Four Ways to Pharaoh Khufu (13 page)

Chapter 19

Tegel International Airport, Berlin, Germany

Thursday, September 21

12:05 a.m.

G
rabbing his duffel bag, Michael stood up from the bench and walked briskly to the exit with Anna trying to keep up. As soon as the terminal’s double-sliding door hissed opened, both rushed discreetly out of the building and into Berlin’s chilly night air. Michael increased their tempo with Anna remaining closely behind him. Swiftly peeking back over his shoulder, Michael spotted the Egyptian spy jogging in their direction.

“Come on, he’s following us!” Michael practically barked, “Where’s your car?”

Anna found herself panicking slightly in reaction to his demeanor as well as to the danger. She fumbled around in her purse as she tried to keep walking quickly. “Hold on. I’m looking for my keys.” Yanking the keys out, she started pressing the remote’s button, frantically pointing it in every direction. Anxiety welled up into her throat, “It’s got to be somewhere around here!”

Meanwhile, the tribesman was through the double-sliding doors and quickly gaining on them. Soon he would be close enough to grasp Anna’s stylish argyle sweater. Hoping the tribesman was alone, Michael mentally prepared himself for a fight.

A shrill alarm pierced the silence of the parking garage. “There she is!” Anna shrieked. Pointing to a white, two-seater Audi R8, Anna sprinted forward. Given the circumstances, the Audi’s remote starter proved handy.

They had barely thrown themselves inside the vehicle before Anna breathlessly floored the gas pedal. Fortunately there were no vehicles in front of them; otherwise, the sporty little Audi with its 4.2 liter V8 engine that goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds would have had a violent collision. As it was, Michael’s door was still ajar. His right hand frantically gripped the dashboard while his left hand clutched his rolling duffle bag, still halfway outside the car door. Anna gunned her Lady and as they tore past the building at 50 mph, Michael finally managed to wrestle his bag inside and shut the door. He spun around in his seat to peer out the back window and caught sight of the tribesman throwing his hands up in desperate rage.

“We lost him!” Michael exclaimed satisfactorily as he buckled himself in.

“That’s great!”

“Hopefully he stays lost.”

“So, what are we going to do now?” asked Anna as they blew through the deserted traffic light at the airport’s exit.

“Well … I guess you should probably drop me off at my hotel. It’s pretty late,” Michael glanced at his watch, “tomorrow we can come up with a plan.”

Anna nodded. “Did you reserve the one I recommended to you?”

“Yes, I believe the name of it was Amadeus, as in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, I presume,” Michael said, mesmerized by the glittering storefronts passing by his window.

“Yes, that’s exactly right,” she grinned, “named after an incredible composer of the Classical era. It also has the notable benefit of being just a ten minute drive from my friend’s apartment.”

Soon the lighted storefronts yielded to dull and bleak scenery as they made their way across the countryside. A blistering wind appeared out of nowhere and tossed a drizzling of rain violently against the windshield. As they drove further into the night, Anna let herself be transported back to a rainy morning three years before, when her father’s car had gotten stuck in the woods on a long-awaited fishing trip. He typically worked long hours and was often away from home, so Anna had relished their time together. They had been happy on the trip, despite the car troubles, and at the time it had seemed like nothing could darken her cherished moments with her father. How naïve she had been.

That night her life had changed. He confessed that he was having an affair and leaving her mom. As she sat in her father’s car, Anna looked straight ahead, attempting to hold back her tears. She willed everything to disappear, to become oblivious to her surroundings and especially to her father so she could bear to absorb his words. She calmed and cocooned herself in her mind, alone in the dark and under the cold raindrops so no one would be able to hurt her. Since that night some invisible force pulled her away from people, and it was impossible to resist: until she met Seth. She did her best to erase her father from her life as if he had physically died. He had been dead to her for the past three years; at least that was what she thought she had convinced herself. But when the news about his actual death broke into her protective fantasy, Anna had felt the pain of losing him all over again.

“You became unusually quiet,” Michael remarked, bringing her back to the present.

“The truth of the matter is that my father died for me three years ago. He cheated on my mom and left us for another woman. We really hadn’t spoken since then. He tried, but I didn’t want it. He betrayed us by breaking apart our family. I could never forgive him for that.”

Anna pulled over into the Amadeus Hotel parking lot. She slid into a parking space and put the engine into park. The September night was chilly, and the heater kept the car comfortable.

“Well, some men have mid-life crises,” said Michael, weakly attempting to soothe her, now that her father was actually dead.

“Don’t give me that mid-life crisis bullshit,” she snapped. Looking down at her beautifully manicured hands holding onto the steering wheel, she sternly added, “Nothing will ever justify his actions.”

“I’m sorry,” Michael said quietly, slightly embarrassed.

“What was done … was done. But,” she said, calming the tremble from her voice, “five days ago, my father called me from Egypt and said he was on the edge of some great discovery. Strangely enough, he claimed he was being persecuted by some mysterious tribe.”

“Did you just say tribe?”

“Yes, that’s what he told me. And at the time I told him that he was probably having hallucinations after working so long in the desert, and then I hung up on him.”

Michael became quiet.

“So, what do you think?” Anna asked thoughtfully.

“You know, when I first saw the man that chased us, he was inside the Great Pyramid. He pushed right past me and the first thing that came to my mind was ‘tribesman.’” He looked at Anna’s eyes to gauge her reaction. “Let me pose this to you: what was your first impression of that man?”

“You aren’t suggesting that he’s a wild tribesman from Egypt, are you?” She stared at Michael. “He did have peculiar hair, but that’s about it.”

“He didn’t look as much like a tribesman to you because you didn’t see him in all his glory!”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Back in Egypt he wears a long, white cotton cloak and carries a crusader-type sword slung across his back.”

Anna arched her brows and pursed her lips.

“That’s exactly what he looked like inside the Great Pyramid.”

“Wow,” she exhaled deeply. “Then, what’s the name of his tribe? Do you think it could be ‘Four Ways?’”

“Quite possibly. It doesn’t sound like a tribal name, but how should I know?”

“So, what’s your point?”

“My point is about your father’s statement that a tribe was persecuting him. I don’t know if the name of the tribe is called Four Ways, but it looks like they really were after him. Now it appears they are after us.”

Anna shook her head in an attempt to clear it. “But, why are they after us? What have we even done?”

“You said that your father told you he was about to make an important discovery, right?”

She nodded.

“So, they must think that you have something they want.”

“But, I don’t have anything particularly valuable. Definitely not valuable enough to kill for,” she spread her arms out in despair.

“Nothing besides that package your father mailed you.”

Frustrated, Anna explained, “There was nothing valuable in that package. I even took the papyruses to several antiquities dealers, and they all assured me that they were made in modern times from banana leaves and only worth a few euros each.”

“Then maybe what the papyruses’ depict have a double meaning or are a clue,” he said leaning forward to rub his head into the palms of his hands. “We need to examine the contents of your father’s package—but in the morning. I’m completely jetlagged and won’t be much use until I get some sleep.”

“Ok, we’ll do it tomorrow. We can retrieve them as soon as you wake up.”

“Please don’t tell me you left the papyruses in your apartment!” Michael’s eyes widened.

“Don’t worry, Michael, after the incident with the envelope, I placed the contents of the package in a safe place.”

“What incident?”

Anna briefly summarized the mysterious woman’s unexpected visit that had led to the disappearance of her DHL envelope. However, Anna decided not to mention anything about her ex-boyfriend, Seth, or his connection with Layla.

“Aha,” Michael exclaimed rapturously. “You see, I was right. There was something inside that package that they wanted. And it appears that we now have at least two people in Germany that are after your father’s package as well as you,” he said, shaking his head. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Actually, after us now.”

“OK, Michael, it’s late, so I’m going to let you get some rest. I will pick you up tomorrow morning around … hmmm,” she thought for a moment, “nine, nine thirty. Does that work for you?”

“That would be fine, thank you.”

“No problem,” she smiled warmly. “Believe me, I’m eager to get to the bottom of this mystery.”

“I’m intrigued as well. That’s why I’m here in Germany,” he said, catching her eye before adding gently, “with you.”

“Thank you, Michael, I really mean it.”

“No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow morning around nine,” he said, opening the car door. As heavy raindrops began to invade her Audi, Anna barely had time to shout “Good night!” before he pulled his duffel bag out and shut the door.

Michael made a dash through the rain to the hotel entrance. He turned and waved goodbye before stepping into the lobby. After checking in and making his way upstairs, Michael’s only thought was the hope for an uninterrupted, deep sleep. Rain was falling heavily on the city as the eventful day came to its long awaited close.

Chapter 20

Amadeus Hotel, Berlin, Germany

Thursday, September 21

9:05 a.m.

T
he grey morning skies poured out a steady rain as Michael approached the hotel’s front door. He was glad to find Anna’s Audi idling right outside and quickly entered the warm vehicle, shutting the door to the chilly morning rain. Anna saluted, “
Guten morgen
, how did you sleep?”

“
Mir geht es gut, danke
,” Michael replied warmly, feeling completely refreshed.

“Wow, impressive! You never told me you know German,” she exclaimed, national pride creeping into her voice.

“Well, I never told you I didn’t,” he smirked. “So, don’t start saying bad stuff about me in German, like in that Nicole Kidman movie, Birthday Girl. Not sure if it was popular over here.”

Maneuvering her car out of the parking lot, Anna smiled, “Yes, my favorite scene was when the British guy ordered a Russian mail-order bride only to discover that she didn’t speak any English.”

Michael grinned, “Yup, that’s the one.”

“
Sind sie giraffe?
” Anna laughed.

“Wait a second, are you trying to test my language skills like in that movie?”

“Yep,” she winked.

“No, I’m not a giraffe,” Michael guffawed, trying to hold back tears of laughter.

“I didn’t think so, but one can never be too sure!”

As they drove through the winding streets, passing homes and an assortment of small shops, Michael fell silent, absorbing the city’s historical treasures. Anna slowed down, “This is where I live,” she remarked, parking behind a grey, three-story apartment building. “WolfStraße 57.” She smiled at him, “I need to get some more clothes and things. I thought it would be safer if you accompanied me. Besides, you wouldn’t want me coming here by myself, would you?” she asked with a cute smile, giving him puppy dog eyes.

Michael nodded, nervously glancing around as he exited the vehicle and followed her to the back entrance. After walking up three flights of stairs, Anna pulled out her house key and was inserting it into the lock when the door swung inward. “What on earth?” she murmured. Undeterred, she started to step inside, but Michael grabbed her arm, firmly pulling her back.

“What?”

“I’ll go in first,” Michael whispered as he silently removed his Schrade U.S. Army fixed-blade knife from his belt sheath. Anna held her breath, remaining still as she watched. He played the black coated, high-carbon steel 5.7” blade in his hands as he listened. Not hearing anything, he stepped quietly and cautiously inside, as he had been trained. Despite her fear, Anna discreetly glanced around to see if anyone was observing them.

Michael slowly crept around, exploring each of the rooms in the apartment. As he carefully pulled back the bathtub curtain, he noticed some toiletries strewn inside the bathtub. Otherwise, the apartment was tidy. He caught Anna’s attention and motioned to her. To his surprise she immediately ran to the refrigerator
. Huh?
Michael was confused.
You have a break-in, and the first thing you check is whether or not your groceries are still t
here?

Anna flung open the freezer door and dug deep into the ice cube maker before pulling out a frozen plastic bag. As Michael stepped closer, she quickly opened it and removed four Egyptian papyruses. As she unrolled them carefully on the kitchen table, Michael recognized the familiar images that illustrated life in Ancient Egypt.

The first papyrus was an image of two large cats flanking an Egyptian cartouche.

Seven people engaged in a procession were on the second.

The third showed a married couple.

The fourth displayed the feeding of a king.

“Are these what I think they are?” he asked curiously as Anna nervously watched him.

Carefully placing them inside the bag, she replied quietly, “Yes, these are the papyruses my father mailed to me.”

Surprised, he asked, “I thought you removed them from your apartment?”

“Well, I found a good hiding place instead,” she answered.

“Well, you’re lucky they were still in the ice cube bin!” He looked at her sternly, “I would like for you to carefully look around your bathroom and let me know if anything is out of place.”

She disappeared into her bathroom and returned almost immediately. She shrugged, “Everything seems okay to me.”

Shaking his head, Michael looked at her keenly, “Is your stuff supposed to be scattered inside your bathtub?”

Anna returned to the bathroom and a few seconds later Michael heard a meek, “probably not.”

“I don’t understand why somebody would be after these modern papyrus imitations,” he said, holding up the cold plastic bag as he walked into the living room where Anna joined him. “I’m confused. These fake papyruses probably cost five dollars each.”

“Is it because of them that my father was killed?” asked Anna, giving the papyruses a puzzled look. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I don’t think so,” he said, pacing the room. “I agree, it doesn’t make any sense,” he stopped next to the window. Deep in thought, Michael pressed his forehead against the glass and looked through the rain to the street below. “Actually, on second thought, it might just make perfect sense!”

Anna moved so she could look at what Michael was transfixed by. Looking across the street, she saw the tribesman who had chased them at the airport standing outside der Kaffeefreund, a small coffee house. He was in a heated discussion with somebody inside the café. When he threw a quick glance in the direction of Anna’s apartment, Michael barked, “Don’t let him see you!” as he scooted away. Anna stepped away from the window as he barked again, “Try to conceal yourself!”

“How did he manage to find us so quickly? Did he follow you from the airport?”

“Of course not,” Anna replied, confusion slipping into her voice. “After dropping you off at the hotel, I went straight to a friend’s house.”

“That’s strange. It can’t be a coincidence that the same tribesman is right outside your window.” For the first time Michael was seriously frightened. They stared at each other wide-eyed, hearts pounding as they both tried to absorb the realization that the stranger who had poisoned Anna’s father now knew exactly where she lived.

“Do you think he noticed us standing in the window?” Anna suddenly exclaimed.

“He may have seen me, but I imagine he would have reacted somehow. It looked like he just kept talking.” He paused and then continued with what was on his battle-trained mind, “Of course, if he saw me and started coming up here … well, it makes me think he is capable of some nasty things.”

“I do not know what is going on here, but I would really like to find out.” Anna stuffed the bag with the Egyptian papyruses deep inside her spacious purse.

Michael was deep in thought. “Should we call the police? After all, he did break in to your apartment.” Anna remained silent, her eyes on the scene outside her window. “Actually, we really don’t have any proof that he’s been here. He might have left fingerprints, but that’s a long shot,” he decided sadly.

“Precisely!” exclaimed Anna. “Let’s go over there and figure it out.” Michael stared at her in utter disbelief. “I’m going to do it!” she announced as she walked toward her bedroom.

“What?” Michael was astounded and more than a bit concerned.

She looked back at him, “That tribesman saw you in Egypt would definitely recognize you.”

“What about you?” Michael asked, watching her disappear into her bedroom. “He saw you at the airport as well, and …well, there’s no telling what he might do to you.” He paused, listening to her rummaging around. He continued authoritatively, “He’s responsible for your father’s death, and I’m not gonna let you approach him alone.” He waited. Was she ignoring him? “It’s not safe,” he pleaded.

Anna appeared at her bedroom door, some clothes in her arms and a determined look on her face. “Trust me, Michael, I took acting classes in college and performed in several plays.” With a confident nod, she declared, “I just need a few minutes in the bathroom and even my own mom wouldn’t recognize me.” She quickly went into bathroom and closed the door behind her. Michael, both fascinated and surprised, gave up and decided to sit on her couch and wait.