LITMIR.BIZ

      CHAPTER NINE

      FOR THE REST of that day Amos’s behaviour was mysterious. When the others were ready to leave he delayed them while he paid another visit to the tourist shop. Once more he emerged smiling mysteriously, refusing to tell anyone what he was up to. Plainly he was enjoying himself.

      At the temple he wandered off alone, insisting that now he knew the place well enough to cope. It seemed to be true, for when Freya and Janine went looking for him she found him before the carved wall picture that they had seen on the first day.

      There was Horus, the man with a falcon’s head. There was his wife, Hathor. There was the King, respectfully offering them gifts. And there was Amos Falcon, regarding them all with a look of blissful self-satisfaction.

      Even as they watched he burst into a laugh that was half a giggle, giving a thumbs-up sign to the wall. Something was making him almost dance with glee. Which wasn’t necessarily a good sign.

      His cell phone rang. He seized it.

      ‘Yes? Yes? It’s all right? You’ve got it? Great. Let me know when— OK...fine, fine!’

      He thrust it back into his pocket, then rubbed his hands with delight and satisfaction.

      ‘Let’s go,’ Freya muttered, drawing Janine away. ‘I can’t believe he’s actually doing business deals out here.’

      ‘It’s more than that,’ Janine said. ‘It’s not just business. He’s up to something.’

      ‘Yes, you’re right. Come on, Mum. I’ve got other things to think about than Amos and his carry-on.’

      ‘Lucky you!’

      On their return to the hotel Amos again vanished into the tourist shop, then hurried upstairs before they could join him. When it was time for the meal he insisted on going down alone, and they next saw him seated at the table.

      Janine went over, but Jackson took Freya’s hand.

      ‘What’s up with him?’ he murmured in her ear.

      ‘He’s your father,’ she murmured back. ‘Surely you know him well enough to read his mind?’

      ‘I think Janine understands him better than anyone.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘That’s why she sometimes gives him a hard time. She knows the best way to deal with him is to stand up to him.’

      ‘That’s the best way to deal with any man,’ she said lightly.

      ‘Ah, yes, kick him in the teeth at regular intervals, whether he deserves it or not.’

      ‘Some men always deserve it,’ she observed.

      ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’

      ‘I can’t think. I’d better go now. Amos is waving for me to go and sit with him and Mum.’

      It was a cheerful meal. The trip was going well, and only a couple of days were left before they would leave.

      At last Amos rose to his feet.

      ‘Before we say goodnight I have something to say.’

      They all regarded him with curiosity. Amos took a moment to be sure he had everyone’s attention, then began to speak.

      ‘Yesterday we all met Hathor, wife of the falcon god. Naturally she made a huge impact on me.’ As he’d done before, he inclined his head towards Janine. ‘I particularly noticed her splendid jewellery,’ Amos continued. ‘So appropriate for a woman of her power and magnificence. It must have been a gift from Horus. And, since he and I are undeniably connected, I felt it was only right to follow his example.’

      Amos leaned down, drew a large box out from under the table, and opened it to gasps from everyone at dinner. Inside was a large necklace of gold, studded with rubies, emeralds and sapphires. One look was enough to make clear that they were genuine. The falcon god didn’t waste time on imitations.

      ‘Stand up, my dear,’ Amos commanded Janine.

      Dazed, she did so, and stood while he draped the necklace about her neck, then stepped back and made a flourishing gesture towards her.

      ‘For Hathor, queen of heaven and queen of goddesses,’ Amos declared. ‘In tribute to her beauty and greatness. She lives by Horus’ side, and it is only with her help that he can rule the world.’

      Everyone applauded, and some of them cheered. Janine blushed and seemed overcome.

      Amos leaned towards her and Freya could just make out that he’d murmured, ‘Say something.’

      She replied softly, ‘In front of all these people?’

      ‘Of course. Everyone must know how much you matter to me.’

      Blushing, Janine put her arms around him and gave him a kiss. At once the others rose and crowded around her, gazing entranced at the valuable jewels.

      ‘However did you afford those?’ Larry asked, dumbfounded.

      ‘No problem!’ Amos declared loftily. ‘The falcon god can do whatever he chooses.’

      More applause.

      Then Amos continued, ‘And that’s not all. There are also these.’

      He produced two large earrings and a bracelet, all of them matching the fabulous necklace. There were more gasps as he draped them about his wife and stood back with a flourish.

      ‘Thank you, my dear,’ she stammered, apparently overcome. ‘They are beautiful—so beautiful.’

      ‘Take them as a tribute to the best wife in the world,’ he declared loudly. ‘No, not the world—the universe.’ He threw out his arms. ‘From Horus to Hathor, until the end of time.’

      He stretched out a hand and Janine laid her own hand into it. He led her around the table so that everyone could have a good look, then swept her out of the room.

      There were astonished murmurs. Most of the people around the table were very impressed. Only Jackson looked wry and thoughtful. And Freya was still a little unsure of her own feelings. She couldn’t be sure of anything until she’d talked to Janine.

      She slipped away. Upstairs, she went to the room shared by Amos and Janine and knocked. Amos opened the door.

      ‘Doesn’t she look wonderful?’ he trumpeted, standing back to let her in.

      ‘Marvellous,’ Freya agreed as Janine paraded for her. ‘Those jewels are so beautiful.’

      ‘And worthy of Hathor,’ Amos proclaimed.

      Janine twisted and turned into positions that showed off the glittering stones. She was smiling, but Freya could sense something was not quite right. She offered extravagant admiration, embraced her mother, then Amos, and escaped.

      It was no surprise when a knock at her door an hour later announced Janine’s arrival.

      ‘I slipped out when he’d fallen asleep,’ she said. ‘I hope I didn’t wake

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