Tomb of the Golden Bird - Elizabeth Peters [159]
The solution was clear. I did not propose it since it would have inflamed Sir William even further.
“Take him back to the Castle and keep him there,” I said to Cyrus. “He is only in the way. We will investigate, and inform you immediately if we learn anything.”
After they had gone Daoud said urgently, “Sitt Hakim, I did not do it.”
“I know that, Daoud. The explanation is—”
“Obvious,” Sethos interrupted. His eyes glittered like silver. “We asked who among us could be reporting to our adversaries. Those two are the only strangers in our midst. I have always had my doubts about the young woman; she is French, and France has interests in Syria.”
“I can’t believe that frivolous girl is an agent of French intelligence,” Nefret exclaimed.
“The intelligence service loves to employ pretty young women,” Sethos said darkly.
“She’s not much of an artist, that’s sure,” muttered Emerson. “Her portfolio impressed Peabody, but someone else might have done the paintings for her.”
“One could make an equally damning case against Nadji,” David said. “He is an Egyptian and an intellectual, just the sort to be attracted by the nationalist cause. He might have arranged the attack on himself to allay suspicion.”
“They both took themselves off last night,” Ramses added. “Shortly after David and I escaped. Coincidence?”
Emerson tugged at his hair. “They can’t be working together!”
“Why not?” Ramses inquired. “Suzanne can’t have got away from the Castle unobserved without help. She is not noticeably athletic, and according to Katherine, she was burdened with a suitcase. A strong young man could hoist her up onto the wall and help her down.”
Sethos nodded thoughtfully. “There are several places around the perimeter where the wall could be climbed by an agile man.”
“You would know,” growled Emerson.
“Quite,” said Sethos agreeably. “But the fact that they presumably left together strengthens my hypothesis. They are and have been working as a team. I told you a number of different groups are involved in the plot.”
“You told us a good many things,” I said. That supercilious smile of his was extremely exasperating. “Are you sure you haven’t omitted any information that might forestall additional near disasters? If you had admitted abducting Margaret, David wouldn’t have gone to Luxor and Ramses wouldn’t have followed him. It was thanks to the mercy of God and their own abilities that they escaped unscathed. No thanks to you!”
“I deserve that, I suppose,” Sethos admitted. “But be fair, Amelia; had I but known David was mixed up in a plot of his own I would have acted differently.”
“So you say,” Emerson remarked, scowling at his brother. “Have you anything to add?”
“No,” Sethos said, with every appearance of sincerity. “I give you my word.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FROM MANUSCRIPT H
HE HAD KNOWN NEFRET WOULD INSIST ON GOING WITH HIM TO CAIRO. He didn’t argue. He knew that look of hers.
Sethos tried to talk them out of it. “You’re wasting your time, Ramses. Bashir’s lot can’t pull this off. I wouldn’t be surprised if Russell weren’t already aware of their scheme. It’s a matter for the CID, and he keeps a close eye on local dissidents.”
“We can’t take anything for granted,” Nefret said. “Hadn’t you better notify Mr. Smith of the latest developments?”
“I told you, we know all about it.”
“Including the purported role of Suzanne and Nadji?” Ramses asked.
The faintest flicker in those pale eyes was the only sign of uncertainty.
“They haven’t left Luxor,” Sethos said. “Nor will they. Selim is watching the railroad station and Sabir is in touch with the boatmen. We’ll find them. That’s my job, and it’s a good deal more important than arresting a few feeble revolutionaries. However,” he added, “you might want to speak with our Mr. Smith. Tell him I’m close to accomplishing our original goal.”
“Smith, and you, can get on without me,” Ramses said brusquely.
“Dear me, what a negative attitude.” After a moment Sethos said, without any trace of humor, “Keep your eyes