Page 26 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)

Johan

I adjust my tweed jacket, ensuring it’s snug but comfortable.

The cold morning air nips at my cheeks as I pull my wool scarf tighter around my neck.

My boots crunch against the frosty ground, and I can feel the warmth of my thick, woolen socks.

My hunting vest, layered over a plaid shirt, is filled with ammunition, and a flat cap shields my eyes from the early sunlight.

Conrad walks beside me, his own attire similarly suited for the countryside—tweed jacket, sturdy boots, and a shotgun slung over his shoulder.

The rustling of pheasants through the underbrush and the distant calls of birds fill the crisp air. I’m about to make a remark about the beauty of the countryside when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see a text from Hannah: Oma booked a jet for us on Thursday morning.

I stop in my tracks, reading the message twice to make sure I’ve understood correctly. Conrad notices my pause and raises an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

I show him the message, and he lets out a low whistle. “Damn. Oma Margaret isn't joking around.”

I chuckle, sliding the phone back into my pocket. “I'm spending Christmas with Hannah at her grandmother’s.”

“So, you’re gonna meet your future in-laws? Well, not that you don’t already know them,” Conrad teases, giving me a friendly shove.

I laugh, pushing him back. “Yeah, it’s not like we haven’t met, but it feels different this time.”

“At least you won’t have to deal with Astrid,” he says with a smirk, his eyes briefly meeting mine before focusing on the path ahead.

“Speaking of which,” I begin, kicking at a stray pebble, “I’ll be back for New Year’s Eve. Would it be alright if I stayed here for a few days? The last thing I want is to be around Astrid when she returns.”

“Of course,” Conrad replies without hesitation, his voice warm and welcoming. “Anytime.” He glances over at me, concern flickering in his eyes as he studies my face. “I’m worried about you… and this whole engagement thing. When are you going to break it off?”

I sigh, feeling the familiar weight of the situation pressing down on me like a lead blanket. “It’s complicated,” I mutter, my gaze drifting to the distant tree line.

“Maybe I’ll understand,” Conrad presses gently, his tone softer now.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to lay it all out.

“Ludovic and I are headed to Oman in January. We’re leading an expedition to find the Star of Ubar.

He’s nothing more than a treasure hunter at this point, and I plan to expose him to the Omani government and the local authorities.

But I need concrete evidence—proof that he’s been selling artifacts illegally. ”

Conrad’s expression turns thoughtful as he processes this, his brow furrowing slightly. “And once you’ve got the proof?”

“I’ll go straight to the Omani officials and inform Dean Pembroke,” I reply, my tone resolute. “They’re friends, but I know Pembroke won’t jeopardize his reputation or risk protecting a criminal. He’ll back me up, no question.”

Conrad’s worry deepens, evident in his voice. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

I exhale, the uncertainty gnawing at me. “I’m not sure. It depends on what we find on the ground. It could be a few weeks… maybe even a few months.”

Conrad frowns, his gaze drifting away for a moment before returning to me. “And by then, Astrid will have the entire wedding planned and the date set.”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation but knowing there’s no turning back. “I know. But it’s a risk I have to take.”

He studies me for a moment longer, then sighs. “If you say so.”

The wind rustles the leaves, and for a moment, we walk in silence, each lost in our thoughts.

The countryside stretches out before us, a beautiful, cold expanse, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation for the challenges ahead.

The crunch of our boots on the frosty ground and the occasional distant gunshot keep us grounded in the present as we navigate the complicated path before us.

After the hunt, we make our way back to Conrad's estate.

The sprawling grounds, with their meticulously maintained lawns and ancient trees, are covered in a thin layer of frost, giving the landscape a crisp, wintry appearance.

The grand, ivy-clad mansion looms against the darkening sky, its stone facade weathered yet majestic, with windows glowing warmly from within.

Entering the living room, I'm immediately enveloped by its cozy charm.

The room is expansive yet inviting, with high ceilings adorned with wooden beams. A roaring fire crackles in the large stone fireplace, casting flickering shadows across the richly paneled walls.

Overstuffed armchairs and a plush sofa are arranged around a coffee table, laden with snacks and a large pot of mulled wine.

I sink into an armchair, the warmth seeping into my bones as I cradle a steaming mug of mulled wine. The windows, framed by heavy curtains, show the frosty landscape outside, enhancing the coziness of the room. Conrad is nearby, smiling as he texts someone, his eyes lighting up with every reply.

“Who's got you so captivated?" I ask, curiosity piqued.

Conrad looks up, still smiling. “Oh, since I know you and Hannah are a thing, I've been out there meeting new people and met a French girl called Olivia. She’s lovely, doing her master's degree. We've been hanging out a lot.”

I raise an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “Why didn't you tell me anything?”

He shrugs, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I just forgot.”

“You met someone, and you forgot to mention it to your best friend. Really?”

Conrad looks down, a bit reserved, the earlier joy in his eyes dimming slightly. I take a deep breath, sensing the need for a serious conversation. “Conrad, can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he replies, but his gaze is still on his phone.

“Would you tell me the truth? Promise?”

Conrad nods, but his focus remains on the screen. I take another deep breath, bracing myself. “Do you have feelings for Hannah?”

He freezes, his eyes widening in shock as he looks up at me. The silence stretches, and I can see the internal struggle on his face. “I won't get pissed, I just wanna know the truth.”

Conrad hesitates, running a hand through his hair as he ponders. “Well, she was special, I won’t lie. The fact she was hard to get made me even more interested.”

I roll my eyes, unable to hide my exasperation. “Are you serious right now?”

“Yeah, I am. She really sparked interest in me. But I'm moving on... Now that I know she’s with you.”

I notice the sadness in his eyes, the realization that Hannah has always been into me and not him. “I appreciate the honesty.”

We share a moment of understanding, the air between us heavy with unspoken words. The fire crackles in the silence, adding to the ambiance of the room. Conrad stands up, breaking the tension. “Alright. Let's go and change for dinner.”

I nod, following his lead, the conversation still lingering in my mind.

As we head out, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Conrad's honesty and the complex yet strong bond we share. The revelation about his feelings for Hannah is a shock, a twist I didn't see coming. It explains so much—the glances, the way he always seemed to be there, his silent support. I wonder how long he’s harbored these feelings and how hard it must have been for him to see us together. Yet, he’s never let it interfere with our friendship.

The estate's grandeur fades into the background, replaced by the warmth of friendship and the comfort of mutual understanding. I appreciate his honesty, but it also makes me question how much I’ve overlooked.

Have I been so wrapped up in my own world that I missed what was right in front of me?

Conrad’s quiet sacrifice, his ability to put our friendship above his own feelings, speaks volumes.

As we walk, I silently vow to be more aware, to not take this friendship for granted.

Just as we cross the foyer, ready to go upstairs, my phone buzzes. I glance at the screen and see Astrid’s name. I can’t help but heave a long sigh, already tired of the conversation that’s about to unfold, but knowing it’s best to play along for now, I decide to pick up.

“Hi, Astrid,” I say, trying to sound cheerful.

Her voice is animated and sweet. “Hey, love! How are you doing? What are you up to?”

“I'm at Conrad's for the week, hunting like I told you.” I hope this doesn’t turn into a lengthy chat. Conrad stops in his tracks for a second, turning to look at me with a curious glance, then he continues and moves ahead, his footsteps quick and light as he reaches the stairs.

“Oh, right! How's that going?” she asks, seemingly oblivious to my earlier explanation.

“Good. How about you?” I ask out of politeness, following Conrad’s lead as we go upstairs. He pauses, noticing my slower pace, and waits for me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“I'm out shopping for bikinis for the Maldives. I’m super sad you can’t join us.” Her tone’s a mix of excitement and sadness.

I shift the phone to my left hand, using my right to grasp the banister, each step feeling heavier with the weight of the conversation.

“I know, but we’ll see each other after. Time flies during the holidays.”

We talk for a bit longer, her enthusiasm about the trip evident. I feel a pang of guilt for not being more engaged, but I’m drained. “Enjoy your vacation; it's going to be a great time with your family,” I finally say, reaching the top of the stairs where Conrad stands, patiently waiting for me.

“I’ll call you once we land in a few days. Bye!”

“Bye, Astrid,” I say, hanging up and feeling an immediate sense of relief. I let my shoulders drop, releasing some of the tension.

Conrad, noticing my exhaustion, chuckles. “My poor boy. Women, huh?”

I shove him playfully, the tension easing a bit more. “Yeah, you could say that.”