I was coming out of the street of the leather merchants, where I had gone to buy a case for my trip home to Waset, when I saw Akhmin walking down from Tassos' inn..
I waited for him to catch up with me. He seemed deep in thought, so much so that he nearly bumped into me before he stopped.
Waha ! he said. I haven't seen you since the Festival. And you won again ! Allow me to congratulate you....a second victory...truly well done. And did you enjoy your prize ? he asked with a grin.
To be sure !
And will you go in for the Festival again next year ?
Maybe not. It's not an easy competition, and I'm not getting any younger. We'll see what the gods permit.
Indeed.
Akhmin and I stood chatting for a while, but it was clear his mind was not on our conversation, and eventually I could no longer resist. Ahkmin, I said, is there something on your mind ? Has something happened ?
No, not at all. Well, yes actually. Do you know Cy Thutmose, the new Chief of Police here in Gebtu ?
No. Never heard of him. What about him ?
Well, I met him today. Just a little while ago, in fact.
And ?
He asked me the oddest questions, and then invited me to Tassos' for a drink. He never actually said so in as many words, but I had the strangest feeling that he was trying to pump me for information.
About what ?
Just about the citizens here in town. Who was who, and their comings and goings. I had the feeling he wanted me as a spy.
No. You must be imagining things. Have you mentioned this to your boss ?
Senenmut ? I hadn't thought of that.
Might pay to. There might be nothing in it, but you never know. Anyway, time for me to get going.
You're leaving ?
The High Priestess wants to return to Waset to perform her duties at the Temple of Mut. I must accompany her.
And so the new case ?
I stared at Akhmin, and then we suddenly both burst into laughter.
See you around, spy ! I said.