Fatal Descent by Beth Groundwater Page A

that’s their privilege. They paid for it.”
    “You’re right,” Mandy said, blowing hair out of her face, “but it’s always the clients who roll up their sleeves who get the most out of these trips. The Andersons don’t know what they’re missing out on.”
    “It’s their loss, not ours. I’m more worried about the Nortons. Keeping Elsa and Paul from arguing and putting a damper on the whole group is going to be tough.”
    “At least the three women have been no problem so far. They’re a lot of fun and enthusiastic.”
    They went to work on the meal. Mandy chopped vegetables and started a pot of rice boiling on the gas stove for stir-fried rice. Rob fried spring rolls on the griddle side of the large gas stove, then set them aside in a covered pot to stay warm while he fried chicken breasts that had been marinated in teriyaki sauce. They stirred up pitchers of lemonade and iced tea and put out s’more makings for dessert later.
    By the time Kendra returned with her group, Mandy and Rob had laid out a buffet line, and all of the food was being kept warm in pots on the stove.
    “See anything interesting?” Mandy asked.
    Amy shrugged. “Some pretty wildflowers. I think I’ll organize our tent and lie down for a bit before Les and the others come back.” She headed for it.
    “That cryptobiotic soil is fascinating,” Hal said. “Some of the crusty mounds were five or six inches high.”
    “I thought they were strange-looking anthills,” Diana said, “until Kendra explained the crust was a mix of lichens, mosses, fungi, algae, and—” She snapped her fingers. “What’s the term for that bacteria again?”
    “Cyanobacteria,” Kendra answered. “The mucus they secrete is what holds the soil clumps together.”
    “And it’s amazing how those teeny tiny organisms can do that huge job of retaining water and controlling erosion.”
    “But only if you don’t step on them,” Kendra said. “You all were great about staying on the trail.”
    “I thought that bridge formation in the back of the canyon was pretty spectacular,” Tina chimed in. “I snapped some good photos of it before we had to head back.”
    “Great,” Mandy said. “You can show them to your folks when they get back.”
    “What can I do to help?” Kendra asked, and before Mandy could answer, Tina said, “Me, too.”
    What a nice change from the Andersons, Mandy thought. “You can collect driftwood for a fire later, Kendra. And Tina, after you wash your hands, you can set out the spring rolls and dipping sauce for an appetizer.”
    Kendra and Tina quickly went to work. In the meantime, Hal Anderson dug their wine box out of the cooler. After asking for cups, he poured white wine for Diana and himself. They sat and drank at one of the camp tables and watched deepening shadows crawl across the river while munching on the spring rolls Tina brought them.
    About a half hour later, as the sun dipped below the pink cliffs behind the campsite, gilding the upper rim golden red, Cool and Gonzo arrived with their group, all chattering enthusiastically about the climb.
    Mandy came out of the tent she was sharing with Rob, where she had been laying out their sleeping bags. She flashed a greeting smile at the group. “How’d everyone do?”
    Les pumped a fist in the air. “I was first to the top.”
    “After the guides, that is,” Alice added.
    “Well, of course,” Les said with a scowl. “They had to set up the route. But I beat your bro fair and square.”
    “Were you racing?” Mandy asked.
    “Not really,” Alex replied as he dug a beer out of one of the coolers and tossed it to Les. He popped the top on another one, drank some, and let out a satisfied “Ah,” then smacked his lips. “Les and I were the first two to go up, so of course, he turned it into a race.”
    Hand on his hip, Les said, “Why not? Adds an element of excitement.” He looked around. “Where’s Amy?”
    “Napping in your tent, I think.” Mandy