(9) Into the Lion's Den

As soon as Dr. Hardisty left the O'Connell home, he rushed to the Paddington Hotel. The news he had could not wait until tomorrow. Besides, he was sure that Wasser would be extremely mad if he withheld this news until then. He entered the glass doors to the lobby and paused only to locate a white information phone. Hurrying to it he grabbed the receiver and tapped on the booth impatiently as he waited for one of the operators on the switchboard to pick up. "Paddington Hotel. How may I direct your call?" Flustered Hardisty almost yelled into the phone. "Mr. Benjamin Wasser's room, hurry. I don't know what room he's in." "Just a moment sir." It seemed like an eternity before the phone was picked up by Simon. "Mr. Wasser's room." Relieved the doctor whispered. "I need to speak with Mr. Wasser, this is Dr. Hardisty. I am down in the lobby." Simon spoke calmly and with a bit of annoyance. "You must have an appointment. What does this relate to?" Looking around to make sure no one was I hearing distance, Hardisty cupped a hand around the mouthpiece. "Tell him I have information about his mummy. Tell him it's extremely important and cannot wait." Simon held the phone away while he spoke with Wasser. Then returned to the phone. "Come to Suite 6, Dr. Hardisty. Mr. Wasser shall be waiting for you." Without waiting for acknowledgement, Simon hung up the phone.

Dr. Hardisty almost ran to the elevators and tapped on the up button numerous times waiting for it to arrive. When it did he got in and told the operator that he wanted Suite 6. After what seemed like ages the car bumped to the desired floor and Hardisty rushed out. Looking up and down the hall he finally saw the rooms he needed and quickly walked to it. Before he knocked on the door he removed his handkerchief and mopped the sweat from his forehead. He had just finished adjusting his tie when the door opened.

Simon opened the door and then moved aside to let the doctor in. Wasser was sitting on the sofa, a drink in hand. He watched Hardisty enter and then gestured to the chair across from him. He waited until he was seated then he spoke quietly. "Mr. Wasser, I found your . well your mummy. But something has happened to it." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Wasser leapt from the chair and looked over at the doctor. He spoke coldly to him. "What do you mean something happened?" Clearing his throat, Hardisty spoke quickly. "Your mummy, sir, it . it has come to life." Simon tried to hold back a laugh however it was quickly shut off when Wasser shot him a look that turned his blood cold. Turning back to Hardisty he spoke softly but with a tinge of impatience. "Did you see her? Are you sure?" Nodding Hardisty continued. "She was found by one of my best Egyptologists. Mrs. Evelyn O'Connell found her and is keeping watch over her. I promised her that I would not say anything but knew it best to tell you at once. She. Mr. Wasser, the Princess is beautiful. I spoke to her in Ancient Egyptian and she answered immediately. She knew it." Wasser smiled broadly. "You did right to tell me. I need the address and then you can leave." Hardisty smiled and stood. "Of course I will write it down. I was thinking though . about the payment. I mean you did get your mummy." Wasser looked at him, his eyes narrowing. "If I find out this is Amen-Ra then you will be paid handsomely. If I find out this is a scam, you will pay with your life." His mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, Hardisty quickly wrote down the O'Connell's address. Simon took it from him and then ushered him from the suite.

As soon as he left, Wasser went to his valise and opening it up removed the drawing of Amen-Ra from it. He stood silently and stared at it, studying it. "Have you truly come to life? All this time I have waited to own you in death and now I shall own you in life." Wasser removes the small ring from the box and examines it. The ring that will keep Amen-Ra and Khnum apart. The ring that has showed him where to find her mummified body all these years. Like a tracking device. The thought of having her all to himself, making her his. Taping a finger to his chin, Wasser thought. He had to see her and then make plans. If the people she was with knew who she was then they would protect her.

Turning to Simon he spat out orders. "I want to have the car at my disposal to leave within moments of my say so. I want to know all times of trains departing London beginning tomorrow morning and for the next 3 days. I care not where they go but I wish to make sure I am connected to one that will takes us to my house in Alexandria. And I want all of them to have a private car at my disposal." Simon wrote frantically as tried to keep up with the orders. "I will need a large cushioned trunk with a padlock and go to the chemist and get me some chloroform. Pay him handsomely if he asks too many questions." He paced as he spoke, not stopping it seems to even take a breath. "I also want shackles and leather bindings. Go now because I want all items here by the morning." Not waiting for a reply, Wasser grabs his coat and heads out the door leaving Simon watching after him with a stunned look. Taking a deep breath he sighs. "What type of man am I working for?"