The Cult of Osiris (53 page)

Yeah, right. I can really see Maureen Rothschild going along with that/ Professor Rothschild is no longer with the IHA/ said Penrose. Nina was surprised. 'Why not?'

She resigned yesterday. Partly because of the criminal charges the Egyptians are laying against Dr Berkeley - your statement about his change of heart means they're likely to be lenient, but with all the other conspirators dead they still need a scapegoat. Since he was the professor's personal choice to head the Giza dig, that was a huge embarrassment to her, and a sign of poor judgement. Which reflects on her other decisions - such as suspending you.

And the other part?' Eddie asked.

The other part is that you, Dr Wilde, sent her an email describing how the robbery of the Hall of Records would be carried out before it actually happened - and she ignored it. She deleted it, in fact, but it turned out someone else had a copy.'

Remind me to send Lola a huge thank-you gift,' said Nina. 'So, you want me to come back. What about Eddie?'

Mr Chase will be reinstated too, of course. And there's another matter: with Professor Rothschild gone, the IHA is currently without a director. You have experience from when you served as Interim Director . . /

Eddie nudged her. Hey, not bad. They don't just want you back - they're offering you a promotion!

But do we really want to go back?' she asked him, though her eyes made her answer obvious. He grinned.

The offer will remain open,' said Penrose. He handed Nina his card. For a while, at least. Call me when you make a decision.' He shook their hands and walked away, the official holding the box following.

Well, bloody hell,' said Eddie. 'Theyjust can't manage without us, can they?

Hey, we've gotten pretty good at this kind of thing by now. But you know what's most important? We'll be able to move back to Manhattan!'

He jokingly rolled his eyes. 'Great. Ridiculous rent, crowds, noise, traffic . . /

I can't wait!

Tchah,' said Eddie, amused. There's one good thing, though - I'll be able to afford that wedding reception!'

We'll he
able to afford it,' Nina corrected him. 'And maybe I'll join you for some dancing lessons.'

They left the stage to be met by Macy and her parents. 'So what was all that about?' Macy asked once the introductions had been made. He was making us an offer,' said Nina.

Like a
job
offer?' Macy asked excitedly. Oh my God, that's awesome! Are you going to take it?'

Weeeell,' said Eddie, with an exaggerated shrug, 'we haven't quite decided.'

But,' Nina added, 'you remember that I recommended you for a position at the IHA when you graduate?' Macy nodded. I think it's safe to say that if you wanted it it'd be yours.'

The young woman's face lit up. 'Really? Oh, wow! Then Til try to be interested in more than just Egyptology. Even the Mongolian toothpicks. Thank you!' She embraced Nina. Eddie watched for a moment. 'So can I join in and finally get my threesome?'

'Eddie/'
both women shouted, Macy blushing again as she gestured to remind him that her parents were standing three feet away. But then she hugged him too.

So what are you going to do now?' Macy asked as they separated.

I'm not sure yet,' said Nina. She smiled. But I think we're going to be busy.'