“It’s a machine,” Locke explained. He then turned to look at me. Our gazes met, and I braced myself for what he was about to say.
Miss Blake’s carelessness brought it here. Miss Blake’s greed and inexperience could’ve gotten us all killed.
But what he said instead was, “The important thing is that it’s annihilated now, and that we can get back to the matter at hand.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. My mouth dropped open, but Mac put his paw under it and slammed my mouth back close again.
“Ah, yes.” Dr. Moore laughed nervously. “Well, I explained the basics already. I want you all to participate in this mission. If it suits you, we’ll leave the day after tomorrow. I have hired a zeppelin that will take us all the way to Egypt.”
“I have decided that I will indulge your little endeavor, Dr. Moore,” Mrs. DuChamps said, unable to steer her gaze away from the automaton. “I’m unsure on whether this is fact or fiction, but if it’s fact, then the finders of these tombs will surely become very rich, not to mention famous.”
Dr. Moore’s lips curled into a smile. “Thank you, Mrs. DuChamps.”
“I’m joining, of course,” Dr. Evans said. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little boy.”
“And how much would my payment be?” Locke asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“A thousand pounds,” Dr. Moore said, nearly causing me to fall of my chair. “For each of you.” His gaze traveled from Locke to me. “All expenses paid, of course.”
“Hm.” Locke seemed to contemplate this, but I knew he wouldn’t say no. He was no fool, and only a fool said no to that amount of money. “Deal.”
“I’m in as well,” I said when Dr. Moore’s gaze rested on me.
“Good, good.” Dr. Moore’s smile was contagious. “My friends, it seems as if we’re up for the adventure of a lifetime! But first thing’s first, we’ll need to be willing to stray to the wrong side of the law for a bit. I know graverobbing is already in that uncharted territory, but what I’m about to ask from you is even worse.”
“You want us to break into the British Museum and steal the other scroll,” Locke said before Dr. Moore could finish his sentence.
I just about had the third heart attack of this evening. Break into the British Museum? I was used to breaking into coffins and vaults, not museums! Not when there were actual, living humans around…
“Consider it done.” Locke spoke so matter-of-factly that I started to wonder if he had a gig on the side that involved bank robbery.
“Then, about that third scroll,” Dr. Moore said. “We need to figure out who bought it, and see if we can buy it from them, and fast. Without that scroll, we can’t leave here, and our entire expedition will be in ruins.”
“Uhm.” I cleared my throat and raised a hand.
Everyone turned toward me, startled as to why I had suddenly spoken up.
I shrugged. “I think I know who has that third scroll.”
For a few minutes, the entire room was cloaked in silence, and the others looked at me as if I had suddenly morphed into a sarcophagus myself.
Dr. Moore barked out a laugh and shook his head. “This is proof of why I wanted you on this expedition, Miss Blake. You never cease to amaze me.”
I blushed, but instead of looking at Dr. Moore, I stared at Locke. I understood why Moore wanted me here, but why had Locke lied for me? Well, not lied, but omitted the truth? The only reason the others still let me join on this trip was because Locke hadn’t spilled the beans on me.
“Let’s go find some treasure,” Dr. Moore said while he put the scroll back in its box. “Time to solve an ancient mystery, and rewrite history.”
The story continues in THE TOMB OF THE FORGOTTEN QUEENS, The Chronicles of Arabella Blake Book One, releasing winter 2020.
About the Author
Majanka Verstraete studied law and criminology, and now works as Legal Counsel. Writing is her passion ever since she learned how to read.
She writes about all things supernatural, her books ranging from children’s picture books to young adult novels, all the way to new adult academy and reverse harem books.
Check out her website for more information about her current series and her upcoming projects: http://majankaverstraete.com
Thank You for Reading!
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