Chapter One
The first time Helga met Harriet it was in a Cairo souk where she was haggling over the price of an ornament that was apparently discovered at an archaeological dig in Palestine. The woman was determined to beat the price down and the stall owner kept pleading that he had to feed his entire family.
“How many children?” Harriet asked him in an accent that sounded almost American.
“Twelve,” he replied.
“You don’t look old enough to be the father of twelve children,” she flicked a lock of auburn hair back under her hat, “are you sure they’re all your children?”
“I am insulted,” his face flushed, “you insult my family and my wife’s name.”
“Just asking,” she showed her palms, “okay, how about ten shillings, take it or leave it,” she held out the money and the man wavered and t
