Page 8 of Escape to Egypt

“The ‘Path of the Gods,’ I said, trying to sound confident. “Do you know happen to know where that is?”

Zayed chuckled and stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Many have searched for it, but none have succeeded. It is said to be hidden, protected by ancient magic.”

I leaned forward, my excitement bubbling over. “But do you have an idea where it might be?”

Zayed smiled, a slow, secretive smile. “Perhaps. But knowledge comes at a price.”

I glanced at Jack, who nodded. “What kind of price?”

Zayed’s eyes twinkled. “A favor. You help me, and I will help you.”

Before I could ask what kind of favor, a loud commotion erupted outside. Shouts and laughter filled the air, and a small monkey burst into the stall, scampering up to Zayed’s shoulder. The monkey had fur that was a mix of browns and grays, with a mischievous gleam in its beady eyes.

“Ah, Snickers,” Zayed said, petting the monkey’s head. “Always causing trouble.” Snickers reached out and grabbed a trinket from the counter, examining it with a curious expression.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Snickers?”

Jack grinned. “Meet Snickers, the terror of the bazaar. He’s Zayed’s little sidekick.”

As if on cue, Snickers jumped onto my shoulder, chattering excitedly. I froze, not sure how to react. But to my surprise, Snickers just nuzzled my cheek, then bounded back to Zayed’s side.

“See? He likes you,” Zayed laughed. “Perhaps you will bring us luck after all.”

I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. With Jack, Zayed, and even Snickers on my side, I might actually have a chance at finding the artifacts and proving my innocence. I just had to be ready for anything—whether it was ancient curses, crafty thieves, or a monkey with a penchant for shiny objects.

Jack turned to me, his eyes gleaming. “What do you say, Charlotte? Think you’re ready for a little adventure?”

I grinned, my nerves replaced by a surge of determination. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Five

I glanced around the dimly lit stall, feeling the weight of Zayed’s gaze on me. The scent of incense and the musty aroma of old relics filled the air. My mind was still reeling from everything that had happened so far, but there was no time to waste. I needed to find those artifacts and clear my name. Now, if only I could figure out what Zayed wanted in return.

“So,” I said, folding my arms and trying to look like I was in control. “What kind of favor are we talking about?”

Zayed stroked his long, white beard thoughtfully, a smile playing on his lips. Before he could answer, Snickers bounded up to the counter and grabbed one of the bright yellow bananas stacked inside a red ceramic bowl. With a deftness that would put any street performer to shame, Snickers peeled it with his feet, took a big bite, and then held out the half-eaten fruit to me. His eyes were wide, and his expression was one of pure innocence.

I hesitated. Eating a banana offered by a monkey was not high on my list of sanitary choices. But my stomach grumbled, reminding me that the last thing I’d eaten was the minuscule bag of peanuts on the plane, which felt like a lifetime ago. I shrugged. “What the hell,” I said, taking the banana from Snickers and biting into it. It was sweet and slightly overripe, but at least it was food. As I chewed, Snickers seemed to study me, his eyes darting from my face to my neckline.

Before I knew it, Snickers reached out with a tiny hand and tried to peer down my blouse. I gasped, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Snickers!” I exclaimed, swatting his hand away. Snickers screeched, a high-pitched sound that filled the small stall, and hopped back to Zayed’s shoulder, clearly pleased with himself.

Zayed and Jack burst out laughing. “Snickers likes his lady friends,” Zayed said, chuckling.

“He has good taste,” said Jack, looking at me.

“Hmph,” I muttered, pulling the neckline of my blouse higher. I shot Snickers a look that I hoped conveyed disapproval, but the monkey just blinked at me, as if he couldn’t understand why his behavior might not be acceptable.

“So, about that favor?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track. Zayed stopped laughing and turned serious, though his eyes still twinkled with amusement.

“Ah, yes,” he said, nodding. “The favor. I need someone to take care of Snickers for the next couple of weeks. I’m going to be out of the country, and I don’t trust just anyone with my little friend here.”

Jack, who had been examining a dusty old vase, looked up with a grin. “Covert operation, huh? Need to keep it under wraps?” He grabbed a banana for himself from the counter, peeled it, and took a bite, leaning against the wall nearby with a casual air.

I stared at him. Covert operation? What kind of people had I gotten myself mixed up with? My mind raced with possibilities, each more outrageous than the last. Was Zayed some kind of secret agent? Was Jack?

Zayed shook his head, laughing. “Nothing like that this time, my friend. I’m taking a tour of New Zealand to see the places where they filmed ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I have always loved those little hobbits!” His eyes sparkled with genuine excitement.

I blinked, taken aback. “Lord of the Rings?” I echoed, trying to process the sudden shift from espionage to Tolkien fandom.

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