Page 60 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)

Hannah

I take a deep breath, steeling myself before I enter the university building.

The corridors are bustling with students, their chatter a constant background hum, but my mind is focused solely on the task ahead.

I head towards the Dean’s office, my steps purposeful, each one bringing me closer to a confrontation that could change everything.

When I reach the office, the secretary looks up from her desk, her expression polite but wary. “Do you have an appointment?” she asks, her fingers poised over the keyboard.

“I don’t, but you may tell him Johan Bentinck sent me,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’m here to say that one of his best friends and school donors is a treasure hunter and a criminal, and I just got the proof.”

The secretary’s eyes widen slightly, but she quickly masks her surprise.

She picks up the phone and dials the Dean’s number.

“Dean Pembroke, there’s someone here who says you might want to meet her.

Her name is Hannah van den Bosch.” She listens for a moment, then nods. “Yes, sir. I’ll send her in.”

“You can go in,” she tells me, motioning towards the door.

I walk into the Dean’s office, taking in the room’s stately decor. Shelves lined with books and academic awards, a large mahogany desk at the center, and a portrait of Dean Pembroke hanging on the wall. The Dean himself stands as I enter, extending a hand.

“Hannah van den Bosch, is it?” he asks, his tone curious but measured.

“Yes, Dean Pembroke,” I reply, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

“Please, have a seat,” he says, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk.

I sit down, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. The Dean sits opposite me, his hands folded on the desk, watching me intently.

“I understand you have something important to discuss,” he prompts, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of concern.

“Yes,” I begin, meeting his gaze. “This is about Ludovic Goschen. He’s one of your best friends and a significant donor to the university. Johan Bentinck sent me because we have proof that Ludovic is a treasure hunter and involved in criminal activities.”

Dean Pembroke’s eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. “That’s a serious accusation, Miss van den Bosch. What kind of proof do you have?”

I reach into my bag and pull out a folder, placing it on his desk. “Photos, videos, and voice recordings,” I say. “Johan recorded everything during their recent expedition. Ludovic has been selling valuable artifacts on the black market.”

The Dean opens the folder, his expression growing more serious as he examines the contents. He looks at the photos, listens to snippets of the recordings, and reads the transcripts. His face goes from disbelief to shock and finally to a grim understanding.

“I can’t believe this,” he mutters, his voice barely audible. He looks up at me, his eyes wide with a mix of anger and betrayal. “Ludovic has been a pillar of our community. How could he...?”

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” I say gently, “but we need to act quickly. Johan said you should call him to discuss this further. He also mentioned notifying Professor Anderson to ensure we’re not caught by surprise.”

Dean Pembroke nods slowly, still processing the information. He reaches for his phone, his hand shaking slightly. “I’ll call Johan right away,” he says, his voice steadier now, but the underlying tension still evident.

As he dials the number, I can see the weight of the situation settling on him. The room feels heavier, the gravity of our conversation pressing down on us. He listens to the phone ring and then, “Johan, it’s Dean Pembroke. I’ve just seen the evidence. We need to talk.”

He puts the phone on speaker, and I hear Johan’s voice, calm but urgent. “Dean Pembroke, thank you for calling. I’ve only five minutes before checking out. I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to act quickly. Ludovic cannot be allowed to continue this.”

“I understand, Johan,” the Dean replies. “What do you need from me?”

“First, make sure Professor Anderson is aware of what’s happening. We need to ensure the integrity of our work and the safety of our team. Then, we need to coordinate with law enforcement. Ludovic must be held accountable for his actions.”

“Should we also notify the Omani government?” Dean Pembroke asks.

“Ludovic has got a few allies in Oman, including the ambassador. I’m going to speak to Rachid, the Omani rep we have on site. He seems legit. I will keep you updated.”

The Dean nods, though Johan can’t see it. “I’ll take care of the local authorities on my end, then. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

“I appreciate it,” Johan says, his voice filled with relief. “And thank you, Hannah, for putting us in touch. Stay safe.”

“You too,” I reply, my heart swelling with pride for Johan and the steps we’re taking together.

The Dean hangs up the phone and looks at me, his expression resolute. “This is going to be a difficult road, but it’s the right thing to do. Thank you for your bravery, Miss van den Bosch.”

“Thank you, Dean Pembroke,” I say, standing up. “I’ll keep you updated on any further developments.”

As I leave the office, I feel a sense of determination.

We’ve taken a crucial step in bringing Ludovic to justice, and though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, I know we’re on the right path.

The cool air outside feels invigorating, a reminder that despite the darkness, there is always a way forward.