if you're wondering about the title - 'Penthouse Gang', then the Link above might help - a little - and you may see that this next chapter may be taken as a kind of 'new start' in a new place
So the work goes ahead on the Winter Palace, and eventually Jim feels that enough had been done for the moment, and that finally Novius and the kittens can be brought to Egypt, along with Glen, Brody and Jonathan.
Having registered, Zac and Josh were escorted up to their suites via the rather over decorated elevator.
 |
| Elevator - Steigenberger Hotel - Luxor |
Like much in the Steigenberger, it was an example of exaggerated, and some might consider 'tacky' opulence.
"Only five buttons for Teddy to 'play' with... I think he might be a little disappointed... ", Josh said, and Zac, who was at last beginning to relax, smiled.
Meanwhile, back at the 'Winter Palace' there were numerous contractors awaiting instruction in order to start work.
Fortunately, Faunus (Ali), who spoke perfect Arabic - using a Cairo or Alexandrian dialect as was required, was on hand to show the contractors around, and advise them on the work that might be needed, but only with the approval of the باشا 'pasha' (Boss) - so Jim was now given the title by which his late guardian had been known.
 |
| Gardens of the Manial Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
Ethan, as usual, refused to be impressed, and made it clear that he had visited both palaces, and that this, at the 'Winter Palace', was a very special job, and that no expense was to be spared, but that the highest standards were to be achieved, if they expected to be paid.
And so it went on - with Jim, who by then had returned to the 'Winter Palace' giving instructions to the various groups of contractors.
"You know, Ethan - when you said how nice it would be to have a beautiful garden for the 'kitties' - I never thought for a moment that it would be this complicated.", Jim said, in the midst of all the bustle.
"Well there you are... but at least unlike the Penthouse in Summerlin, and the hotels that we inherited, and also bought in Nevada and California, this is our own project - and I think it's exciting.", Ethan said.
"Yes - I think you're right, so would you join me, and Clare and 'Sigi' and Teddy - and we can find a nice quiet spot, away from everybody, and we can do a bit more of the gardening, like we did yesterday - and we can leave Faunus to sort everything out ?", Jim said.
That, or course, made Ethan very happy - because to him, it was his garden - or rather the garden for him, the 'kitties', Teddy and Jim.
Teddy, however, didn't like gardening, although he liked padding about on his stumpy, furry feet in the garden, and sitting in the sun.
But Teddy didn't like getting dirty as, unlike humans, he couldn't take a shower, or wash his feet or paws.
So, for Teddy, gardens were for 'looking at', and sitting in - but even Teddy helped a little bit, managing to do a modicum of weeding.Back at the Steigenberger, Josh and Zac were unpacking and making themselves comfortable in their suites.
Once they were settled, and starting the following day, Josh would be responsible for all the financial transactions that would need to be made, from paying the most menial village girls, hired to keep the 'Winter Palace' clean and tidy, to the various municipal officials who would have to be paid off to provide the various permits and paperwork needed for Jim to officially take over the running of the 'Winter Palace' as a private dwelling.
 |
| Josh's Suite |
 |
| Zac's Suite |
As the day continued, the work went on.
Faunus and Ismail spent much time inspecting the innumerable rooms, and discovered that many items of furniture needed refurbishing.
 |
| Sharia al-Mahatta - Luxor - Egypt |
Eventually midday arrived, and lunch needed to be arranged.
It had now been a couple of days since work had begun at the 'Winter Palace', and the kitchens were up and running in a rudimentary fashion - and at least able to feed the newly hired local staff.
 |
| Entrance to the Upstairs Restaurant |
Jim gave in to Ethan's demands, and asked 'Sigi' to accompany Ethan and Teddy.
As it was the hottest time of the day, Jim preferred to take Ismail and Clare in the Mercedes-Maybach, as they would have a smoother and cooler ride in the limo.
So Ethan got on his 'cell-phone' to Omar.
On leaving the ground floor entrance to the 'Winter Palace', they found Hassan and Omar waiting for them.
Faunus had, by then disappeared - literally.
It wasn't a long ride, but Ethan had to stop off at the fruit-shop on the Sharia al-Mahatta in order to buy his 'horsey' an apple.
Eventually they arrived at Ethan's favourite restaurant.
"So what happens next ?", Ethan asked, as their food arrived.
"Well, I think we need to have a little conference at the 'Winter Palace', and get Zac and Josh involved.
 |
| Omar and his Calèche |
"Well I hope we get it sorted out soon...", 'Sigi' commented... "If you remember, this was supposed to be my 'gap year', so it should be a kind of holiday."
"I agree...", Ethan added, "and I would like the 'kitties' here - and it would also be nice if Novius could come.
I think he'd very much like the garden.", Ethan continued
"Well what are we going to do for accommodation ?",
You see I planned to have new furniture imported for our own rooms in the 'Winter Palace', but if you're quite happy with the décor and furnishings that are already in place, then we could move in quite soon... so what do you think ?", Jim said.
"Well let's not rush it...", Clare suggested.
"But we could move in here in - let's say a week - I don't really like the Steigenberger anyway - and we could use the rooms that are in the best condition, and be here all the time to supervise things...", Clare added.
"OK - so let's begin by sorting out one important long term item.
We need a good chef for our meals..." and Jim paused to think, and then turned to Ismail.
"So, Ismail, the 'Winter Palace', when it was operating as a hotel, if I remember rightly, they had a good chef, so can you find out where he's working now, and then could go to wherever he's working - see him, and then 'make him an offer he can't refuse'. ", Jim said.
"That's not a problem, pasha.
The chef now works at the Nile Hilton." Ismail replied.
"Right, so what about going to the Nile Hilton tonight, and we can see if we can contact this guy.", Jim said.
"Good idea - but make sure he can cook top-rate cheese burgers.", Ethan said.
After lunch they returned to the 'Winter Palace', where Jim 'phoned Zac and Josh, and finding that they has settled in their suites, asked them to come over to the 'Winter Palace'.
Jim wanted them to make a 'good entrance' - in Egypt 'image is everything' - so Jim arranged for them to arrive in another of the Mercedes-Maybach limos that Mahmoud would bring over from the West Bank.
 |
| Armoured Personnel Carrier |
 |
| First Floor Main Entrance |
For their arrival, Jim had opened the first floor entrance to the 'Winter Palace'', and indicated for Zac and Josh to use that entrance - the object being to make their arrival noticeable and, to some extent special.
Jim then kept Zac and Josh standing just in front of the main doors, not only so that they would be seen, but also to show Zac the first example of the kind of security the Egyptian Government was providing in the form of hefty looking armoured personel carriers.
"Very impressive, Jim - but I still feel that we need to fly in some of our own personnel from Nevada, as they are properly trained, and are unlikely to be susceptible to bribery.", Zac commented, as he expertly surveyed the scene from the top of the steps that led to the main entrance.
"OK - well get Josh to contact Franklin, and get that arranged...", Jim replied.
"So why all the security ?", Josh asked.
"Well, there are many advantages to spending time in Egypt, but the country is politically unstable, and has been - since the end of the monarchy, many years ago, so it's better to be safe than sorry.", Jim said.
"So what now ?", Zac asked.
"I think we might have a walk round the place, and you can check it over from the point of view of security...", Jim replied.
Meanwhile, Josh tried to contact Glaux, who had been left stranded at the Steigenberger.
 |
| A Corner of the Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor |
Although they were obviously not making much impact on the gardens as a whole - at least they felt they were helping, and it was a good method for getting away from all the 'hustle and bustle', without appearing to be irresponsible and lazy - and it was there that Josh found them.
"So... you've got yourselves a nice little spot...", Josh commented.
"Well, it is something that we can do to help, even if we can't do as much as those 'professional-thingy-guys' that Franklin ordered in from Cairo.", Ethan replied.
"OK, but I really came to see you to see if you could help me to contact Glaux - he's still over at the Steigenberger.", Josh explained.
"...' probably gone to sleep...", Ethan suggested.
"Now I could help.", Teddy said.
"I think my 'psychic' powers may be a bit stronger than those of Josh.", Teddy added.
"OK... have a go.", Ethan said encouragingly.
And so they stood around - waiting - with not much seemingly happening, but then telepathy is usually a very 'quiet' business - at least for those who are not telepathic.
"Yes, as I thought, he's dozing.", Teddy confirmed.
"Well it is a very warm day...", Clare said.
"Yes, and he's quite annoyed - saying he's been neglected.", Teddy explained.
"OK - well just send him an 'image-thingy' of where we are, and tell him to fly over - it's not far.", Ethan said.
Now nobody by the pool at the Steigenberger seemed to notice Glaux taking flight, and in a matter of moments the little owl had passed over the hotel, and across the Corniche, and was heading his way to the 'Winter Palace'.
 |
| Glaux's View of the Winter Palace Gardens |
At least he knew where Josh would be waiting for him, and he had little trouble identifying the quiet corner of the 'Winter Palace Gardens'.
Glaux, however, hadn't completely woken up, and having located a convenient branch, he approached a little too fast, slightly overshot, and found himself hanging upside down by his fluffy feathered toes from his chosen tree.
Knowing that a great failing, on the part of owls, was the inability to cope with being put in an embarrassing situation in public, Josh ran over and quickly put Glaux on his shoulder, making a great pretence that no one had actually noticed what had happened.
Josh then placed Glaux on the arm of the garden seat where Teddy was taking a 'breather' from his supposed exertions of weeding.
(the following conversation is in 'Owl'....)
"Good to see you again, Glaux.", Teddy said, trying to be very polite, and not mention anything about Glaux's awkward landing.
Glaux at the Steigenberger "Yes... and you realize that those humans forgot all about me - stuck in that palm tree at that horrible 'modern' hotel.", Glaux, who was a traditionalist, and had a horror of anything modernistic, replied."So, you prefer the 'Winter Palace' ?", Teddy said, continuing his friendly conversation (it should be remembered here that Teddy and Glaux often had a rather difficult and cool relationship)."Very much - the food is so much better here than those other places.", Glaux said - actually referring to the 'wildlife', and in particular the small mammals - and particularly the rodents, of which there were many.
Meanwhile the afternoon wore on, and the sun began to sink on the cloudless horizon.
Gardening, of course, is very good for people who have too much on their minds.
Obviously Josh, and Ethan were concerned about what was happening in 'Vegas and Los Angeles - and Josh, in particular, was worried about possible developments in Mexico.
Clare and 'Sigi', however, had fewer worries, as their lives, and their responsibilities, were relatively simple.
Teddy, unlike the others, was lucky, and he could simply ignore all such worries, and spend his time wandering, mentally, in the vastness of his virtual world while he made a pretence of weeding the tiny little plot the he had chosen for himself.
Eventually Jim and Zac turned up, and Jim reminded them of their intended visit to the Nile Hilton - so it was time to clean their gardening equipment, while Josh explained to Jim that Glaux had decided to stay in the 'Winter Palace' gardens, as he had found a nice tree in which to to spend the nights, and preferred to hunt in the gardens.
Obviously Jim had no objections, and so Clare, 'Sigi', and Ethan all went off to wash, and then Ethan was left with the task of brushing Teddy's feet and paws, as Jim didn't want the interior of the limo dirtied.
Jim and Zac then ensured that the various entrances were securely locked, and the limos left the 'Winter Palace' and travelled the short distance to the Steigenberger in order that they could all get changed.
Unlike most of the hotels in Luxor, which are situated close to the centre of the town, the Hilton is about seven kilometres from Luxor station and the 'Sharia al Mahatta' ('Station Street' - Luxor Main Street).
The Hilton Hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile, and is close to the Karnak temple complex, and also the Luxor Museum.
 |
| Luxor Hilton - Karnak - Egypt - Sunset |
The interior, however, in places, is quite attractive, so Jim decided that they should dress formally, and use all three limos in order to make a good entrance.
Apart from having a 'different' night out, the main reason for taking dinner at the Hilton was to make contact with the chef who had previously worked at the 'Winter Palace', and so, for that reason, Jim decided to take Ismail with them.
 |
| Main Restaurant - Luxor Hilton - Karnak - Egypt |
The restaurant was quite large, and modern, but 'modern' in a strangely 'dated' way, with a carpet that Ethan found remarkably unpleasant and disturbing, but then Ethan always has problems with carpets (perhaps because they were rarely found in Greek or Roman villas).
Now the plan was for each of the party (other than Teddy, who didn't eat), to sample a different type of food - the reason being that they were hoping not only to entice away مراد - Murad, the previous chef from the 'Winter Palace', but also members of his staff.
(In large kitchens different types of food re cooked by different chefs, under the supervision of the 'chef de cuisine.)
And so a considerable amount of time was spent on consideration of the dishes offered on the menu.
Teddy's job was to check out the waiting staff, as the 'Winter Palace' would also need a number of waiters.
"So once we have got the gardens and the rooms sorted out, and the place properly staffed, what are your plans, Jim ?", Zac asked, as their first courses arrived.
"Well the first thing we must remember is to maintain a presence in Nevada.
I think it would be a great mistake for those running our various businesses in 'Vegas and Los Angeles to get the impression that we were far away, and not paying attention to what was happening in the US.
Fortunately, with the 'dimensional portal' that Faunus has provided, we can be here and in the US almost instantaneously - so I want Josh to be seen regularly at the Club Jaguar, and Ethan to be regularly monitoring our entertainment venues, with the help of 'Sigi' - and also, Ethan, your continuing appearance at concerts at the 'Park Theatre'.", Jim explained.
"So what about my 'gap year' ?", 'Sigi asked, sounding somewhat disappointed.
"Well, much of our time will be spent here in Egypt and, of course, we still have our الدهبية - Dahabiya - the هديل - 'Hadeel'.", Jim said with a smile.
 |
| الدهبية - Dahabiya - هديل - 'Hadeel' - River Nile - Egypt |
"So what's a Dahabiya, Jim ?", Clare asked.
"Oh yes... we never told you about that...
Well it's a large boat, a bit like a small floating hotel.
The 'Hadeel' is moored at Esna, and is there permanently for us when we need it, with a full crew and a captain called Hossam.", Jim added.
"Yes... Teddy interrupted,
"And they were originally built to carry celebrities and royal families.
The Dahabeya is a luxury pleasure boat for the Nile, and the name means 'golden one', which refers to its gold decoration.
The name came to be applied to other boats with similar luxuries.
Dahabeyas were later refitted as small cruise ships, and now cruise the Nile River and Lake Nasser."
Clare looked intrigued.
"Why thank you Teddy - and I'm looking forward, very much, to sailing on the Nile - that is, as soon as we are finished working on the 'Winter Palace'. Clare said.
"But, as Clare rightly said, as regard trips on the 'Hadeel', we must wait until we have finished our work at the 'Winter Palace', and then we must also consider our obligations to the 'Athena Corporation'.", Jim said
 |
| Athena Corporation - Logo |
Now Jim knew that he could sell the Athena Corporation, and its subsidiaries for literally a fortune - which would keep a family, and even some descendents, in unimaginable luxury for years - but Jim needed to think 'long term' - very long term - and so he knew that the Athena Corporation needed to continue to amass huge assets - and maybe for always ?
But that was another matter.
At that particular time they were supposed to be contacting مراد - Murad - the chef - so Ismail suggested that he slip away, and find the kitchens, and find Murad.
Murad was a recently acquired, (by the Hilton hotel), 'under chef'.
Ismail, however, was to offer him the post of 'Chef de Cuisine' at the now privately owned 'Winter Palace'.
 |
| Cairo Skyline - Egypt |
Now getting into the kitchens of a high class hotel might be difficult in the US or in Europe, but in Egypt, and particularly somewhere like Luxor, where everyone knows everyone else, it is not at all difficult.
So, as soon as Ismail asked to see Murad, the assistant chef was called over, and warmly greeted Ismail.
 |
| مراد - Murad |
Murad, of course, was delighted to see Ismail, (although he had no idea that Ismail had come with a business proposition), and Murad immediately called for 'shai'.
Ismail needed to be very careful, however, as he was not used to such 'high level' business deals.
Haggling over small purchases in the souq in Luxor was one thing, but this was rather different.
As was usual with meetings between ordinary Egyptian men, there was first some inconsequential 'village talk', and then Ismail mentioned the foreign 'pasha', who had been providing a number of people in the village with well paid work on the East Bank.
Murad had heard about this, and so Ismail explained that this 'pasha' was looking for a 'chef' to run the kitchens in the 'Winter Palace' that the pasha was now converting into a huge 'villa', (Egyptians used the English word 'villa' for the Arabic قصر - 'qasr', which in English would mean something like mansion or palace), to use for himself and his numerous associates.
Murad looked sceptical until Ismail mentioned the possible راتب - salary.
At that point Murad simply said - 'I shall speak to this pasha'.
And so a meeting was arranged for the following morning at the Steigenberger - despite the fact that Murad had not met Jim.
"OK - so - I think that might of gone well, so let's go back to the Steigenberger and have a chat before we 'turn-in'...", Jim said.
 |
| Steigenberger Entrance - Night |
"Well, if you're not too tired, I thought we might go the the lounge in the 'Presidential Suite' and talk.", Jim suggested - for a second time.
On arriving at the suite, Jim 'phoned down to 'room-service' for some refreshments.
"So how did Murad take my offer ?", Jim asked Ismail.
"Well I didn't give him an exact figure - I think it better if you talk to him about that. ", Ismail replied rather hesitantly.
"OK - but did he seem keen ?", Jim asked - wanting to get an answer.
Ismail looked puzzled.
"Keen ?".
And Jim realized that he had used a word that Ismail was not familiar with - at least in that context.
"Yes - did he like the offer I was making ?". JIm persisted.
"Yes - very much.
Here it is difficult to get that sort of money...", Ismail said.
"And can he get some other kitchen staff, and perhaps some waiters to come with him ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - if the pay is good...", Ismail said, rather bluntly.
"It will be good, but not like I am going to pay Murad, as he is 'Chef de Cuisine' - but it will be good compared to what other hotels and restaurants here pay.", Jim said.
"So anything else happening tomorrow ?", Ethan asked, distractedly.
"Well I'm expecting some of Zac's people to arrive at the airport in the afternoon...", Jim replied.
"And that'll 'beef up' the security...", 'Sigi, commented.
"So are you saying that we're ready to move into the 'Winter Palace' ?", Clare asked.
"Well I don't see why not.
The electricity, gas and water are connected - the kitchens are operating and we will have waiters later today - we have cleaners and gardeners, the swimming pools are up and running, and all the small repairs are either done, or are being finished.", Jim said.
"So Jim, how come we lived in the Penthouse without all this fuss ?", Ethan asked, sounding confused.
"Because the penthouse was small, and had always been a penthouse, and had been properly maintained...", Jim explained.
"And had no garden...", Teddy added.
"Yes... and that was the problem with the Penthouse...", Ethan said wistfully.
So, at breakfast, Clare put the suggestion to Jim.
"And you're sure that you don't want to discuss anything with Murad, after all, cooking is 'your thing' ?", Jim asked.
"No Jim... He's a 'chef the cuisine', and I'm just a housekeeper.
And I'm sure he'll be ideal for the job - and this 'interview is just a formality.", Clare said modestly.
Ethan, not surprisingly, thought it was a great idea - but wanted to be back for the afternoon, as he was hoping to bring the kittens to the 'Winter Palace' the following day - and wanted to make sure that the gardens would be finished.
Ethan was also hoping to get Omar to take them through Luxor in his caleche, but Clare insisted that it was to be a relaxing walk, with visits to the shops.
"Sigi' wasn't really bothered, and was just pleased that he wouldn't be expected to do any more gardening.
 |
| Morning in Luxor - the Corniche |
Now early morning and early evening - that is just after sunrise, and just before sunset - are good time to take a walk in Luxor.
The town, at those times, is not too crowded, the breeze usually flows up from the Nile, and the full beauty of the ancient town is revealed.
And it's a good time to shop.
So Clare, 'Sigi', Ethan and Teddy made their foray into Luxor town in the early morning - as the sun climbed slowly into the sky.
"Well this makes a nice change from sorting things out, and all that gardening...", Clare said - almost to herself.
Clare had quite taken to wearing a hijab, and was looking to buy more in colours that would match some of the clothes that she ha brought with her.
Ethan, predictably, was looking for an Arab style dagger.
(back in Rome, Ethan had always treasured a 'pugio' [dagger] that Marcus [Jim] had bought him.)
'Sigi' wanted to buy some books about Ancient Egypt, in order to try to keep up with Teddy.
Teddy, of course, having no money, was simply 'window shopping', and was very pleased that he was not getting his paws and feet dirty from gardening.
Now Ethan knew all about haggling.
In the 'world' that he originally came from, haggling was required for every purchase that was made, and even Marcus (Jim) who, when he became 'Dominus', could afford to pay any price asked, always haggled, because not to haggle was simply 'bad manners'.
So, like in ancient Greece and Rome, virtually nothing in Egypt has a fixed cost.
Everything is negotiable.
 |
| Khan el-Khalili Bazaar - Cairo - Egypt |
This is the land of the world famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar district, where the value of an object lies somewhere between what you want to pay for it, and what the owner wants to receive, so it’s crucial that you don’t just pay whatever the stall or shopkeeper asks you for - they’ll quote you an inflated price upfront, and they’ll be shocked, but happy, if you are foolish enough to pay it.
If you want to avoid paying over the odds, you need to know how to haggle and barter.
Haggling is something of a 'sport' in Egypt - so you’re supposed to enjoy it.
If you smile and laugh throughout the process, then you’ll probably get the same in return.
This is especially important because you’ll get a better price if the seller likes you.
Anyway, Teddy gave them all some advice on the subject, and Ethan heartily agreed with what Teddy had said.
To begin with they passed very few shops - but that was no matter as it was a really pleasant morning.
 |
| Entrance to Luxor Souk - Luxor - Egypt |
Eventually they came to a rather odd looking gateway.
They didn't need Teddy's help to identify what lay beyond as underneath the Arabic was writing in English.
"Now this seems to be where we need to be...", Ethan said, wanting to sound confident and knowledgeable.
"Quite right...", Teddy said, "but this is the 'tourist souk' - with tourist prices.
Further on you'll find the souk for the Egyptian people who live in Luxor.", Teddy explained.
"Well I think the gateway looks more Chinese or Japanese than Arab...'Sigi' commented very knowledgeably.
 |
| The Call to Prayer - Egypt |
Meanwhile - back at the Winter Palace - Jim, Josh and Zac were standing in the main forecourt, enjoying the morning sun, as they waited for Murad.
And it seemed that Murad was in no hurry to show up...
Of course Jim, Josh and Zac had all been born into a society without clocks, where timekeeping was a very lax affair.
In Nevada and California they had very quickly to learn that they needed to be punctual.
In Egypt, the general attitude to time keeping is very lax, however, and life in general is taken at a very slow pace.
In fact, the only regularly timed events in the Middle East are the times for prayer that occur five times each day, and are announced by the call of the muezzins from the minarets - but even these times are not 'clock times', but rather relate to the position of the sun in the sky.
Eventually, however, Murad arrived - but had to be 'rescued' by Zac as the police on the main entrance were loath to admit him. |
| The Library - the Winter Palace - Luxor |
So Jim decided to take Murad to the Library (it had originally been the bar of the 'Winter Palace') as it seemed a suitably formal environment for an interview.
At that point Faunus (Ali) joined them - apparently to take care of any possible translations of English to Arabic.
"This is very beautiful...", Murad said, as he surveyed the library.
"So, you have never been in this part of the building ?", Josh asked, sounding surprised at Murad's comment.
"Never, sir.
People who worked in the kitchens when it was a hotel never came up here.", Murad said.
"Well, Murad, if you become 'Chef de Cuisine' here, you will have to come to the Library every morning to receive instructions from the 'Magister Domum'..." Jim said, not realizing that he'd lapsed into Latin.
"Oh, sorry, that's Latin.
It means 'Master of the House' - in English.", Jim then said, correcting himself.
"سيد البيت - Faunus (Ali) then added in Arabic.
"So, if you do not mind... what is this 'Latin'.", Murad asked, surprising his interviewers.
"It's an old language, but pay no attention to it... "Josh said, hoping that Murad would ignore the matter.
Zac then continued the interview, using an 'Athena Corporation Form' for 'new employees'.
 |
| Athena Corp Security Service |
"And these are genuine ?", Zac asked.
"Of course, effendi.", Murad replied, imagining that he was replying to an Egyptian police officer.
Zac, being 'Head of Security' for the 'Athena Corporation', inevitably had the manner of a police officer.
Forged (or more often stolen) identity papers, incidentally, are easy to pick up in most coffee shops, for a mutually agreed price - hence Zac's question.
Jim then took over - with Faunus (Ali) assisting with some of the more difficult English words - although Murad's English was in fact very good.
"Your job, Murad, will be to provide meals for myself and my close associates.
Also, the Sous Chef, and his Commis Chefs will, on a daily, prepare food for the various individuals working in the 'Winter Palace'.
You will also perform an executive function, and when I am visiting, you will work in conjunction with 'Madame' Clare.
So, are there any questions ?", Jim asked.
"Well, there is a question that has occurred to me, and many in the village...
It is obvious that you are very rich, and very young, and we were wondering what is your job ?"
"Well that's not a question that is really connected to the job I may be offering you but, as you ask, I am prepared to say a little about the source of my wealth.
I was adopted by a very rich man, whose name and fortune I inherited.
This fortune consisted of many hotels and places of entertainment in the United States, as well as assets in Mexico and South America, and that briefly is the source of my wealth.
But that, at this stage is as far as I am prepared to go in answering your question - so now, if Josh will show you the contract that you will need to sign if you wish to take the position, I think that we can conclude this interview." Jim said.
And so Josh handed Murad the contract, that had been prepared in English and Arabic, and without any hesitation, Murad signed the document.
Josh then slid a pristine, thick white envelope across the highly polished desk, towards Murad, along with his copy of the contract.
"What is this, 'Pasha' ?", Murad asked softly, and obviously in surprise.
"A 'welcoming gift'.", Jim said, with a smile.
Meanwhile, back in the Luxor souk, Ethan was having a difficult time.
He had been show many 'pugios' (daggers), but in his words they were all 'tourist trash' - and Ethan really knew a good 'pugio' when he saw one.
 |
| Aboudi Bookshop - Luxor - Egypt |
"Yes... 'suppose so...", Ethan replied reluctantly.
'Sig', however, was having more luck at Luxor's most well known bookshop - 'Aboudi'.
With a delightfully modest 'art deco' shop front, the shop had been founded in 1909, but the building was obviously of a later date.
And in the shop a visitor to Luxor could find a treasure trove of books about ancient Egypt, Luxor and also the more recent history of Egypt.
Now 'Sigi' needed Teddy's help in order to select a book about ancient Egypt, and Teddy advised 'Sigi' to choose a book by Wallis Budge - who was a famous English Egyptologist, Orientalist, and philologist, who worked for the British Museum.
The book that Teddy recommended was 'The Gods of the Egyptians - Studies in Egyptian Mythology', (a long title - and published in 1904).
"So - have you read this, Teddy ?", Sigi asked.
"Yes, of course - but it's really a 'beginners book' - but I think it will suit you very well.", Teddy replied.
"Oh, thanks...", 'Sigi' replied.
And as 'Sigi' and Teddy spent time browsing in Aboudi's, Ethan was helping Clare to choose a couple of hijabs in a nearby shop - and back at the 'Winter Palace', as Murad left, a coach arrived, bringing a contingent of 'Athena Corp' security operatives, who had just de-planed at Luxor after a gruelling flight from McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada
Clare had been spending an unusually large amount of time with Jim, Ehan, Josh and Zac, and she also did not have the usual distractions of looking after them (particularly Jim and Ethan). The result was that she had begun to notice, what seemed to here, to be the unusual relationships that existed between the boys - and eventually she found herself discussing those matters with Ethan.... prompted by a further use of the 'Portal'.
and
CLICK BELOW FOR
and
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202