23The next day at noon, Dr. Withers returned, driven up in a jeep. After helping unload some packages, the driver sped off to the Egyptian encampment below.
“What are you doing back so soon?” Randy asked.
“I run this operation,” Dr. Withers said as Irwin served him a meal. “Or had you in your absence forgotten?” To Irwin he said, “Bring me Karkade, please.” His response to Randy showed signs of strain that would certainly be antagonized by Randy's ignorance. “I left Marlowe to look after Clifford,” he said to the group.
“You left Marlowe in Garden City?” Aaron asked.
“My wife, my helpmate,” Dr. Withers said. “Guess I should know better than to feel guilty.”
“Because you left your wife with another man?” Randy asked.
“No, Randy.” Dr. Withers clenched his teeth as his jaw muscles flexe
