The Exodus Quest

IV

'You look worried,' said Yasmine, greeting Naguib at the door.

'I'm fine,' he assured her, taking off his soaking jacket, picking up Husniyah, carrying her through to the kitchen. 'That smells good,' he said, nodding at the pot.

She draped his jacket against the stove, the better to dry. 'Tell me about your day,' she prompted. He didn't reply, just stood there staring blankly at the wall. She touched his arm. 'What is it?' she asked.

He gave a loud sigh. 'An Englishman called Daniel Knox,' he said. 'The guys across the river are out looking for him. I've been listening in on the radio.'

'So?'

'Wasn't he the other person at that press conference? The one at which they announced finding Alexander's tomb, I mean. With the secretary general and the hostage girl?'

'Yes,' she nodded. 'Daniel Knox. I think you're right.'

'They're saying he's a killer.'

'He didn't look like a killer.'

'No,' agreed Naguib.

'He looked nice.'

'So you kept saying,' scowled Naguib. 'But the question is, what's he doing down here?'

'What are you getting at?'

'A killer on the run runs away from trouble. This one's running into it. Why? Because of the hostage woman, I'm sure of it. He knows something, and it's leading him here.'

'Have something to eat. Worry about it tomorrow.'

'Something's going on in Amarna, my love. I'm not sure what, yet, but it's got to do with those tourist police.'

'Oh, no,' she said. 'Not this again.' She glanced at Husniyah. 'We've only just got settled here. If you lose your job…'

'Tell me not to pursue it, I won't pursue it.'

'You know I won't do that. But what about your colleagues? Won't they back you up?'

He shook his head. 'I asked Gamal. He told me to drop it. But I can't.'

Yasmine was silent a moment. Then she took a breath. 'Do what you have to do. Husniyah and I will stick by you always, you know that.'

His eyes glittered as he pushed himself to his feet. 'Thank you,' he said.

'Just don't do anything crazy. That's all I ask.'

He nodded as he pulled on his jacket. 'I'll be back before you know it.'