Chasing the Wind

3. Connor Mackenzie

3

CONNOR MACKENZIE

“Egypt?” my stepfather asked, unable to believe what I'd done.

I shook my head. “We’re realists, Edward, you and I,” I said calmly. “We both know if I stay here, it’s only a matter of time before they find me. If you don’t want to provide the funding, I’m perfectly willing to do it myself. But it will look more legitimate if it comes from the Foundation.”

“It’s not that, Andrew.”

“It’s Connor now, Edward,” I reminded him. “We have to be careful about this.”

“That identity was only created to bring you safely home.”

“Perhaps, but you knew I’d have to use it again.” I stood at the window in Edward’s office, not really paying attention to the view. I was preoccupied with planning my next move. I believed Dr. Raven's need for funding was the answer to my own problem as well as hers. “This is the perfect solution,” I insisted.

My stepfather wasn't yet sold on my proposal. “I suppose,” he conceded. “But to leave now, to go off and live in some desolate place, far removed from civilization—”

“They, too, are staying beneath the radar. Out of necessity,” I revealed. “Dr. Raven got her permits from the Egyptian authorities under false pretenses. Apparently, the last thing the Egyptians want is proof that Moses actually did outwit their ruler.”

Edward still looked unconvinced.

“I’m doing what I have to do,” I maintained. “It will be the last place anyone will be looking.”

“How long?” Edward asked. “How long will you stay there?”

“As long as is necessary.” I picked up a news magazine lying on his desk. It was opened to a story on a racetrack scandal involving a genetically engineered horse. Our horse. I waved it at him for emphasis. “It’s become a witch hunt, Edward. A bloody witch hunt! If they’ve become this fired up over a horse, can you imagine what they’d do if they knew everything we’ve accomplished?” I asked, throwing the paper back down on the desk. “If anyone were to find out about me—”

“Sarah rang me up earlier. She seems to think you have certain ideas regarding the archaeologist,” Edward commented with mild amusement.

I wasn't going to deny it. I did find her quite attractive. The idea of getting her into bed had indeed crossed my mind. “I may need to stay for some time. I might as well make the best of a difficult situation.” I couldn't help smiling at the thought of the possibilities.

“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”

“Have you ever known me to lose my head over a woman, Edward?” I asked, feeling a bit insulted.

“Leave it to you to find a way to mix business with pleasure,” Edward observed, lighting his pipe. The scent of his expensive imported tobacco filled the room.

“You’re not going to fight me on this, are you?” I asked, turning again to face him. “If you have a better solution, I’m willing to listen.”

“No. I don’t,” Edward reluctantly conceded as he drew his pipe from between his lips.

“What about the funding?” I wanted to know.

“Whatever you want. I’ll give you a blank check,” Edward surrendered.

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’ll stay in touch?” he asked. “We do have deadlines, people to answer to, you know.”

“Of course,” I said.

“And you’ll put everything on hold?”

I nodded. “For now,” I said. “Can’t have anyone uncovering the truth before we’re ready now, can we?"