The director—a wiry man with glasses-didn’t flinch. “Ms. Moretti is in Valais province. But Mr. Moretti-”
“Two million.” James’ pen hovered over the check. “And you personally take me there.”
The director adjusted his glasses, his calm demeanor grating against James’ fury. “The mountain roads are treacherous this season. Perhaps—”
“Three million. And I’ll have a helicopter waiting in Geneva.”
The Swiss Alps loomed outside the helicopter windows, their peaks like jagged teeth against the dawn sky. James hadn’t slept in thirty-six hours, his body running on rage and regret.
The director studied him across the cabin. “She never mentioned you were her husband.”
James’ grip tightened on the armrest. “We kept it quiet.”
The helicopter lurched in a sudden gust, mirroring the sickening plunge of James’ heart.
The research center was a sleek glass structure clinging to the mountainside when they arrived at dawn. James grabbed the first lab coat he saw.
“Sophia Moretti. Where is she?”
A calm voice cut through the tension. “Ms. Moretti departed at 0500 for field research.”
Eric stood framed in the chalet doorway, his wire-framed glasses glinting in the rising sun. The Swiss researcher moved with infuriating composure, adjusting his cufflinks as James stormed toward him.
James demanded through gritted teeth. “Where exactly-”
“Col du Sanetsch,” Eric said smoothly. “A routine sediment collection. Though I can’t imagine why our research itinerary
concerns-”
James shoved past him toward the equipment shed. “Helmet. Crampons. Now.”
1/2
Chapter 8
+15 Bonus
Eric’s hand closed around his bicep with surprising strength. “The glacier is unstable this season. Even with your… generous donation, I can’t allow-”
James whirled, knocking Eric’s hand away. “That woman is my wife.”
A beat. The researchers exchanged glances.
Eric’s smile never wavered as he straightened his sleeves. “How curious. She’s been signing her forms as ‘Ms. Moretti – Single’.
.”
The words landed like a sucker punch. Before James could retaliate, a grad student came sprinting from the comms hut, radio
crackling:
“Avalanche alert! Sanetsch Pass just collapsed!”
Eric’s composure shattered. He grabbed the radio. “Sophia’s team-?”
“All three vans were on that road!”
James was already in motion, snatching keys from a snowmobile. Eric lunged after him.
“You’ll kill yourself in this weather!”
James gunned the engine. “Then at least I’ll die knowing I fought for her.”
The snowmobile roared to life, leaving Eric standing in the spray of ice crystals-the meticulous researcher suddenly, violently
outmaneuvered.
