THE AMERICAN DETECTIVE was completely surprised.
— Is this an invitation for me to join your shop...? Because if that's the case, I'll think you're making fun of me.
Hiram's eyes continued to stare at him. His arrogance didn't remotely affect him. What's more, he expected this reaction.
— What I am proposing to you is that you enjoy the privilege of renouncing the deceptive mirage that keeps you a slave to ignorance, to fully enter the knowledge of Wisdom, where you will be able to drink from a source that will satisfy all your needs.
Evans, annoyed, frowned.
— My only demand is to see Giovanna, so I can take her back to Madrid with me... — he was inflexible, making his intentions very clear.
— You will see her when the time is right, but first listen to what I have to say.
— Okay, speak up! — he demanded irritably. — I warn you, however, that I am not willing to negotiate our return together. —
Hiram sighed, sensing a certain barely suppressed pride in him. He knew that, as happened to everyone, the last rung of the ladder would bring him difficult moments.
— First of all, I want you to know that the Council members had decreed your death...
Hiram leaned forward, and the light fixture hanging from the ceiling cast shadows around his face, making it even more impenetrable.
— However, Balkis has decided to grant you the opportunity to decipher the initiation riddle so that you can join the lodge. And this is an offer you cannot decline without first considering it... If, as we imagine, you can and truly understand the meaning of holding the keys to the secret, the most reasonable thing would be for you to join us and accept the pardon we offer. Like any negotiation between two parties, it has its advantages and disadvantages, but this is something you will gradually become aware of over time.
— Tell me about the advantages — the detective asked, first and foremost because he felt the itch of curiosity.
— I would be united with Giovanna for the rest of my life... would that please you?
That seemed quite amusing to him. Apparently, they felt obligated to marry Giovanna or something, but someone hadn't done their job properly; after all, he was already married.
So this was Giovanna's ploy?
— I don't know what to tell you... — he gave a cynical smile. — Life together can be unbearable. You can't imagine how much work it is to deal with that girl when she's angry.
— There will be no disagreements or misunderstandings. This is something that has no place between two people who preserve the Throne of God.
— One moment... do you mean by that that we would both be Guardians of the Ark?
— Much more than all that — Hiram replied solemnly. — They would have the duty of communicating daily with the Great Architect of the Universe.
When they got to this point, Gregory Evans thought these people were straitjacketed lunatics. Did they really believe such a feat was possible?
— And what does Giovanna think of all this?
— She agrees — the director-general of the Archaeological Museum was succinct in his response.
— I need to think about it.
— If you don't accept, you'll be executed like all the others, and Giovanna will share the reign with another man — Hiram said, somewhat dismayed.
— Define reign — Gregory asked, his tone betraying concern. — I can't grasp the concept, or at least its practical application.
— Giovanna is the ideal candidate to replace Balkis as Queen of Sheba. She will lead The Widow's Children from there.
— And what would be my role?
— You would embody the spirit of Hiram Abif, whose position I hold to this day — he replied with the simplicity of one who bore that name. — A most edifying work, believe me.
— For a moment, I thought you were going to replace Umbert as Master of Masters of the lodge. You probably already know, given your illness. —
Hiram looked at him in deep surprise. As far as he knew, anyone who had sat on the Throne of God was immune for life. No evil could touch them, only old age.
— The master is in the best of health — the director assured him in a grave voice. — He hasn't had a single cold in over forty years... — He picked up an alabaster egg, which served as a paperweight, and turned it over in his hands. — May I ask what that comment is about?
— If you know him, as you claim, you should know he has little time left to live. As I understand it, he suffers from a terminal illness.
Surprised by the answer, Hiram instinctively turned his head to the right, behind his shoulder. For a few seconds he remained silent, staring at a closed door between the bookshelves. It was merely a moment of reflection. Soon he returned to look at the speaker with extraordinary firmness, straight in the eyes.
— Who told you that? — he asked, his face showing some concern.
— Your daughter, Sephy... who but her?
Hiram's hands gripped the paperweight he was caressing tightly, surprised by the news. Then, before he could respond, the door behind him opened, and out stepped Umbert Monroe, accompanied by a white-haired woman dressed in a purple tunic and a blue cloak, adorned with esoteric ornaments. But the real surprise for Evans was discovering that Giovanna was with them and dressed the same way as the stranger.
THE MEETING WAS VERY awkward. Greg stared at Giovanna, hoping she could explain what was happening, but she didn't know how to handle the situation, and her eyes avoided his piercing curiosity, so she bowed her head to the floor. Umbert was the only one who had the strength to speak first.
— I know how you feel, Greg... But now is not the best time to judge our attitude... — He seemed agitated, as did the others. — It's very important that you answer me honestly: Is Sephy with you?