The Stolen Queen

Annie is allowed to go home, but she is warned that “until they ca[tch] the thief, she w[ill] be under suspicion” (191). She is not allowed to be on the premises of the Met until further notice. When Annie gets home, she learns that her mother has gotten engaged. This news is exciting at first until she realizes that Joyce plans to move her new husband into their already cramped apartment. Annie is hurt and angry when Joyce tells her to find a new place to live, especially since she no longer has a job. Annie’s neighbor Mrs. Hollingsworth offers to let her stay with her.

Charlotte consults Tenny and tells him about everything that has happened. Tenny wonders if the thief could be involved with an Egyptian organization known as Ma’at. Ma’at endeavors to return ancient Egyptian antiquities held by museums in other countries—stealing them, if necessary. Tenny notes that Leon has bragged about being involved with Ma’at. Charlotte grows increasingly frustrated with what she perceives as a lack of action from the Met: They want to follow protocol and hope that whoever took the statue will request ransom in exchange. Too impatient to wait, Charlotte decides to go to Egypt herself, even though Frederick warns her that she may not have a job when she comes back.