The suite was pleasing. Moreover, it was luxurious with an excellent view and exceeded expectations. God bless the British Empire and its methods for civilizing. It had almost seemed a shame to fill it with Turkish carpets, Indian silks, and statues from eastern travels.

Almost. The truth of the matter was that a collection of the exotic appealed to Rina. It livened up the room and made her feel at home. For world travelers, hotels became home when there were familiar objects everywhere.

So far, her stay had been most quiet. She had spent her time reading proposals for excavations and writing large checks. Her only companions had been her staff and cats. Bastet, Nefertiti, Cleopatra, and Hatshepsut had settled in nicely, although they spent most of their time doing impression of ancient statues.

However, the time for solitude had passed. It was time to explore the hotel and perhaps meet fellow guests. But first, a wet bath followed by a nice dry martini. Then, perhaps a little trip to the Blue Lotus.