Chapter 5-
Evelyn placed a hand over her squinting eyes, blocking the burning, treacherous sun of the city of Cairo. She pushed the rim of her hat further downward, and leaned back into the shadows. She let her spine be refreshed by the coolness of the shadowy wall in which she was resting against. Evy allowed a breath and shook the buttons of her white blouse, her skin feeling the urge to breath into the hot day. She was waiting for Ardeth to return from his phone call to Rick, but it seemed to take awhile. She could feel the stares of the locals skimming against her foreign skin. They passed on quickly, not feeling the need to bother with this unfamiliar being. Another normal, natural day in Egypt. Evy relaxed her eyes, and set her head against the wall. The silhouettes of passer-bys whiskered against her pale face. She pushed away all the dilemmas away from her troubled mind and focused on the whispery thoughts in the back of her head. She felt a pedestrian brush against her, and they touched their hands for a mille-second. Evelyn withdrew a wanted gasp. Thoughts of Imhotep rushed through her, recalling the many times he touched her soft skin in the City of the Dead. She nearly drowned at the vivid memories of his eyes full of velvety depth. She remembered the tanned skin, and the soft, amused smile which always lingered at his lips. Suddenly, a voice brought her out of her reverie.
"Evelyn? Evelyn, are you alright?"
There stood Ardeth, a look of mild confusion and concern etched across his face. Evy snapped her head in surprise, and felt utter embarrassment. She was aware of her sudden guilty shock of the idea of thinking of Imhotep. What was wrong with her? She quickly concluded that the desert sun was already affecting her senses.
"Uh, yes. I'm sorry, I must have been daydreaming."
Ardeth shook it off and handed Evelyn a telegram.
"I couldn't get a hold of Rick, but he did send us a message. He will meet us in about a week."
Evelyn scanned the telegram, confirming Ardeth' word. She felt mild bitterness at the mention of her absent husband, and glanced up.
"What will we do while he's gone?"
The Medjai chief scrutinized their surroundings, answering with nonchalance.
"We will wait, I advise you to stay in your room. Safety purposes of course."
"Of course", replied Evelyn, her voice lathered with cynicism.
Ardeth placed a hand on her elbow and pointed to a nearby building.
"I have already booked you a room. Once you get in there, I want you to lock your door."
Evelyn looked at him with surprise.
"But why, am I in danger? Should I be worried?"
Ardeth looked at her, concerned.
"I don't want to worry you, but I can't deny that there are some very dangerous people who might have found out that you are here. They will see you as an obstacle, and will try to get rid of you. I have posted one of my mind outside the hotel at all times to watch for any suspicious activities."
Evelyn widened her eyes and nodded with understanding. Ardeth turned over her wrist to see her watch. Obviously he was in a hurry to get somewhere.
"I'm sorry Evelyn, but I must leave. I assure you that my men will protect you. I'll meet you tomorrow in the lobby."
They said their goodbyes and Evy sauntered curiously into the grey hotel. As she passed the entrance, she locked eyes with the man guarding her. He had dark eyes which held hers for a moment, then looked away as if pretending he didn't know her. Evy knew she must pretend not to be associated with the Medjai so people won't connect her to Imhotep. She retrieved the key from the lobby, and quickly entered a room. It was modern enough; she wouldn't have any trouble here. She tossed her purse against a chair and practically fell onto the bed. Evelyn reached for the comforting sheets and wrapped them around her.
Imhotep.
God, why couldn't she stop thinking about him? What was wrong with her? A brilliant revelation came to her as she realized that after all, he was the reason she came to Egypt. He was just another adventure to be beaten. But deep inside, in the pit of her fluttering stomach, she knew that wasn't why she was thinking about him.