Goddess Curse

by RaShelle Workman

  Mr. Kincaid’s brows furrowed. “Why not take her with you?” he asked, his kind eyes going back and forth between Will and Lucy.

  Lucy couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Kincaid was trying to be rid of her. Besides, she knew her continents and Egypt was quite far from this New World, across the ocean far. She hadn’t the slightest clue how they would get there, but she guessed it would take weeks, possibly months. She didn’t have that kind of time.

  The question surprised Will. “I couldn’t do that. My work demands I go into places inhabited by creatures’ women would rather not see.” He gave Lucy a knowing look.

  “Perhaps, dear boy, but you promised, and you have a bet to honor.” Mr. Kincaid set his clubs down.

  Will rested one of his feet on the bottom step. “That’s true, but I would think you’d prefer she stay with you. Something could happen to her. She could die. That kind of thing does happen on expeditions such as this one.” He glanced at Lucy. “It’s very dangerous.”

  Lucy figured he expected her to agree with him. Truthfully, she couldn’t. The idea of going in search of the statue, of traipsing through unexplored places, watching Will do his work, excited her. She wanted to go. “I won’t be a bother,” she said, smiling sweetly.

  Will’s gaze turned sour. “You can’t know what you’re saying. The flight is bumpy and long. Then we’ll be walking for hours, probably entering tombs, and caves. Maybe even underground tunnels. It’ll be treacherous. I can’t be responsible for your safety. Besides,” he turned back to Mr. Kincaid, “she doesn’t exist in this time. She’s a ghost. Without a passport they won’t even let her in the country.”

  Lucy glared, angry and frustrated. She wanted to go, but he was right. She didn’t exist in the current century. Still, she was a woman of substance. Hadn’t she proven that? “I’m not a simpering little girl, Mr. Godwin. I can take care of myself.”

  Will sighed. “I’ve no doubt you believe—”

  Mr. Kincaid interrupted, “If I obtain the proper documents and take care of her expenses, do you agree to let her come?”

  Will’s jaw worked as he ground his teeth. “Have her packed and to my loft with all documentation,” he paused and checked the watch on his wrist, “in twelve hours. Not a minute later. If she isn’t there, ready to go, on time, I’m gone, and I won’t look back.”

  “Very good, my boy,” Mr. Kincaid said, smiling brightly.

  Will climbed into the limo. Before he closed the door, Lucy interjected, “I’ll be there, Mr. Godwin. You needn’t believe otherwise.”

  Will mumbled something and closed the door. The limo drove away.

  “Insufferable,” Lucy uttered.

  “Agreed,” Mr. Kincaid said. But Lucy noticed the huge grin on his face.

  “Have you tired of me so soon, Mr. Kincaid?” She went through the front door and over to the stairs. “I’m sorry to be a bother.”

  Mr. Kincaid closed the door. “You aren’t a bother in the least, my dear. Surely you know why you’re here, and it isn’t for me, though I’ve loved seeing you.”

  Lucy cleared her throat. He was right. She hadn’t come to meet him even though she considered making his acquaintance a gigantic bonus. The amulet brought her to Will. “Yes, I know.” She clasped her hands together in front of her and lowered her head.

  “You have to go with him. Whether he knows it yet or not, and I’m guessing not, your hearts are already bound, and he needs you as much as you need him.”

  “I know that too,” Lucy agreed softly.

  “Right, so let’s get Ingrid upstairs to help you pack.”

  “Very well.” Lucy started up the stairs but paused. “What about the documents?”

  “That’s the easy part,” Mr. Kincaid said. His excited urgency sparked the same in her.

  “And Ingrid? Will she be my chaperone?”

  Mr. Kincaid’s brows knitted together. “I’m sorry my dear. I forgot you might feel more comfortable with another woman along.” He crossed his arms. “Ingrid has a daughter who needs her mother with her as often as possible. I don’t think it would be a good idea for her to go.”

  “I see.” For the first time Lucy hesitated.

  “You’re concerned for your safety? Do you believe Will is less than honorable?”

  She remembered the way he looked last night after the helicopter ride, like he might kiss her, and how she wanted him to. If anything she was worried about how she might behave if left alone with him.

  “I can send someone else with you, if you’d like.”

  “What about you, Mr. Kincaid?” Lucy asked hopefully. She would feel a thousand times better if he accompanied her.

  “Forgive me, Lucy, but I am unable.”

  She waited for more of an explanation, but he didn’t give her one.

  “It’ll be all right,” Lucy finally said, throwing back her shoulders with feigned confidence.

  When Lucy came downstairs, Mr. Kincaid handed her a large envelope. “Everything you need to travel legally is in there.” He tapped it lightly. “Keep it safe. I have a feeling you’ll use these more than once.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Kincaid.” She reached out and hugged him.

  “You’re welcome.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Your suitcases were placed in the back of the limo and it’s ready to take you to the airport.”

  “I’m not going to Mr. Godwin’s loft?” she asked.

  “No. I’ve spoken with William. He’ll meet you at the plane.”

  Lucy nodded. She trusted Mr. Kincaid.

  As they walked to the limo, Lucy asked, “Did you get all of these documents done today?”

  He shook his head. “No. I added your picture, but most of them were done because of your grandmother. The woman was a planner. A little over six months ago, the last time I saw her, she asked me to get them ready.” His demeanor turned sad.

  “She did?” How did she know Lucy would come to this time?

  “I know you have questions about your grandmother, and I have answers, but I’m afraid now isn’t the time for them. You’ll be late, my dear.”

  The limo driver opened the door.

  “Very well then.” She kissed his cheek. “And I’m holding you to answering questions about my grandmother.” She felt rushed but knew Will really would leave if she didn’t arrive on time.

  Mr. Kincaid hugged her. “Follow your heart, Granddaughter. Promise me you’ll be safe.”

  “I promise.” Lucy felt herself getting choked up. She was sad to be leaving him. Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you for everything, Mr.—” She closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath. “Grandfather.” She gave him a bright smile. “I’m glad I got to—”

  “Hey. Hey. Hey. This sounds like good-bye.” Mr. Kincaid took her hand between both of his. They were gentle and warm, like his eyes. “I’ll see you again, either in a couple of days or a few weeks. This isn’t good-bye. It’s just a see you later. Okay?”

  “Okay.” She blinked rapidly, working back the tears.

  Mr. Kincaid closed the limo door, waving as it drove her away. Lucy waved back until the driver turned off the well-lit driveway and on to the street.

  “It’ll be about an hour until we reach the airport, Miss Lucy,” the driver said.

  “Thank you,” Lucy replied. She settled in, absently watching the large houses with trimmed lawns and manicured shrubs whisk by. It was dark, the moon covered by clouds. Occasionally she caught a glimpse of the ocean, the waves crashing against the sandy shore.

  Peace settled over her. She knew there might be danger going on this excursion with Will. But she wanted to go anyway. There were two reasons. The first was Will. She wanted to be with him. The second was more selfish. Since she was a young girl and listened to her grandmother’s stories, she longed to travel, to see and experience the world like her grandmother did. Will and her grandfather offered her a chance and she couldn’t pass it up.

  She smiled inwardly, watching the moonlight sparkle on
the ocean as the limo crossed the bridge.

  Lucy removed the navy sweater Ingrid gave her to wear.

  “Are you hot, Miss Lucy? I can turn on some air.”

  “That would be nice.”

  The driver pushed a button and air began blowing from vents, immediately cooling her down. She wore a navy and white striped shirt. Her pants were navy as well. The cuff stopped at the middle of her calf. Her navy shoes had a slight heel. Ingrid called them pumps.

  It was odd riding in the limo alone. The darkness and silence allowed her to focus on her feelings, pick through the thoughts crowding her mind. She pulled out her grandmother’s locket and clicked it open so she could look at the metal inside. Bastet said it was part of an amulet created by the goddess Hathor for Apep. She also said there was another piece somewhere in the world.

  It seemed more than mere coincidence Will was asked to procure a statue of Bastet, the very goddess who appeared to Lucy just two night ago.

  She closed the locket, tucked it back under her shirt, and rested her head against the back of the seat.

  She let her eyes close.

  Images of what she and Will might do to search for the statue came to mind. She saw them in a boat travelling down the Nile while groups of crocodiles watched menacingly from the water’s edge. Will carrying a torch to hold back the dark as they traipsed through a tomb, the sounds of their shoes echoing in the large hallways. They would enter a large room filled with cobwebs while insects scattered just outside the light. A golden statue would be sitting on a tall pedestal, light from the sun somehow shining down on the gold figurine, causing it to glow. Will would climb the steps and pick up the statue. Then he would turn and hold it up triumphantly before stuffing it in his satchel and running to sweep her into his arms and spin them both around. “We did it,” he would say.

  Lucy would smile, her eyes locking on his mouth as he set her down and pressed his lips to hers…

  “Miss Lucy, we’re here,” the driver said, pulling her from her daydream.

  She sat up and checked the watch Ingrid suggested she wear. Ingrid said it was waterproof. The hands showed the time was nine twenty five. Early, she thought, peering out the window.

  Will stood next to a set of stairs leading up to a white plane. He looked different, but she could tell who he was by his posture. He wore a hat, of sorts. Its brim was extremely lopsided and reminded Lucy of a duck’s bill. It sat low on his forehead, nearly covering his eyes. Entirely unlike the top hats she was used to seeing on men in her time, it was also green and had a symbol on the front she couldn’t make out. His shirt was a cream color. It was loose and buttoned down the front. The wind blew it around, showing off his amazingly sculpted torso. His pants were a darker tan and his hands were in his front pockets. Along the side of the plane, in bright blue letters were the words: Godwin Industries.

  The driver stopped the car. “I’ll get your luggage on board, Miss Lucy.” He came around to open her door.

  “That’s most appreciated,” Lucy said, putting her sweater back on.

  “Of course. Have a good trip.”

  “I’ll try,” she returned, her gaze already on Will.

  22

  TEN HOUR FLIGHT

  The excitement Lucy felt when she first arrived changed into mind numbing fear as the plane accelerated down the runway at an alarming rate. She was shocked by the power pressing against her body as the plane sped up. Her head was forced against the leather chair and gripped the armrests so tight her knuckles turned white.

  I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I… can’t… do… this…

  She clamped her eyes shut. Her ears clogged, making the sound of her breathing loud. She realized she was breathing rapidly.

  “Doing okay?” Lucy heard the question as though from far away. “Hey, Lucy? Miss Channing? Deep breaths. The take-off can be difficult for first time fliers but as soon as we’re in the air, you’ll be fine,” Will said.

  He chose to sit across the aisle instead of beside her. His decision hurt her feelings, but she hadn’t said anything, trying to act nonchalant about the plane flight. She figured it would be comparable to the helicopter ride. She was vastly mistaken. It was terrifyingly different. And the fact that he didn’t tell her made her angry.

  She wanted to yell every one of the obscenities she heard her father use when he was drunk. She wouldn’t be fine, probably ever again.

  There was a noise and some movement coming from under the plane. Then the plane was in the air.

  She could tell because the force of the pressure against her body changed.

  “See? Everything is fine,” Will said.

  Lucy opened her eyes, feeling the muscles around her face relax. But she was still angry. “Easy for you to say, Mr. Godwin.” Her mouth was dry, and it was hard to speak. “I had no idea what to expect. None at all. Couldn’t you have taken a single minute away from texting your female friends to tell me what to expect?” She swallowed but her anger continued to build. “I suppose it would’ve been difficult since doing so would have meant thinking about someone other than yourself.”

  “Hey.” Will unbuckled and sat beside her. “You’re right. I didn’t think about how it might affect you. I forget you aren’t from this time. Sorry about that.”

  “Are you certain you didn’t simply use the opportunity to get me back for joining forces with Mr. Kincaid and coercing you into letting me come?” The plane was still climbing. Lucy rested her head against the seat.

  Will shook his head. “Look, I still don’t think it’s a good idea, you coming on this trip with me.”

  “I’m not—,” Lucy started to interrupt.

  Will continued. “I’m sure you believe you can handle it, but as I just said, you aren’t from this time. You have no idea of the politics, no sense of what’s happening within our world today. Your thoughts and beliefs are based on what’s happening in London, eighteen-fifteen.”

  Lucy nodded. “But—,”

  “And then there’s the matter of defending yourself against not only the elements, but the bugs and wildlife we’ll encounter.”

  Lucy rolled her eyes, an act she hadn’t performed before. It seemed Will brought out the grrrr in her. “I’m sure I can handle it.”

  Will sat back. “I hope so.”

  The captain came on and said they were free to move about the cabin.

  Will unbuckled. “It’s a ten hour flight. Why don’t you let me show you to your room and you can get some sleep?”

  Two questions came into her mind. “It’s only going to take ten hours to get from New York City to Cairo, Egypt?”

  “That’s right.”

  She put her hands on her head. The idea that they could travel so quickly boggled her mind.

  “In your time how long would it take?” Will asked.

  “The exact time escapes my knowledge, but I would guess months.”

  “You’re probably right.” Will bent down and unbuckled her belt. “I can tell you have another question. Ask it.”

  She didn’t move. “My room? There are actual rooms with beds in them on this plane?” Will hadn’t been able to give her a tour of the plane after she climbed onboard. He was busy, checking information on what he called a laptop and his phone, then talking to the pilot as well as flirting with two girls dressed in alike uniforms called stewardesses.

  “Yep. Come on.”

  Lucy stood and followed him toward the back of the plane. Her legs felt wobbly. It was strange to be walking on something that was flying.

  Will opened a door. Inside was a bed with a tartan covering over it. A small table next to it supported a clock and a lamp. “This is my room.”

  “Oh?”

  He closed the door and moved to the next door. Opened it. The room was exactly the same except the cover on the bed was white. “This one is yours.” He went over to the table next to the bed and opened the drawer. Then pulled out a long rectangle box, pushed a button, and the wood paneling on the
wall slid open, revealing a large rectangular box.

  “What’s that?” Lucy walked over to it. She could see her reflection inside, but it wasn’t a mirror.

  “It’s called a TV,” he said as a moving picture appeared.

  Lucy flinched, stepping back. “How are you doing this?”

  Will stood beside her and showed her the small, oddly shaped box in his hand. “This is called a remote. It controls the TV.” He handed it to her. “VOL is the volume. Up makes it louder. Down makes it softer.” He pushed the button up and down to demonstrate. “The CH button changes the channels.” He pushed it up and the picture changed. Down, it changed back.

  “But these little people. How are they inside?” She got up close to the TV.

  “The people aren’t inside. They are recorded with a special camera and then broadcast out onto specific channels.”

  She heard the words coming out of Will’s mouth, but they made no sense. Like a foreign language. On the TV, a man had a monkey sitting on his shoulder while it held onto his head. Other people were talking and then the man said something back and there was laughing. “That’s all I can see. Please make it stop.” She handed the remote back.

  Will pushed the button that said OFF and the picture disappeared. Then he tucked it back in the drawer. “The bathroom is through this door.” He opened a thinner but normal sized door. Lucy peeked inside. “You know what to do in there, don’t you?”

  She huffed. “Yes.” The truth was she wasn’t sure. The bathroom looked similar to the one at Mr. Kincaid’s house, but also quite different.

  “Cool.” He walked to the door. “We’ll land in Cairo around three in the afternoon their time.”

  “Tomorrow or today?” Lucy asked, confused by the time.

  “Tomorrow,” Will answered. “If you need anything, just knock.” He left, closing the door behind him.

  Lucy went over to the bed. It seemed strange to lie down while one was travelling. Surely it wouldn’t be comfortable. She took off her shoes and her sweater before sliding under the covers. The pillows were firm but fluffy and the blankets were soft. She turned out the light. The clock said it was ten thirteen. Although she didn’t feel tired, she closed her eyes and let her mind wander. She thought about Will, the way he made her feel, and of Dashel. They were so different. According to her list of what made up her perfect man, Dashel hit all the marks. Tall. Handsome. Kind. Educated. Driven. Self-assured.