Pete grumbled and went back to typing. At least it shut him up.
“I can do it,” I said, pulling the focus back to myself. “Just give me a chance.”
Lance folded his arms over his chest, released a more-dramatic-than-necessary sigh and sized me up with a scrutinizing glance.
“You’ll need specific coordinates to get there," he said.
Hope fluttered in my chest. Was he caving?
“I’ve got them already," I said eagerly.
“You’ll need more supplies than you think will be necessary.”
“Done.”
“Including food and water.Especiallywater.”
Did he think I didn't know all this already? I wasn't a child.
“Understood," I said.
Pete chuckled, not turning around from his screen. “The little scholar hits the desert... I can see it now.”
I shot the back of his head a burning death glare, hoping he felt my ire.
Lance gave me a wary glance. His voice was cautious. “At least let me escort you and pick you up later.”
I swallowed back a groan and lifted my chin. I couldn't afford to let my pride dwindle. "I've got it."
“The road can be dangerous alone.”
“I know the course.”
“You know thecity.”
I wanted to rip my hair out. Why was Lance arguing with me? I was a competent researcher. If I got this opportunity, it might just be the breakthrough I’ve been waiting for to earn the long-overdo respect of my colleagues. To show them that just because they were alphas, they weren't innately better scientists than me.
“It’s possible for me to be more than one-dimensional,” I said, a bit snarkier than necessary.
Lance, still with crossed arms, tossed an apprehensive glance at Pete over his shoulder, but Pete still had his back turned to us and wasn’t paying us a lick of attention anymore. I couldn't see his screen, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was playingMinesweeperinstead of actually working. He always handed in his research late, unlike me, and yet somehow I was the one who needed babysitting.
“What do you think, Pete?” Lance asked him, a hint of impatience fluctuating on the last word.
“I think if he wants to dig his own grave, then let him,” Pete mumbled.
I ground my teeth.
Lance studied me, rubbing the salt and pepper stubble of his beard. Finally he sighed and said, “All right. I’ll let you go alone.”
Excitement threatened to crack open inside me, but I contained it on the surface. I extended a hand to shake with Lance. He pumped it with a sturdy grip.
“I promise I won’t let you down," I said. "I’m well versed in this field of study. I know the risks, I know the wilderness and I know how to respect nature. I’ve been working with it not only my whole career, but my whole life too.”
Pete made a snorting sound. “What a beautiful story.”
I rolled my eyes at him and looked at Lance. “I’m going to start preparing everything I’ll need to go to the desert now. I’ll present you with the checklist if you want.”
Lance gave me a short nod. “I’ll be in my office. Bring it by before you leave.”
