Chapter 8

Much to Yugi's surprise, Yami knocked on the cabin door promptly the next morning. They trekked through the streets of Luxor, crowded with people out to get things done before the oppressive summer heat set in for the day. Most of the tour had decided to spend the day shopping. Yami and Yugi encountered Rex and Weevil haggling with a vendor over a preserved scorpion. Weevil waved the arthropod under Yugi's nose. "Gorgeous, isn't it?"

They managed to get away without buying a scorpion, but then ran straight into the midst of the group from New York, who were milling about in the middle of the street, looking confused. Tea said they were trying to find Luxor Temple. Since it was just north of the Old Winter Palace, where they had all been staying, and right on the Corniche el Nil, Yugi didn't see how they'd missed it.

Yami supplied instructions for finding the ruins, then, after the quartet had wandered off in approximately the right direction, turned to Yugi with a harried look in his eyes. "Let's get out of here before--"

"Good morning, Yugi." A cheerful Ryou waved as he trotted over to join them. Bakura trailed behind him like shadow with a bad attitude. "Hallo, Dr. Viridian. Mind if we join you? It's a lovely morning for a stroll, isn't it?"

"What my brother means to say is, why are the two of you skulking about in dark alleyways like a pair of amateur cat burglars?" Bakura looked them up and down. "Mutou's even dressed for it. Don't you know black absorbs heat -- or are you trying for sunstroke?"

Since Yugi had used the 'open drawer, dump contents in suitcase' method of packing for his trip, his sartorial choices were a bit limited. He laughed. "I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

Bakura gave an elaborate eye roll and pretended to find the cobblestones suddenly fascinating. Ryou hefted the conversational burden again. "So... What do you think of this rash of antiquities thefts among private collectors? Horrible, isn't it? One day you're enjoying a prized collection, the next your favorite piece is gone."

Everyone but Bakura stared at him. Ryou blinked. "...What?"

"I told you those Agatha Christie books were going to rot your brain." Bakura caught his elbow and swung him around to face the coffee shop across the street. "Tea. Now."

"See you later, Yugi!" Ryou called as his brother towed him tea-ward. Yugi caught a glimpse of long blonde hair through the coffee shop window. It appeared Mai was already inside. Perhaps that explained Bakura's sudden thirst.

"Come on, while the coast is clear!" Yami grabbed Yugi's hand and ran for it.

They made it to Peabody House in record time. Yami led him through the iron gate and across the small courtyard to a side door Yugi hadn't seen before. Inside, they climbed a narrow flight of stairs. At the top, Yami hesitated, then pointed to a closed door. "That's Sugoroku's room."

The door wasn't locked. Yugi took the lead, pushing the door open and looking inside. He recognized a pair of Sugoroku's tattered house slippers peeking out from beneath the edge of the bed. The terry robe Yugi had given him for his birthday last year hung on the back of the door. Shaking off the sudden fear that gripped him -- fear he'd never again see his grandpa alive -- Yugi crossed to the desk under the room's single window. His brows drew together as he studied the neat stacks of papers arrayed on the desktop.

"Did you go through these?" he asked, turning to look at Yami. "Grandpa's desk at home is never this neat."

Yami frowned. "I went through them, but I didn't leave it like that."

"Is there a housekeeping staff? Maybe they straightened it up?" Not waiting for a response, he began sifting through the papers and notebooks. Finding nothing of interest, he moved on to the overflowing drawers. "...Nothing."

"What exactly are you looking for?" Yami came to peer over his shoulder as Yugi rifled through the other drawer.

"Anything that'll tell me where he was going when he left..." Yugi's voice trailed off as he pulled a stack of airmail envelopes, held together by a rubber band, from the drawer. His letters to Sugoroku. Yugi's hand trembled and his eyelids prickled. He blinked rapidly, dropped the letters back into the drawer, and dragged the back of his hand over his eyes.

"Yugi?"

Swinging around so Yami couldn't see his face, Yugi caught sight of the tiny kitchenette half-hidden behind the partially closed curtain on the other side of the room. A memory sparked and, with it, hope. Shoving aside the worry, he ran over to the apartment-sized refrigerator. Curious, Yami followed.

The refrigerator's freezer compartment was barely the size of an ice chest, and looked as if it had never been defrosted. Hoar frost crowded the space so there was barely room for a couple of small packages of food and a pair of empty ice cube trays. Yugi almost laughed. His grandpa never remembered to fill the ice trays when he was at home, either. Shaking his head at the memory, Yugi grabbed a package and began prying off the brown freezer paper in which it had been wrapped.

"What are you doing?" Yami demanded. "If you're that hungry, I'll buy you lunch."

Nope, not the one. Yugi ignored him and reached for the second package. He peeled back the freezer paper, then grinned. "Found it!"

Yami stared at the package in Yugi's hands. Between the freezer paper and the plastic wrapped meat lay several neatly folded sheets of notebook paper covered in Sugoroku's writing. "How did you know it would be here?"

"When I was little, Grandpa would make up games for me to play. One of our favorites was creating and deciphering secret codes. To make it even more challenging, he'd hide the coded messages in weird places for me to find. Including the freezer." Yugi grinned.

A third package yielded two more sheets of Sugoroku's densely crowded notes. Yugi shoved the food back into the freezer while Yami took the papers over to the desk where the light was better. Yugi joined him, and they spread the papers out, trying to make sense of Sugoroku's cramped writing and rough doodles.

After a few minutes, Yugi scratched at the back of his head and slanted a considering look up at his companion. "He's trying to find the Millennium Puzzle, isn't he?"

"The Millennium Puzzle doesn't exist. It's a myth!"

"Like that necklace that was stolen from the Museum of Antiquities?" Yugi didn't miss the guilty flinch or the way Yami looked away, unable to hold his gaze. He pointed to a drawing on one of the pages: a necklace with an elaborate Egyptian eye at its center. "According to the newspapers, that necklace looked a lot like this one. And Grandpa's notes say it's the Millennium Necklace."

"This is crazy," Yami muttered, shoving away from the desk and starting to pace. "Even if there are objects that were once called Millennium Items, they don't have magical powers. So why would--"

He broke off abruptly, as if just realizing he was speaking aloud. Yugi stared at him. "What don't you want me to find out?"

Yami stood, hands on hips and neck bent, his dark auburn hair falling over his eyes so Yugi couldn't read his expression. Finally, he lifted his head. "Yugi--"

The door swung open so forcefully it banged into the wall behind it.

"Oops! Don't know my own strength sometimes." Yami's secretary grinned sheepishly at them. "I thought I heard voices up here. See ya found Dr. Viridian, there, Yugi." His gaze shifted to Yami. "Lieutenant Bahur is here to see ya. I stuck him in your office and gave him some of that tea he likes. I was expecting you back sooner, though, Doc."

Yami scooped up Sugoroku's papers before Yugi could protest, snagged Yugi's arm, and propelled them both through the open door. As he hustled Yugi along the hallway to a wide staircase, he called back over his shoulder, "Thanks, Joey. Bring another teacup to my office, will you?"

"Sure thing, Doc!"

Yami's office was at the foot of the staircase and across a broad, dark-paneled foyer. He went straight to his desk, which resembled the aftermath of an explosion in a manila folder factory, and buried Sugoroku's papers somewhere amid the chaotic jumble of files, sketches, reports, books, and other bits of office detritus. The mess looked a lot like Yugi's own workspace back in Domino. A wave of homesickness rolled over him.

"I have to be meticulous on project site," Yami said, sounding a touch defensive as he misread Yugi's pensive expression. "I see no reason to be the same way in my own office. Besides I--"

"'--know right where everything is.'" Lieutenant Bahur chorused the rest of the sentence along with him, and then chuckled at Yami's grunt. "I have heard that one before, you know."

"You're just jealous."

"Of this?" Lieutenant Bahur cast a look of mock horror at the clutter, then smiled at Yugi. "Do not worry. I am sure Mr. Wheeler has diligently dusted the tea table for us."

A rude snort came from Yami's direction. "Joey? Admit it, Mahaad. You dusted the tea table." He shook his head. "Neat-freak-ness. I always hoped you'd grow out of it, but it's obviously a sickness."

Mahaad ignored him. "I am pleased to see you again, Mr. Mutou. I called at the Old Winter Palace, but was told you had checked out."

Yami and Mahaad exchanged a look filled with all kinds of coded meaning. It made Yugi want to smack their heads together. What were they hiding from him? Yami said, "He's taking a Nile cruise on the River Horse."

"With you?" Mahaad asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes." Yami aimed an exasperated smirk Yugi's way. "Small world, isn't it?"

The tea still wasn't green, but at least it was hot. Yugi gulped down two cups to Yami's one and had started on a third, when Mahaad said, "So, I am very interested to hear what you discovered on your trip to Dendera..."

"Certainly not Sugoroku," Yami growled, slumping back in his chair and glaring at his teacup as if it had insulted several generations of his ancestry. "Although, I am thinking of taking your advice and buying a hat."

Mahaad blinked at him over the rim of his own teacup. "Truly? I can recommend a good shop, although I am now dying to know what has finally brought you to your senses."

"You don't want to know." Yami shifted his glare to the ceiling. "Trust me."

Mahaad glanced at Yugi, who shrugged. He had no idea what Yami was talking about, either. "Like he said, we didn't find Grandpa -- or any clues as to where he's gone."

"Perhaps it is time to call in the authorities." Mahaad hesitated. "Or do you have a plan of your own, Yami?"

Yugi held his breath, his fingers clenching around his teacup. Was he finally going to find out what Yami was hiding? He leaned forward, every sense quivering as he focused on Yami.

"Yo, boss man!" The shout from the foyer broke the spell. Yugi nearly fell off his chair. He did drop his cup, but Mahaad swooped down a hand and caught it before it could shatter on the floor. Joey stuck his head in the open doorway. "That Isis babe from the SCA is here to see ya. And some chick named Mana is lookin' for the Yug-ster."

"Isis?" Yami shot a betrayed look at Mahaad. "What's she doing here?"

"Miss Ishtar phoned and requested a meeting with the two of us." Mahaad sipped serenely at his Earl Grey. "How could I refuse?"

"With extreme alacrity?" Yami suggested. "Maybe if we close the door and pretend we're not here--"

"Good day, gentlemen," Isis Ishtar sailed through the doorway. She was impeccably dressed in a designer pantsuit and Hermes scarf. Mana scooted in behind her, looking by turns guilty and relieved. Yugi thought Mahaad's gaze lingered a moment longer on Mana than it had on Isis. "Mr. Mutou, it's so good to see you again. I trust you are enjoying your stay in Egypt?"

Before Yugi could do more than open his mouth, Yami interrupted. "You shouldn't keep Mana waiting, Yugi. She looks upset."

Uh-oh. She really did look upset, Yugi realized, taking in her pinched mouth and harried expression.

"I'm sorry for barging in like this," Mana said, "but Mr. Crawford has requested that all tour members meet earlier than originally announced for a special presentation on Karnak before our visit there tonight."

"Well, I--"

"I'm certain you won't want to miss it," Mana said, her smile returning. "The local guide who is giving the presentation is one of my brothers."

In that case, refusing would be a personal insult to her family. Yugi sighed. "I'm sure it'll be great." He got reluctantly to his feet. "Coming, Yami?"

"Oh, Dr. Viridian doesn't need to come," Mana said blithely. "He already knows all about Karnak."

Mahaad held out his hand, forestalling her when she would have ushered Yugi outside. "Tell me, Miss, how did you know to look for Mr. Mutou here?"

"You see, I was looking for him all over the place. When I tried the souk, one of the others from our group told me to try here."

"I see."

"Yugi, you should stay with the group for the rest of the day. I'll meet you tonight at Karnak for the Sound and Light show," Yami said. He nodded to Mana. "Try not to let him get away from you again."

"Hey!" Yugi objected. "I'm not a pet!"

The look Yami settled on him was undecipherable, but it sent a nova burst of ... something... flashing along Yugi's nerves. He shivered, feeling the heat settle in his abdomen. "...I'm going back to the River Horse. I'll... see you tonight. You'll bring the, uh, thing. Right?"

Yami smiled. "You can count on it."

------------------------

As soon as Yugi and Mana were out the door, Yami glanced at Isis, his smile turning frosty. "So, Isis... What brings you all the way to Luxor to inflict, er, bestow your presence upon us?"

"I have been sent to inspect the monuments for possible earthquake damage," Isis informed him stiffly. She waved away an offer of tea from Mahaad. "I've no time for pleasantries."

"Don't let us keep you, then." Yami sprang to his feet, ready to usher her out the door. Isis pointedly took a seat. He fell back into his chair and gave her a sulky glare. "If you weren't intending to go, you shouldn't have gotten my hopes up."

She sighed. "I've been sent to confer with the engineers inspecting all the temple sites between here and Aswan. I have also been instructed to meet with Interpol agents regarding the recent thefts of Egyptian antiquities from private collectors in Europe. However--"

"You are in contact with Interpol? When are the agents to meet with you?" Mahaad demanded, his eyes narrowing. "Why was my office not informed of this?"

Confusion flickered over Isis's aristocratic features. "I only know what I've been told -- I will be contacted when they wish my assistance." A graceful shrug, then her gaze shifted to Yami. "It is possible they may wish to question the Institute staff once more about our own unfortunate thefts. Until such time, it appears we shall both be passengers aboard the River Horse."

Yami's joy knew no bounds. Well, okay, it did -- and they were about wide enough for a sand grain to fit inside if it went on the Atkins diet and held its breath. Not only would he be trapped on the cruiser with the she-beast, but she would also have Yugi at her mercy! Yami cursed his luck -- in his past life as an Evil Noodle Overlord, his macaroni minions must have swept the globe, raining destruction and tasty sauces in their wake. He glowered at the universe in general and Isis in particular. Damn it all to fuck.

He looked up to find he'd missed part of the conversation. Both Isis and Mahaad were watching him with expectation writ large in their identical expressions. He raised both eyebrows and ventured, "...Yay?"

Isis shook her head. "I fear the stress is getting to you, Dr. Viridian. Perhaps, when the current situation is resolved, you should take a vacation."

Seeing Mahaad was about to second the motion, Yami cut him off with a quick, "Good idea. In the meantime, don't let us keep you from your work."

"Yes, I believe I will begin by meeting with the engineers at Karnak." Her cool smile was every bit as false as his. "Might I impose upon you to accompany me? I would value your input."

Yami would rather feed himself feet first to a Nile crocodile, but he shrugged and forced himself to nod. "Sure. I was planning to have a look around there myself, anyway."

"But..." Mahaad looked torn between anger and confusion. "Why would Interpol not come to me first? The police--"

"I assure you, I don't know," Isis said. "I agree with you entirely, Lieutenant. They should have gone to you, and I would rather they had. But --" A helpless gesture that contrived to show off her slender wrists and manicured hands. "-- I must perform my duties, yes?"

Yami had had enough. Interpol had given him the same vague run-around. Don't ask questions. Do what you're told. We'll be in touch. And, while Interpol dallied at its leisure, Sugoroku was still missing. Yami was tired of being jerked around by Interpol and the damn cult. Finding Sugoroku's notes had made up Yami's mind for him. Sugoroku was a lot of things, including stubborn and, at times, overzealous, but he wasn't stupid. Yami doubted he would've committed his theories to paper -- and documented his activities so thoroughly -- if any of it connected him to illegal activities. Knowing Sugoroku really was an innocent victim made Yami even more determined to save him.

Sugoroku must have suspected his research was putting him in danger. That had to be why he'd hidden his papers in the freezer, and become so secretive about his movements. Maybe he had even known the cult would come after him.

And now they had him.

Yami scowled. Something in those papers could point him in the right direction. All he had to do was find it. And figure out how to keep Yugi out of harm's way. Only then could he go after Sugoroku without hesitation.

Piece of cake pasta.