Treasure of Egypt Read online

  She turned to stare out over the water again, taking a deep breath to fortify herself. She had known that this moment was bound to come, but still she couldn’t believe it was here… This was goodbye. Five days was all that it had taken to change her whole world. Genevieve found herself wondering if it would take the rest of her life to forget them.

  “Genevieve, may I speak with you?” Alec asked softly, breaking through her thoughts.

  She nodded waiting for him to speak.

  He gazed down into her beautiful eyes. “I can protect you better this way.”

  “And what if they find you?” she asked with concern.

  “I have been a spy in Her Majesty’s service,” he grinned at her when her expression turned to one of surprise. “Let us just say that it won’t be the first time I’ve had to find my way out of a town where people were searching for me.” He lifted her chin with a finger. She resisted slightly as he did, looking at him with her large, expressive eyes.

  Genevieve closed her eyes as he placed a kiss on her lips, more in an attempt to keep the tears which sprang to them away, than anything.

  “I’ll be all right,” he promised hugging her to him.

  She stilled herself against the feelings which surfaced.

  “As long as I know you’re safe, I’ll be all right,” he whispered.

  She buried her face into his shoulder and hugged him tightly. The tears she fought squeezed past her lashes and slipped down her cheeks despite her effort to stop them.

  “I’ll meet back up with you in Cairo,” he promised as he held her.

  “It’s time,” Akeim called as the boat approached the dock.

  Alec kissed the top of her head then let her go.

  She looked up into his eyes as he smiled reassuringly at her. She couldn’t find her voice, not even to say goodbye as he left her.

  Alec went to the side of the boat and tossed a rope to one of the dockworkers who grabbed it and pulled it taunt. He agilely hopped over to the wooden pier and tied it securely to a post.

  Genevieve watched as the men hastily off loaded their mounts. As planned, they were off the boat quickly, even Cupid willingly stepped over to the dock without hassle. Throwing his pack over his shoulder, Alec turned to Genevieve and waved goodbye.

  She lifted her hand and held it there.

  Trust. Her mother had spoken of it, but it was a difficult thing to do. Especially when she couldn’t help but question whether she would ever again look upon his face, despite his promise.

  Samuel paused on the dock and turned back to holler over to Akeim who was busy casting off. “One more thing before we go.”

  Akeim waited holding the rope.

  “That reward you mentioned for our capture.”

  “What of it?”

  “Was that wanted dead or alive?”

  Akeim let the line go slack in reply, waiting until the boat had separated from the dock before saying, “Yes.”

  “Which one?” Samuel called out in frustration as Akeim cupped his hand over his ear and shook his head to imply that he could no longer hear him.

  “You enjoyed that a little too much,” Sophia admonished as she came to stand beside Akeim.

  “Guilty as charged,” he admitted as he took the helm and guided the boat through the other vessels which clogged the waterway.

  ~*~

  Alec kept eye contact with Genevieve until she was out of range. She had stood at the rail until he could no longer make out her form. He watched as the boat moved off, feeling as it did as though his heart had just sailed off without him.

  “Here they come,” Samuel nudged him. “Look lively man, we don’t want them to miss us.” He tried to get the camel to kneel but Cupid was having none of that. “Again, what was I thinking?” he grumbled as he threw down the reins.

  Coming from the other direction the large sailboat loomed nearer.

  “Mind if I borrow your horse?” Samuel sighed in exasperation. “I’m having difficulty with my mount.”

  “Now there is a surprise,” Alec replied as Samuel climbed up on his horse and started shouting.

  “You there,” Samuel pointed to an old man who was fishing off the dock. “Could you tell me where the British consulate might be?”

  The man disregarded him as he scurried away from the abrasive foreigner. Speaking in Arabic may have earned a different response but that wasn’t his objective. Samuel wanted to be both seen and heard as an Englishman.

  Alec moved to a higher elevation further down on the dock where he was sure he could be seen. He waved his arms at one of the workers. “Where can I find the British consulate?”

  The man eyed him warily, moving away.

  Money, Alec thought with irritation was all that would have been needed to turn this situation around. Then he’d have all the help he could want. Alec kept his eye on the large sailboat as it came closer. He moved his arms again calling out to the men who were working there. They turned to look at him as though he were half crazed.

  The ship continued on, keeping its course despite the efforts of the Englishmen to be visible. Alec stopped what he was doing and watched the ship when it became obvious that it was going to sail right past them.

  What the bloody hell was going on? Alec’s mind raced. He had thought they were after the Englishmen, that they were wanted men who would be hunted as soon as they set foot on the dock. Instead, he found that he’d have to commit a crime in broad daylight to merit a second glance.

  At the very least, he thought the men in the ship would slow down. He scanned the deck looking over its crew. On the ship one man held a telescope to his eye as he surveyed the dock. Alec waited until the man had the eyeglass trained on him… but still nothing.

  Alec stared hard at him, waiting until he removed the telescope, exposing his features. “Bloody bastard!” he swore. He’d never wanted to wring a neck with his bare hands before now.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m getting real tired of that bugger,” Samuel spoke up beside him.

  They both watched as their former guide turned and spoke with the captain of the ship. He pointed down the river, directing him to sail on.

  “That certainly answers a few questions,” Samuel commented dryly. “At the very least that bastard owes me some ammunition.”

  Alec remained still, silently staring after the boat.

  “What do we do now?” Samuel asked, looking over at him.

  “Whatever we have to,” Alec’s voice was deadly calm, “to stop that bastard.”

  ~*~

  Alec stood on the pier watching the water where he had last seen her. He wrung a hand through his hair in frustration. He had all but handed Genevieve over to them. “Damn!” he swore in anger, tortured by the idea of her at their mercy.

  He looked over to where Samuel was haggling with one of the captains who had a boat for hire. Samuel briefly glanced over and shook his head in exasperation.

  “Offer him twice what he wants,” Alec motioned over to the man. “I’ll pay anything.”

  Samuel sighed in frustration, “I’m sorry. He’s still demanding the money up front.”

  “Can I be of service?” A man with a crisp English accent spoke up from behind them.

  They both turned to see a distinguished older gentleman in a brilliant, white suit, more fitting the English countryside than this climate standing before them. His crisp cravat stood at odds with the humidity. “I couldn’t help but overhear that you are seeking passage.”

  “Yes,” Alec said quickly.

  “I believe I could offer a fellow countryman an assist,” the gentleman offered.

  “Spot on, my good man,” Samuel exclaimed clapping Alec on the back. “What say you, Alec?” He turned quickly back to the gentleman. “We’re in desperate need of such a service.

  “Admiral Percival Dunham, at your service,” the gentleman introduced himself.

  “Admiral,” Alec extended his hand. “I am Lord Alecsian Rothchild Brighton, an
d we could definitely use some assistance.”

  “Consider it done then,” the Admiral waved one of the attendants that stood behind him forward. “See to these men’s bags and have their animals brought aboard,” he instructed. The servant bowed before seeing to the task.

  Samuel extended his hand. “Lord Samuel Augustus George St. Clair, at your service,” he ended with a slight bow.

  “Lord’s Brighton and St. Clair you say?” the Admiral asked with a raised brow, “The same Brighton and St. Clair who secreted the informatique de sécurité out of Europe?”

  “One and the same,” Samuel proudly exclaimed. “I’m surprised you know of it.”

  “Know of it! I’m sure there is not an Admiral in the Royal Navy who hasn’t heard of it,” the Admiral stated well impressed. “It’s a privilege to be of service.”

  “Thank you for your assistance,” Alec nodded.

  “Anything to help two of Her Majesty’s own,” he assured.

  “To be entirely truthful, we are in a bit of a hurry,” Samuel admitted. “My man here’s wife is aboard a ship that we must catch. We fear that both she and her mother are in terrible danger.”

  “Your wife you say?” the Admiral glanced over at Alec in surprise. “Fear not gentlemen, we shall endeavor to aid these two damsels in distress.”

  “It could be risky,” Alec cautioned him. “They are being followed by a ship full of mercenaries.”

  “I’ve had my share of danger.”

  “I’ll pay whatever it is that you would like for the use of—.” Alec started to offer.

  “Nonsense!” The Admiral interrupted. “I’ll simply not stand by and let this despicable act go unchallenged.”

  “Thank you sir,” Alec responded.

  “Time is of the essence, my good men, especially with two women in mortal danger,” the Admiral stated emphatically.

  Alec briefly looked down the river to where Genevieve had disappeared. Please God, let me make it in time, he prayed.

  Chapter 18

  “This way Gentlemen,” the Admiral said as they approached a large houseboat docked at the end of the pier.

  The ship must have just arrived, Alec realized since it filled the spot where they themselves had been put ashore. He watched as the Admiral lifted his arm, presenting the ship to them.

  “My ship is at your disposal,” he waved his hand with a flourish.

  “She’s a beauty,” Samuel whistled.

  Alec couldn’t help but notice an army of servants in white rushing around the ship as it picked up supplies. It seemed somehow familiar to him.

  “I do hope that your ship is up to the speed which we may have to ask of her.” Samuel commented as they boarded her.

  “There is nothing faster!” the Admiral defended. “Why I have installed the latest in technology. She’s streamlined, has eight sails and a steam engine. We’ll catch up with them, no doubt about it.”

  Steam engine, Alec thought of the boat that had passed them in the middle of the night, wondering if it was one in the same. “What about her defenses?” he asked, looking across the deck.

  “She has four cannon hidden in her galley,” the Admiral boasted.

  “You don’t say!” Samuel exclaimed.

  “And each of these men,” the Admiral motioned toward his crew, “has been handpicked for their lethal fighting skills. Those pirates will rue the day they thought to threaten Her Majesty’s subjects, I tell you.” He stood tall, puffing his chest out as he issued the edict.

  “You certainly have come well prepared,” Alec gave Samuel a sideways glance.

  “Well,” he coughed. “I have been seeing to matters of the crown.”

  “Really?” Samuel asked in amazement.

  The Admiral seemed surprised, “You haven’t heard of the uprising? The Zulu’s are threatening war, my good man.”

  “Actually, we had heard,” Samuel gave Alec a wry smile.

  “The Zulu king Mpande has asked the crown for support against the Afrikaners as well as his other enemies.”

  Samuel’s smile faded as he again made eye contact with Alec.

  Alec raised a brow in response. He’d known the Admiral was too well armed to be on a pleasure cruise.

  “I have the responsibility of making sure Her Majesty’s interests are secure,” the Admiral replied. “Please excuse me while I see to our departure,” he again turned to one of his servants who always seemed at hand. “See these men settled and get them anything they may require.”

  The man nodded and motioned for Alec and Samuel to follow. He led them to their rooms and promised fresh water for them to wash up. A knock sounded on Alec’s bedroom door about twenty minutes later.

  “Come in,” Alec called as he finished drying of his head with a towel. Samuel entered looking a little wet around the ears himself.

  “What do you make of this?” Samuel asked as soon as he’d shut the door.

  “We seem to have interrupted a mission.”

  “That’s just it,” Samuel whispered conspiratorially.

  “What do you mean?” Alec questioned.

  “From what I learned back in the bar at the hotel, the Zulu king’s son, Cetshwayo killed his own brother in order to rule. Since then he has been buying arms, building an army that now threatens the power of the king himself.” Samuel paused, waiting for a response.

  Alec looked at him a little perplexed. “I’m sorry, but I’ve been a little preoccupied with worrying over my wife. You’re going to have to explain how the Zulu King’s problems are relevant.”

  “I think the Admiral has been dealing arms to Cetshwayo.”

  Alec stopped what he was doing with a sigh. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I could care less who he's been selling them to. He can sell them to the whole damn family for all I care.”

  Samuel glanced cautiously back at the door, “Even if it makes him a traitor to the crown?”

  “Even then,” Alec replied angrily. “All I care about at this moment is saving Genevieve and if I have to sail with the devil himself to do it, then by God I will.”

  “I understand,” Samuel held his hands up. “It’s just that I believe there is more to it.”

  “For God sakes man, I’ve enough on my plate. I’m of a mind to let the Turks handle it. After all, isn’t their sultan running the country?”

  “Exactly.”

  Alec threw his arms up in confusion.

  “Don’t you see?” Samuel implored. “Ask yourself what is here that would inspire so much interest from so many powerful nations.”

  “Samuel,” Alec rubbed his temples. “I can’t think of anything except Genevieve at the mercy of those men. Tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”

  “Trade.”

  “Trade?”

  “Ancient trade routes, to be specific,” Samuel nodded. “We’ve seen it before. The silk road in China, the poppy trail... Did you know that there is an existing route from Arabia, across the Red Sea to here?”

  “No,” Alec shook his head, eyeing him in disbelief, “and now that the Suez exists, I doubt that anyone cares. Besides, what could be here that they could possibly want? I think the market for frankincense and myrrh died out with embalming.”

  “Gold.”

  “Gold?” Alec rolled his eyes. “What gold?”

  “This gold.” Samuel said, pulling the map out of his boot. “It finally dawned on me as I was bathing.”

  “You think that old map has something to do with the fact we are on a house boat armed to the teeth, in a country controlled by Turks, over run with the French and what else? Oh yes,” Alec said in exasperation. “With an Admiral, who is illegally arming the Zulu King’s son, chasing the misinformed members of the Maja Hadean?”

  “Yes, exactly. I’m glad you’ve been listening.”

  Alec threw his hands up in frustration.

  “Like I said, it dawned on me while I was bathing.” Samuel continued as he sat on the bed. “What is here you ask?
What was here when this map was made?”

  “You mentioned gold so I’ll go with that,” Alec sighed.

  “Yes! By God, he’s got it.” Samuel slapped his thigh, “But whose gold you must ask?”

  “Must I?”

  “Only if you want to solve this puzzle as much as I do.”

  “What I want is to save Genevieve.”

  “So do I.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes,” Samuel declared. “Don’t you see?

  “No, I don’t,” Alec’s expression conveyed his exasperation.

  “The Dragoman and his ilk are after the map,” Samuel stated. “Can we agree on that?”

  Alec nodded.

  “And this map leads to the greatest treasure known to man, right?” he waited for Alec to nod again. “In a time when pharaohs, or in this case their wives, were buried in tombs filled with golden treasure. Correct?”

  Alec raised his hand to his mouth and started rubbing his chin as he thought of it. “You may be on to something.”

  “Wait till you hear the rest of it,” Samuel’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “When I realized the trail went into Arabia, that was the clincher,” he smiled, turning the map over exposing the circular map on back and its ancient cuneiform script. “I had thought at first that it pointed to one of Ramesses Hittite wives.”

  Samuel gave Alec a quick glance to see if he was still listening. “The greatest treasure known to man,” he repeated placing his finger on the X. “King Solomon’s mines,” Samuel stated triumphantly. “The lost mines are located somewhere in Africa.”

  “He did have an affair with the Queen of Sheba,” Alec slowly added.

  “Holy Hell! I hadn’t even thought of that,” Samuel looked down at the map in amazement. “S’ba… Sheba. By Jove, I think you’ve got it. You’ve found our elusive queen.”

  “No, but we can make them think we have,” Alec spoke with more enthusiasm than he’d ever shown toward the map. “Those bastards won’t touch Genevieve or her mother if they think we know where the treasure is.”

  Samuel shook his head as he continued to stare at the map. “How could I not have seen it?” he said in wonder. “All this time right, there, S’ba, the keeper of wisdom.”