26 Pharaohss - 2 (1/2)

”Welcome to Pharaohs'.”

Pratt was the one who spoke. Jerry was fiddling with his bag. Dia was in a daze.

”Is it that amazing?”

Pratt looked at me with a grin.

”Put it this way. It is one of the finest institutions of its kind in all of the world. It's got this quality that cannot be mimicked. This air of refinement, that's primarily owing to Dinah Pharaohs. Don't you feel humbled and excited?”

I nodded quietly.

Dia stepped out first. I was beginning to follow, when Pratt held me back.

”Watch,” he said, grinning wider.

Jerry was out of his bag too. His eyes were gleaming as he looked at Dia the same as Pratt.

My curiosity was ignited. I looked too, in the same way.

Dia's steps were slow but deliberate. Her eyes were blazing. Her grin almost fanatical. Halfway to the entrance, she stopped for the security that came running toward her.

”What?” I asked.

”Just watch,” Jerry said before I could finish the question.

I fell silent.

Dia nodded at the pair of security guards, and stood still. Her gaze was still frozen on the building. Not a minute passed, when the doors opened and a man in a black suit rushed out. The security guards stiffened at the sight of the man. Clearly the man was the boss. What was surprising was the flash of recognition in the man's face as he saw Dia. His smile felt forced. His steps seemed hesitant. He stopped in front of Dia. Bowed down to his waist. And wore a flattering expression as he spoke with Dia.

”So, what do gather from that?”

Jerry and Pratt were looking at me with wide eyes. I took a minute before answering.

”They're frightened? Who's he?”

Jerry and Pratt burst out laughing, loud and for a while.

”That's Eowyn,” Pratt answered. ”He's the head of security. And the one tasked with Dia, whenever she comes.”

”Why?”

”Why the special care?” Jerry asked.

I nodded.

”Because it's necessary,” Jerry answered.

”Because this one time Dia terrified a little girl into tears for getting too close to the exhibit,” Pratt added.