Chapter Nine

Cecil leaned against the wall of the court, closely studying Anubis. It seemed to the ex-night watchman that the jackal-headed god was struggling more than usual to clear his judgment so he could do his job right. Serves him right, he thought, allowing his eyes to scan the room.

"I heard that," Anubis barked.

"Good," Cecil replied in roughly the same manner. He didn't know how long this phase of the god's would last, but he was sure it would feel like an eternity.

Tally slung her totebag off her shoulder and tossed it onto the couch of the security office. It wasn't time to start her shift yet, but she decided on an early start. McPhee caught up to her just as she left to start her rounds. "You said you'd explain this whole 'astral projection' thing, did you not?"

"I did. Here, how about you walk with me." They walked around the museum, Tally laying out the concept of astral projection in layman's terms, but in as much detail as she could manage. When they got past the Hun display, she chose to conclude with, "And that's the long and the short of it."

"Oh, that's quite a concept. Did you get that from that book of yours?" McPhee smirked at this.

"Yeah, actually, I did."

McPhee's smirk faded. "Oh."

Just as the sun set, Tally stretched out a little. "I wonder if being on steroids feels like this." She caught the curator's glare and added, "Not that I would try or anything. Just curious."

"It'd better stay that way."

"It will, trust me."

"Good, and I do trust you."

"What? Are you the one on drugs?"

"I'm not on anything, I assure you. I said, 'I do trust you.'"

It took Tally a few moments to figure out what was being said, but when she did, a smile played with her lips before taking up permanent residence. "Thanks, McPhee."

McPhee nodded and walked on. Tally sighed and watched his back, a small smile playing on her lips. She ran off toward the Egyptian room, where Ahkmenrah waited for her. "I assume this is good news."

"Actually, I just feel really good right now and I wanted to come see you."

"Well, I'm here." He pulled Tally into an embrace. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about tonight?"

"Nah, I'm good."

He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her gently. Tally closed her eyes and sighed softly. "Is it time for the first rounds?"

"Oh, crap. If it weren't for you, I'd have completely forgot." Tally gave Ahkmenrah a squeeze. "Thanks for reminding me."

"You're welcome."

Octavius watched the Mayans, deciding that Jedediah was right. Since the beast had turned to dust and the story spread, it seemed the Mayans had been placated, much to Octavius and Jedediah's relief. He turned to face Jed, who'd been standing by his side the whole time. "Are you going to sing 'I told you so' now?"

Jed scrunched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head a little. "Nah. Got too much on my mind for that."

"Such as...?"

"Such as you, duh." Jedediah pulled Octavius into a passionate kiss.