject.”
    â€œWell, Jay Z or Iced Tea, you curse enough for both.”
    Before she could respond, the waiter sidled up to their table. He cleared his throat nervously, as if the tension between them was a palpable thing, and asked if there would be anything else. Carrie shook her head slightly, barely acknowledging him. Her gaze remained leveled