Free Sands of Time (Out of Time #6) by Monique Martin Page A

collectables?
    “Are you here to acquire for the museum?” Elizabeth asked.
    “Oh, I’m retired. Although a little business, a little pleasure.”
    “And speaking of,” Christina said, ignoring her father’s glare. “I don’t see why I can’t go to the Bazaar alone. I’ve been dozens of times.”
    “Never alone,” he said. “This is a wonderful country,” he said and then grew serious. “But you’ll be hard pressed to find a man who won’t try to cheat you.”
    “Father!”
    Simon wasn’t surprised by Whiteside’s attitude. His was typical of the British of the day. The occupier always thinks the people he conquers are better off by his occupation than they were before. Of course, the occupation of Egypt had little to do with improving the life of its citizens and far more to do with unfettered access to the lucrative Suez Canal.
    Whiteside’s expression was unashamed. “Well, it’s the truth, my dear. And the gyppos at the Bazaar are the worst of the lot. It’s not at all safe for a young lady alone.”
    Christina sulked, but only for a moment. Her eyes lit up and shifted to Jack. “What if I had an escort?”
    Whiteside’s eyes narrowed. “Who?”
    “Mr. Wells,” she said brightly. “He’s new to Egypt and wants to see some of the city. The least I can do is to show him around and he can be my protector.”
    Whiteside frowned. “I’m not certain that’s entirely proper, Christina. You understand, of course?” he added to Jack.
    But before Jack could say anything, Christina jumped in. “Diana will be back in the morning. What if the three of us go? She can chaperone.”
    Whiteside considered it.
    “I would like to see the Bazaar,” Jack said. “And I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”
    “Yes, of course,” Whiteside said quickly, embarrassed to be seen questioning his guest’s honor. “Of course. If you can make arrangements with Diana,” he said as his daughter beamed in response.
    “And we three shall go to the museum,” Whiteside continued. He lifted his glass. “Quite the day!”

CHAPTER TEN
    “Do you want my coat?” Simon offered. The night was cool, but not cold. Elizabeth’s green silk halter dress didn’t afford much in the way of warmth, but she didn’t mind. The air felt good.
    She shook her head and leaned into him as they walked. The grounds were lush and large. Paths lit with tiki torches wound their way through the palms and flowers and fountains. Fairy lights lined the edges of the hotel and looked like fireflies winking on and off as they went deeper into the garden.
    Simon was quiet as they walked, which wasn’t all that unusual. He was comfortable with silence. But Elizabeth could feel the slight tension in his body, in the way he held his shoulders. This wasn’t the easy silence of an evening at home reading or sitting by the fire, this silence was hiding something.
    “Are you all right?” she asked. She squeezed his arm. “You’re all tense.”
    “Fine,” he lied.
    She frowned, but didn’t press him and leaned back into his side as they walked along a path. “I think things are going pretty well really.”
    Simon looked down at her about to argue the point, but didn’t. “We did make progress,” he conceded. “It is a daunting prospect though, isn’t it? The watch could be with anyone, anywhere in the city. Assuming it’s still even in Cairo.”
    “True, but Mason went out of his way to befriend Whiteside. He only would have done that if he thought Whiteside could help lead him to the watch.” Elizabeth chewed on her lower lip. “Or thought that Whiteside had the watch himself.”
    Simon nodded. “Possible, but it seems unlikely. Mason didn’t seem the sort to play games. Why not simply take the watch and leave town?”
    Elizabeth thought about it for a moment. “Well, even if Whiteside doesn’t have the watch, I don’t think Mason would have gotten close to him if he didn’t believe he needed him to get to the