“Do you know where we’re supposed to be going?” I stare up at him, my head tucked perfectly against his shoulder. Holding my breath, I resist inhaling his spicy scent.

He laughs. “I think so, but just in case, why don’t you tell me where you’re going?”

“Not a chance.”

The laughter never leaves his eyes. “Okay. Have it your way. But don’t forget I offered.” Dropping his arm, he heads out the door, leaving me to watch in dismay as he taps out a pattern on the stone wall across the corridor. Seconds later, the wall opens, revealing a secret passageway I had no idea existed.

“I’ll see you in Babylon,” he says over his shoulder. And the wall closes behind him.

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

January 1, 20X6, Keystone

Resigned to going the long way, I turn right, sprinting down the corridor. The passage narrows, the walls changing to stacked stone. Recalling it’s down one of these claustrophobic halls that the Pyramid waits, I’m energized.

Garrett’s probably there by now.

Not to mention Kyran. And Chloe. If she was going to the Pyramid. I still don’t think the Enigma could have decoded the riddle, but I hurry, winding deeper into the Vault. The air grows colder, the oxygen tighter. It’s dark, but already-lit lanterns flicker, telling me I’m on the right track. Passing the Sphinx, I climb the stairs to the gates guarding the Grand Egyptian Museum. The iron doors tower above me, and I yank on the rusted handles.

They don’t budge

The lock is still intact. No way I’m the first one here. Fortunately, my memory serves me well. I pick the lock and, minutes later, slip inside.

Mummies line the walls, their frozen, painted eyes seeming to trace my path as I cross the dimly lit gallery. At the back of the narrow hall, the battery sits encased in glass at the top of a small altar. At least I hope it’s still there. I can’t be sure because Garrett is standing with his back to me, hindering my view.

Annoyed he beat me, I march up the stone steps and join him. To my relief, the battery still sits inside the glass box atop a weighted pedestal. I search the case for security flaws. It’s almost too easy. The case can be opened with a rake pick. Just hold the rods in place that trigger the alarm… The hardest part will be replacing the battery with something similar in weight without sounding the sirens. That, and doing it before Garrett does.

“Been here long?” I ask.

He keeps his unusually serious eyes glued to the case. “You made it past the gates. I’m impressed.”

“The lock wasn’t so tough.” I shrug, pretending it was the first time I’d tackled it. “Where’s everyone else? I’m surprised they’re not here yet.”