49Back at camp, settling in for another evening around the fire, Chione asked, “So where's Kendra?”
Marlowe spread a mat on the ground beside her husband. Dr. Withers wore his gallibaya and looked more Egyptian than ever. The fire's glow reached out into the night to comfort those around it. Siti, who smelled like an overdose of Queen Nefertiti perfume, poked the embers, threw on a few cut branches, and headed for the kitchen.
“She hasn't returned from California,” Dr. Withers said.
“Kendra went home?”
Dr. Withers first looked at his wife, then to the others. “She's filing for divorce.”
The news was not shocking. Other team members saw it coming. Chione felt regret for not being more supportive of Kendra.
“She's being a little impetuous, don't you think?” Clifford asked.
“Just after
