Page 10 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)
Johan
It’s Friday morning, and the soft buzz of my office seems more pronounced as I anticipate Ludovic’s arrival.
The clock ticks steadily, each second drawing closer to the inevitable discussion about the expedition to Ubar.
I try to concentrate on my work, papers, and maps spread across my desk, but my thoughts are repeatedly pulled toward the upcoming conversation and the intricate dance it will require.
The door to my office eventually opens, and Ludovic steps in, his presence commanding as always. He’s impeccably dressed, his suit sharp, and his demeanor confident. He greets me with a firm handshake, his grip strong, conveying both power and assurance.
Ludovic strides into my office with his characteristic confidence, taking a moment to survey the array of books and artifacts that line my shelves.
“You've got quite the collection here, Johan,” he remarks casually, his eyes scanning the titles and objects that reflect my years of fieldwork and research.
“Thanks,” I respond, rising from my desk to greet him properly. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, perhaps?”
“A coffee sounds great, thank you,” he accepts with a nod. While I prepare two cups from the small machine in the corner, Ludovic takes a seat, his gaze still roaming curiously over the details of my workspace.
Once we're both settled with our drinks, Ludovic leans forward, his demeanor shifting to one of excitement mixed with a hint of secrecy. “Johan, have you ever heard about the lost city of Ubar in Oman?”
I pause, feigning ignorance to gauge his intentions. “Ubar? Can’t say that I have. What about it?”
Ludovic reaches into his briefcase, pulling out a rolled-up map, which he spreads across my desk with a flourish.
“The Rub’ al Khali desert,” he begins, pointing to a vast, empty space on the map, “is closely linked to the ancient civilization of Ubar, sometimes referred to as the 'Atlantis of the Sands.
' The city, mentioned in Islamic and ancient texts, was believed to have flourished around the 1st century CE before its collapse.”
He traces a line with his finger across the desert depicted on the map. “It's hypothesized that Ubar eventually became buried under the sands of the Rub' al Khali desert, possibly due to the collapse of an underground water source that caused the ground to give way.”
“And what about it?”
“Well, recent archaeological findings suggest that the lost city of Ubar may have existed in some form, with remnants found at the site of Shisr right there,” he adds, pointing at the map, his eyes alight with the thrill of the chase.
Intrigued despite myself, I lean over the map, examining the details. “Okay, and what do you want to do with this information?” I ask, looking up at him.
Ludovic smiles, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “Send a team from the department and start excavations. There should be plenty of tombs and artifacts hidden under the sand.”
I guessed this was his true intention. Now that Ludovic has got a hold of Amelia’s research files, all he needs to do is gather a team and the permits and get going.
“This isn’t cheap,” I tell him, scratching the back of my neck.
“We are talking about a small fortune to get the people we need and to make sure we get the license to work on-site. The desert is a hostile place, strong wind can ruin days or even weeks of digging and excavations. It’s not an easy fate. ”
“That's why I need someone like you,” he says, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Someone who can take the lead on such an ambitious project. I’ll sponsor it, and you make it happen. It’ll be career-changing.”
While the proposal is enticing, a significant undertaking that could yield incredible historical insights, I know well that his goal about Ubar doesn’t align with mine. He’s a treasure hunter, ready to steal from a lost civilization for personal gain, not me.
Still pretending I’m on board, we start discussing logistics, timeline, paperwork, and potential team members; the conversation flows smoothly, building on Ludovic’s initial excitement.
As the discussion begins to wind down, I see an opportunity to shift the topic to a more personal agenda.
“Ludovic, while we’re planning this expedition, I have a small favor to ask regarding this weekend,” I venture cautiously.
He raises an eyebrow, signaling me to continue.
“I need to spend some time with my mate, Conrad. We have some urgent matters to discuss regarding a collaborative project. Could you perhaps take Astrid somewhere for the weekend? It’d give her a change of scenery, and I know she enjoys her father's company.”
Ludovic considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. “Of course, I can do that. I’ll drag Astrid with me for a weekend away. Consider it done.”
Relieved, I thank him, appreciating the breather his agreement gives me.
As Ludovic packs up his map and prepares to leave, I feel a mix of gratitude and anticipation.
The weekend now promises a respite from one set of challenges, even as we prepare to delve into another.
Now all I need to do is meet Conrad and make sure he covers my ass if Astrid inquires him about me.
As I enter the coffee shop in the heart of Cambridge, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee instantly fills my senses, offering a momentary reprieve from the weight of recent events.
Conrad is already seated at a window table that overlooks the bustling street outside, a strategic spot that gives us a perfect view while keeping our conversation private.
He notices me and waves, his face breaking into a broad, welcoming smile.
“Hey, bud, how’s everything?” Conrad greets me warmly, standing up briefly to shake hands. His grip is firm, reassuring.
“Busy as ever,” I reply, settling into the comfortable chair across from him. “And you? How are things on your end?”
“Just the usual chaos,” he chuckles, signaling the waiter with a casual wave. “Ready to order something? I recommend the club sandwich here; it’s fantastic.”
Nodding in agreement, I scan the menu quickly. “Sounds good, I’ll take the same.” The waiter jots down our order and moves off, allowing us to dive into more personal discussions.
As the buzz of the coffee shop swirls around us—soft jazz mingling with the clink of coffee cups and the murmur of other patrons—Conrad’s expression turns serious. “So, how’s everything with the engagement? Astrid must be on cloud nine with the whole thing.”
I take a deep breath, my fingers tapping rhythmically against the side of my coffee mug as I ponder what to tell him. “Yeah, it’s challenging but going well,” I lie, my voice low. “It’s gonna be a big engagement party; don’t you dare be late.”
“No worries, I’ll be on time.” Conrad leans in, his curiosity clear. “I must say, though, I was quite surprised about the engagement. You were quite clear you and Astrid weren’t serious…”
I tap my fingers on the table, unable to deny his words. “Well, that’s true.”
He fixes me with his gaze, his tone serious. “So what’s going on?”
“This whole engagement has been pushed on me, so I didn’t really have a choice on the matter.”
“Wow. That’s heavy stuff, man. I had no idea,” Conrad responds, his brow furrowing in concern.
“Yeah, it’s been tough,” I tell him, looking away momentarily to gather my thoughts. “Actually, Astrid’s father came to my office today. We discussed a project, but more importantly, he’s taking Astrid on a weekend getaway.”
“That should give you some breathing room, huh?” Conrad comments, taking a thoughtful sip of his coffee as our sandwiches arrive.
“It does. But, Conrad, I need a favor,” I say, pausing to make sure we're still out of earshot of anyone who might overhear. “If Astrid asks, can you back me up and say I spent the weekend with you?”
“Of course, you can count on me,” he replies without hesitation, setting down his coffee. “But where will you actually be?”
I hesitate. A part of me wants to confide everything about Hannah, but I choose to keep that part of my life shielded for now. “I just need some time alone to think things through,” I say, offering a half-truth that doesn’t betray the full extent of my plans.
“Understood,” Conrad nods, accepting my explanation. “Just let me know if you need anything else, alright?”
“Thanks, I really appreciate it,” I respond, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. We continue to eat, and I lead the conversation to lighter topics. “So, what about you? Any woman in your life causing trouble?” I ask with a hint of amusement in my voice.
Conrad laughs, a brief sound that echoes his usual easygoing nature. “I wish,” he says, but there’s a twinkle in his eye that tells me there’s more to the story. He hesitates for a moment before adding, “Actually, I had dinner with Hannah last night.”
I pause, my coffee halfway to my lips. The mention of Hannah’s name in this context sends a ripple of surprise through me.
“We studied together afterward at the library,” Conrad continues, his tone casual, but I detect a hint of enthusiasm as he talks about her. “I do like her, but she seems uninterested, which honestly makes her even more attractive in a way.”
The coffee in my mouth suddenly tastes bitter, and jealousy tinges on my thoughts.
I set the cup down a bit too forcefully.
“If she’s not showing interest, maybe you should focus on someone else,” I suggest, trying to keep my voice neutral, but there's an underlying sharpness that I can’t completely hide.
Conrad shrugs, seemingly unfazed by my advice. “Maybe, but there’s something about her, you know? I'm not ready to give up just yet.”
His persistence irks me, though I know it shouldn’t. I nod, forcing a smile. “Just don't let it distract you too much,” I say, trying to sound supportive despite the turmoil brewing inside. “You have a Master’s degree to finish. You promised your parents you’ll finish this year.”