Page 81 of Johan.

I head back to my flat in Cambridge, and the moment I step inside, I collapse onto the bed, not even bothering to undress. The day’s travel and the evening’s discussions have drained me, and the bed feels like a welcoming embrace.

Before sleep claims me, I remember I need to call Lukas. I pick up my phone and dial his number. He answers on the second ring, his voice clear despite the late hour.

“Lukas, it’s Johan. I’d like to meet with you tomorrow for an important face-to-face regarding the expedition. Can you come by my flat around four forty-five so we can go together?”

“Of course, Johan. I’ll be there,” Lukas replies, his voice tinged with curiosity and eagerness.

“Great. See you then,” I say, hanging up. With that final task done, I let myself drift into sleep, the excitement of the expedition mingling with the exhaustion of the day. My dreams are filled with images of the desert, ancient ruins, and the promise of discoveries yet to be made.

On the last day before our departure to Oman, Lukas and I meet at a quarter to five in front of my building. The winter evening in Cambridge is already darkening, the sun having set just a couple of minutes ago. The sky is a dull grey, hanging low like a heavy blanket, filled with the unspoken promise of biting cold.At least it’s not raining, I think to myself as I adjust my scarf.

Lukas stands quietly by the gate, his glasses catching the soft glow of the streetlamps as they flicker on. He gives them a quick adjustment, pushing them up the bridge of his nose with a subtle motion of habit. We exchange a brief nod of understanding—words unnecessary between us—and without delay, we set off down the quiet streets, our pace brisk as the chill seeps into our bones.

Our destination is Dr. Angela’s apartment, nestled in a modest building that blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. I remember it from our last meeting there: unremarkable yet secure, the perfect place for hushed conversations and plans that must remain secret. We make our way up the narrow staircase after entering the building, the wooden steps creaking underfoot. When we reach her door, I knock softly. The sound is almost absorbed by the thick silence of the hallway.

After a moment, the door opens, revealing Angela’s familiar face. Her expression softens as she recognizes us, and she steps aside, ushering us into the dimly lit interior. The curtains are drawn tightly, preventing any unwanted attention from outside. Amelia and Hannah are already there, standing by the dining table in the center of the room. Their eyes briefly meet ours as we enter, acknowledging our arrival with a quick nod.

“Everyone, this is Lukas,” I begin, my voice steady and reassuring, introducing him to the others. “He’s joining us on the expedition as my assistant.”

Lukas, slightly adjusting his glasses once more, steps forward with a small nod of his own. His posture is tense, but there’s a touch of relief in his face now that the introductions are being made.

Angela is the first to extend her hand, her smile warm and inviting despite the weight of the mission hanging over us all. “Welcome, Lukas,” she says kindly. “Johan has spoken highly of you. We’re glad to have you on board.”

Lukas shakes her hand, his grip firm but careful. “Thank you. I’m honored to be part of this.”

Amelia approaches next, her expression more serious but not unkind. There’s a gravity to her that Lukas seems to sense immediately. “I suppose you’re wondering what exactly you’ve gotten yourself into,” she says, a hint of wryness in her tone. “It’s time you knew the truth about our mission.”

Lukas’s eyes dart between us, a flicker of concern behind his glasses. “And what is it?” he asks cautiously, his voice low.

I step in to fill the silence, taking a deep breath before speaking. “Lukas, Ludovic Goschen isn’t just a wealthy sponsor,” I explain, my voice calm but firm. “He’s a treasure hunter and a criminal. This expedition? It’s a cover for him to steal the artifacts of Ubar and sell them to the highest bidder. Ourreal mission is to gather evidence to stop him and ensure he’s brought to justice.”

Lukas blinks, his eyes widening behind his glasses. His mind races, processing the weight of this revelation. “I… I had no idea. This is… This is serious.”

“Oh, it’s very serious,” Amelia says, her tone darkening as old memories surface. “Twenty years ago, I tried to expose him. His men kidnapped me, and I was only released after agreeing to never speak against him again.”

Lukas takes a deep breath, running a hand through his hair as he absorbs this information. His glasses slide slightly, and he pushes them back up with a determined motion. “That’s terrible. What am I supposed to do? I’m ready to help in any way I can.”

I place a hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “All we need from you is to be vigilant. Keep an eye on what Ludovic does and says while we’re on-site, and report everything to me. We need to tread carefully, Lukas. One wrong move, and everything could fall apart.”

Angela and Amelia exchange glances, nodding in agreement. A tense silence settles over the room for a moment, the gravity of our mission sinking in.

“We have to be extremely cautious,” I continue, my voice firm. “This mission is dangerous, but if we stay united, we have a chance to outsmart Ludovic and uncover the real treasure of Ubar.” I then turn to Angela and Amelia, and ask, “Do you have everything ready for tomorrow?”

Angela steps forward, her voice calm yet firm. “We do. A trusted local contact of mine has secured the necessary permits and will assist us in Oman. To avoid drawing attention, we’ll travel separately, use different jeeps, and operate from various sites. Discretion is critical.”

I nod, processing the information. “If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

Amelia joins in, her expression serious but reassuring. “Don’t worry. Our contact is highly experienced and will ensure both our safety and a smooth journey to our base. We’ll only gather outside the site when absolutely necessary.”

Angela reaches for her phone, her fingers moving swiftly as she speaks. “I’m sending the GPS coordinates for our tent now. Your driver will be able to bring you there whenever we need to regroup.”

A sense of resolve begins to grow inside me, the anxious tightness loosening slightly as I realize we’re as prepared as we can be. “Thank you,” I reply, my voice carrying a quiet but firm confidence. “Tomorrow is the big day. Let’s review the plan once more before we call it a night.”

As we gather around the table to finalize the details, a sense of unity binds us together. The path ahead is uncertain and dangerous, but with this team, we have a fighting chance.

Once everything is said and done, Hannah and I bid farewell to her aunt Amelia, Dr. Angela, and Lukas. The door clicks shut, and suddenly, it’s just the two of us—alone. The room feels significantly emptier yet charged with a different kind of energy. It’s quieter, more intimate. I turn to face her, noticing how her eyes sparkle with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The air between us thickens with anticipation, especially now as I recall what we did here last time we were together alone.

We stand close to each other, the space between us charged with unspoken words. I take her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin.

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