(7) The Secret is Out

Amen-Ra looked down at the precocious child beside her as Alex began pointing things out in the home. She could not help but smile at the energy of the boy. During breakfast he had volunteered to help her learn English. Though he stammered on occasion speaking Egyptian it matched her hesitant speech trying to mimic the words. Ardeth was not too far behind them. She knew he was there, she felt his presence. On occasion she would send a smile his way or let her fingertips glide over his hand or arm.

Sitting on the sofa Evie and Rick pondered what to do with the Princess. As Evie looked through books and scrolls, Rick leaned back and tapped his foot as he thought. With a deep sigh he looked at Evie. "She needs to go back. She really doesn't belong here." His wife did not answer. She kept flipping pages searching. But she knew he was right. Amen-Ra was not of this world. Hearing a noise from the stairs they all glanced up seeing Jonathan finally awake. Rubbing his hands together he glanced at the group. "Well good morning all. Am I late for breakfast?" Rick chuckled, "You're almost late for lunch, Jonathan." Laughing, Jonathan heads for the kitchen to grab some food.

As everyone get back to what they were doing, suddenly a loud pounding is heard at the front door. Rick goes to answer it and standing there is Dr. Hardisty looking flustered and upset. Taking out a handkerchief he removes his hat and wipes his brow. "I.I must see Evelyn immediately," he stammers. Without waiting he enters their home and walks to the where Evie now stands. "Dr. Hardisty, what is wrong? Are you alright?" "Evelyn, we have been robbed. Someone broke into the museum." Evie's eyes widen hearing him. "Robbed??!!" Are you sure? When did this happen?" Hardisty begin to pace as he continued. "The thieves only took the mummy of Amen-Ra nothing else. The guards said you were there. Did you see anyone or anything?" Evie blinked and then looked at Ardeth. Motioning to him Ardeth quickly led Amen-Ra out of the room along with Alex. Then she took the upset curator's arm and led him to a chair. "Dr. Hardisty please calm down. Nothing was stolen." Taking a deep breath she tried to decide where to begin as Hardisty looked up at her. "I was at the museum and read an inscription from an amulet. It seemed.well this might sound a bit farfetched but it brought the mummy back to life. We brought her here. We did not know what else to do." Hardisty looked at her, completely stunned. "Evelyn, this is no time to joke. The owner of that mummy has arrived and is very upset at it's disappearance. And believe me when I say you do not wish to get this gentleman angry." Rick, hearing this, chuckled. "Oh I think Evie can handle anything." Evie glares at Rick and then turns back to the curator. "Dr. Hardisty I swear it is the truth. I cannot explain why it happened but I have the proof." Looking over her shoulder she yelled out. "Ardeth, please bring our guest back."

As Ardeth returned with the Princess, Amen-Ra walked ahead of him and stared are the curator. She stopped before him and with her hands folded before her, stood regally, waiting. The room was quiet as they all watched Dr. Hardisty. He looked over the strange woman and then circled her, as if inspecting her. He stood again before her and held out his hand in greeting. "I am Dr. Cornelius Hardisty of the British Museum. A pleasure to meet you." Amen-Ra stared coldly down at the hand. She could not understand why this man would attempt to touch her. Seeing her reaction Hardisty nodded and put down his hand. Then he spoke to her on Ancient Egyptian. "Forgive me if I have offended you, Princess." Her look softening she nodded and responded. "The gods have graced you with manners. For that I am grateful." Hardisty chuckled and then looked to Evie. "How did this happen? I mean she is the exact resemblance and she was offended at my out stretched hand. She ALSO speaks and understands the old language. I must study her. I must get other professors. This is amazing" Hearing him, Ardeth stepped before the doctor, blocking him from Amen-Ra. "She is not a specimen and will not be studied." Evie interjects quickly, "We cannot tell anyone. She will be treated as a freak." Hardisty looks at Evie. "But she is a find, a rarity. What do I tell Mr. Wasser? He wants his mummy." Rick shrugs, "Tell him the crate was empty or give him another mummy. How will he know." Hardisty nods but watches Amen-Ra. He realizes that perhaps Mr. Wasser would pay more for a live princess than a mummy. "You are right. I will keep this a secret. I will think of something to tell him." Picking up his hat he bows to the Princess and heads for the door. "I will speak with you again. Keep me informed of any ideas of what might be done."

With that he walks out and closes the door behind him. Hiding the smile from him. He then heads back to his office to calculate his new payment for when Wasser returns the following morning. With one last glance at the door he puts on his hat and walks towards the museum, whistling gaily.