Mummies & Daddies (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 13

Another night spent in discussion, the three running through all the different options available, none of them appealing. Nicole spent some of the time searching for information on Alex Connor's case, the internet connection in their room making any research slow going. By morning she had only managed to find a few articles about the case, not enough to provide any clues as to whether she was the guilty party, or had been framed.

Placing a call to her deputy to check how things were going back in Mission, he told her there had only been two reports of missing cats and one fight in the local bar. "Could you look into something for me?" she said, her deputy more than happy to help. "Anything you can find on Alex Connor."

"Will do. How long do you think you'll be gone?"

"A few more days, maybe longer. Need to sort out passports."

Waverly was a nervous wreck by the time she arrived at the police station, accompanied by Robert and Nicole. The investigators would only allow Robert in the interview room, Nicole's heart breaking as she watched Waverly being led away, silently praying for her to keep quiet about the amulet, praying they would eventually get to the bottom of whatever this was. Oh, to be able to get on with their lives, to start again, somewhere, anywhere other than Luxor.

Three hours later Robert emerged, approaching Nicole. "I tried," he said, his voice hoarse. "They keep saying she's involved."

"That's bullshit," Nicole hissed. "You know it is. They're trying to pin this on her."

"I know. They said only the most valuable pieces were taken."

"How do they know?" Nicole demanded. "Tell me that. How do these investigators know what was taken if all Waverly's notes are missing?"

Robert shrugged. "Beats me. They have a list of items they believe were in the tomb. Even I haven't got that."

"Is it Waverly's list?" Nicole pressed. "Did she agree with the list?"

"Most of it. I think that's why they believe she's involved. I insisted she would know because she was there. She catalogued everything as part of her work."

"Can I see her?"

Robert shook his head. "She's being kept here for now."

Nicole's eyes darted to the front desk where yet another sweaty police officer was attempting to take a statement from an irate woman. "Where's her phone?"

"I have no idea," he replied. "On her."

"I need it. Please, can you do this for me? For her."

"I'll try."

Robert disappeared through the same door at the back of the station, returning a few minutes later. "I'll stay with her. You go to the complex."

"I'm not leaving. I just need to make a few calls."

Heading outside, she scrolled through the list of recent numbers, finding the one she was looking for. A man's voice answered. "Essam, it's the FBI girl. The redhead American."

"I give you Max. He help."

"Yes, yes. He help. Tell him I trade for information." Essam was silent. "Tell him, he gets what he wants for names. Do you understand?"

"I get Max. He call."

"Essam, he calls me. Do you hear? I give you my number. Today, or the deal is off."

Pushing her way to the front of the queue, she thumped the desk, the police officer standing behind looking at her in disbelief. "I'm fucking FBI. I've just spoken with one of your officers. I am authorised to enter the interview room. Now." The officer continued staring. "I said now, or I raid this place."