Page 27 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)

He grins, giving me a friendly pat on the back. “Come on, let's get ready for dinner.”

As we walk to our respective rooms, the conversation with Astrid fades into the background, replaced by the comforting presence of a friend who understands more than I’ve ever given him credit for. I feel the stress of the day melt away with each step, grateful for Conrad's easy companionship.

The week at Conrad’s went fast, and now I’m in a sleek black car heading to Heathrow’s private tarmac, where the jet Hannah is already on board awaits me.

As the car glides smoothly along the road, the early morning darkness of winter envelops the city, with streetlights casting a soft glow over the frost-covered landscape.

I stare out the window, my mind wandering to the upcoming flight.

I can’t help but picture Hannah and me sneaking into the small but luxurious bathroom of the jet, her laughter hushed as we lock the door behind us.

The fantasy of our bodies pressed together in the confined space, the thrill of the stolen moment, sends a rush of excitement through me.

I smile to myself, the anticipation making the journey to the airport seem even longer.

The driver turns through a gate marked “Private Aviation,” and we pull up in front of a modern, glass-walled terminal reserved for private jet passengers.

A uniformed attendant opens my door, greeting me with a polite nod.

I step out into the cool morning air, feeling a slight chill as I adjust the strap of my carry-on bag on my shoulder.

A concierge swiftly approaches, checking my name off a list and guiding me through a discreet security checkpoint, which is more streamlined than the usual commercial process.

I walk through a polished, well-appointed lounge area where a few other travelers are relaxing on plush sofas, sipping on morning coffee and reading newspapers.

The concierge leads me directly out to the tarmac, where the jet is waiting.

The aircraft is sleek and modern, its engines idling softly in the background.

A portable staircase is already positioned at the entrance, and a flight attendant stands at the base, welcoming me with a warm smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Bentinck,” the flight attendant says. “Welcome aboard.”

I nod in return and climb the steps, the metal cold under my gloved hands.

The interior of the jet is even more luxurious than I anticipated.

The cabin is spacious, with wide, plush leather seats, warm lighting, and elegant wood paneling.

Hannah is already seated, her face lighting up as she sees me.

But then I notice Amelia sitting right beside her, bundled up in a stylish winter coat and scarf, her gray hair cascading over her shoulders, and her green-rimmed glasses adding a touch of sophistication.

“Dr. Amelia, such a surprise,” I say, trying to mask my shock as I walk towards them.

Hannah stands up and gives me a warm hug. “It’s a surprise for Oma,” she explains, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “She hasn’t seen her sister for two decades.”

I nod, still taken aback, and sit down opposite them. “Wait. Margaret doesn’t know about this?” I ask, glancing between Hannah and Amelia.

Amelia shakes her head, her expression calm but tinged with anticipation. “It's going to be a surprise. We have a lot to talk about.”

I freeze for a moment, the reality of the situation sinking in. How will Margaret react to seeing her sister after more than twenty years? One thing is sure, good or bad, this will be a Christmas to remember.

I turn to Hannah, trying to mask my nervousness. “Did you tell Elise or anyone that I was coming?”

Hannah reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Relax. Oma invited you, and that’s all that matters.”

I start to tense up, the knot in my stomach tightening. “Okay, and, eh, how are you going to introduce me?” I ask, my voice a little strained.

Hannah grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, as a friend.”

I blink twice, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. “A friend?”

“Fine,” she says, letting out a sigh. “A special friend. Happy?” Everyone chuckles, the tension in the cabin easing slightly.

I settle into my seat as the aircraft doors close, and the engines begin to hum.

The flight attendant offers us a choice of drinks and a selection of gourmet snacks.

The captain’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing our imminent departure.

I glance out the window as the jet starts to taxi down the runway.

Moments later, we’re airborne, the ground receding quickly below us.

As we soar towards the Netherlands, I steal a glance at the two women, sitting in front of me.

They’re engaged in animated conversation, their faces glowing with excitement.

I lean back in my seat, trying to relax, the anticipation of the reunion and the unexpected company making it hard to sit still.

Any hopes of having a quickie in the bathroom are long gone, so I settle into my seat, resigned.

This trip is already full of surprises, and I have a feeling there are more to come.