The Cult of Osiris Read Online Free PDF

carton of OJ. Like a bonus. Huh?'
    I'll see what I can do,' Eddie told him before ending the call. Unlike the dinner, he was definitely going to remind Grant about that offer.
    Nina sat morosely at the living room table, nursing a black coffee. Her laptop was open, awaiting her command, but so far she hadn't even checked her email.
    She took an experimental sip from her mug. Without milk, the coffee had been too hot to drink immediately; now it had cooled, it was too bitter. She grimaced, wondering if she could drum up the energy to go to the store for milk. The more she considered it, the less likely it seemed.
    Her phone rang, startling her. She picked it up. 'Hello?
    Hello, Nina.' A familiar voice - Professor Roger Hogarth, an associate from her university days. They had been in occasional contact over the past months, but mostly by email.
    Roger, hi! What can I do for you?
    Always business first with you, isn't it?' His chiding was delivered with amusement. I 'll get to that in a minute. But how are you?
    I'm . . . fine,' she said flatly.
    And the new apartment? Liking it any more than when you moved in? The less said the better, I think.
    A small chuckle. 'I see. Don't worry, things will improve, I'm sure. Probably when you least expect it. And on the subject of unexpected things . . . first, you remember that I was trying to meet Maureen to complain about that ridiculous sideshow she's got going on at the Sphinx?'
    Yes?' said Nina, feeling a stab of anger at the mere mention of the name. She'd had plenty of reasons to dislike Professor Maureen Rothschild even before the woman became one of the principal architects of her fall from grace.
    Well, she finally agreed to see me. Tomorrow, in fact.'
    Really?That'sgreat.'
    Took a lot of persuading, as you'd imagine. But unfortunately, the second unexpected thing is ... I can't go.
    Why not?'
    Slipped on the stairs, and now I 'm sitting here with my foot bandaged up like a mummy. Are you all right?' she asked, concerned.
    Just a sprain, thank God. The perils of old age are ridiculous, though - I did the pole vault and high jump when I was young, never so much as stubbed a toe. Now I drop six inches and I'm out of action for a week!' He tutted.
    So what are you going to do about Maureen?
    Well, that's why I'm calling. I was hoping you might go in my place.'
    Are you serious?' Nina said, surprised. 'She's the person who fired me! '
    Okay, it could be . . . awkward. But what she's doing is a travesty of archaeology. It seems that every time I turn on the TV there's another commercial for this circus.
    Yeah, I've seen them,' Nina muttered. The promos for the live opening of the Hall of Records had been omnipresent for the last couple of weeks, irritating her more with each repeat.
    It's shameless commercialism, not science. And if there's nothing in there, it'll make the entire archaeological profession look like utter fools by association. I doubt it'll make any difference, but somebody at least has to say these things to Maureen.'
    And you want me to do it? Sorry, Roger. Maureen Rothschild is one of the last people I want to see.'
    I understand,' Hogarth said after a pause. I thought you probably wouldn't, but I had to try. Someone of your standing would have more chance of getting the point across.'
    Nina tried to hold in her bitterness. 'My standing's not very high with anyone right now.'
    Don't underestimate yourself, Nina.' This time, the chiding was more pointed. One setback doesn't end a career. I've had more than a few myself.'
    Not on my scale, though.
    Oh, well,' sighed Hogarth, accepting defeat, we'll just have to pray this whole affair doesn't turn into a disaster.'
    Let's hope. Get well soon, Roger.
    Thank you. And I'm sure things will get better for you too.'
    She said goodbye, then hung up, blowing out a glum breath. The coffee had gone cold, but she was now even less enthusiastic about leaving the apartment than before.
    True to his word, Grant Thorn really did