Chapter 16 #3
Left alone, Gerald listened to the narration as it continued and watched beams of light play over a section of ruins and half-seen hieroglyphs.
But when a beam cut through the darkness and fell on Hattie, Gerald was shocked to see Sam, standing close beside her, his arm snaking around her waist, fingers probing for a secure hold.
‘Oh, you silly old fool.’ Gerald sighed in despair at his own feelings.
Even if Gerald had, in his foolish dreams, hoped for some reciprocal feeling, he now knew there would be none. Sam was handsome in a way that Gerald was not, and oozed charisma and the confidence that he lacked. He didn’t stand a chance.
But, as Gerald turned to go in search of Anouska, he saw Hattie’s hand reach out and harshly snatch Sam’s away from her waist. The act was decisive, sharp, almost angry.
Gerald didn’t realise that he’d been holding his breath, and with an enormous sigh of relief he exhaled slowly, and – with an understanding nod – watched Hattie move away.
Hattie held on to Sylvie, their arms locked, while Ezra moved carefully ahead, pointing out the uneven ground and calling back for them to mind their step. They were almost at the path leading back to the quay when, suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the night.
It tore through the calm of the temple, and, feeling the hair raise on her arms, Hattie realised that it had come from the building on their left.
‘What the hell was that?’ Sylvie gasped, gripping Hattie even tighter.
‘It’s the curse of the Philae Temple!’ Ezra shouted.
His words ricocheted through the darkness, jolting several people back, heads whipping around in panic.
‘Ezra, for heaven’s sake, stop it!’ Sylvie grabbed his arm.
‘I think it came from over there, where the toilet facilities are,’ Hattie said and, gripping her bag, pushed her way through the crowd.
Within moments, she’d climbed an uneven stone staircase, and as she reached a narrow wooden door to a cubicle, Hattie saw an espadrille-clad foot, sticking out.
‘Don’t worry, help’s here,’ Hattie called and placed her bag down.
‘Well, bloody well do something to move this sodding door off my leg!’
Hattie stopped. She recognised the voice.
Sam and Sue came hurrying moments later. Taking in the scene at a glance, they both looked anxiously towards Hattie.
‘It’s Anouska,’ Hattie said.
‘Is she alright?’ Sam asked.
‘No, I’m bloody well not!’ Anouska shouted from inside the cubicle.
They examined the door and could see where the rotting wood had slipped when Anouska closed it, the panel slipping dangerously.
‘She probably slammed it too hard and it’s given way, catching her calf,’ Hattie said, turning to Sam. ‘But the wood is light and frail. It isn’t heavy, so if you and Sue can lift it a fraction, I should be able to ease her free.’
They did as she instructed, and with a heave, the door shifted enough for Hattie to release Anouska. Inside, Hattie found her lying face down on the dusty floor. Slowly assisting her to her feet, she led her out and sat Anouska down on a wall.
‘Bloody stupid excursion. I should sue!’ Anouska was furious as she thrust her leg towards Hattie.
‘Let’s have a look,’ Hattie said, and, seeing a small cut where the door had caught, she dug into her bag for clinical wipes and plasters. ‘Soon have you fixed, probably a bruise or two, but nothing that you can’t photoshop out for Instagram.’
Hattie stood and rubbed her hands with Aloe sanitiser, just as Gerald appeared.
‘Oh, God, is she okay?’ he asked, his anxious eyes taking in Anouska’s dusty and dishevelled appearance.
‘She’s going to be fine.’ Sam stepped in. ‘Thanks to Hattie here, who always seems to be on hand when we need her.’
‘Where the bloody hell have you been?’ Anouska hissed at Gerald.
Gerald sighed as he took in the sight of his wife, where dust streaked her face like camouflage paint. She just needs a helmet and fatigues! he wearily thought and knew, with sinking certainty, that he faced a battle ahead.
‘I’m sorry, dear, but you did chase off without me.’
‘Bah!’ Anouska spat.
Waving away all offers of help, she tore the espadrilles from her feet and clutched them in one hand.
With the other, she grabbed Gerald’s arm in a grip so tight, it left no room for negotiation.
Without so much as a glance or a word of thanks to Hattie, Anouska marched them to the uneven steps, pushing Gerald in front, and disappeared into the dark.
As Hattie gathered her things, she saw Sylvie and Ezra approaching. ‘Are you okay?’ Sylvie breathlessly asked. ‘We just saw Anouska, and she looks like she’s taken a fall.’
‘From the yell she let out, I thought she’d been murdered by the curse,’ Ezra added.
‘I’m pleased to tell you that she has nothing more than a graze. Our drama queen will live to take more selfies.’ Hattie smiled. ‘And Ezra, as for your curse, I am sure that the ancient gods have witnessed worse than this.’
‘I think I need a drink,’ Sylvie said and took Hattie’s hand to steady her down the steps.
‘We’ll make it a large one,’ Hattie agreed. ‘Now the show’s over, let’s get safely back to the boat.’