Kid Detective Zet - The Egyptian Mysteries: Series Collection Book 1-4 by Scott Peters

Author:Scott Peters [Peters, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Best Day Books For Young Readers
Published: 2021-03-22T23:00:00+00:00

6

No Turning Back

Zet and Hui clambered over ropes, past the central cabin, and headed as far from the gruff Captain as they could get. Only when they reached the curving prow did Zet stop. A trickle of sweat ran down his ribs. He held his pack closer, thinking of the scroll inside, and then of the valuable coronation ring around his neck. He felt like a walking booby trap. Any moment, someone could find either.

In a low voice, Zet said, "We need to put up a good front if we're going to stay undercover."

But Hui wasn't listening. He was belly up to the rail, giving Kat the most pathetic look ever. "She's never going to speak to me again."

"Good," Zet said. "Then I won't have to listen to you fight anymore." He waved at his family. "Anyway, we have more important things to think about right now."

Sailors let out the sail. Wind caught the giant square of linen with a snap. It bowed outward, and the boat jumped away from shore. Zet grabbed the boat's side for support. The wake sent dark ripples weaving across the river's smooth surface.

To Hui, he said, "We need to keep our wits about us. Starting right now."

Hui finally focused on him. "Of course we're keeping our wits."

"What I mean is, we have to act like we're going to Abydos to work. We need to get our story straight. So when people ask what we're doing, we have something to say."

"Right. Of course—putting on my Secret Agent Assistant Hat now," Hui said.

"Don't even say that word."

"What, secret agent?"

"I'm serious!" Zet whispered. "Quit it or I'm dumping you in the Nile right now while you can still swim to shore."

"Oh, great friend you are. Ditch me at the first sign of trouble." But Hui was laughing. "Fine. I like it, having a story. Always good to have a story. So what's ours?"

"We're going as runners for the Head Architect."

"How did we get the job?" Hui asked.

"Through my father. They're old friends, and the architect wants to help my family by giving me work. You're coming because he needed two boys, and I suggested you."

"Wait, your father knows the architect?"

Zet gave Hui a playful punch and laughed. "No!"

"Oh! Right, of course not," Hui said. "Pretty convincing, you were right then. I believed you." He leapt up. "Now that's settled, I'm going to have a look around this ship."

Zet wrapped a protective arm over his satchel and nodded. "I'll catch up with you. I need to sort something out first."

Before turning to go, Hui shot one last longing glance at the shore. Zet followed his best friend's gaze. From this distance, Kat, Zet's mother and baby Apu looked like three tiny grains of wheat. Like the wind could blow them away into nothing.

Zet felt his stomach tighten. He realized it was the first time he'd left them home alone. What if something happened? What if something happened to the pottery stall? He'd sworn to his father he'd protect them, and here he was leaving to solve someone else's problem.

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