No infringement is intended on the characters belonging to Stephen Summers
& Universal. R.Campbell, E.Hammond,
H.Furborough A.Trigg and N.Waters are entities borne of my own imagination.
Well, General Trigg partly belongs to
A.J.Mackey. Before she mentioned him, he didn't even exist in my little
world. No money is being made from this story,
it's for enjoyment purposes only.
My thanks to Mommints and Ladybug for their help with the money problem in this chapter. Sadly I lost the email (could have kicked myself, in fact, I'm pretty sure I did) and decided to just go for the basic English Pounds considering how long it's taken me to write this chapter as it is. But I very much appreciate the kindness in trying to help me out. Big smiles!
CAPTAIN OF HIS SOUL by Marcher
gama39@austarmetro.com.au
PG 13
CHAPTER 16 ~ Time Waits For No Man
As the child slept, whispered words passed between husband and wife. Sorrowful words laced with comfort, reassurance and promises, the type which no other would ever share. Emotions rose and fell on the back of tragic events that most people believe will never happen to them. The dim light of the room was comparable to the struggle ahead of them where there shone little hope for immediate healing. The only glimmer was a betoken of the strength each prayed to find in the other.
Yet, too quickly, the initial embrace of love and care was overshadowed. An overwhelming sense of shame seemed to drown Evelyn when she properly noticed her tattered, soiled clothing. With a gasp she wriggled herself free of her husband and desperately tried to smooth the creases in her skirt, just to exclaim in dismay at the state of her sullied hands. Caught off guard by her sudden change of mood, Rick spread his arms wide and released her, watching confounded while she furiously rubbed her hands together then over her arms and body. Slowly, for fear of frightening her, he reached out to touch her shoulder hoping to say something that would allay her distress, but she shoved him aside and scrambled from the bed before he could offer a single word.
"Hey, Evie. It's all right." His voice carried a hint of surprise even though he had meant to soothe.
"No! I'm afraid it's not. This won't do at all." By now she was standing bent over herself, vigorously rubbing at the dirt which felt as though it was caked to her. "I'm surprised you can bare to look at me at all in this state!"
Watching the scene unfold before him, Rick shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts, "What?"
"You're right, of course!" Waving her hands wildly at her skirt, "A harlot wouldn't be caught looking like this!" She was angry now and on the verge of tears.
"I didn't say anything like that." Maintaining a deep, calm voice Rick steadily rose to make his way around the bed. "I'd never even think that." He stood before her now and lowered his head to see her face, "We can throw them away if you don't want them."
"Burning them would be better!" Her attempt to be rid of the dust was now bordering on frenzy and Rick had to wonder if she even realized her fingernails were leaving white scratches on her arms.
"If that's what you want." Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, he unsuccessfully tried to coax her into sitting back down. To his dismay, she jumped at his touch and jerked away insisting she needed no help.
"I can manage on my own!" Her words were scarcely uttered when she swayed off balance and instinctively thrust out her arms in search of a hold. Before being able to offer any kind of protest, she was caught by a single quick reflex and Rick pulled her in close.
Keeping her head pressed down against his chest, she steadied herself beneath the sound of his whisper, "I don't think you can. C'mon, let me help you? Just a little bit." The fact she refused to look at him made little difference. There was no need to see her face to know she was crying.
Quivering against him, Evelyn spoke so quietly it pierced his heart, "I can't." Rick squeezed his eyes shut at the pain in her voice and let his chin rest over the top of her head. For the first time in his life he came to realize what a dispirited companion guilt could be. Keeping one arm about her waist, he pressed the other to her head. How in God's name he was going to compensate for his arrogance was beyond him right at this moment. His pride lay stone cold dead alongside that of his infant son; and his wife was shattered and dishonoured because of it. He stood there with her, rocking her gently from side to side as the harsh reality at last settled over him. Before he even became aware of it, her arms had left their stiff position by her side and allowed her fingers to snake their path up his chest to cling lightly from his shirt. Yet still she kept her head down. The gentle pressure from her fingertips made his throat swell and he tightened his hold believing it should him hanging his head in shame and not her. "I just can't."
He rubbed his hand along the length of her back and noticed she stiffened a little, but at least she didn't try to pull away. Placing a kiss on the top of her head, he reassured her with a whisper, "Sure you can. How about you do the clothes and I can do the bath for you?" She said nothing. The only response he was able to register was another almost indiscernible shudder. Then, speaking her fears as a means to quell them, he offered, "And then I'll take Alex and wait for you out there with Jonathan." Evelyn nodded her agreement with a single sob into his shoulder. Biting his bottom lip, Rick nuzzled his face into her hair, still stroking her back steadily until he was certain she had steadied herself enough to be let go.
~O~
Ross lounged sprawled and snoring in the only easy chair, his head tilted awkwardly into the upholstered head rest. Jonathan sat awake with his legs stretched out, resting his heels on a side table and Rick beside him, holding his sleeping son to his shoulder. It was a subconscious act keeping Alex near to him after how close he came to losing him as well today.
Save for the occasional hushed banter between the brothers-in-law, mostly there was silence...and snoring. As yet, the events of this day were too terrible to be spoken about. Perhaps never.
Easing himself forward to avoid straining his injuries or the risk of waking his son, Rick carefully placed the toddler into the cot by his feet. The child grumbled in a state between asleep and awake, causing his father to hover above him on the verge of lifting him again to intercept any impending crying. No matter how much he loved his son, the thought of having to settle him again tonight was a disagreeable one. Fortunately, for his peace of mind, the protest was short lived and the boy snuggled back to sleep.
"Turning in for the night?" Jonathan queried, yawning as he did.
Shaking his head, Rick leaned down and pulled the blankets over his son, "I'm going to check if Evelyn needs any help. She's been in that bath a little too long."
Jonathan rose and stretched. "Well, I might as well make tracks to my own bed." Bringing his arms back down in a wide circle to his sides, he uttered an after thought while absently reaching to retrieve his cane, "Are we just going to leave him where he is?"
Puzzled by the question, Rick glanced at his sleeping son then back at Jonathan, "Yeah. I'll hear him if he wakes up."
"No." Joanthan pointed behind him, "I mean old grumble bum over there."
O'Connell weighed the idea for only a moment before suggesting laconically, "You wanna wake him?"
"Absolutely not! I'd bet good money on a bear waking in a better mood."
Rick muffled a laugh and touched a hand to Jonathan's shoulder, offering a sincere thanks to his wife's brother. A silent acknowledgement passed between the two men before Jonathan broke the bathos with a slap to O'Connell's shoulder. A considerate gesture as well, making sure to avoid the American's injured side. "Well, enough of that!" he coughed, "My bed's looking pretty good right at the moment. No doubt you could use some sleep yourself."
"Believe it!" Tired and sore, Rick rubbed a hand through his hair, noticing Jonathan's omnipresent cane with amusement. "Do you still need that, or do you just like it?"
Jonathan raised the object awkwardly and considered it, "Well, probably not." he shrugged, "But it's all the fashion don't you know!"
Half smiling, Rick watched as Jonathan reached for the door, then at the last second he offered in earnest, "I mean it Jonathan. Thanks. You know...for sitting with her and..."
Always uncomfortable with a show of appreciation, Jonathan adopted his usual defence and waved the compliment aside, "Oh, you won't be saying that when you see the size of my bill!" That won a smile from the American and he watched him retreat into the bedroom. It was then that Jonathan heaved and blew the air from his lungs, hanging his head over the sadness which lurked beyond those doors. The ache he felt for his sister didn't need to be worn on his sleeve and he preferred it that way.
Alone with his own company, however, was a different matter and as he made his way along the hall he was drawn from his thoughts by scuffling footsteps approaching from behind. He squinted his eyes in the half light and a small recognition triggered in his mind. "I know you, don't I?"
The stranger approached slowly, on his guard. "I'm looking for the American. O'Connell."
"Aaah, you're that funny fellow from the street today." Jonathan extended his hand. "Howard isn't it?"
"Hammond." He grasped the hand held out to him and shook it vigorously. "Emir Hammond. I need to speak with your brother- in-law. Quickly." Emir's demeanour darkened as soon as Jonathan adopted that most annoying habit the British have of sucking the air through their teeth just before the telling of bad news.
"Ooh, I'm afraid that now's not the best time."
"There never is a good time with O'Connell!"
Taken aback by the Egyptian's sudden change in temperament Jonathan decided it would be for the best to send the man on his way and did so by half turning his back while suggesting, "Perhaps if you call back tomorrow. You see his wife's not very well..."
Before he could finish the sentence, Emir had grabbed him by the shoulder forcing the Englishman to look him straight in the eye, "Tomorrow will not do! I must speak with him now!"
Quick to employ his cane, Jonathan smacked the shady, lanky character on the thigh and freed himself from the unpleasant hold. Instantly, Emir snatched the offending object and threw it against the wall, "I said it must be now!"
"Well that's just too bloody bad..."
"Jonathan?"
Seeing O'Connell lean his head through the door, Jonathan straightened himself and made an exaggerated splay of his arm to Hammond in the direction of the voice, "Your man." Walking over to pick up the discarded walking stick which lay only inches from his brother-in-law's feet he mumbled discontentedly to the same, "You move in nothing but the best circles, O'Connell. Honestly!"
With little more than a simper, Rick sent the limping pretender on his way, "Thanks. I'll take it from here Jonathan."
"Yes, I'm sure you will."
Emir stepped forward ready with a barrage of insistence that O'Connell follow him immediately but was stopped before he could speak as the American raised a hand for him to halt. O'Connell stepped into the hall, pulling the door closed behind him. Pointing towards the stairs he ordered, "This way!"
"And don't forget that I get a share in whatever it is you two have got cooking." Jonathan reminded them before finally retiring for the night.
Rick ignored him but Emir wasn't in the mood for generosity, "Surely you do not mean to include him?"
"Don't worry about him." Rick wrapped an arm around his visitor's shoulder and walked him down the stairs, "You can keep the lot Emir. I'm not coming."
"What?" The Egyptian's jaw dropped as his eyes widened. "NO! You gave your word! If you don't contact your buyer everything is ruined!" Remonstrating half way between fear and anger, he continued "I may as well..."
O'Connell offered a single word which silenced Emir mid-rant, "Wainwright."
Dumb silence fell upon the Egyptian who stood blinking his eyes in an effort to understand. When he did find his voice, all he could sputter was, "Who?"
Rick kept a determined hand around Hammond' shoulder, still leading him outside. "Wainwright. He's a private collector and very interested in what we've got. He's offered to pay twenty thousand English Pounds for the whole lot so long as they can be smuggled out of Egypt without any trouble." He slapped Emir on the shoulder just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "That's where you come in."
Any pleasure that Rick might have felt in ridding himself of this problem soon dissipated when Hammond groaned loudly and kicked the bottom step. "You've got to be joking! He's not going to hand all that cash over to someone he's never met!"
"Just tell him I sent you."
"Oh! And he's going to believe that? Look O'Connell, I need that money more than you do!" The Egyptian's eyes revealed a flash of panic while his face reddened in anger, "You just cannot back out now!"
"No, it'll be fine." Marriage hadn't robbed O'Connell of his talent to wheedle and Hammond settled a little to hear what he had to say next. "I've mentioned to him once or twice that I was thinking of getting out. He'll understand."
"He had better! I am a dead man without this deal!"
O'Connell leaned his head into Emir's and murmured, "And I'm a dead man if I leave this Fort! You'll just have to trust me on this."
Not entirely convinced, but desperate for the deal to go through, Hammond queried suspiciously. "Do I bring your share back here?"
The American shook his head, "No, I told you...keep it! I can't afford to have anything more to do with this." He weighed the confused expression on his companion's face and asserted, "Remember that, Emir. Don't come back here looking for me!"
Seeds of interest began to grow in Hammond's mind, but it only faltered his words for a few seconds, "And why not?"
The order of curiosity in that question alerted Rick to the depth of this man's predicament. An uneasiness filled his chest and he believed this man to be capable of leaping from one opportunity to the next in order to save his own skin. He watched the eyes before him carefully and decided that he had already said too much, "Let's just say my wife doesn't approve."
Emir's eyes narrowed just enough to convey that he was able to read between the lines, "All right. Where do I find this, this...?"
"Wainwright." Rick reminded. "You'll find him at the Mena House."
The mere mention of the hotel's name made Hammond's jaw drop a second time in as many minutes. "And just how am I supposed to get in there? I'll be kicked out before I even get in."
O'Connell was beginning to lose patience with the whole situation and it was heard in his voice, "You know, Emir. It's no wonder you're still working for gangsters like Nasser." He tapped a finger to the other man's head and offered, "Throw a couple of coins to those underpaid doorman and get them to send him a message. He'll come."
Jerking his head away from O'Connell's insulting index finger, Emir pulled himself up straight before responding sarcastically, "You got any coins?"
Groaning, O'Connell dipped into his shirt pocket and produced two bills. "Don't spend it all at once, will ya!"
Hammond snatched the money and grinned. Without another word he departed into the night, leaving the American with mixed feelings over finally being rid of the parasite and annoyed that this was the second time today he'd had to buy himself out of a sticky situation.
~O~
He heard the splashing as soon as he reached the foot of the bed. Large, frequent lashes of water that gave the impression his wife was flooding the tiny bathroom floor. Pressing an ear to the door he enquired anxiously, "Everything all right in there?" The lack of response prompted Rick to squeeze the doorknob and he wasn't completely surprised to discover it was locked. He called again; and again she failed to answer. Whatever it was she was doing in there, he didn't like the sound of it and without hesitating he pulled a pocket knife from his hip pocket and flicked the blade. It took only a few seconds to jiggle the lock open and let himself inside.
Evelyn sat with her back to him, the tub filled to the brim. Water lapped over the side in a choppy fashion in time with the unsteady jerks of her elbows as she literally scoured her body with a bath brush! Her shoulders and back displayed uneven red blotches from the rubbing although some were worse than others; and for a moment Rick stood and stared in disbelief.
"Stop!" He stepped towards her almost slipping on the wet floor as he bent over her shoulders to still her arms, "Come on, Evie. Stop now." The water creeping over his hands was freezing and he was surprised at the amount of force he needed to bring her hands together.
Oblivious to her husband's presence until he touched her, Evelyn gasped through fright and embarrassment, "GET OUT!" When her attempt to push him away failed, she drew her knees up to her chest and appealed to his sympathy, "Please Rick. Just leave."
He looked at her briefly, almost ready to give in, but on seeing her shiver he decided against it and determined he would lift her out by force if necessary. So without a word, he plunged his arm into the soapy depth to pull the plug, then swore with the shock, "Goddammit Evie! The water's like ice!" His eyes darted briefly towards her and he shook his head in wonder, "What are you trying to do?"
"I'm washing!" Her voice broke with the stress of being caught in her frantic obsession and the loathing she felt that Rick dared to use his despotic tactics on her. "Please Rick, I'm fine! I'm not finished!" She grabbed for the plug, almost squealing when he jerked it out of reach.
"I think you are." The look she offered up was proof that no matter how calm he kept himself, she wasn't going to take this well. Pulling a towel from the rails, he threw it around her shoulders as the last of the water gurgled down the drain. "Look at you! You're shivering!" Sadly for Evelyn, she failed to interpret her husband's actions as kindness and pulled away from him too early as he helped her up. She slipped before finding her feet and slammed her knee into the thick porcelain. As she shouted out in a furious mixture of pain and anger, Rick pulled her in closer wincing with the thought of how much it must have hurt. Angered, embarrassed and pained, Evelyn wanted to punch him ... and tried too ... but for the fact that her arms were bound firmly beneath the towel held securely in place by his bear-like hold.
Evelyn was crying now and struggling to stand alone, "You've got no right to barge in here like that! No right!"
"Sshh. C'mon...you'll wake Alex up."
"I DON'T CARE! YOU CAN'T JUST PICK ME UP AND PUT ME DOWN WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE IT!"
She was really fighting to be set free now and Rick found himself with no choice but to get her out of the bathroom and dried before he lost his own footing and they both ended up a broken, wet mess on the floor. And, as expected, Evelyn kicked and screamed her frustration as soon as he began to carry her out!
Once she was safely seated on the bed he let go and she immediately pounded her fists into his shoulders and chest over and again.
And he let her. Her wild flailing more than once found his freshly stitched shoulder, but he did nothing to stop her. Even if she was aware of his injury, he wasn't sure she'd care much at this point in time.
One by one, her blows weakened until she had nothing left and cupped her hands to her face and collapsed sobbing into his arms. This time there were no words. He just held on, for Evelyn and himself, and let her cry.
~O~
Rick woke to Ross' impatient shouts and thumping against the bedroom door. "Will ya get yaself up 'n' out 'ere before I'm forced t'knock this bloody door down!"
"All right, all right! I'm coming!" Rick discovered that speaking was easier than actually getting up off the bed. His head and body ached from the fight with Furborough and his stomach was growling loudly with hunger. As he staggered towards the door, he truly believed he had seen better days and that thought was to be confirmed sooner than he expected. As he opened the door, Ross grunted and held up a newspaper for him to read. Rick squinted and pushed it aside, "Even if I could focus on that, you know I can't read it."
"Is that a fact? Then let me translate for you." Ross flicked the newspaper away from O'Connell's face and cleared his throat. The next few words would see Rick's 'better days' in Egypt abruptly disappear. "It's quite simple really, it reads "LEGIONNAIRE FOUND DEAD IN NILE"
end chapter
ALDREA2 - Glad you enjoyed what you managed to read. Thanks for taking the time to review, it's appreciated.
JULIE - What can I say! Thank you so much for your wonderful email. It was just so lovely :) Sorry I didn't answer all your questions, I was just so blown away by what you wrote. Umm...it's roughly two and a bit years between this story and HOMECOMING. Furby's first name is Haris, but I've only ever mentioned it once. I've honestly got no idea how long this story is going to be, I'm flying blind and just writing whatever comes to mind. Not a great way to plan a story I suppose, but that's generally how I do it. In truth, I wasn't expecting it to be this long.
MOMMINTS - It was a wonderful compliment, thankyou. It means a lot that you're still hanging in there. I know it's taking me ages to post updates. hehehe, RIP Baby! I guess it suits him ;) And sorry I lost that incredibly helpful email you sent me. I was really annoyed with myself for that one. Must have happened while I was groaning about all the spam I was deleting.
IMHOTEPS LOVER - Apologies for not getting to your story yet. My life gets very busy on me at times. It's the only excuse I've got, but it's an honest one. Thanks for all your reviews and I will read your story first chance I get.
A.J.MACKEY - SURPRISE! I finally completed Ch.16!! ;) Don't worry, I want to slap some of these characters too...and I'm writing them in these situations. I often ask myself "what have I got myself into here??" Could Emir cause trouble? Well, you'll just have to wait and see ;) Thankyou for allowing me to bounce ideas off you, it's a wonderful help.
LITTLE GREEN LAWN GNOME - Thanks muchly for the reviews. They are always appreciated.
ANGELGUIDE - hehe, yes I'm maiming all of them. It's what I do best ;) Thanks for reading and enjoying.
RUSE - My friend. You've been there from the beginning. Actually, you've been there for all my stories, even the really early fluffy embarrassing ones. Thanks a million fold! Yes, I guess if you're going to be held by a man, it might as well be a strong rich one, lol ;) Evie has put up with a lot, but she'll rise up, wait and see. A new villain? Yes indeed!! BTW, I'll happily accept Boromir with or without the one ring. Just send him down to me...quickly!
DEN - Sorry, I'm not done torturing characters or readers just yet. Hope you can stand a little more. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I'm glad people like Ross too. He's fun to write.
LADY-EVIE - Hmmm, don't know what to call this chapter. Stuff happened, but I'm not sure I'd call it good...sorry. Happy ending? Haven't decided yet ;) Thanks for the review :)
My thanks to Mommints and Ladybug for their help with the money problem in this chapter. Sadly I lost the email (could have kicked myself, in fact, I'm pretty sure I did) and decided to just go for the basic English Pounds considering how long it's taken me to write this chapter as it is. But I very much appreciate the kindness in trying to help me out. Big smiles!
CAPTAIN OF HIS SOUL by Marcher
gama39@austarmetro.com.au
PG 13
CHAPTER 16 ~ Time Waits For No Man
As the child slept, whispered words passed between husband and wife. Sorrowful words laced with comfort, reassurance and promises, the type which no other would ever share. Emotions rose and fell on the back of tragic events that most people believe will never happen to them. The dim light of the room was comparable to the struggle ahead of them where there shone little hope for immediate healing. The only glimmer was a betoken of the strength each prayed to find in the other.
Yet, too quickly, the initial embrace of love and care was overshadowed. An overwhelming sense of shame seemed to drown Evelyn when she properly noticed her tattered, soiled clothing. With a gasp she wriggled herself free of her husband and desperately tried to smooth the creases in her skirt, just to exclaim in dismay at the state of her sullied hands. Caught off guard by her sudden change of mood, Rick spread his arms wide and released her, watching confounded while she furiously rubbed her hands together then over her arms and body. Slowly, for fear of frightening her, he reached out to touch her shoulder hoping to say something that would allay her distress, but she shoved him aside and scrambled from the bed before he could offer a single word.
"Hey, Evie. It's all right." His voice carried a hint of surprise even though he had meant to soothe.
"No! I'm afraid it's not. This won't do at all." By now she was standing bent over herself, vigorously rubbing at the dirt which felt as though it was caked to her. "I'm surprised you can bare to look at me at all in this state!"
Watching the scene unfold before him, Rick shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts, "What?"
"You're right, of course!" Waving her hands wildly at her skirt, "A harlot wouldn't be caught looking like this!" She was angry now and on the verge of tears.
"I didn't say anything like that." Maintaining a deep, calm voice Rick steadily rose to make his way around the bed. "I'd never even think that." He stood before her now and lowered his head to see her face, "We can throw them away if you don't want them."
"Burning them would be better!" Her attempt to be rid of the dust was now bordering on frenzy and Rick had to wonder if she even realized her fingernails were leaving white scratches on her arms.
"If that's what you want." Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, he unsuccessfully tried to coax her into sitting back down. To his dismay, she jumped at his touch and jerked away insisting she needed no help.
"I can manage on my own!" Her words were scarcely uttered when she swayed off balance and instinctively thrust out her arms in search of a hold. Before being able to offer any kind of protest, she was caught by a single quick reflex and Rick pulled her in close.
Keeping her head pressed down against his chest, she steadied herself beneath the sound of his whisper, "I don't think you can. C'mon, let me help you? Just a little bit." The fact she refused to look at him made little difference. There was no need to see her face to know she was crying.
Quivering against him, Evelyn spoke so quietly it pierced his heart, "I can't." Rick squeezed his eyes shut at the pain in her voice and let his chin rest over the top of her head. For the first time in his life he came to realize what a dispirited companion guilt could be. Keeping one arm about her waist, he pressed the other to her head. How in God's name he was going to compensate for his arrogance was beyond him right at this moment. His pride lay stone cold dead alongside that of his infant son; and his wife was shattered and dishonoured because of it. He stood there with her, rocking her gently from side to side as the harsh reality at last settled over him. Before he even became aware of it, her arms had left their stiff position by her side and allowed her fingers to snake their path up his chest to cling lightly from his shirt. Yet still she kept her head down. The gentle pressure from her fingertips made his throat swell and he tightened his hold believing it should him hanging his head in shame and not her. "I just can't."
He rubbed his hand along the length of her back and noticed she stiffened a little, but at least she didn't try to pull away. Placing a kiss on the top of her head, he reassured her with a whisper, "Sure you can. How about you do the clothes and I can do the bath for you?" She said nothing. The only response he was able to register was another almost indiscernible shudder. Then, speaking her fears as a means to quell them, he offered, "And then I'll take Alex and wait for you out there with Jonathan." Evelyn nodded her agreement with a single sob into his shoulder. Biting his bottom lip, Rick nuzzled his face into her hair, still stroking her back steadily until he was certain she had steadied herself enough to be let go.
~O~
Ross lounged sprawled and snoring in the only easy chair, his head tilted awkwardly into the upholstered head rest. Jonathan sat awake with his legs stretched out, resting his heels on a side table and Rick beside him, holding his sleeping son to his shoulder. It was a subconscious act keeping Alex near to him after how close he came to losing him as well today.
Save for the occasional hushed banter between the brothers-in-law, mostly there was silence...and snoring. As yet, the events of this day were too terrible to be spoken about. Perhaps never.
Easing himself forward to avoid straining his injuries or the risk of waking his son, Rick carefully placed the toddler into the cot by his feet. The child grumbled in a state between asleep and awake, causing his father to hover above him on the verge of lifting him again to intercept any impending crying. No matter how much he loved his son, the thought of having to settle him again tonight was a disagreeable one. Fortunately, for his peace of mind, the protest was short lived and the boy snuggled back to sleep.
"Turning in for the night?" Jonathan queried, yawning as he did.
Shaking his head, Rick leaned down and pulled the blankets over his son, "I'm going to check if Evelyn needs any help. She's been in that bath a little too long."
Jonathan rose and stretched. "Well, I might as well make tracks to my own bed." Bringing his arms back down in a wide circle to his sides, he uttered an after thought while absently reaching to retrieve his cane, "Are we just going to leave him where he is?"
Puzzled by the question, Rick glanced at his sleeping son then back at Jonathan, "Yeah. I'll hear him if he wakes up."
"No." Joanthan pointed behind him, "I mean old grumble bum over there."
O'Connell weighed the idea for only a moment before suggesting laconically, "You wanna wake him?"
"Absolutely not! I'd bet good money on a bear waking in a better mood."
Rick muffled a laugh and touched a hand to Jonathan's shoulder, offering a sincere thanks to his wife's brother. A silent acknowledgement passed between the two men before Jonathan broke the bathos with a slap to O'Connell's shoulder. A considerate gesture as well, making sure to avoid the American's injured side. "Well, enough of that!" he coughed, "My bed's looking pretty good right at the moment. No doubt you could use some sleep yourself."
"Believe it!" Tired and sore, Rick rubbed a hand through his hair, noticing Jonathan's omnipresent cane with amusement. "Do you still need that, or do you just like it?"
Jonathan raised the object awkwardly and considered it, "Well, probably not." he shrugged, "But it's all the fashion don't you know!"
Half smiling, Rick watched as Jonathan reached for the door, then at the last second he offered in earnest, "I mean it Jonathan. Thanks. You know...for sitting with her and..."
Always uncomfortable with a show of appreciation, Jonathan adopted his usual defence and waved the compliment aside, "Oh, you won't be saying that when you see the size of my bill!" That won a smile from the American and he watched him retreat into the bedroom. It was then that Jonathan heaved and blew the air from his lungs, hanging his head over the sadness which lurked beyond those doors. The ache he felt for his sister didn't need to be worn on his sleeve and he preferred it that way.
Alone with his own company, however, was a different matter and as he made his way along the hall he was drawn from his thoughts by scuffling footsteps approaching from behind. He squinted his eyes in the half light and a small recognition triggered in his mind. "I know you, don't I?"
The stranger approached slowly, on his guard. "I'm looking for the American. O'Connell."
"Aaah, you're that funny fellow from the street today." Jonathan extended his hand. "Howard isn't it?"
"Hammond." He grasped the hand held out to him and shook it vigorously. "Emir Hammond. I need to speak with your brother- in-law. Quickly." Emir's demeanour darkened as soon as Jonathan adopted that most annoying habit the British have of sucking the air through their teeth just before the telling of bad news.
"Ooh, I'm afraid that now's not the best time."
"There never is a good time with O'Connell!"
Taken aback by the Egyptian's sudden change in temperament Jonathan decided it would be for the best to send the man on his way and did so by half turning his back while suggesting, "Perhaps if you call back tomorrow. You see his wife's not very well..."
Before he could finish the sentence, Emir had grabbed him by the shoulder forcing the Englishman to look him straight in the eye, "Tomorrow will not do! I must speak with him now!"
Quick to employ his cane, Jonathan smacked the shady, lanky character on the thigh and freed himself from the unpleasant hold. Instantly, Emir snatched the offending object and threw it against the wall, "I said it must be now!"
"Well that's just too bloody bad..."
"Jonathan?"
Seeing O'Connell lean his head through the door, Jonathan straightened himself and made an exaggerated splay of his arm to Hammond in the direction of the voice, "Your man." Walking over to pick up the discarded walking stick which lay only inches from his brother-in-law's feet he mumbled discontentedly to the same, "You move in nothing but the best circles, O'Connell. Honestly!"
With little more than a simper, Rick sent the limping pretender on his way, "Thanks. I'll take it from here Jonathan."
"Yes, I'm sure you will."
Emir stepped forward ready with a barrage of insistence that O'Connell follow him immediately but was stopped before he could speak as the American raised a hand for him to halt. O'Connell stepped into the hall, pulling the door closed behind him. Pointing towards the stairs he ordered, "This way!"
"And don't forget that I get a share in whatever it is you two have got cooking." Jonathan reminded them before finally retiring for the night.
Rick ignored him but Emir wasn't in the mood for generosity, "Surely you do not mean to include him?"
"Don't worry about him." Rick wrapped an arm around his visitor's shoulder and walked him down the stairs, "You can keep the lot Emir. I'm not coming."
"What?" The Egyptian's jaw dropped as his eyes widened. "NO! You gave your word! If you don't contact your buyer everything is ruined!" Remonstrating half way between fear and anger, he continued "I may as well..."
O'Connell offered a single word which silenced Emir mid-rant, "Wainwright."
Dumb silence fell upon the Egyptian who stood blinking his eyes in an effort to understand. When he did find his voice, all he could sputter was, "Who?"
Rick kept a determined hand around Hammond' shoulder, still leading him outside. "Wainwright. He's a private collector and very interested in what we've got. He's offered to pay twenty thousand English Pounds for the whole lot so long as they can be smuggled out of Egypt without any trouble." He slapped Emir on the shoulder just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "That's where you come in."
Any pleasure that Rick might have felt in ridding himself of this problem soon dissipated when Hammond groaned loudly and kicked the bottom step. "You've got to be joking! He's not going to hand all that cash over to someone he's never met!"
"Just tell him I sent you."
"Oh! And he's going to believe that? Look O'Connell, I need that money more than you do!" The Egyptian's eyes revealed a flash of panic while his face reddened in anger, "You just cannot back out now!"
"No, it'll be fine." Marriage hadn't robbed O'Connell of his talent to wheedle and Hammond settled a little to hear what he had to say next. "I've mentioned to him once or twice that I was thinking of getting out. He'll understand."
"He had better! I am a dead man without this deal!"
O'Connell leaned his head into Emir's and murmured, "And I'm a dead man if I leave this Fort! You'll just have to trust me on this."
Not entirely convinced, but desperate for the deal to go through, Hammond queried suspiciously. "Do I bring your share back here?"
The American shook his head, "No, I told you...keep it! I can't afford to have anything more to do with this." He weighed the confused expression on his companion's face and asserted, "Remember that, Emir. Don't come back here looking for me!"
Seeds of interest began to grow in Hammond's mind, but it only faltered his words for a few seconds, "And why not?"
The order of curiosity in that question alerted Rick to the depth of this man's predicament. An uneasiness filled his chest and he believed this man to be capable of leaping from one opportunity to the next in order to save his own skin. He watched the eyes before him carefully and decided that he had already said too much, "Let's just say my wife doesn't approve."
Emir's eyes narrowed just enough to convey that he was able to read between the lines, "All right. Where do I find this, this...?"
"Wainwright." Rick reminded. "You'll find him at the Mena House."
The mere mention of the hotel's name made Hammond's jaw drop a second time in as many minutes. "And just how am I supposed to get in there? I'll be kicked out before I even get in."
O'Connell was beginning to lose patience with the whole situation and it was heard in his voice, "You know, Emir. It's no wonder you're still working for gangsters like Nasser." He tapped a finger to the other man's head and offered, "Throw a couple of coins to those underpaid doorman and get them to send him a message. He'll come."
Jerking his head away from O'Connell's insulting index finger, Emir pulled himself up straight before responding sarcastically, "You got any coins?"
Groaning, O'Connell dipped into his shirt pocket and produced two bills. "Don't spend it all at once, will ya!"
Hammond snatched the money and grinned. Without another word he departed into the night, leaving the American with mixed feelings over finally being rid of the parasite and annoyed that this was the second time today he'd had to buy himself out of a sticky situation.
~O~
He heard the splashing as soon as he reached the foot of the bed. Large, frequent lashes of water that gave the impression his wife was flooding the tiny bathroom floor. Pressing an ear to the door he enquired anxiously, "Everything all right in there?" The lack of response prompted Rick to squeeze the doorknob and he wasn't completely surprised to discover it was locked. He called again; and again she failed to answer. Whatever it was she was doing in there, he didn't like the sound of it and without hesitating he pulled a pocket knife from his hip pocket and flicked the blade. It took only a few seconds to jiggle the lock open and let himself inside.
Evelyn sat with her back to him, the tub filled to the brim. Water lapped over the side in a choppy fashion in time with the unsteady jerks of her elbows as she literally scoured her body with a bath brush! Her shoulders and back displayed uneven red blotches from the rubbing although some were worse than others; and for a moment Rick stood and stared in disbelief.
"Stop!" He stepped towards her almost slipping on the wet floor as he bent over her shoulders to still her arms, "Come on, Evie. Stop now." The water creeping over his hands was freezing and he was surprised at the amount of force he needed to bring her hands together.
Oblivious to her husband's presence until he touched her, Evelyn gasped through fright and embarrassment, "GET OUT!" When her attempt to push him away failed, she drew her knees up to her chest and appealed to his sympathy, "Please Rick. Just leave."
He looked at her briefly, almost ready to give in, but on seeing her shiver he decided against it and determined he would lift her out by force if necessary. So without a word, he plunged his arm into the soapy depth to pull the plug, then swore with the shock, "Goddammit Evie! The water's like ice!" His eyes darted briefly towards her and he shook his head in wonder, "What are you trying to do?"
"I'm washing!" Her voice broke with the stress of being caught in her frantic obsession and the loathing she felt that Rick dared to use his despotic tactics on her. "Please Rick, I'm fine! I'm not finished!" She grabbed for the plug, almost squealing when he jerked it out of reach.
"I think you are." The look she offered up was proof that no matter how calm he kept himself, she wasn't going to take this well. Pulling a towel from the rails, he threw it around her shoulders as the last of the water gurgled down the drain. "Look at you! You're shivering!" Sadly for Evelyn, she failed to interpret her husband's actions as kindness and pulled away from him too early as he helped her up. She slipped before finding her feet and slammed her knee into the thick porcelain. As she shouted out in a furious mixture of pain and anger, Rick pulled her in closer wincing with the thought of how much it must have hurt. Angered, embarrassed and pained, Evelyn wanted to punch him ... and tried too ... but for the fact that her arms were bound firmly beneath the towel held securely in place by his bear-like hold.
Evelyn was crying now and struggling to stand alone, "You've got no right to barge in here like that! No right!"
"Sshh. C'mon...you'll wake Alex up."
"I DON'T CARE! YOU CAN'T JUST PICK ME UP AND PUT ME DOWN WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE IT!"
She was really fighting to be set free now and Rick found himself with no choice but to get her out of the bathroom and dried before he lost his own footing and they both ended up a broken, wet mess on the floor. And, as expected, Evelyn kicked and screamed her frustration as soon as he began to carry her out!
Once she was safely seated on the bed he let go and she immediately pounded her fists into his shoulders and chest over and again.
And he let her. Her wild flailing more than once found his freshly stitched shoulder, but he did nothing to stop her. Even if she was aware of his injury, he wasn't sure she'd care much at this point in time.
One by one, her blows weakened until she had nothing left and cupped her hands to her face and collapsed sobbing into his arms. This time there were no words. He just held on, for Evelyn and himself, and let her cry.
~O~
Rick woke to Ross' impatient shouts and thumping against the bedroom door. "Will ya get yaself up 'n' out 'ere before I'm forced t'knock this bloody door down!"
"All right, all right! I'm coming!" Rick discovered that speaking was easier than actually getting up off the bed. His head and body ached from the fight with Furborough and his stomach was growling loudly with hunger. As he staggered towards the door, he truly believed he had seen better days and that thought was to be confirmed sooner than he expected. As he opened the door, Ross grunted and held up a newspaper for him to read. Rick squinted and pushed it aside, "Even if I could focus on that, you know I can't read it."
"Is that a fact? Then let me translate for you." Ross flicked the newspaper away from O'Connell's face and cleared his throat. The next few words would see Rick's 'better days' in Egypt abruptly disappear. "It's quite simple really, it reads "LEGIONNAIRE FOUND DEAD IN NILE"
end chapter
ALDREA2 - Glad you enjoyed what you managed to read. Thanks for taking the time to review, it's appreciated.
JULIE - What can I say! Thank you so much for your wonderful email. It was just so lovely :) Sorry I didn't answer all your questions, I was just so blown away by what you wrote. Umm...it's roughly two and a bit years between this story and HOMECOMING. Furby's first name is Haris, but I've only ever mentioned it once. I've honestly got no idea how long this story is going to be, I'm flying blind and just writing whatever comes to mind. Not a great way to plan a story I suppose, but that's generally how I do it. In truth, I wasn't expecting it to be this long.
MOMMINTS - It was a wonderful compliment, thankyou. It means a lot that you're still hanging in there. I know it's taking me ages to post updates. hehehe, RIP Baby! I guess it suits him ;) And sorry I lost that incredibly helpful email you sent me. I was really annoyed with myself for that one. Must have happened while I was groaning about all the spam I was deleting.
IMHOTEPS LOVER - Apologies for not getting to your story yet. My life gets very busy on me at times. It's the only excuse I've got, but it's an honest one. Thanks for all your reviews and I will read your story first chance I get.
A.J.MACKEY - SURPRISE! I finally completed Ch.16!! ;) Don't worry, I want to slap some of these characters too...and I'm writing them in these situations. I often ask myself "what have I got myself into here??" Could Emir cause trouble? Well, you'll just have to wait and see ;) Thankyou for allowing me to bounce ideas off you, it's a wonderful help.
LITTLE GREEN LAWN GNOME - Thanks muchly for the reviews. They are always appreciated.
ANGELGUIDE - hehe, yes I'm maiming all of them. It's what I do best ;) Thanks for reading and enjoying.
RUSE - My friend. You've been there from the beginning. Actually, you've been there for all my stories, even the really early fluffy embarrassing ones. Thanks a million fold! Yes, I guess if you're going to be held by a man, it might as well be a strong rich one, lol ;) Evie has put up with a lot, but she'll rise up, wait and see. A new villain? Yes indeed!! BTW, I'll happily accept Boromir with or without the one ring. Just send him down to me...quickly!
DEN - Sorry, I'm not done torturing characters or readers just yet. Hope you can stand a little more. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I'm glad people like Ross too. He's fun to write.
LADY-EVIE - Hmmm, don't know what to call this chapter. Stuff happened, but I'm not sure I'd call it good...sorry. Happy ending? Haven't decided yet ;) Thanks for the review :)