Flight to Romance

by Tracy Sinclair

  "Oh, yes—it's impossible to see everything in one day."

  "I know what you mean. Overwhelming, isn't it? And that's only the tip of the iceberg. You wouldn't believe the priceless things they have just stored any which way in back rooms. My job is to persuade them to loan us some. Nothing on the scale of the King Tut exhibit, of course—just enough of a collection to round out an Egyptian wing we're trying to put together."

  "That shouldn't present much of a problem."

  "You wouldn't think so. They'd never even miss the few things we're requesting. But the amount of red tape involved is incredible. There's no telling how long I'm going to be stuck here."

  "But as a curator you must really appreciate the opportunity to spend so much time inspecting the exhibits. I was fascinated and I didn't even know what I was looking at. There was one item, for instance…" And she described the exquisite cosmetic bowl held by the delicate figure of a young girl.

  "Those are a big hit with the ladies," he said, smiling. "It comes as a shock to realize that over three thousand years ago cosmetics were used in much the same way as they are today. Ancient Egyptian women used pigments to tint their faces and even applied lip rouge with a brush as you probably do. They plucked their eyebrows, dyed their hair, and painted their finger- and toenails. The only thing that's changed is that men in those days used cosmetics, too. They also wore jewelry."

  "They still do that," Jennifer pointed out.

  "Not like then. The necklaces and bracelets those fellows decked themselves out in were more elaborate than the ladies'."

  "Then some of those magnificent ornaments I saw could have belonged to men," she exclaimed. "That explains it. There was one necklace I fell in love with, but it looked so heavy I didn't see how a woman could wear it and still hold her head up. It was a gold collar fashioned like the wings of a huge bird and it was all inlaid with red and blue and green stones."

  "The bird might have been a depiction of Nekhebet, the vulture, or the Horus, the falcon, and the gems were undoubtedly carnelian, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. Those were their precious stones. Turquoise was mined in the Sinai, but lapis was especially expensive because it had to be imported from Afghanistan, an arduous journey in those days."

  He went on to tell fascinating stories about ancient gods and strange ritualistic customs and the evening passed quickly. When Jennifer noticed that the restaurant was almost empty, she couldn't believe how long they had been sitting there.

  "It looks like they're getting ready to close," she remarked, glancing around. "It's been a wonderful evening, John, I don't know where the time has gone."

  "I hope I haven't bored you silly," he said anxiously. "When I get started I'm afraid there's no stopping me."

  "I enjoyed every minute of it, really I did," she assured him.

  "Good—then you'll go out with me again?"

  "I'd be happy to," she replied.

  After the waiter had taken the check, John said, "Would you like to stop at the Hilton for an after-dinner drink? It's just like back home and at least you don't have to worry about the water there."

  Jennifer felt a curious letdown. John had been such a sparkling companion during dinner that she had almost forgotten his curious bias against anyplace that wasn't the United States. Wasn't it strange? If things had been different she would have gloried in the opportunity to see Egypt. And even under the circumstances there was an excitement about just being here that gripped her every time she looked at the Nile flowing beneath her window or glimpsed an onion-domed mosque with its patina of antiquity. There were probably a lot of people like John, though. Too bad—they didn't know what they were missing.

  After hailing a taxi outside of the restaurant he said, "I'm afraid I've monopolized the conversation. I promise to let you do the talking for the rest of the evening."

  But she shook her head. "Next time. It's getting late and I really have to get back."

  He attempted to change her mind, but when Jennifer convinced him that she didn't want a drink, he took her back to the hotel.

  Actually, she was beginning to feel slightly nervous. Her anger at the beginning of the evening had dissipated and the threat of an irate Kalim was hanging over her. It had been foolish to turn her back on him in the lobby—foolish and dangerous. Why was she always provoking him, adding fuel to the fire? Even granted that she had acted childishly, though, what was there to worry about? She was a free agent and entitled to go out with whomever she pleased. Kalim only had a right to her working hours.

  But walking softly down the broad hallway after saying good night to John, Jennifer cast an apprehensive glance at his closed door. Would he come charging out again to subject her to another torrent of abuse? The door remained shut, but it wasn't until she was safely inside her own room that she breathed a sigh of relief. The fact that it was slightly tinged with regret made her furious. She had to be out of her mind to want another encounter with that Satan! Besides, he probably wasn't even back yet. He and the sultry Ayesha must be out painting the town. Since she had given up her boat trip to be with him, he was undoubtedly making it up to her.

  Flinging her purse down angrily, Jennifer started to get ready for bed.

  Chapter Seven

  Jennifer got up early the next morning as a matter of habit, but she wondered listlessly what she would do with herself all day. Yesterday at this time there had been a knock at the door that had heralded adventure. Kalim had invited her out for a day that would live in her memory forever. Was it only yesterday? How had things gone so wrong between them again in such a short time? It was unlikely that he would ever want to repeat the offer.

  The shrilling telephone brought a sudden wild hope to her heart, but when she answered it that hope died quickly.

  "I wish to see you in my suite," Kalim's cold voice announced.

  She had put on jeans and a pale blue T-shirt that molded her soft curves closely. Looking at herself now, she debated the advisability of changing to something more suitable and then decided against it. Let his fancy girl friend wear the seductive gowns. Ayesha's hips were too big for jeans anyway, Jennifer thought spitefully.

  Entering Kalim's suite a moment later, she shoved both hands into her back pockets and faced him defiantly. "You wanted to see me?"

  A small smile twitched the corners of his mouth as he surveyed her and then it was gone. His voice was cold as he asked, "Who was that you were with last night?"

  "I don't think that concerns you," she said, but at the look in his eyes, she added reluctantly, "A friend—he's an American."

  "And where did you meet this… friend?"

  "What difference does it make?" As he continued to look at her, the words were forced out. "I met him here in the hotel."

  "You met a stranger in the hotel and you went out with him just like that?" He snapped his fingers.

  "It wasn't like that," she muttered, furious because that's exactly the way it looked even though there were extenuating circumstances. Why did everything she did give Kalim the wrong impression?

  "Perhaps you will tell me exactly how it was," he said, a thin line of steel under the courteous words.

  "Well, he's… he's an American," she blurted out.

  Kalim shook his head. "Jennifer, you are how old— twenty-two? I wonder how you have existed this long without a keeper."

  His patronage infuriated her. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself and I wish you would stop treating me like a feeble-minded child!"

  "Perhaps I will when you stop acting like one."

  "I don't see what I did that was so wrong," she cried.

  "Accepting an invitation from a strange man may not be wrong in your country, but I am sure it is considered risky even there."

  "For your information, John was a perfect gentleman!"

  "And you could tell that he would be just by looking at him?"

  "Well… yes," she said defensively. Kalim's male look of derision made her temper flare and without counti
ng the consequences she said hotly, "Of course, sometimes appearances are deceiving."

  A mask descended over his face. "I presume that was directed at me." She bit her lip and turned to go but his voice was like a whip. "Miss Fairchild! In case it has slipped your mind, I am your employer and I believe it is time I started getting something for my money." He went to the table by the window and picked up a sheaf of papers. "Here is some typing that I wish done."

  Anger crackled between them, but she took the papers almost gratefully. While the tensions between them would never be resolved, at least she finally had something to do.

  She turned toward the door, but his voice stopped her. "Where are you going?"

  "I… I thought I'd go change clothes first."

  "Why?" Amusement lightened his expression. "You look like a charming little boy—from the back."

  Jennifer blushed and held the papers over her breasts, accentuated by the clinging T-shirt, and then was furious with herself for the instinctive gesture. "Where do you want me to work?"

  "That desk will be fine," he said indifferently.

  The last thing she wanted was to be near him all day! "Wouldn't it be better if I worked in my own room?" she offered tentatively.

  "You will work here."

  There was nothing for it but to do as he said. So, seething inwardly, Jennifer did as she was told. Fortunately, Kalim disappeared into the bedroom and she was left alone to puzzle out his handwriting.

  The phone rang frequently, but Kalim picked it up on the extension in his room, and the many visitors were shunted in and out by Habeeb and an aide named Tajil. The atmosphere had the familiar air of a busy office and Jennifer started to relax. The work she was doing had her full enthusiastic attention and at least she had a feeling of being useful. That satisfaction lasted until Ayesha arrived.

  "What are you doing here?" Narrowed black eyes ranged suspiciously over Jennifer.

  Jennifer stifled the many retorts that sprang to mind and said sweetly, "Why don't you ask Kalim?"

  Ayesha disappeared into the bedroom and Jennifer waited for an explosion, but when none was forthcoming she resumed work. A short time later, however, she encountered a series of unfamiliar expressions. There was no way to continue without clarifying the matter so, reluctantly, she went into the bedroom.

  Ayesha was curled up on the king-sized bed filing her nails and Kalim was on the phone. Hanging up the receiver, he turned to her with raised eyebrows.

  "I'm… I'm sorry," Jennifer said, "but I've run into something that isn't quite clear."

  He followed her back to the living room without comment. After she had pointed out the place, he read the copy rapidly, his hand over hers holding the papers. His explanation was succinct and she tried desperately to concentrate but the smell of his shaving lotion was like an aphrodisiac.

  "Is that clear?" he asked impatiently.

  Trying not to look into his eyes, her long lashes swept her cheek. "Yes, I… I think so."

  "Well, if not, let me know." His tone was impersonal as he turned back to the bedroom—and Ayesha.

  After a while they went out and Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief. Even when he was in the next room she felt Kalim's presence and was aggravated with herself for allowing him to disturb her so.

  This was to set the pattern for the next two days, after which the conference was to start. Every morning Jennifer reported to his suite and he gave her office work to do. Sometimes it was dictation, but even when they worked together his attitude was as impersonal as if she were a stenographer called up from the hotel staff.

  Ayesha dropped in regularly, but she treated Jennifer as part of the furnishings, ignoring her as she would a chair. Sometimes Kalim worked in the suite, but often he was gone all day. And in the evening she never saw him.

  Jennifer ate dinner alone each night in the coffee shop of the hotel and then wandered disconsolately around the lobby before returning to her room. After staring in the same shop windows time after time, she almost had the displays memorized. Several men attempted to strike up an acquaintance by offering to buy her a drink but she brushed them off coolly. Even John had deserted her. She thought he had enjoyed the evening as much as she had, but evidently not because he hadn't called. At this point Jennifer would even have welcomed another visit to Charlie's American Grill as long as she didn't have to eat one more meal alone.

  It was the next morning as she was preparing to go to Kalim's suite that John called. Jennifer greeted him with a warmth that surprised him as well as herself.

  "You sound like you missed me," he remarked with pleasure.

  "Oh, John, I did! I've been yearning to hear a friendly voice."

  "Just any old friendly voice?" he teased, and before she could answer: "I was going to call you the next day but I had to fly to Abu Simbel unexpectedly and I just got back."

  "Did you wind up your business?"

  "No, they're still keeping me dangling," he sighed, "but at least I don't mind as much now. Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

  Jennifer didn't hesitate. "I'd love to."

  "That's great! A man coming back on the plane told me about a new disco that's the in place around here. Would you like to try it?"

  They made plans for the evening and when Jennifer hung up her eyes were shining like emeralds. The prospect of finally getting out of the hotel was exhilarating. Even when she entered Kalim's suite, a smile lingered on her full mouth.

  Kalim was stuffing papers into a briefcase, but when he saw her one dark eyebrow rose questioningly. "You seem in a good mood for a change this morning."

  Refusing to let his caustic words ruffle her, she smiled enchantingly. "I am."

  "Would you like to tell me the reason?"

  "You wouldn't be interested."

  Shrugging indifferently, he changed the subject. "The conference starts this morning and I shall be gone all day. I will not need you so you are free to do as you please, but be here early tomorrow morning. I will wish to discuss the wording of the releases with you before the second session." She nodded and he picked up the briefcase and tucked it under his arm. But at the door he turned back. "Jennifer… be careful. Do not go to the native quarter and do not stay out too late."

  He was laying down the law again as if she were a wayward teenager! Wasn't it bad enough that he kept her on a chain, penned up like a criminal in a plush cell? Was he afraid if he took his eyes off her she might enjoy herself? But there was no point in defying him overtly—he had all the weapons.

  Gritting her teeth, Jennifer took the only barbed shot she could think of. Raising one hand in a smart salute, she said, "Yes, sir, General Kahira."

  His eyes glittered and he took a step toward her. Then with a muttered imprecation, he went out and slammed the door so hard that the crystals on the chandelier tinkled.

  But even Kalim's anger couldn't dampen her spirits this morning. Faced with unexpected freedom, Jennifer decided to go shopping. Mr. Graystock had said the office would pay for some new clothes, within reason, and she had yet to buy anything. A new dress was definitely in order.

  Browsing through a large department store a short time later, Jennifer was in shopper's heaven. The dresses displayed for her inspection were all so divine that she couldn't make a decision. Since the whole day belonged to her, she tried them all on and then was more confused than ever. The red chiffon was stunning and so was the black silk, but did she really want black again?

  And then the saleslady brought out the dress. It had a tight-fitting short-sleeved white lace top with a full navy organza skirt billowing out below the hips. It fit like a dream and the only thing wrong with it was the price. Translating the numbers into American money, she gulped. By no stretch of the imagination would Mr. Graystock consider this "within reason" but Jennifer knew she had to have this dress. With remarkable logic she managed to convince herself that it was actually a bargain because the office would pay at least part of the bill. And if she went without lunches f
or the rest of her life, the rest of it could be written off.

  Shoes were the next quest, and although it was amazing how much a few straps of silk and a couple of spike heels could cost, she bought those too.

  The afternoon passed happily and when Jennifer returned to the hotel she was her usual sunny self. Kalim and his dangerous attraction was pushed to the back of her mind and all her natural optimism returned. She was going out on a date in a brand-new outfit and it was going to be fun!

  When she met John in the lobby that evening, his face confirmed what her mirror had advised. Without any conceit, Jennifer knew she looked smashing.

  "You're beautiful," he said. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

  Jennifer smiled appreciatively. His glance held pure admiration, not the sensual appraisal she would have gotten from Kalim. Then she frowned in annoyance at herself. Why did that man always keep popping into her mind?

  The nightclub was a long taxi ride from the hotel and John was sure they were being taken for a ride in more ways than one.

  "Cabbies are the same all over the world," he complained, "but these guys ought to have a license to carry a gun. They're real hold-up artists. I bet he took us five miles out of our way."

  "I haven't recognized anything we've passed," she soothed, "maybe it really is this far."

  "I wouldn't bet on it. You just can't trust these people."

  Jennifer was uncomfortable, worrying that the driver might have overheard, but fortunately they reached their destination a short time later.

  The Pyramid Club, as the place was called, was already crowded. Loud disco music reverberated through the dark room and flickering strobe lights picked out each patron momentarily. There was a crowd of people in the entry and they could barely get in the door. Trust John to find an American-type disco, Jennifer thought wryly.

  Inching their way slowly forward, they finally reached the front and a tuxedoed maitre d' asked, "You have a reservation, sir?"

  "No, I… I didn't know it was necessary," John faltered.