IT WAS TEN P.M. 8:00. The Archaeological Museum had just closed its doors. Inside, silence and gloom dominated the empty spaces. Despite the darkness, they could see the silhouettes of three people in the center of room 23, against the backdrop of the colossal statues of Amenhotep III and his wife Tiyi. They were waiting for them.
— It's good to see you again, Greg... — Balkis stepped forward to greet him. — I suppose you want to speak with Giovanna.
He turned to indicate the young woman who had approached. From the shadows, the figure of a woman emerged. It was she, dressed in Masonic colors. She represented purity and wisdom.
When they stood face to face, Balkis turned to Hiram's side. The architect did the same, stepping away from the couple to allow them a moment of intimacy.
— You look beautiful — the detective said, holding her hands.
Giovanna, far from blushing, seemed thrilled by the situation.
— I'm sorry you were informed this way, and that I've involved you in something you might not have wanted to do.
— I admit it's a very uncomfortable situation — he admitted frankly. — Although I suppose, as I've been led to believe, you weren't involved in the murders.
— Of course not! — she exclaimed indignantly. — I was as surprised as you. I still haven't forgiven my uncle for using me for something so horrible. You have to believe me! I told them the story of the manuscript because I knew the legend of the Murcian stonemason and his connection to the Fajardo family. That was all. I never thought anyone would die...
— Answer honestly... Did you know what the cryptogram said before I deciphered it?
— Not entirely — she replied, lowering her voice. — Look... — She took a deep breath. — ...a few days before his death, I went to Viana's house, saying it had been a while since we'd seen him at work. I knew about the document because you told me about it yourself, and that's why I asked him to let me help with the translation.
— Of course! That's why you knew about Poe's story and how to decipher the manuscript.
— Actually, it was Viana who discovered the key — he admitted instantly. — He was very good at decoding.
No doubt, once the work was finished, he didn't want to show it to me because he had to speak to you first. Umbert then ordered you killed, as well as your surveillance, enforced by the more conservative members of the lodge, who didn't want the secret to be divulged. It was believed that you were the only person Jorge had spoken to about his acquisition of Toledo, which is why they asked me to follow in your footsteps, in exchange for the promise of keeping you alive.
— What did you tell them about me? — he was very curious... he wanted to know.
— The afternoon Viana was buried, I saw you leave with Clarice. That seemed strange to me, among other things, because you left without saying goodbye. I followed you to the office. I hid in the office next to hers and overheard your entire conversation. Without considering the consequences, I immediately called my uncle and told him everything. I didn't know I was condemning her to death... I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! — she lamented with deep sadness. — I think it was stupid of me.
— I'm still alive... — he tried to cheer her up. — And that should make you happy.
— And I'm truly happy! But if he's alive, it's thanks to Balkis, since the Council, behind my back, was planning his execution. Upon learning of the crimes planned by the lodge committee, she ordered an end to all violence. The truth is, we all deeply regret what happened.
Not that it would change anything, but the apology was worth accepting. Gregory Evans decided to forget everything, thinking about what would happen that very night. However, given the circumstances, he needed to know more about the initiation ritual.
— Listen, Candy... I want you to tell me what's going to happen — he pleaded. — If you only knew the nonsense I've had to listen to lately!
She stood on tiptoe, bringing her lips close to her companion's ear.
— I know... — he said softly, — and I'm afraid everything they told you is true, but don't let rational thought override your desire to believe. Just accept it. The only thing we have left is faith.
— I must believe, then, that I will actually speak to God?
— Yes... if we are able to overcome our demons... — she kissed him sweetly on the cheek. — And I am sure that together we will achieve this.
With those words, she ended the conversation. She walked away from him and went to the Guardians.
The moment of truth had arrived.