"It's good to see you again, old friend," I greeted Senenmut.

"Yes, it's been a long time," he answered. "My priestly duties have kept me really busy, but at last I seem to have some free time to get out and about. So how have things been with you?"

"Good enough," I replied. "The inn did go through a bad patch there for a while, but things are better now. Our wonderful Mayor, NahehAakhu, was kind enough to offer me some assistance, but in the end it wasn't necessary."

"Good, good. Are you expecting her to call today?"

"I'm not sure, Senenmut. I haven't seen her for a while, nor Ancksunamun."

"I see. I was hoping to catch up with them both today."

Just then Akhmin walked in and headed straight for where we were talking. "Well," I said. "This is a day for old friends to get together."

I had always liked Akhmin, a sensible, reliable sort of man.

"I see you've ordered already," I commented as two plates of lunch arrived.

"Yes," Senenmut said. "Akhmin wasn't far behind me."

"Well, I've leave you to finish your lunch in peace," I said. "Then afterwards, when the rush hour is over, if you're both staying on for a while, I'll join you in a drink."

"Wonderful," Senenmut answered. "Look forward to it."