While Professor Evelyn O'Connell headed toward the stage, Peggy scrutinized the people that had begun to mill closer to the front. She once more spied the suspicious blonde-haired couple among the lingering attendees. When they saw her heading their way, they quickly disappeared into the thickening crowd of people who swarmed near the podium.

Instead of drawing attention by bowling people over to chase after them, Peggy surreptitiously motioned Rose to shadow the suspicious couple. She had been circulating with a tray of champagne flutes and was by their last known position.

Nodding back to her, Rose then hustled in the direction they had gone. Peggy signaled another agent, and Rick Ramirez quickly circumvented the clustering mob to head the duo off. In moments, more SSR Agents spread out, looking for this suspicious couple. Due to their training, they would not stop until they found them.

Even though Peggy knew her operatives had it well covered, she still fought the urge to shove through the murmuring guests to look for them. Forcing herself to relax did not last long, for a familiar voice drawled in her ear, "And what is a beautiful dame like you doing in a place like this."

Gritting her teeth, Peggy turned, and her overly bright smile rose in intensity.

The millionaire inventor winced at the obvious anger emanating from her. He groaned when Peggy's all too pleasant voice crooned, "Why Mr. Stark, what a pleasure."

Luckily, they still had to keep up appearances, or he was sure she would have throttled him then and there. Filled with resolve, Howard planted his feet, waiting for her complaint. He did not have to wait long as she seethed, "That took some nerve to reveal who I was so that you could impress Professor O'Connell."

Howard leered appreciatively at Evelyn's retreating backside, "Oh, she seems harmless enough."

Peggy crossed her arms, "And she is taken, Howard."

Sighing forlornly, he stated, "Most of the good ones already are."

Before he could start a self-pitying diatribe, Peggy changed the subject, "So where is your better half?"

"Hum?" He asked distractedly.

Peggy frowned and looked around the room, "Mr. Jarvis, I don't see him anywhere." At least with Howard's dutiful manservant nearby, she knew the millionaire would stay somewhat out of trouble. Alone though, he could cause… issues.

Howard shrugged, "Oh, I thought it would be another uneventful evening and gave him the night off. I imagine that he and the misses are relaxing in front of a warm radio with their soufflé."

"Well frankly, I am surprised you are here at all, Howard. This event does not seem like either of your two speeds."

Now it was Howard's turn to put on his most offended expression, "I'm insulted, Peg. I have always been a patron of the arts, fine or otherwise. Not only was the donation a great tax write-off, but I also find the ancient Egyptians intriguing. The Giza pyramids are the only Seven Wonders still left standing. This speaks volumes about their engineering skills. As for the other side benefits, there is nothing more attractive than a woman in glasses."

He nodded approvingly toward Evelyn, who was waiting in the stage's wings. The Egyptologist had removed a pair of spectacles from her bag and was quickly reviewing her notes.

Peggy snorted inelegantly.

Howard inquired from the side of his mouth, "So, fess up, pal. What is really going on here?" He smiled wide and raised his champagne glass in salute when a foreign dignitary strolled by.

Innocently, Peggy replied, "I beg your pardon."

Feeling slighted, Howard grumbled, "Don't give me that. Why else would you be here? No offense, but this sort of shindig with high mucky-mucks attending is something you'd have to be dragged to. So that means the Colonel ordered you to come." He glanced around worriedly, "Don't tell me someone is after me again?"

"No, for once, you are being spared my babysitting skills. But someone could be after the President. So watch yourself. Actually, maybe you should leave now." Though the brilliant inventor sometimes irritated her, she still felt very protective toward her friend.

Of course, Howard balked at her suggestion, "No way. If we are about to be hit, this might be my only chance to see such a spectacular exhibit."

Grinning, he then eyed her approvingly, "Speaking of which, did I tell you how good you look in that gown?" Before she could snip something trite at him, he continued, "So how do you like wearing my latest in fashion? Any unforeseen problems I should know about?"

He dispassionately studied her as if she was a lab experiment. His detached appraisal had her begging to ask, "Don't tell me I am the first to wear this attire?" Over the years, she had become leery regarding Howard's inventions, especially when they hadn't been field-tested yet.

Shrugging, he sipped his drink and replied coyly, "And you wear it so well."

She sighed, resigned. Though not an expert at evading questions, at least Howard was charming when he tried.

And honestly, Peggy had no complaints about her modified attire. The gown was gorgeous and relatively comfortable. Although she usually preferred the shorter skirt to the long evening dress for freedom of movement, this fabric was very flexible. The cloth resembled black satin, but it stretched easily. Earlier, she had tried a few punches and blocks after putting it on, and never once did it ride up and reveal her secrets, as they were.

Regrettably, there was no place to hide her weapons holster without an unseemly bulge. Honestly, if Howard could invent a garment that did, she would kiss him. So instead, her smaller backup piece was in her inner thigh holster, which would take quite a bit of daring to get to. But then, if she needed the additional weapon that badly, she could live with the mortification.

Just then, Rose caught her attention. Peggy frowned when the agent indicated they had searched everywhere and could not find the suspicious couple. Peggy motioned to the chagrinned woman that it was alright but to stay vigilant.

Before Peggy could alert the State Department of this possible trouble, a gentle clearing of a throat reverberated throughout the room. Looking to the podium, Peggy saw that a short, balding man had begun to speak. As people turned their focus to him, they flinched when the mic's feedback suddenly became piercing.

Howard grimaced and mumbled to Peggy, "Wish they would have come to me for their sound needs." He brightened and boasted, "Currently, I am working on a—"

"Not now, Howard," Peggy admonished, her gaze darting around the room. Anyone could be a potential target with the lights dimming, including the brilliant inventor standing beside her.

With the lights lowered, a bright spotlight suddenly illuminated the speaker, and the man winced at the glare. Still, he continued effortlessly, "I am pleased to introduce the exceptional woman who traveled all the way here to show us this highly valued collection. Professor Evelyn O'Connell."

This prompted the string quartet, and they started to play Johann Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major."

Smiling serenely, the petite woman stepped up to the podium, and the tranquil-sounding tune stopped.

Clearing her throat, Evelyn began, "Thank you. I am honored to present the Cairo Museum of Antiquities collection on its inaugural day. This stop will be the first of many throughout the country." Then, she added cheekily, "If only the Bembridge scholars could see me now."

The audience glanced awkwardly at one another and then politely chuckled in response.

While Evelyn gauged her listeners, Peggy curtly nodded to Howard and headed to the FBI Agent in charge. Jacob wearily stared at her, and when she explained the suspicious blonde-haired couple, he replied arrogantly, "We have this all well covered. So why not go eat another mini quiche and let us do our job."

Ignoring that obnoxious snorting chuckle of his, Peggy began to circle the room. Regardless of his insistence that everything was handled, it was getting close to the hour of the diversion.

Clearing her throat, Professor O'Connell began her presentation regarding the small and precious collection from the Lost City of Hamunaptra.

Only half-listening to the woman regale about the amazing find, Peggy moved through the crowd, keeping a wary eye on all present. She silently nodded to Rose, and while her agent worked one side of the room, Peggy strolled along the other. Meanwhile, Rick and Butch Wallace stayed close to the podium.

Evelyn continued, "Alas, the Egyptian Museums Hamunaptra collection is not as vast as most are used to from such an honored establishment. So I am pleased that I could also borrow many of the best pieces from Pierre Montet's prized artifacts. These priceless items are from his dig at the fabled city of Tanis, located in Alexandria, Egypt."

Gushing, she added, "Recently, he had unearthed a Royal Necropolis that rivals any I have ever seen. The sarcophagus alone is an amazing find in itself. And though Tanis was the lesser-known find, I assure you it is even grander than Howard Carter's Tutankhamun treasure."

Many murmured, pleased that they would be the first to witness such a momentous inaugural presentation.

Peggy grinned at the excited buzz coming from the audience. Honestly, she had only heard of the amazing find of King Tut and never anything about this famed city of Tanis.

Oh wait, Peggy thought a moment. She had heard of Tanis. There had been rumors years ago from the State Department regarding that area during the last war. Yes, that's right. The Nazis had been looking for the Ark of the Covenant there. She shook her head in mirth. It was just another one of those foolish endeavors by the occult-obsessed Führer that had failed.

Suddenly some drunken dignitary yelled out from the audience, "That's boring! Tell us instead about Imhotep and the mummies!"

Evelyn spat, barely getting her anger under control, "I would rather not. This is a respectable exhibit, and that entire situation with Imhotep is best left unsaid."

Soon more joined in with the catcalls. And even the frowns from the other patrons could not quell the rising surge of demands.

Reacting to the growing noise of the crowd, Evelyn explained, "Trust me, from an archeological perspective, Tanis is far more interesting than any of the perceived romanticism of Hamunaptra and Imhotep." She tried to make her voice sound polite, but even Peggy could hear the frustration in the Egyptologist's tone. The negative murmurs increased, and it was apparent that Evelyn was not used to such a reaction.

Hearing the mob gripe louder, Evelyn tried to salvage it by stating, "I say, if it wasn't for that blasted World War, I assure you that you would be singing the praises of Tanis over Tutankhamun's."

Soon the buzz from the upset audience sounded like angry hornets. Evelyn quickly finished her speech, "Well, I hope you enjoy the exhibit."

Exasperated, Evelyn stalked away from the podium. A few in the crowd politely clapped when she left the stage and disappeared behind a side curtain.

Concerned at how things looked, the balding administrator quickly retook the stage. Nervously he stated, "Let's hear it for Professor Evelyn O'Connell."

The smattering of applause quickly petered out. Then, loosening his tie one-fingered, the flustered man continued, "Alright, without further ado, let me introduce the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman."

Flanked by Secret Service Agents, President Truman emerged from the wings and took center stage. On cue, the "Star-Spangled Banner" played in the background by the string quartet.

Peggy frowned when she heard the American National anthem. The music sounded slightly off for some reason as if the low hollow tones were missing. But before she could figure out why, the song stopped abruptly. She stared at the rear of the room, but it was too dim to make out the musicians.

Suspicious, Peggy hurried toward the rear area of the Reception Hall. Along the way, she motioned to the other SSR Agents throughout the room to head to the armor in the back.

Seeing where Peggy was going, the State Departments Agent Kellogg and some of the FBI began to make their way over there as well.

At the podium, the straight-talking President thanked the esteemed Professor for such a lively lecture. He then addressed the audience, "And thank you one and all for attending. I hope that with such priceless Egyptian artifacts being allowed to tour our fine states that this will open up further diplomatic talks between our two counties."

Reaching the back of the room first, Peggy rushed along the row of the old suits of armor that lined the wall, heading straight for the musicians. Nearing them, she saw they were now a trio instead of a quartet. The cellist was missing. And so was the long upper neck portion of his bulky instrument.

That was when Peggy heard a distinctive hollow sound ring out behind her. It wasn't the usual noise of creaking armored joints but that of a ping from a metal object lightly tapping against other metal. Knowing that sound all too well, Peggy spun around.

As the other SSR Agents dashed toward her location, Peggy spotted the shiny barrel of the rifle poking out from between the suits of armor. Instantly, she pounced. Her fingertips brushed the barrel aside just seconds before it fired. The shot went wide, nearly taking out the British Ambassador's plumed hat.

The shadows still hid the culprit, and Peggy was knocked backward by the ornately wooden curved-shaped rifle butt.

Peeved, Peggy ducked the next swing. She then shoved the nearest armored mannequin off its pedestal and onto the assailant. The man yelped as the heavy armor crashed on him, the hefty weight pinning him to the floor. Before he could shrug off the toppled armor, Peggy kicked his head hard enough to stun him.

As the room's lights quickly came up, Peggy glanced over to the President and saw that the Secret Service was shielding his crouching form. They were looking around, waiting for more gunfire. When nothing happened, they helped Truman to his feet.

Everything had happened so fast that the flabbergasted attendees had little time to react. Then murmurs of worry began to spread and grow louder. Finally, some began to head for the exits.

Seeing this, Peggy made a quick decision. For all they knew, the enemy had a contingency plan. It would be the perfect time to attack the President and the other dignitaries should they leave the museum during the confusion.

With the Secret Service protecting the President, Peggy instructed her agents, "Keep everyone in here where it's safe. There could be others outside waiting." Her stern voice had to rise above the increasing cries of hysteria from the crowd.

As her small group disbursed, she looked expectantly at the head of the State Department. Agent Kellogg stared at her a moment. But, unlike the CIA Agent Smith's cool appraisal, respect was behind his warm gaze. Nodding approvingly to her, Kellogg then bellowed, "Come on, men, you heard her. Let's get this room under control."

A flabbergasted FBI Agent Jacobs stuttered to Peggy, "How did you figure out that assassination attempt?"

"It must be from all the mini quiches I ate. Eggs promote greater brain functionality. I highly recommend them for you," Peggy quipped back.

Kellogg's bark of a laugh snapped Jacobs out of his surprise.

Grinning, Agent Kellogg praised, "Good job, Agent Carter. We could use more people like you in the State Department. Look me up once the SSR is dissolved."

And he marched off to take point on getting the room contained. Practically on his heels like the sycophant he was, Agent Jacobs was making excuses for failing at his job.

Snorting, Peggy grabbed her radio, "Thompson, do you read me?"

Jack's concerned voice answered, "Everything alright?"

"Yes," she replied. "We have the gunman under arrest. What is the situation out there?"

"All's quiet," he reassured her.

"Right, well, stay on alert. Since this attack failed, there might be a second attempt."

"Understood, boss."

Done with the call, Peggy then motioned Rose and Rick forward. The three of them stared down at the dazed assassin. He looked nothing like the blond-haired man from earlier.

After a curt nod from Peggy, the gunman was yanked to his feet by the two agents. The assassin sneered at Peggy confidently.

"I won't talk," he growled belligerently. Then before Peggy could stop him, he chomped down on a suicide pill. Frothing from the mouth, he died before she could get any answers.

Shaking her head, Peggy studied the attacker. She did not recognize him from any known enemy operatives files.

Peggy then examined the odd-shaped rifle. The barrel and operating rod were metal, but the remainder was the cello's long neck portion. Inspecting the nearby instrument, it appeared that after unhooking the thick strings from it, the assassin had pulled the modified weapon out as one would draw a gun from its holster.

When Peggy looked at the other quartet members, they appeared shocked by the actions of their cellist.

She was about to question them when the sudden sound of gunfire echoed from the gardens. Instantly, bullets crashed through the amazing stained glass windows above, shattering them and peppering the opposite wall with shrapnel.

The crowd screamed in terror and ducked. Thankfully the barrage was short-lived, which enabled the Secret Service to hustle the President to a more secure location in the back of the museum.

Peggy's radio crackled and she heard Agent Thompson shouting, "The shooters are retreating to the Museum of Natural History. No, the other museum, you dolts!"

Even with Jack yelling, it was difficult for Peggy to hear him over the crazed pandemonium of panicking guests rushing past her. Agents still prevented any from leaving, but the job was proving difficult as the majority of the patrons surged toward the exits.

Peggy ordered, "Don't let them out!"

Then CIA Agent Smith was by her side. He smirked, "How do you fit so much into that tiny bag?"

"Optics," she countered, wondering where he had been this entire time.

When an older dignitary demanded, "We should be released!" Smith disappeared into the crowd once more, leaving her to deal with the mob of self-important people. Peggy guessed that was one of the reasons why Smith had deferred to her. It was easy to disavow any responsibility if one was never involved.

"In a moment," Peggy snapped back, and the ambassador quieted under her sharp gaze. "It's safer in here for now." She would never give the enemy any fresh targets to pick off, not on her watch.

With all the agents nearly done sweeping the room, Peggy got on the radio, "Thompson, what is your status? Is it all clear for evacuation?"

It took a moment for an out-of-breath Jack to finally answer, "The FBI is hanging back and checking the bushes while the CIA and I are in pursuit of the shooters."

"Copy that. I will send out more to assist you. There are civilians here that I wish to get to the safety of their homes ASAP." She hoped the Secret Service would wait for the all-clear before they tried to move the President to the bunker under the White House.

Thompson radioed back, "Understood, and that additional help would be appreciated."

"Roger that. It shouldn't be much longer. Over and out." Tucking the radio back into her bag, Peggy turned and faced the anxious patrons. Her voice rang out confidently, "Alright if you would continue to remain calm, we will have the garden area secured shortly."

Grateful, most quickly nodded their heads in thanks and left her alone to do her job.

Finally, the Reception Hall was deemed clear of any potential threats. Sighing relieved, Peggy ordered those under her command, "Rose, you and the others go help search the gardens. When I can, I will join you."

After a curt nod, Rose led the other SSR operatives out of the room, and they raced down the hall toward the gardens.

She saw Agent Kellogg motion to those under his command, and his people hurried out behind the SSR team. He looked over at Peggy, and she nodded. Understanding her silent agreement that she would handle things on the inside while he took care of organizing the outside for evacuation, he headed out.

Behind Kellogg, Agent Jacobs whined that he should be the one doing her job. Ignoring him, the head of the State Department strode purposely from the building.

Watching them leave, it killed Peggy not to join them. She would rather hunt the villains than being stuck here babysitting affluent patrons. Regardless, with every attendee looking at her, it seemed she had become the face of the operation. It would not due for her to suddenly bolt, no matter how much she wanted to flee.

So with her entire crew gone and the CIA miraculously nowhere to be found, she turned to the museum guards for help. Beckoning them closer, she ordered, "We will wait until the given signal before we sneak everyone out of the back exit. Meanwhile, move everyone closer to the Castle's thicker walls. They should be strong enough to protect against any possible stray bullets."

Museum security nodded and maneuvered the crowd closer to the furthest stone walls.

Peggy's radio squawked, and she heard Thompson on the other end, puffing, obviously giving chase, "There are five males in dark clothing. They raced off toward the other buildings. We'll find them, Carter."

Grinning pleased, she began to answer, "Good, good—"

She was suddenly interrupted by a snobbish older woman wearing an expensive mink stole, "Young lady, are you in charge here?"

Peggy heard Thompson chuckle, "I'll let you know when we have them in custody, ma'am."

And he hung up on her. Peggy huffed. The furious older woman continued, "I am related to the Rothschilds, and I demand you let us go immediately!"

"I only have your safety in mind," Peggy tried to calm the enraged woman.

Thankfully, Rose radioed in the nick of time, "All clear out here, boss. The back exit should be safe now, and we have it covered just in case."

Relieved, Peggy said into the radio, "I'm sending them out now." Unfortunately, since there were too many civilians to evacuate at once, she would have to use every museum security guard, even the ones watching the invaluable Hamunaptra exhibit, to help.

Motioning them all over, Peggy instructed, "Alright, help escort the guests out the back. Break up the crowds into groups of six."

Security began to maneuver the thankful mob away as directed. A few guests stayed behind to give Peggy an earful, but her crisp British accent overrode their hostile accusations, "Now, for safety reasons, it is imperative that you do as I say."

Grumbling, they were hustled away with the others.

With their priceless antiquities no longer guarded, the Egyptian dignitaries refused to budge. Zeroing in on Peggy, they demanded, "We insist that those rare artifacts not be left alone."

Knowing all too well that it was more than just artifacts at risk here, Peggy reassured, "Those relics will be well looked after." Seeing that they still would not move, a frustrated Peggy promised, "I swear that I will personally make sure that nothing happens to them. Now it is best if you leave with the others."

As they reluctantly left, Peggy fleetingly wondered what had happened to Professor O'Connell and Howard. She hadn't seen either of them vacate with the other guests. A thought crossed her mind about Howard and his Lothario tendencies, but she shook her head. Evelyn did not seem like the type who would fall for such obvious tactics.

Peggy hoped that the Professor was alright. But by how poorly her speech had gone, she wouldn't be surprised if Evelyn had wanted to shoot off a few rounds at the guests herself. As for Howard, she was sure he would turn up unscathed.

Finally, Peggy was left all alone. She exhaled, relieved as the quiet suddenly surrounded her. In an attempt to forestall the headache she knew was coming, Peggy tightly pinched the bridge of her nose.

Well, it could have been worse, she thought as she tiredly massaged her temples. And she had delegated as the Colonel had wanted.

Peggy figured that once she had ensured that nobody was still lurking around in the museum, she would have the exterior doors padlocked. Thus she would keep to her promise of protecting the priceless exhibit from theft. With a plan in mind, Peggy turned to double-check the area. Surprised, she spotted Howard down the hall looking inside the open doorway to the new Egyptian exhibit.

His rapt attention was so focused that before she could call out to him, he had entered the unguarded room. She knew that his curiosity had peaked by the tilt of his head, which usually meant trouble.

She almost called back in security to escort Howard away. It would serve him right to be tossed out on his rear. But if she couldn't keep the SSR's star inventor contained, the Colonel would have her head. She could already hear Phillips yelling at her for allowing his pet engineer into a restricted area she had just promised to keep safe.

Without another thought, Peggy strode hurriedly toward the exhibit room.

Upon approaching the entrance, she glanced above the doorway. During the speech, a banner had been strung across that proudly exclaimed, "The Lost City of Hamunaptra and other Marvels of Ancient Egypt!"

No wonder Howard was so interested. With a promise like that, she would want to check it out as well.

Looking into the room, she once more saw the half-buried giant statue of the jackal God, Anubis. The upright effigy was so tall that it nearly touched the open skylight.

"You certainly missed all the fun, Howard." Once Peggy had entered the decorated exhibition hall, she stopped at the sight before her.

The brilliant inventor's back was pressed against the wall. A feminine hand curled tight around his throat.

Obviously, something nefarious was going on, and as usual, Howard's curiosity had placed them all in the thick of it.