Page 70 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
“I thought it would be a lot worse.”
“It doesn’t have to be. Now, unless you have an objection, a distraction is in order. I’m a patron of the natural history museum, and as such, I try to visit at least twice a year, outside of the formal dinners. There’s a traveling exhibit on Roman aqueducts. That seems like something that would allow us to continue your education while supporting our foundational institutions. Eventually, you should choose something to become a patron of locally.”
“Doesn’t that cost a lot of money?”
“Less than one might think. And by the time you reach the point you have that kind of money, you won’t be worried about the expense.” Mr. Reevesworth checked his pockets. “Make sure you bring your wallet. Do you have your city pass? Though, on second thoughts, the train may not yet be best for your head. The flashing lights in the tunnels, I forgot about those.”
“It’s just south of the downtown, right?” Collin checked his pockets. He had his phone but not his wallet. “We could walk if you like?”
“Would you enjoy that?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll do that. And if need be, there are always taxis.”
There was no line at the museum. The architecture was massive, reminiscent of the great mall in the national capital, itself modeled after ancient Greek and Roman works. Collin climbed the flights of white marble steps from the lawn, admiring both the building and the way Mr. Reevesworth’s black pants pulled over his posterior and thighs as he moved.
He really needed to stop idolizing this man. Otherwise, he was going to be very disappointed when Mr. Reevesworth finally showed whatever flaws he might have.
Not that he had any in terms of physique.
I’m sure someone wouldn’t find him to their taste. Collin choked back a laugh. Well, that someone was not him.
They were barely checked in at the front desk when a man in a collared shirt covered in shovels and pickaxes on a background of sand and rocks came striding out of a back door toward them. Mr. Reevesworth smiled broadly and extended his hand. “Austin, you’re here. And looking as tanned as ever.”
“I never wear enough sunblock. I’m not sure there is enough sunblock, not in Morocco.”
“You should try doing digs somewhere less southern, then?”
Austin huffed. “I had one. And the funding got pulled. Very interesting site too.”
Mr. Reevesworth smiled and motioned Austin to fall in and walk with him and Collin. “Tell me about it. I’m just showing my new protégé your beautiful collections.”
Austin gave Collin a second look. “Is he interested in archeology?”
Mr. Reevesworth raised an eyebrow, leaving Collin to answer.
Collin held out his hand to Austin. “Only in so much as I would like to learn about sustainable technologies that we can use today and the impact of previous man-made structures on environments necessary for life.”
“Then you should read my book on cisterns. That’s why I was consulting in Morocco. Not my dig. Lovely place, but thankfully not my dig. I much prefer Turkey. At least I speak the relevant languages and have a bit more to go on.”
Austin and Mr. Reevesworth chatted as they passed through the hall of animals, all stuffed and set up inside dioramas, as if they were real live animals caught in time inside tiny zoo enclosures. Collin examined the plaques. Many of the specimens had been taxidermized sixty or more years previous. It was both eerie and fascinating. But in time, they reached the end, and Collin drifted away from Mr. Reevesworth and Austin and into the Egyptology section.
“Do you have anything to ask of me, Collin?”
He startled and looked up. They were entirely alone, standing inside a small replica of a shrine to the Egyptian cat god. “Sir?
“Collin, just because we are out and about does not mean…”
Collin blinked. Oh…
“I don’t think I’ve been drinking enough water, sir.”
“After the walk here and everything before that, no, you’ve probably not. The displays will still be here. Let’s rectify your hydration.” He placed a hand on Collin’s lower back and led him out into a corridor that was a bit more serviceable and modern. It included vending machines.
Collin eyed up the packets of nuts, M&M’s, and pretzels. “Do you mind, sir?” He motioned toward the package.
“Those do look good.” Mr. Reevesworth swiped his card and pushed the button twice. “I think I’ll join you.”
