(12) Things come Full Circle

The dark car enters the rail yard quietly and parks near the gate. Tapping the horn lightly, he soon sees Simon exit a single car on the tracks off to the side. Waving him over he opens the door and removes the unconscious woman, cradling her in his arms as he looks around. Then he turns to Simon. "Park the car in front of the hotel and hurry back." Quickly he steps into the empty rail car and lays Amen-Ra on the settee. Sitting beside her, he inhales deeply and his eyes seem to soften. Reaching out a large hand he traces his fingers along her chin and cheek and then brushes back the long strands of gray hair. A soft moan escapes from Amen- Ra as she flutters open her eyes. Glancing up at him, she keeps still. Her eyes narrow as she stares at him with obvious hatred.

Smiling, Wasser lets his eyes roam over her form as her voice, cool with loathing, fills his ear. "Binemwase, you are as loathsome now as you were then. What makes you think I would stay with you? Khnum holds my heart, you only freeze it." His eyes hardening, Wasser grabs her by the throat and squeezes. Gasping for air she claws at his fingers. He leans in, his lips close to hers and speaks very slowly. "Be careful, Princess." He spats. "I killed you once by mistake so think how painful it will be if I do it on purpose." He removes his hands and walks to the window as she falls back gasping for air. Her hands touching her bruised throat, she blinks back tears. As she sits up she looks in the mirror across the room. She runs fingers through her hair, which has turned mostly gray now. Then she traces the lines in her face.

Across town, Ardeth and Rick pull up in front of the British museum and run to the curator's office. Inside they find Dr. Hardisty putting items into a wall safe. As they get closer they notice the stack of bills. Rick clears his throat which causes the curator to turn quickly and stares, taken aback by the angry Med-jai at his side. "M.Mr. O'Connell. What brings you hear this late?" Rick walks over to him and asks quietly. "I want to know who you sent to take Amen-Ra. She is missing and my friend here almost killed." Ardeth, not as patient, draws his sword and points it towards the now cowering Hardisty. "Tell us all you know or I shall pin you to the wall." Hardisty stutters and mumbles but soon tells them about his meetings with Wasser. "I swear I did not think he would harm anyone. I thought he was crazy but he really wanted her. He . he was obsessed with having her." Ardeth holds the sword to the man's throat. "Where is this man?" Gasping, his body trembling, Hardisty stammers. "A.A.At the Paddington Hotel. H.His name is Benjamin Wasser." Rick pulls Ardeth away and stares at the curator for a second. "If you call him and warn him that we are coming, I will not hold my friend back the next time. And I think you should take the time to write up your resignation." Seeing the doctor nod they both leave quickly.

Hopping into the car they sped down the dark streets towards the Paddington Hotel. Parking in front they ran into the luxurious lobby and rang the bell on the counter. The attendant looked at them with a snobbish disdain. "May I help you?" Ardeth stares at him menacingly. "We seek a man named Benjamin Wasser." The attendant looks through the large ledger on the counter and then shakes his head. "I am sorry but the gentleman checked out earlier this evening." Rick reaches over and grabs the man's lapels pulling him partially over the counter. "Where did he go?" Taken aback by the threatening manner he decides to just tell all he knows. "Sir. his assistant checked out earlier and left a message that the car service can pick up the vehicle in front of the hotel in the morning." Rick sets him back down and follows Ardeth who is already walking out of the revolving doors.

Ardeth stands near the car and looks up and down the street. Rick does also and then looks at his angry friend. "Ardeth we will find her. We must think though. If they checked out and the car will be left here in the morning that can only mean one or two things." Nodding Ardeth eyes light up. "Either they are in another hotel or they are on a train." Just as they speak they see a long black car pull up before the curb and a tall thin man hurry into the hotel. Thinking nothing of it they get into Rick's car and start the engine. Just as they do so, the man exits and instead of walking out back to the car he crosses the street and heads towards the railway yard. Ardeth and Rick look at each other and quickly gets out of the car, following stealthily behind him. Simon, unawares that he is being followed, walks down the deserted tracks towards a luxurious private car set away from the others.

Wasser, who was looking out the window sees Simon and nods. Just as he is about to turn away from the window notices movement. About 300 feet behind Simon he spies the pair. "Khnum," he spats out with disgust. Grabbing his valise and a sword, he punches Amen-Ra in the jaw, knocking her out. Tossing her over his shoulder he quickly ducks out the side door and runs down the track. The helpless princess, bouncing on his shoulder.