Page 48 of Damaged

Everything is gold. The middle of the room is all gilded statues, ornaments, and bowls. The left wall of the room is a lineof black basalt sarcophaguses, while on the right wall lie hunks of granite carved with hieroglyphics.

It’s a literal treasure trove.

“Oh my God,” I whisper.

“Impressive, yes? But it’s not just the items here. I take better care of it than the government. You see those.” He points at pipes running along the ceiling. “Top-of-the-art sprinkler system. And it’s climate controlled to keep out moisture.”

“I don’t know where to start,” I say.

“Lucky for you, it’s not all for sale. I have set aside some pieces in particular.”

Karim walks to the left wall, next to a towering sarcophagus that has been painted with a full-size depiction of the god Horus. His bird brow is narrowed like he’s angry.

I would not want to be left alone in here overnight.

“Are there any mummies in the collection?” I ask.

“No, no, no. I gave them all to the scientists. Although I’ve gotten strange offers. Apparently many still believe eating them gives one ancient healing properties.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Anyway, they don’t taste very good. Like sandy beef jerky, if you ask me.”

I stare ahead wide-eyed, and Karim grins.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’ve never tried one. No one sells mummies to eat anymore. Bad juju. But every time I go to the palace, I still must tell that damn royal familyNo.No mummies to eat!Every single year. Then they look at me like I’m Dodi Fayed.” He ticks his tongue.

I expect him to say he’s kidding again, but from the frustration in Karim’s expression, I don’t think he is.

“Anyway. I have had an independent team do appraisals on these pieces based on comparables that have sold in thelast five years. We will compare your estimates, Sophia, and hopefully strike a deal.”

“Sounds great.” I beam.

Karim turns to James. “How about some tea, James? I think I’d like to buy your updated software package, but you still must talk me into it.”

“Deal,” James says.

“We will be in my study. This will take you a couple hours, yes?” Karim asks.

“Yes,” I say.

“Perfect. I will have a man in the library waiting, ready to show you the way to us.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you! I have too much of this nonsense. I give it to a museum, and it goes in the back room with ninety-nine percent of the other artifacts. Might as well make some cash.”

I just nod, and James and Karim walk out, leaving me with the circle of artifacts that are left for appraisal.

I can see right away that there are artifacts from several different centuries. Golden statues of different gods ranging from the size of my palm to reaching my thigh. There are marriage scarabs from the Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Eighteenth Dynasties. A sword with lapis lazuli laid in the hilt.

Finally, there’s a golden amulet lying on felt. An emerald the size of a silver dollar glitters in the center.

I open my satchel and snap on a pair of white latex gloves before lifting it and holding it up to the light.

It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever held.

My mouth is open. My eyes water. Holding this amulet is single-handedly the highest moment of my professional career. It would fetchmillions.

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