Daughter of the God-King(40)
Hattie was careful to resist the urge to pull the disk from where it was hidden under her blouse and examine it yet again, in the event she was being watched. On one side of the disk was a crude figure of Hathor; on the other were engraved markings—not hieroglyphics, at least as far as she could tell. She hadn’t known what they meant and still did not—only that every instinct told her not to present it to this man, just as her instinct had told her not to confess its existence to Berry. I do not know enough, she thought; and I cannot like how events are unfolding.
Returning with a draft on the bank in hand, the solicitor handed it to her, and she nodded her thanks and stood to leave. “Where do you stay in the city, Miss Blackhouse?”
She almost didn’t want to tell him, but decided she was being fanciful. “The Hotel Corsica.”
“Good,” he nodded with approval. “An excellent establishment—if you have need of anything please do not hesitate to contact me.” After a small pause, he then added, “If my manner was a bit brusque I must beg you to forgive me—I am over-anxious about your parents.”
Not believing this change of tack for a moment, Hattie smiled her dimpled smile and sincerely hoped she would never have need to speak to him again as long as she lived. “Of course—I am sorry I am unable to be of further assistance.” With an effort, she refrained from fleeing, but instead walked from the room at a dignified pace.
Chapter 17
Exiting into the clerk’s antechamber, Hattie rejoined Bing and resisted the urge to depart with all speed, instead pausing to bid a friendly farewell to the young man who hovered, awaiting an opportunity to take her hand yet again. As Hattie descended the steps to the first floor she looked immediately for Berry, who stood on the crowded walkway out front, waiting for her with a watchful eye. Taking his proffered arm, she offered in a dry tone, “Such an amiable creature—it is a shame his face is disfigured.”
As they began their progress down the bazaars he took a sharp look around. “What did he say?”
Glancing up at him sidelong, she quizzed, “Oh—so now I am to tell you?”
He rendered a small smile. “Yes.”
She allowed her exasperation to show. “Why? You tell me nothing.”
Tilting his head, he checked to ensure that Bing was not within earshot and then closed his arm so that her hand was pressed tightly to his side. “What would you like to know?”
“What is your true name?”
He considered the question in silence and she was curious to see what he would say, as he was making his professed attempt to be honest with her. “It is not Berry.”
“I am unsurprised, my friend. Can’t you say?”
With sincere regret, he met her gaze with his own. “No. I cannot.”
While she was preparing another, less controversial question she was hailed from the crowd. “Miss Blackhouse! I beg a moment—please.”
She turned in surprise to see that she was approached by a stout Egyptian man wearing a white linen suit and a red fez, vigorously waving at her.
“Mr. Hafez, the Minister of Antiquities,” Berry said in her ear.
She smiled in greeting but said in a low voice, “Friend or foe?”
He shook his head. “I cannot say,” and Hattie was left to wonder if this was because he truly didn’t know or because he didn’t wish to tell her.
Stopping before her, the panting man took her hand in both of his. “Miss Blackhouse—I am truly honored to make your acquaintance. I asked at the hotel and I took the liberty of searching for you.”
Unfortunately, the man’s hands were damp and Hattie hid a twinge of distaste. “How may I be of service, sir?”
Flourishing a handkerchief, the minister paused to recover his breath, mopping the perspiration from his brow. “A regrettable business—may I beg a moment of your time?”
After introductions were performed, they adjourned to a nearby café where lemonade was procured for the ladies. Hattie was then required to listen patiently while Hafez expressed his sincere admiration for her parents and his gratified feelings upon making her acquaintance. He then concluded, “I am sorry to intrude, Miss Blackhouse, but I am at a loss and I am hoping you may be of assistance.”
Deeply regretting the interruption of her conversation with Berry, Hattie tried to urge the talkative man to the point. “Do you wish to speak of my parents’ disappearance?”
The other sighed hugely, his massive chest rising and falling so that Hattie feared for his buttons. “Indeed. I have secured the site, but am now at a loss. Have you had any communication with them that would shed light on what has happened?”