Free Gary Gygax - Dangerous Journeys 2 - Samarkand Solution by Gary Gygax

particular word, but I did so because I thought it of no significance at this time. If 'whirlwind' became meaningful—other than as a possible impression of what was occurring to the mind of a dying man, I would have shared that information with you." Inhetep was telling the literal truth, omitting his reservations about those from On who were investigating the case. There might be collusion between murderer and police. . . . "You will find mention of the 'Samarkand Solution' here," he told the man as he pushed a sheaf of paper across the table. "Here is my report to date. One copy has been sent to the agency, of course, and I have my own as well, but the third is for you and the metropolitan prefect."
    "Perhaps I misjudged you, Magister," the blocky policeman admitted grudgingly. "I'll let you know after reading this," Tuhorus continued, tucking the papers into his tunic. "Anything to add?"
    Inhetep shook his smooth-shaven head. "Come on, Tuhorus! This is a most complicated affair, as well you know. The ramifications of it might be unsettling in high places."
    "I hate puns," Tuhorus said unsmilingly, "but I concur. The gathering at the governor's palace was unusual to say the least."
    Setne couldn't help grinning. He appreciated both the fact that Tuhorus had caught his pun and been irritated by it. Perhaps he could like this fellow! "What do you think, then?" he queried to prompt the man. "Is there a single killer or some conspiracy, Tuhorus?"
    The homely face of the inspector was hard as he looked at the ur-kheri-heb. "You may be more honest than I thought, Magister, or Utchat-neb, or whatever you might be called; but that doesn't mean I am happy working with you—if you call it that. There will be a dossier available to you whenever you care to stop in at the investigation section of the prefecture—read it and arrive at whatever conclusions you choose. That's regulation procedure. I do not choose to speculate for you or anyone else meanwhile. And thanks for the supper. See you around, Inhetep."
    The priest-wizard actually smiled broadly as the man arose and stumped off to whatever business he was about. Here at least was a dedicated policeman. Tuhorus' suspicions about him were still there, Inhetep knew, but they were honest ones of a professional sort. Inspector Tuhorus was certainly not trying to conduct a cover-up, nor did he really mean to conclude the murder was unsolvable. I wonder, Inhetep speculated, if he suspects that there is royal involvement in Ram-f-amsu's murder. If that's so, then what gives that bulldog the reason for thinking thus?
    After settling the hefty bill, Magister Inhetep left the dining room of the Reedfields and strolled outside for a constitutional. He was able to spot the man trailing him quickly, but the wizard-priest went calmly on with his walk, seemingly unaware of being followed. Then, about three streets distant from the posh inn, Setne stepped into a narrow alley, mounted to the rooftops there, and descended again to exit on a street a block away. By taking several more turns and twists and passing between buildings via gangways and going through shops, Inhetep made sure that the policeman assigned to shadow him was hopelessly lost. He had certain matters to look into, and Setne had no intention of allowing
    Inspector Tuhorus knowledge of what was of interest to the magister.
    The assassin Yakeem s presence in the city and his possible connection to the murder puzzled Inhetep. Hem-neter-tepi Matiseth Chemres, servant of the malign Set, had to be the key. It seemed clear to Inhetep that the high priest had been upset by his presence on the temple grounds. That had had to do with Yakeem and some plot which Ram-f-amsu and Matiseth were both concerned with. The high priest had almost blurted out something in that regard when he had so foolishly hauled Inhetep before the governor. A long talk with Chemres was in order, for the cleric was likely to have vital information. That there was