Death Comes as End - Agatha Christie [75]
He nodded his head sagely and went away–leaving Yahmose and Renisenb staring at each other in wonder and alarm.
‘What does this mean, Yahmose?’
‘I do not know, Renisenb. Sometimes I think my father no longer knows what he does or says…’
‘No–perhaps not. But I think, Yahmose, that Henet knows very well what she is saying and doing. She said to me, only the other day, that it would soon be she who would crack the whip in this house.’
They looked at each other. Then Yahmose put his hand on Renisenb’s arm.
‘Do not anger her. You show your feelings too plainly, Renisenb. You heard what my father said? If what Henet wants is done–there will be no more deaths…’
II
Henet was crouching down on her haunches in one of the store rooms counting out piles of sheets. They were old sheets and she held the mark on the corner of one close up to her eyes.
‘Ashayet,’ she murmured. ‘Ashayet’s sheets. Marked with the year she came here–she and I together…That’s a long time ago. Do you know, I wonder, what your sheets are being used for now, Ashayet?’
She broke off in the midst of a chuckle, and gave a start as a sound made her glance over her shoulder.
It was Yahmose.
‘What are you doing, Henet?’
‘The embalmers need more sheets. Piles and piles of sheets they’ve used. Four hundred cubits they used yesterday alone. It’s terrible the way these funerals use up the sheeting! We’ll have to use these old ones. They’re good quality and not much worn. Your mother’s sheets, Yahmose–yes, your mother’s sheets…’
‘Who said you might take those?’
Henet laughed.
‘Imhotep’s given everything into my charge. I don’t have to ask leave. He trusts poor old Henet. He knows she’ll see to everything in the right way. I’ve seen to most things in this house for a long time. I think–now–I’m going to have my reward!’
‘It looks like it, Henet.’ Yahmose’s tone was mild. ‘My father said,’ he paused, ‘everything depends on you.’
‘Did he now? Well that’s nice hearing–but perhaps you don’t think so, Yahmose.’
‘Well–I’m not quite sure.’ Yahmose’s tone was still mild, but he watched her closely.
‘I think you’d better agree with your father, Yahmose. We don’t want any more–trouble, do we?’
‘I don’t quite understand. You mean–we don’t want any more deaths?’
‘There are going to be more deaths, Yahmose. Oh yes–’
‘Who is going to die next, Henet?’
‘Why do you think I should know that?’
‘Because I think you know a great deal. You knew the other day, for instance, that Ipy was going to die…You are very clever, aren’t you, Henet.’
Henet bridled.
‘So you’re beginning to realize that now! I’m not poor, stupid Henet any longer. I’m the one who knows.’
‘What do you know, Henet?’
Henet’s voice changed. It was low and sharp.
‘I know that at last I can do as I choose in this house. There will be no one to stop me. Imhotep leans upon me already. And you will do the same, eh, Yahmose?’
‘And Renisenb?’
Henet laughed, a malicious, happy chuckle.
‘Renisenb will not be here.’
‘You think it is Renisenb who will die next?’
‘What do you think, Yahmose?’
‘I am waiting to hear what you say.’
‘Perhaps I only meant that Renisenb will marry–and go away.’
‘What do you mean, Henet?’
Henet chuckled.
‘Esa once said my tongue was dangerous. Perhaps it is!’
She laughed shrilly, swaying to and fro on her heels.
‘Well, Yahmose, what do you say? Am I at last to do as I choose in this house?’
Yahmose studied her for a moment before saying:
‘Yes, Henet. You are so clever. You shall do as you choose.’
He turned to meet Hori who was coming from the main hall and who said: ‘There you are, Yahmose. Imhotep is awaiting you. It is time to go up to the Tomb.’
Yahmose nodded.
‘I am coming.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Hori–I think Henet is mad–she is definitely afflicted by the devils. I begin to believe that she has been responsible for all these happenings.’
Hori paused a moment before saying in his quiet, detached voice:
‘She is a strange woman–and an evil one, I think.’
Yahmose lowered his voice still more:
‘Hori, I think Renisenb is in danger.’
‘From