A Journey to Egypt - 7. Chapter 7

Bodyguards

Before returning to the hotel, Reginald and Alexander visited the museum's gift shop. The shop was a treasure trove of fascinating items, from books detailing the rich history of Egypt to plaster casts of the artifacts they had just seen. Genuine gold and silver rings were intricately designed and gleaming under the soft lights.

As they browsed through the shelves, something caught their eye – a replica of a scarab beetle identical to one they had bought from the strange man in Alexandria. Without hesitation, they decided to buy the replica.
The clerk, a woman in a charming flower-print dress, greeted them with a warm smile. She carefully took their money and placed the replica in a brown paper bag. Alexander took the bag and discreetly slipped it into his pants pocket.

"Thank you," they said in unison, expressing their gratitude to the clerk. As they stepped outside, they noticed a line of cabs waiting for passengers.
Reginald leaned close to Alexander and whispered, "Say nothing about this until we return to the hotel.”

With a shared look of understanding, they hailed a carriage. They prepared for the journey back, the mystery of the scarab beetle lingering in their minds.
After the fascinating visit to the Cairo Museum of Antiquities, Reginald and Alexander returned to their hotel. Reginald paid the carriage driver, and both men entered the grand lobby. The elegant decor and the soft hum of conversation created a welcoming atmosphere.

They approached the front desk, where a clerk stood ready to assist them. "Good afternoon," Reginald said politely. "Could we speak to the manager, please?"

The clerk nodded and sent the porter to call the Manager. After a few moments, the Manager arrived. The Manager introduced himself with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. My name is Mr. Ahmed Hassan, and I am the Manager here. How can I assist you today?"

Reginald and Alexander exchanged glances before Reginald spoke. "We'd like to speak with you in your office if possible."

"Of course," Mr. Hassan replied, leading them to his office. The room was tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a large desk. Once seated, Reginald turned to Alexander. "Could you please go to the front desk and get the scarab beetle?"

Alexander nodded and left the office. As they waited for his return, Mr. Hassan asked, "Are you enjoying your stay with us?"

Reginald smiled warmly. "We love the hotel. It has been a wonderful experience."

Mr. Hassan's smile widened. "I am glad to hear that. We strive to make our guests' stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible."

Alexander returned with the scarab beetle and handed it to Mr. Hassan who examined the scarab beetle closely as Reginald pointed out key details. "The scarab beetle we bought from the strange man was made of Moldavite, a rare green gemstone."

Mr Hassan nodded, his brow furrowing in concentration. "I see. Moldavite is indeed a rare and valuable material."

Reginald continued, "Since we bought this scarab beetle, our room was ransacked in Alexandria, and once we arrived in Cairo, someone has been following us. This is making us extremely nervous, and we feel the need for some protection. I think we need bodyguards."

Mr. Hassan's expression grew serious. "I understand your concerns. It has turned into a complicated situation. I will arrange for bodyguards to ensure your safety during your stay." Mr Hassan pulled the bell cord beside his desk; the porter showed up quickly. Mr Hassan handed the porter a hastily written note and told him to give it to Omar and Kareem and tell them to come to his office.

As Mr. Hassan made the necessary arrangements, Reginald and Alexander felt a sense of relief. The mystery of the scarab beetle was far from over. Still, at least they would have the protection they needed to continue their investigation. There was a knock on the door just before it opened and two imposing figures entered.

Omar was a tall and lean, handsome man with a build that spoke of agility and endurance. His skin is a warm, sun-kissed brown, and his dark hair is cropped short, often hidden beneath a traditional keffiyeh. His eyes were a deep, expressive brown, filled with kindness and a hint of mischief. Omar's features were sharp and defined, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. He moved with a quiet grace, his every step purposeful and measured. His attire was practical and suited for the desert, consisting of loose, breathable fabrics that allow for ease of movement.

On the other hand, Kareem was also handsome and a more imposing figure. He was of average height but had a muscular build, broad shoulders, and a powerful presence. His skin was a deep, rich brown, and his hair was closely cropped, giving him a no-nonsense appearance. Kareem's eyes were a piercing black, filled with intensity and determination. His features were rugged and weathered, with a Roman nose and a stern expression that rarely softened. He was dressed in dark, tactical clothing designed for combat and stealth, and his movements were precise and calculated, reflecting his experience and discipline.

The impressing bodyguards introduced themselves with firm handshakes and warm smiles. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. My name is Omar, and this is my brother, Kareem. We are part of Mr. Hassan's family." Reginald and Alexander were relieved to see the two big men, who exuded confidence and strength. Omar and Kareem assured them, "We are glad to help and will be with you for the remainder of your trip. Your safety is our top priority."

Mr Hassan nodded in agreement. "Omar and Kareem are highly trusted members of my family. You can rely on them to ensure your protection." As part of Mr. Hassan's family, Omar and Kareem shared a keen sense of responsibility and loyalty. They were committed to helping and protecting those in need, especially when it involved their family's business. Providing excellent service and ensuring the safety of guests was a hallmark of their professionalism. By offering protection, they demonstrated their dedication to maintaining a high standard of hospitality.

Reginald and Alexander felt a renewed sense of security with their new bodyguards. Although the mystery of the scarab beetle was still unfolding, they were now better prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Reginald and Alexander decided to refresh before dinner. Omar and Kareem accompanied them to their room. Omar requested the key when they reached the door and told them to wait with Kareem. After a thorough check, Omar returned and assured them it was safe to enter. Reginald thanked them for all they were doing. Omar smiled and said, "It's nothing."

Once inside, Reginald and Alexander closed the door behind them. They held each other tightly, sharing a tender kiss. Alexander shed a few tears, feeling the weight of the recent events. Reginald gently dried his tears and whispered, "It will be okay." He kissed Alexander again, thinking that his job for the rest of his life was to take care of his beloved Alexander.

They removed their clothes and filled the bathtub with warm water. As they always loved to do, they washed each other's backs, kissed, and shared their love, finding comfort and solace in each other's arms.

As Reginald and Alexander prepared for dinner, they felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. They dressed in their finest attire and went to the hotel's elegant dining room with Omar and Kareem.

The dining room was beautifully decorated, with soft lighting and exquisite table settings. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and gentle music added to the ambiance.

As they sat down at their table, they were greeted by the maître d,' who presented them with a menu featuring a selection of gourmet dishes. They ordered a sumptuous meal, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts, paired with fine wine.

During dinner, they discovered several intriguing things. A small mysterious note was hidden under Reginald's plate. It contained a cryptic message written in elegant handwriting, hinting at a secret meeting place and time. They noticed a familiar face across the room as they enjoyed their meal. It was the strange man who had sold them the original scarab beetle. He was watching them intently, adding to the sense of mystery.

The dining room's ambiance was elegant and serene as Reginald and Alexander savored their gourmet meal. The soft clinking of cutlery and the gentle murmur of conversations created a pleasant atmosphere.

Reginald and Alexander exchanged glances, their curiosity and unease growing. The man's presence raised more questions than answers. What was his connection to the scarab beetle? Why was he watching them so closely?
As they continued their meal, they could not shake the feeling that the man held secrets that could unravel the mystery of the scarab beetle. The sense of intrigue and anticipation heightened, making their dinner an unforgettable experience.

Reginald and Alexander felt a renewed sense of purpose as the evening progressed. Their discoveries during dinner added intriguing layers to their adventure, and they were eager to follow the clues and uncover the truth.
Reginald leaned in and whispered to Alexander, "We need to find out why he is here and what he wants. But we must be cautious."

Alexander nodded in agreement. "Let us not confront him directly. We should inform Omar and Kareem about this and see if they can discreetly gather more information."

Reginald signaled for Omar to come over, his movements subtle and discreet. Omar, ever alert, quickly made his way to Reginald's side. Reginald quickly glanced around to ensure they were not being observed and handed Omar a folded note. Omar took the note, his eyes narrowing as he read its contents. Reginald then subtly pointed out a man standing a short distance away, his gaze fixed intently on them. The man was dressed in plain clothes, blending in with the other visitors. Still, his unwavering attention made it clear that he was watching them closely.

Omar's expression hardened as he understood the gravity of the situation. He gave Reginald a slight nod, signaling he was ready to take action. The two knew they had to stay one step ahead of their pursuers to succeed in their mission.

With a shared look of determination, Reginald and Omar prepared to confront the new threat, their resolve unshaken by the ever-present danger. The man watching them had no idea what he was up against, and they were ready to protect the artifact at all costs.

Omar approached the strange man who had been eyeing them from a distance. He walked over and smiled at the man with a confident stride, though his expression had a dangerous edge. "Is there something you want from those two over there?" Omar asked, his voice calm but with an underlying threat.

The man looked visibly nervous, his eyes darting between Omar and the others. "Yes, I want to buy back the scarab that I sold them," he stammered, clearly uneasy.

Omar leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, menacing tone. "There is no chance that will ever happen. Leave them alone, or matters may get messy," he warned.

The man's face paled, and he quickly nodded, understanding the gravity of Omar's words. With that, Omar turned and walked back to his friends, satisfied that the situation had been handled.