THE YOUNG GERMAN WOMAN'S mind, always on edge, began to glimpse Antonia's true purpose. Inside one of those rooms lay the Ark of the Covenant, which was why the cryptographer was so keen to keep Monroe's kidnapping a secret: she intended to use that chubby idiot before her, with the face of a boiled fish, to gain access to the interior of the Great Pyramid. What she heard next confirmed her suspicions.
— But that could change — commented Antonia, with an air of mystery.
— Are you perhaps considering asking them for special permission that would allow us to resume the 1998 excavations? — Said looked at his old friend, disconcerted. — If that's the case, I advise you to first gain the trust of the director general of the Archaeological Museum. That bastard has repeatedly denied our investigations.
— Who runs the museum now? — the redhead asked.
— Khalib Ibn Allal... is the son of the former director and right-hand man of Mansour Barik, chief inspector of the Giza pyramids — he replied. — I don't think you like him. He's a cold, hermetic, obscure man. He never speaks without being asked something first. —
— I would like to meet him.
— Okay... — he shrugged. — Don't say I didn't warn you. —
— I need to speak to him tomorrow... — the tone she used seemed like a demand, which is why, upon noticing Said's altered expression, she added with a little less arrogance — ...it's of vital importance!
The archaeologist watched her with great interest. He felt he knew Dr. Sala quite well. When she said something was important, it was because she knew exactly what she was talking about.
— Tell me... what did you really come for? — he asked curiously.
Said Cohen's cheeks turned even pinker than usual. It was clear he was eagerly awaiting an answer that would satisfy him, a new mystery to solve, just like old times.
— Do you remember what you once told me about the measurements of the empty sarcophagus in the King's Hall? — Antonia asked in turn.
— Yes, of course... without a doubt — he replied calmly. — Which matched exactly those of the Ark of the Covenant. —
— Exactly!
Said expected her to be more explicit. When he realized she had no intention of being more explicit, he lost his temper.
— What are you referring to? — he asked, now anxiously.
— To the fact that you were right... The Ark of Moses was once inside the Great Pyramid. And if the Egyptian government allows me, there is a possibility that I can demonstrate it.
Sephy, in deathly silence, followed their conversation with interest. She had to be careful not to show excessive curiosity.
— And some say I'm crazy! — the archaeologist began to laugh. — Did you come all this way just to tell me that? —
— I am convinced that she is still there, locked in one of those rooms we just spoke about.
Said let out a nervous chuckle. Actually, he'd thought about it too, in the past. And now, after all this time, someone had come to confirm that his theories might be true and not the fantasies of a lunatic.
— I wish I could believe you — he whispered sadly.
— Have I ever lied to you?
The archaeologist looked away at Sephy.
— Don't look at me like that — the young German woman responded, looking surprised. — This is all new to me.
— She doesn't know anything — Antonia added seriously. — This is a matter between us.
— Listen... if what you want is an audience with Khalib, there's no problem — he assured. — We'll go see him tomorrow, but I advise you not to tell him anything we've discussed. If he thinks you're crazy, it will be bad, but if he believes you, it's even worse. In any case, he will never allow you to enter the pyramids, especially now that they're thinking of closing them again. They've even set up several guardhouses with soldiers along the entire access road! — he exclaimed, irritated.
— For about six months, no one has been able to go further than half a mile from the tombs. I'm assured that these measures were taken in retaliation for several acts of vandalism carried out inside the pyramids by a group of uncontrolled thugs, acts they carried out at night, with complete impunity... — He smiled again, lifting the small glasses that kept slipping down his nose. — ...although, if you ask me, I think it's a new government scheme. Its sole purpose is to discourage people who, like you, intend to delve into the true history of the ancient Egyptians.
— It's enough for me that you get this audience. — The cryptography slid his hand down his friend's arm.
Said Cohen winked at her, raising his glass.
— For your tenacity!
— What is this story you told Dr. Said about the Ark of Moses? Does it have anything to do with the kidnapping?
Sephy, sitting next to Antonia in the back of the taxi that was taking them back to the hotel, tried to be convincing, pretending to be naive.
— It was the only way to get a meeting with the director of the Archaeological Museum — the cryptographer told her. — I had to use a ruse to get Said to pay attention to me. I know it's horrible to lie to a friend, but we need to get into Cheops at any cost... — she commented, then added with a serious expression, — ...inside we'll find the clue that will lead us to your father.
— I don't know why, but I have the impression that you're hiding something from me — the German woman ventured to say.
— The fact that I can't tell you anything more doesn't prove that I'm lying — he argued, trying to make her understand.
— I just ask that you trust me.
The assassin reluctantly accepted, giving in to Antonia's request with resignation.
— Okay, I'll try... — she assured, and then, full of herself, openly criticized the other's attitude — ..., but I want you to know that I don't think it's a good idea to deceive others, taking advantage of their weaknesses.
Antonia made a gesture with her hand, implying that she didn't care about something as insignificant as using the good Said.
— Don't worry. I'll know how to reward you.
— In what way?
— I'll invite you to come with us. That is, if you're lucky enough to get this Khalib to give us permission to enter the Great Pyramid.
— Listen — Sephy said to him sharply, — I don't know what you're hoping to find in there, but I still think you should tell me. I deserve it.
Antonia, thoughtful, took a moment before responding, looking at her fixedly and coldly.
— All in good time — she stated mysteriously.
With that said, they didn't speak again until they reached the hotel. By then, the topic of conversation had lost interest. They each went to their respective rooms, lost in their own thoughts.