After the DC-3 touched down at the airport in Cairo, Peggy looked out the plane's small window. Once she had closely scrutinized the area, she was satisfied that it was safe enough to disembark.
Unlike her friends, Peggy had been too keyed up to sleep. She knew she should have at least tried, but adrenaline was an amazing stimulant that one could not turn on and off at a whim. Besides, Peggy figured she could sleep after they had dealt with the Pyramids. During the War, she had made do with less.
Howard crowded behind her as if he was more eager to escape the plane than she was. Earlier, he had changed into a short sleeve shirt and light-colored jodhpurs. He appeared to be the quintessential British adventurer, complete with a pith helmet.
Peggy watched as Jarvis handed a small pack to Howard. The inventor carefully put all the papyrus copies into the already-filled bag. Surprisingly the carry-on had only one strap, which appeared to be a belt.
She stared, amused as he cinched it around his middle and wrestled with it until the pack rested on his stomach. She would never understand the man's fashion sense.
Spying her smirk, Howard explained, "Carrying this heavy stuff hurts my back."
Before she could comment, Jarvis lowered the boarding ramp, and the balmy Egyptian weather greeted them. It was hot already and not even noon. Peggy was glad she wore her light linen pantsuit. Unfortunately, she still had to wear her blue blazer if she needed access to the concealed gun holstered on her hip.
Peggy did not care how that old saying went about mad dogs and Englishmen. Already she felt sweat forming on her neck. At least her pant leg easily hid her combat knife that was strapped to her ankle. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her backup piece. It was too bulky, so it would have to stay in her suitcase.
After glancing around, Peggy was about to lead them off when Howard stopped her.
"Hey, wait Peg, here is your gift," Howard handed her a parasol.
"I already have protection," she replied. For emphasis, she tugged on the brim of the beige hat perched on her head.
"A woman can't have too much protection, pal," he reiterated, thrusting the umbrella at her.
His insistence worried her. "And what does this do, Howard?" Peggy held it cautiously as she checked for any hidden surprises. Howard's 'gifts' were often more than they seemed.
Slightly offended, Howard explained, "Well, besides providing shade and a sharp point at the end, it is bulletproof when unfurled. Kind of like Cap's shield."
Peggy smiled at him but then schooled her features. First, she had to be sure, "And this has already been field-tested?"
Now he became full-on affronted, "Of course it was."
Though wary, manners still dictated a reply, "Thank you, Howard. That was very thoughtful of you."
While he preened, Peggy poked her head out of the plane's door and opened the parasol. It felt heavier than what she was used to. Grinning, she figured that in a pinch, if it could not bounce off bullets, it would do well to bounce off people's heads.
After double-checking that the tarmac was all clear, she made sure to be the first one down the stairs and onto the hot runway. Looking above, the sky was a faint blue with only a few dark clouds off in the distance.
Professor Spencer stopped behind her and glanced around their sweltering surroundings, irritated. Peggy wondered if he had ever set foot outside of his comfort zone. Perhaps he was known more as an 'armchair' enthusiast. For the umpteenth time, she really wished that Professor O'Connell had accompanied them instead.
The last one to disembark, Jarvis suggested, "Mr. Stark, perhaps due to our current circumstances, I should take care of proper channels personally. As per usual, of course."
Semi-distracted as he looked about, Howard mumbled, "Yeah, good idea Jarvis."
Peggy stated adamantly, "I don't think we should spilt up."
Howard explained, "Jarvis has a way with the customs officials."
"Yes, the authorities find my boyish guile to be rather amusing. Perhaps having Professor Spencer by my side will assist with the illusion."
Before she could protest, Howard stated, "He knows how to deal with customs officials. This is not my first clandestine visit into Egypt, Peg." He smiled roguishly when a particular memory crossed his mind.
When Peggy saw men in uniforms heading their way, she quickly changed her mind, "Yes, the least interactions with government officials, the better."
Jarvis stated overly bright, "This shouldn't take long. We will meet you in front with the car shortly."
Leaving Jarvis and the Professor behind to deal with the approaching Egyptian officials, Peggy and Howard hurried toward the nearby terminal. The entire time, Peggy discreetly kept an eye on their surroundings.
"Um, Peg, I gotta warn you. I'm rather popular with the Foreign Press."
"Not to worry, Howard. I ensured that my new alias would work perfectly with your womanizing ways. I am an aspiring actress traveling abroad with you."
Howard thought a moment and snapped his fingers, "Yeah, you could be my latest acting protégé. I discovered you at some malt shop in Hollywood and decided to cast you in my newest movie. So, what's your name?"
"Well, I wanted something that sounded like what a Hollywood starlet would change their name to. That way, it would explain why nothing comes up if anyone looks too deeply into it. So, I choose Florence Triggar."
Grinning, Howard replied, "Like a loaded gun. I like it. I know. I'll call you Flo."
The look she gave him would normally strip flesh from bone. Good thing he knew she wouldn't follow through with the threat, especially with witnesses nearby.
Peggy was disappointed that the only response was a twitch of his mustache. "Regardless, I am not too worried about the Press. Unless you called them ahead of time, we should be alright."
Concerned, he muttered, "Famous last words, pal."
Before entering the station, they were stopped outside the airport's doors by armed soldiers.
Howard was about to say something to them when the customs officials with Jarvis whistled and motioned that they were allowed to pass through. Once the guards had stepped aside, Peggy and Howard quickly entered the building.
Going from the extreme heat to the dry airport terminal was a blessing. When Peggy shut her parasol, she noticed their tail right away.
Sighing, Peggy had really hoped that her small party would have had more time to get to the Pyramids before being discovered. Howard tugged on her arm, and they began to stride through the terminal.
Much to her frustration, the suspicious couple continued to stay discretely in the shadows. Peggy wished she could have gotten a better look at them, but they proved rather cunning. Stopping by the gift shop window, she turned to fuss with her hair in hopes of getting a good look at them in the reflection. Her plan was foiled when a large man suddenly pounced in front of her.
His eyes were wild as he pulled something out from under his coat. Automatically Peggy grabbed his arm. She nearly broke the bone when she twisted it painfully behind his back.
Instantly, there was the sound of clattering as multiple flashbulbs went off. The excited murmur of, "Mr. Stark, Mr. Stark, who is this new woman in your life?" assailed Peggy's ears, and she froze in surprise.
With a pained groan, the man she was subduing dropped the overly large camera with a pained pleading, "Please." Peggy released him, and he collapsed to his knees, cradling his sore arm.
Suddenly a wall of people with cameras and notepads surged toward them, and Peggy feared for her very life.
The gauntlet of screaming bodies quickly surrounded them, preventing any escape. The continuous barrage of flashbulbs going off and their shouting questions overwhelmed Peggy's senses.
Over their shouts of who this new mystery woman of his was, Peggy whispered, "So much for our covert mission."
Stepping forward, Howard replied cockily, "Don't sweat it, Flo, I got this."
And he easily took center stage. Speaking to the braying reporters, it seemed that he had become rather adept in handling the paparazzi over the years.
Suddenly, the reporters turned their attention back to her.
As the verbal bombardment continued, Peggy tried to tune out their ridiculous comments and questions thrown her way. Instead, she smiled as how she assumed a Hollywood starlet would. Howard thankfully interceded and answered the Press's questions as best as possible.
Still, they would never get out of there at this rate, and Peggy's patience was quickly coming to an end. Deciding that it was time that their impromptu press conference was over, she attempted to use her closed parasol to help push their way forward.
That did not work very well. The Press easily let the pointy end through but not her and Howard. So she resorted to her tried and true method. Once Peggy had used some discrete sharp elbow jabs and well-stomped heels, a path miraculously appeared in front of them.
The whole time she stayed polite and would gush out an, "Oh, sorry, excuse me, darling," in the most bubbly American accent she could muster.
Howard grinned, amused, and let her lead them outside to the front of the airport.
After they had finally cleared past most of the paparazzi, she whispered, "Well, that was unpleasant. You always have to contend with such a circus?"
"That is nothing. Normally there are more of them buzzing around. Still, I am surprised that they tracked me down so quickly."
"Yes, someone must have tipped them off." She wouldn't put it past whoever was after this treasure to use the Press against them. Besides slowing them down, it was the perfect way to keep tabs on their whereabouts.
Jarvis pulled up in the car before the Press could regroup and try another offensive. After she and Howard jumped into the back, they quickly raced off. However, the Press would not let this new intriguing woman disappear without a story, and a convoy of cars soon chased after them.
Of course, it wasn't just the paparazzi following them but two other cars that now kept a discrete pace behind all the vehicles.
As Jarvis drove toward the Pyramids of Giza, he expertly navigated their vehicle through Cairo's heavily congested streets.
They passed a mix of old and new architectural styles along the way. Ancient mosques with tall spires or squat domes were peppered among the many newer businesses and tourist destinations.
The local male population wore robes and suits, with fezzes or caps to protect their heads from the hot sun. Scattered among them, some women wore burqas to cover their bodies, while others wore more modern clothing, such as what one might find in England. Britain might lose Egypt soon, but its influence would live on.
Soon they entered the Hotel district, and Jarvis asked, "Should we drop the luggage off at the Shepard Hotel and get freshened up before we head to the Pyramids?"
Though taking a cooling shower sounded divine, Peggy was getting nervous with all this added scrutiny. And she was sure that more than just reporters were stalking them now.
Spencer interjected, "Yes, I could do with a nap and a repast before seeing them."
Peggy shook her head, "Due to the sudden interest in our arrival, I think it is best if we forgo the hotel and instead head straight to the Pyramids."
She ignored the heavy sigh from the Professor.
"Yes, Miss Carter," Jarvis respectfully nodded and did as he was told.
In moments they were driving through the restaurant quarter. Already tourists were arriving for an early lunch to beat the noonday heat.
As they began passing bazaars and marketplaces, Peggy saw they were packed with people who animatedly bargained for goods.
Beside her, Peggy heard Howard sigh as he stared out the back window at the cavalcade of Press following them. "Good thing I have a boat ready at the nearby docks if we need to escape our tail."
She muttered, "And here I had hoped to get through this quietly."
"Sorry, I can't help if people are fascinated with me and who I am seeing." Howard jerked a thumb behind them, "Which leads to, what do we do about them?"
Clearing his throat, Jarvis inquired, "I could try to lose the paparazzi, Miss Carter."
"No, that's fine, Mr. Jarvis. Let them follow. I think it is high time that these circling vultures work for us."
Howard asked, concerned, "What do you plan?"
"I say we use the Press to smoke out the rats that also seek this prized cheese. It's time to give the paparazzi a little performance."
"But I thought you wanted a low profile."
She stated, "Normally, I would have, but it's too late now. The worst thing we can do is make the Press all the more curious by hiding from them."
"Yeah, good point. The one time I tried to do that, it only made them more ravenous for information. After hunting me down, they never gave me a moment's peace."
Jarvis piped up, "Maybe they will soon grow bored and focus elsewhere."
Nodding, Peggy mused, "I'm just grateful that the Egyptian government doesn't know what I look like."
Howard grinned, "And by being linked to me, they would never assume otherwise."
Then Jarvis turned the car around the corner, and they were on 'Al Ahram' aka Pyramid Avenue. A mile or so away stood the massive three Pyramids of Giza.
Peggy gasped in awe at these immense limestone structures that dwarfed the closest buildings. They were most impressive, and she wondered what the early explorers must have thought when they first came upon them.
Soon the road ended. They would have to go the remaining way by foot. By the look of things, there was still a distance to travel.
Finally, Jarvis found a spot to park, which placed them near an open-air bazaar. The vast complex of local tents and stands spanned outwards and crept halfway to the Pyramids. Some merchants had smartly stationed their wares on either side of a long dirt path the tourists had to walk to reach the mighty Pyramids of Giza.
Studying the massive bazaar, Peggy smiled. This would be a perfect place to set her plan in motion.
After Jarvis shut off the engine, Peggy asked for the trunk to be opened. She needed to prepare herself for the gauntlet ahead.
Just as they exited the vehicle, the paparazzi surged toward them. But this time, they made sure to stay out of the way in fear of sharp-placed elbows and stomped insteps.
Leaving Spencer grumbling to himself, Jarvis joined Peggy at the back of the car and popped the trunk open for her.
After using another beguiling smile on the Press, Peggy opened the hatbox next to her suitcase. Unable to contain her glee, she switched out her beige hat for her favorite bright red one she used to wear when she first started working at the SSR offices. She always figured this was her lucky chapeau.
While she crammed a few things into a handy rucksack she had also brought, Howard kept the eager paparazzi occupied with her cover story.
Though Peggy was leery of being caught with weapons, she still surreptitiously packed her sawed-off shotgun. If she was willing to risk the danger of being caught armed, she might as well go big.
Finished, Peggy was about to swing her backpack over her shoulders when Jarvis interceded.
"If I may?" he offered his hand to her. Smiling her thanks, she was grateful for his chivalry and handed him her bag. Having to wear her blue blazer to conceal her gun, she was already boiling. Being encumbered with her full pack would make it worse that much faster.
Though she felt terrible for Jarvis, he handled it splendidly as he repositioned it to rest evenly on his shoulders.
Peggy snapped her fingers, "Oh, almost forgot," and she grabbed her parasol from the car's back seat. Due to this being an unknown situation, it never hurt to be overly prepared. Thankfully it was compact enough to shove through one of the side loops on her bag. This way, she could keep her hands free.
After Howard had tied his small belted pack around his middle, Peggy grabbed his hand and tittered to the Press adorably. Ignoring their impertinent questions, she dragged the reluctant inventor toward the center of the large bazaar.
Howard was surprised that she had not led them directly to the less busy thoroughfare that went straight to the Pyramids. Leaning close, he whispered worriedly in her ear, "Peg, we don't have time to shop."
With no answer forthcoming, Howard hoped that the extreme heat was not already affecting his friend. He tried to ignore the trickle of sweat dripping down his back, tickling him. The inventor wondered if it was possible to make a portable cooling device. Maybe a miniature fan could be tucked in the collar or clipped onto a hat brim.
Peggy heard him mumble design ideas and nearly laughed. Only Howard could multi-task so spectacularly. Glancing over her shoulder to ensure the reporters were near, she smiled brightly at them. The paparazzi trailed close behind, so she breathed into her preoccupied friend's ear, "Since I am an actress, I best play the part. Now follow my lead, Howard."
He shrugged over his shoulder at Jarvis, who followed along, as did the unenthusiastic Professor Spencer. The butler was trying not to make his fretting noises sound too loud while Spencer grimaced at all the madness of yelling merchants and barking paparazzi.
When Jarvis trotted to catch up with them, Peggy noticed that Spencer hung back and just looked miserable about everything. His grouchy attitude continued to shore up her disapproval of the man.
Suddenly, the Professor grumbled, "This is insanity, and it is not helping my headache. I'll stay in the car and catch the Pyramids another time."
As the small group waved him off, Peggy stated, amused, "It must have been that heavy meal and the hot noonday sun." She hugged Howard's arm closer so she could whisper to him in annoyance, "Where did you find him, Howard? He is the worst!"
"He's not so bad, Peg—" her look made him sigh in acceptance. "I know, I know. Sorry, but I would have left him back in the US if we didn't need his expertise."
She nodded, slightly mollified that at least he agreed with her concerning the insufferable Professor. Regardless, they did need the help, albeit even the little he had provided so far. Reluctantly she admitted, "Well, thank you for finding us someone." Then, she exhaled, "I guess we will just have to make the best of things."
"Stiff upper lip and all that," Howard joked, and Jarvis shook his head, displeased.
Naturally, Howard's curiosity darted up again, and he indicated her apparel with a brisk head nod. "Nice hat, by the way. It certainly is drawing them in." Sure enough, her red hat was like a beacon for the paparazzi. Even an expanding group of curious Egyptians had joined in following the small party.
Peggy's grin was enigmatic, "Yes, now why don't we have some fun?"
Howard chuckled at her challenging tone and extended his hand with a flourish, "Lead on, Flo."
So Peggy and Howard shopped at the various merchant stalls, continuing to play the part of an affectionate couple. Though they had hardly bought anything, the always stoic Jarvis insisted on carrying it all.
Peggy delighted the camera-clicking paparazzi the entire time by posing and giggling at the ridiculous flirty things that Howard did. All of which would have normally caused her to punch someone. At least when Howard fed her a juicy melon slice, he did not miss her mouth. He must have had lots of practice, she thought with a smirk.
They had only wandered halfway toward the Pyramid's direction when Peggy mumbled in triumph, "There you are, to the right, three stalls down, covered in traditional robes. That apparel does not disguise your obviousness. Now, are you new players to this game or that same blonde couple from the Smithsonian?" She said to no one in particular.
Trying to be nonchalant, Howard attempted to pinpoint who she was referring to but could not see anyone of note. Then he noticed two people in robes ducking back into the shadows. Anxious, he asked from the side of his mouth, "Should I be worried?"
Peggy was impressed that his lips barely moved. She figured if he ever lost all his money and mind, he could become a ventriloquist or a politician.
"No," she assured him. Then she smiled brightly and explained, "Thankfully, I know a way to draw them out further."
Peggy eyed Jarvis critically, and the manservant audibly gulped. She then tittered coquettishly to the paparazzi and picked up a small date. Peggy posed as she popped the fruit into Howard's grinning mouth. As the cameras clicked crazily, she said low, "I can't confront our tail if the reporters are still here. Gentlemen, it's time for a distraction."
As Howard and Jarvis comically raised their eyebrows, Peggy gushingly cried out, "Oh, Howard, you shouldn't have!" She grabbed the millionaire by the lapels and hauled him off into a nearby darkened alcove between two massive merchant tents.
Peggy hissed to the befuddled butler from the maw of the shadowed entry, "Jarvis, we need you."
Wearily he followed them into the secluded spot.
The paparazzi were eating this up, and their rising murmur of excitement was palpable. Thankfully they remembered their bruised insteps and sore ribs from earlier and stayed somewhat back at a distance.
Safe in the alley from prying eyes, Peggy motioned to Jarvis, "Off with your coat, Mr. Jarvis." Then, seeing his reluctance, "Quickly," she ordered. Shrugging free of her blazer, they then traded coats.
Jarvis looked forlornly at his employer, and Howard's grin grew, "It'll be a good look on you, Jarvis."
Resigned, he put on the blue jacket. "I knew you wore that exuberant hat for a reason," he muttered.
She could not help but quip, "You will find Mr. Jarvis that everything I do is for a reason."
Deftly removing her red hat, Peggy combed out her auburn locks, relieved to get some air to her perspiring head finally. The heat was murder on her tresses.
She then plopped it on the ever-suffering butler's sweaty head and tugged the front down to conceal most of his face.
From her canvas bag, Peggy took out a beige cap. She placed it on her damp hair and then tucked the loose ends into it. Once she put on Jarvis's coat, she quirked a grin. The long coat on her form, combined with her cap must have made her resemble a newspaper boy. Oh well, one had to make do with what was available.
Howard grinned at how effortlessly she had changed her look.
"Mr. Jarvis, wait by the car in case we need a speedy getaway. With so many interested parties, I feel we might need a quick exit after we are finished with the Pyramids."
"I can't elude the Press for long, Miss Carter. Once they realize it is me, they'll be back here with a vengeance."
Thinking, Peggy suggested, "Then best take the car and lead them away to the nearby docks where Howard's boat is. We'll catch a ride when we are done and meet you there."
Howard added, "Yeah if we are coming in hot, the Nile will be a quicker escape route than Cairo's congested streets."
Peggy nodded, "Exactly." She then gave one last order to Jarvis, "Now get ready to run."
Though the paparazzi were more interested in this mystery woman than Howard, Peggy was savvy enough to know that sometimes one caught more fish if better bait was used. So she just needed to bloody the water a bit to get these sharks interested.
Loudly she yelled, offended, "I won't hear it, Howard Stark! I'm tired of your lies and infidelity! I'm leaving!" She then smacked her hand loudly against the other. From the maw of the tents, they heard the excited buzz of the paparazzi reaching a fevered pitch.
Without another word, she shoved the anxious Jarvis out to face the predatory reporters. Wide-eyed, the beleaguered butler had no choice but to run away, or else he'd be eaten alive by the hungry mob. The salivating foreign Press raced off, chasing close behind the panicked manservant.
Peggy and Howard watched from their hiding spot and shared a smile. Howard chuckled, "That wasn't very nice of you, Peg."
She shrugged, "Rank does have its privileges." She studied Jarvis' retreating form and surmised, "I should have told him to swing his hips more. Oh, well."
While everyone was distracted by the tall ungainly 'woman' streaking by in red and blue, Howard looked at Peggy.
Removing her compact from her rucksack, she used the mirror to check around the corner. Sure enough, the two robed individuals were now out in the open but hanging back. They appeared to be arguing with each other. Good, they had stayed. For a moment, she was afraid they might have pursued the wrong 'Peggy.'
Checking her appearance, Peggy nearly smiled at the odd image she presented. Hopefully, it would be adequate to fool them until she was close enough to pounce. After handing Howard her pack, she lightly patted him on his cheek, "Alright, love, sit tight. I will be back in a moment."
Keeping to the shadows, she ducked out of the makeshift alley and headed toward the bickering-robed couple. Though their whispers were too low for her to hear, one voice sounded male and the other female.
Suddenly, a young child grabbed Peggy's coattails and, while desperately tugging on them, pleaded, "Please spare coin, pretty lady."
Peggy glumly watched as the instantly alerted couple retreated toward the shadows behind them. She cursed out a "Blast!" and then began to pull free from the child's tight grip to give chase. Suddenly, the sunlight bounced off some flung coin. Instantly, the area was swarmed with people diving for the money.
With all the people blocking her path, there was no way she could go after them now. Once again, the mysterious couple had escaped.