Page 27 of Stone
“Petbeis thegod of revenge. Theesmeshwas his way of protecting his domain, his temples, and his disciples. It’s also said that his brother is the god of war,Montu.”
Elsoreturned to his desk, ran a hand over the items there, chose one in particular, and held it up. “What does this look like to you?”
Finestrastared at it. “It has that same kind of gargoyle-ishface, but the body is all wrong.”
“That’sbecause this represents the mother ofPetbeandMontu. We don’t know her name yet, but I’m betting this...this…” He shook the item slightly for emphasis.
“Is that the seal?”Finestrafinished.
Elsosighed and set the figurine back onto the desk. “I don’t know. What else did your man tell you about the guy who went after him in the museum?”
“That’s everything.”
“Your man has no idea wherethe guy came from or why he was wearing the costume, if itwasa costume?”
Finestragasped. “Surely you’re not suggesting that the guy in the costume was the real thing!”
“I’m not suggesting anything until we get more information,”Elsobarked. He dropped heavily into his chair and drummed his fingers on the armrest. “I think the key may be this woman who was working there. What was her nameagain?”
“Brielle Van de Camp. Coincidentally or not, she’s Dr.Kelling’sniece.”
“Umm. Then she has direct connections to the dig. But your man claims she seemed honestly perplexed about knowing anything about a seal?”
“That’s what he said. Of course, it could have all been a ruse on her part.”
“Could be. Maybe.”
“Do you want me to put a tail on her?”
“Yeah. Find out all you can abouther. It’s possible she may also know something about our gargoyle guy.”
Giving a nod,Finestraleft the office. After he left,Elsopicked up the figurine again to examine it. “I’m willing to bet my entire fortune that you’re thekalorshai. What I haven’t figured out yet is how you work, how you fit into this puzzle, and how that gargoyle-costumed man are interconnected. But I will piece ittogether eventually. I can promise you that.”
Gathering up the items, he placed them back into the black bag, then took the lot over to a concealed safe no one else but he knew existed. After making sure they were securely locked up,Elsoleft his office for the night with a tight but happy smile on his face.
