Page 161 of Eternal Surrender

“They’re trying to perfect the right amount,” Lucas said.

“Enough to deter vampires,” I added, “but not seriously affect the one who ingests it.”

Lucas became even more enthused. “Hornub inherited his father’s scrolls otherwise known as the Book of Thoth. Anyone who reads these are predicted to become the most powerful magician in the world.” Lucas’s eyes lit up. “The words written by the god of wisdom. ‘The secrets of the gods themselves.’ When the scrolls come together they form a book. They were rumored to have been separated and buried with several mummies to protect the knowledge. They were meant to take them over to the afterlife.”

Ingrid’s quizzical expression softened. “But as the mummies were discovered, so were the scrolls.”

Lucas shook his hands with excitement. “And they’re all now gathered in one place.”

“And on them is written my way back. . .” This well overdue epiphany took my breath away.

“We’re so close,” Ingrid said.

“Call Marcus,” I said to Ingrid, “tell him to test his sister and Blake for mercury poisoning.”

“It’s consistent with their symptoms,” Lucas said. “I only wish I’d seen it sooner.”

I followed the direction of where Lucas was staring.

Two male nightwalkers had entered the room and were pretending to be fixated on one of the exhibits.

I took Ingrid’s hand and guided her into the next exhibit hall.

Lucas was right behind us. “Are they following?”

“We’ll soon see.” I glanced back. “Probably nothing. Vampires have a thing for history too.” I winked at Ingrid.

“Diplomacy is always the best way to deal with our peers,” Lucas said. “I’ve dealt with their kind before.”

“Who are they?” Ingrid asked.

“No one we can’t deal with,” he reassured her. “I’m always wary for thieves. Tomb raiders. I try to stay one step ahead of them. It’s been my life’s work. I seem paranoid but I’ve seen too much. Back in Egypt, thieves wait until it rains and then go looking for dents in the sand that reveal hidden tombs beneath. These men desecrate the burial site and then sell the artifacts.” He shook his head. “Decimating history without remorse.”

“Dr. Hanson mentioned your father?” Ingrid said.

He gave her a look of the obvious.

She shook her head, realizing. “Of course.”

“I’ve used my fake lineage to remain prominent in his field without arousing suspicion,” he admitted.

“So when Hanson was talking about your father,” Ingrid said, “she was actually talking about you.”

He let out the longest sigh as though still coming to terms with his lifestyle.

“I’m afraid we are being followed,” I said.

Lucas pretended to be interested in the one of the glass cases containing a mummified rat. Ingrid stood close and feigned she was reading the description of the shriveled specimen.

I slid Lucas the credit card-sized room key. “Take Ingrid to the Savoy.”

He shoved it into his pocket. “Sure you can handle them?”

“What’s going on?” Ingrid peered through the cabinet at me.

“Go with Lucas.” I tried to get another look at their faces.

Lucas grabbed Ingrid’s hand and guided her away.