Page 66 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)

Ms. Layla adds, “We have made arrangements for a private jet to be ready to take off at 2 a.m.. Rachid will accompany you to the UK with his team to ensure the artifacts’ safe transport and arrival.”

I express my gratitude, acknowledging the critical role their support plays in our mission. “Thank you. Your assistance is crucial in helping us achieve our goals.”

With the formalities concluded, I clear my throat and address everyone at the table.

“I also wanted to let you all know that the dean, Dr. Henry Pembroke, is fully aware of our situation. The secret services and police are already preparing to follow Ludovic once he arrives in London. They’re ready to track him to Loki’s location and ensure justice is served. ”

There is a collective sigh of relief around the table, and a sense of shared purpose solidifies among us.

After lunch, we make our way back to the excavation site, particularly to the tent where all the artifacts are getting ready for the plane. Tomorrow, we’ll leave Oman for good and face the council, where the true test of our resolve will be put to the ultimate challenge.

The sun sets over the vast expanse of the desert, casting a warm, golden glow across the dunes.

I sit on the terrace of my tent, savoring the calming aroma of mint tea that rises in gentle wisps from my cup.

I lean back slightly, feeling the taut muscles in my back begin to relax.

The horizon stretches out endlessly before me, painted in hues of orange and pink, a sight that never fails to instill a sense of awe and peace within me.

As I sip my tea, I notice Amelia walking in my direction. Her silhouette is a graceful contrast against the fading light, and her purposeful strides bring a sense of urgency. She approaches me with a warm smile, and I gesture for her to sit beside me.

“We have everything ready,” she says softly, breaking the silence with her calm, steady voice. “Now all that is left is to pack our own bags.”

I turn my head to look at her, nodding in agreement.

“That should be quite fast.” I reach for the teapot, the metal cool to my touch, and pour some mint tea into a cup for her.

The fragrant steam curls upward, bringing with it the scent of fresh mint.

Amelia accepts the cup with a nod of thanks, her hands steady as she takes it from me.

We sit in companionable silence for a moment, the only sounds being the gentle rustle of the tent fabric and the distant call of desert birds settling for the night. The silence is not uncomfortable but rather filled with unspoken understanding and shared experiences.

Amelia gazes at the horizon, and she lets out a sigh. “I'm gonna miss this,” she murmurs.

I nod, my gaze still fixed on the horizon as the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the dunes.

“Me too,” I reply quietly, taking another sip of my tea.

The warmth of the liquid spreads through me, grounding me in the present moment.

I then add, “You and Dr. Angela should come back and lead the team. There’s still so much to uncover. ”

Amelia turns to look at me, her expression thoughtful and touched. She takes a slow sip of her tea, letting my words sink in. “Thank you, Johan.” She pauses, observing me. “I'm glad Hannah has you by her side.” Her voice’s sincere and filled with gratitude.

Her words touch me deeply, warming my heart and filling me with a sense of fulfillment.

It's satisfying to know that I've made a difference here, but the thought of seeing Hannah tomorrow fills me with even greater anticipation.

I can't wait to hold her, to share all we've accomplished, and to see her smile again.

Despite the distance and time apart, my feelings for her have only grown stronger.

A few hours later, at 1:00 a.m., the camp comes to life with the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the night.

The cool desert air is a sharp contrast to the heat of the day, and the stars twinkle brightly overhead, creating a canopy of light.

Team members leave their tents, gathering by the jeeps with quiet efficiency, their breath visible in the chill night air.

The sounds of soft conversation and the rustle of gear being loaded into vehicles fill the night.

Back into my tent, I walk over to the table where the hard shell case containing the Star of Ubar is.

My fingers brush against the cool, sturdy surface as I unfasten the latches and open the case.

The Star of Ubar rests inside, its intricate details catching the faint light.

I take a moment to ensure it's secure before closing the case and locking it again.

Satisfied, I pick it up and head towards the jeep waiting for me outside.

Our drivers take us to the airstrip, located a few miles away from the excavation site.

The drive is quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the engines and the crunch of sand under the tires.

As we approach the airstrip, the silhouette of a large Gulfstream jet comes into view, illuminated by the bright lights on the tarmac.

The sleek, impressive aircraft stands ready to take us on the final leg of our journey.

The ground staff is already busy loading everything onto the plane.

Crates filled with artifacts are being handled with the utmost care, and I supervise the process, ensuring each item is securely stowed.

The metallic clinks and the muffled thuds of the crates add a rhythm to the night’s activities.

As the last of the cargo is being onboarded, my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see it's a call from Dr. Pembroke. I answer it, listening intently.

“The secret services have been following Ludovic since his arrival,” Dr. Pembroke informs me. “He's now at the Savoy Hotel, most likely sleeping or relaxing. They are waiting for him to leave to meet Loki so they can find out the location.”

I nod, even though he can't see it. “Good, we are starting to board soon. See you in nine hours.”

After ending the call, I ensure everything is in order before boarding the jet.

Inside, the plush seats and soft lighting provide a stark contrast to the rugged desert.

I carefully place the hard-shell case in a secure compartment and settle into my seat.

The team follows, the tension of the past days slowly ebbing away.

As the jet takes off, I feel the weight of exhaustion settles over me. The hum of the engines is a comforting background noise as I finally allow myself to relax, the promise of success and resolution awaiting us in London.