Page 110 of Eternal Surrender

“Disarmed.”

“What was stolen?”

“A mummy.” She lifted her mug and took a sip. “How much do they run for on the black market?” She pulled a face. “Just wondering.”

“I wouldn’t know.” I sat up. “What about your other case back in Salisbury?”

“It’s ongoing.”

“You were taken off it?”

“My expertise was needed here.” She shifted uncomfortably.

“Vanderbilt placed you on this case?”

“This is another high profile crime.” She crossed her legs. “Do you or someone you know have anything to do with this incident?”

“Sebastian,” I called out.

He appeared in the doorway holding a copy of The London Times.

“The museum wants their mummy back,” I said. “Have you unwrapped it yet?”

He raised his eyes to the ceiling and walked away.

Ingrid spun round and pursed her lips.

“It’s probably gone to a private collector,” I offered.

“We’ve considered that.” She narrowed her gaze. “Sebastian mentioned something about sculptures? Not collecting Egyptian artifacts as well are you?”

“How long have you been on this case?”

“Why?”

“Just wondering why you’re bringing it up now. We’ve seen each other several times since you started your investigation.”

“It’s been a need-to-know case.”

I sat back. “Go on then, let me see it.”

“What?”

I gave her a look.

She removed the piece of paper from her handbag and placed it on the desk before me. “It’s the museum’s photocopy of the missing parchment,” she said. “The writing’s Aramaic but a form they’re unfamiliar with.”

“I have a friend who can interpret this.” I slid it back to her. “Can I have a copy?”

“Of course.” She seemed to relax a little.

Rain struck the windowpane and water pooled on the ledge.

I rose and strolled over to pull the latch closed.

“William, about what happened at Belshazzar’s.”

“Already forgotten.”