The Red String Of Fate ⋆ The Mummy

ii. To the City of the Dead

"I REGRET saving that idiot's life."

William stares at Madeleine, clearly expecting that kind of reaction from her. Well, of course she doesn't regret saving Rick's life. They're both aware of that. But, to be honest, the way she said it could leave room for some reasonable doubt.

"We need him to get to Hamunaptra," he reminds her in a sing-song voice.

She rolls her eyes. "I know. I never said I had to be pleasant about it."

"You're never pleasant about anything."

She turns to him with a frown. "I think you've been around Evelyn 'Ray of freaking Sunshine' Carnahan for too long now." She notices his set jaw and soft blush. "Ooh, you like that don't you?"

"What?" He forces a chuckle. "No." He turns to her. "I'll kill you if you speak."

Madeleine pouts. "Oh, but you're so cute." William sends her a look. "Alright, alright, I'll stop."

William is about to add something, but Evelyn and Jonathan catch up to them, on Cairo's harbour, walking to the boat they're supposed to board.

"Do you really think he's going to show up?" Evelyn asks the Ellises.

Madeleine is more dubious than William on that matter.

"Yes, undoubtedly, knowing my luck," Jonathan says.

"Yeah he will," William assures. "We've got Madeleine, so of course he'll show."

Madeleine scoffs. "I think someone is too quick to forget that Madeleine was ditched for five years."

Evelyn gasps. "He didn't!"

"He did! And with no explanations, as if it wasn't enough."

"What a scoundrel."

"Oh come on!" William cries out, making them stop, and put their bags down. "Madeleine, trust me, I am not Rick's biggest fan, and he may be an ass, but he wouldn't leave you without a decent reason."

Madeleine gives him a sardonic smile. "Well, he has yet to give me one. Personally, I think he's filthy, rude, and a complete idiot. I despise him."

"Anyone I know?"