Samantha Jones And The Secret Of The Mummy's Crypt (standard:adventure, 8318 words)
Author: Waldo Pepper	Added: Dec 05 2002	Views/Reads: 3741/2282	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Samantha Jones and her assistant are hired to locate a missing archaologist in Egypt.

Samantha Jones And The Secret Of The Mummy's Crypt By Waldo Pepper 

Samantha Jones put the key into the lock of her office door and glanced
at the painted sign that advertised her business.  "Samantha Jones 
Private Investigation" it read.  She shook her head and walked into the 
dingy San Fransico office.  Being a private investigator in 1937 was a 
tough business, and for a women it was near impossible.  But it always 
wasn't like this for Samantha Jones and her partner were not ordinary 
woman.  Both were tough, smart, and had been around the block a couple 
of times and were known throughout the world for their integrity.  But 
like a lot of people with the depression they had fallen on hard times 
and     if they didn't get some money soon their business would be all 
over. 

Samantha sat behind her desk and look out the window.  She was worried
about paying the rent and were her next meal would come.  If something 
didn't happen soon she thought she would be back on that train to the 
little town were she was born.  She stood and picked up a pile of 
letters that had been delivered in the morning post.  Most were bills 
but suddenly an envelope with a neatly scripted address caught her eye. 
She tore it open and withdrew a single sheet of paper. 

"Dear Miss Jones," she read.  "My name is Susan Harker and I am writing
to you on an urgent matter.  could you meet me this evening at nine 
o'clock at the Stardust Room  for drinks.  I shall explain everything 
then. Please don't disappoint me. Susan." 

"Ah yes Susan Harker," she thought settling back into her chair.  "I
have  read about her. Now this broad has tons of money.  Why would she 
be writing  a no account private eye like me?" 

Suddenly the door opened and     and Rebecca Clark entered carrying a
paper bag.  She sat it down on the desk and walked over to a pot of 
stale coffee and poured herself a cup. 

"I just stepped out for a moment for a pack of cigarettes and a couple
of donuts Sam," she said.  "Was there anything interesting in the 
mail?" 

"Yes, someone called Susan Harker wants to meet us for drinks at the
Stardust Room tonight," she replied.  "does that name ring a bell with 
you?" 

"Stardust Room, pretty fancy," she said opening her bag.  "Susan Harker,
lets see.  Father is a professor at the university here, mother 
recently died and the family is rolling in bucks.  why would she be 
writing to us?" 

"That is what I was thinking," Samantha replied.  "We will find out soon
enough though for we will meet her and see what she has on  her mind." 

The Stardust Room was one of San Fransico's most elegant restaurants. 
The two young woman were escorted by a waiter to a table were Samantha 
ordered a scotch and soda for herself and Rebecca.  Af ew     minutes 
after nine they were pointed out by the waiter to a young attractive 
well dressed woman who made her way towards them. 

"You must be Miss Jones," she said.  "My name is Susan Harker and I am
so glad that you have come." 

"Yes, I got your note this morning," said Samantha.  "Now why don't you
sit down  and tell us what this is all about." 

Harker sat down and ordered fresh drinks for everyone and then placed a
roll of parchment on the table.  Samantha could tell that the young 
woman was upset and even the expensive make up that she wore could not 
hide the fact that she had been crying. 

"It's my father," she said.  "He recently traveled to Egypt with two
colleges to search for the tomb of Ramsey 11 and they have just written 
to me that he has disa    ppeared.  You have a reputation in this town 
of getting things done and i was wondering if you could find him for 
me." 

"Egypt is a long way away miss Harker," said Samantha sipping her drink.


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