Page 99 of Johan.

“Make sure to keep it to yourself,” I tell him, my voice firm. “If he knows we’re following him, he might just disappear.” I glance around the bustling camp through the open tent flap, where the local staff are engrossed in their tasks, unaware of the conversation.

“Don’t worry about that. He's roasted.” Dr. Pembroke's confidence is reassuring, and I nod in agreement, hoping he’s right. The stakes are too high for anything to go wrong. “When are you coming back?”

“If everything goes according to plan, tomorrow,” I reply, feeling a sense of finality as I check my watch. “Well, I’ve got to go. I’m about to have lunch with some Omani officials who are aware of the situation and are helping us.”

“Understood. Stay safe, Johan.” His voice carries a note of genuine concern. “The council and I are eagerly waiting for your return.”

“You too, Dr. Pembroke.” I end the call, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation.

From now on, Astrid and her father are done. When I will come back tomorrow, I’ll be a free man. I’ll be able to break up with that bitch and focus solely on my relationship with Hannah. I wipe my hands on a nearby towel, the cool fabric soothingagainst my skin. The plan is in motion, and soon, all our efforts will pay off.

I receive another phone call, this time from Rachid himself. “It's time for lunch,” he announces as I pick up. “The officials and everyone else are here.”

“On my way,” I tell him quickly before hanging up. Then, I step back into the searing heat and drive the jeep to the tent where lunch is being served. The sun beats down relentlessly, and I can feel the sweat trickling down my back as I navigate the sandy terrain. When I arrive, Rachid is waiting at the entrance of a large, air-conditioned tent. His expression is serious but encouraging.

“Good to see you back,” Rachid says with a warm smile. “Let me introduce you to the officials.”

Inside, the tent is luxurious, with plush seating and an elegant dining area. The cool air is a welcome relief from the oppressive heat outside. Plates of traditional Omani food are laid out on a long, beautifully decorated table, the aromatic spices mingling with the cool air.

Amelia, Angela, and Lukas are already inside, engaged in light conversation with the officials. Laughter and the hum of friendly chatter fill the tent, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rachid leads me to the group and begins the introductions. “Johan, I'd like to introduce you to the officials who have been instrumental in supporting our work here. This is Dr. Saif Al-Mahri, the Director of Archaeology,” he says, gesturing to a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard. “Beside him is Ms. Layla Al-Hadi, the Director of Cultural Tourism,” he continues, indicating a woman with kind eyes and a calm demeanor. “And this is Mr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi, our Diplomatic Officer,” he finishes, introducing a distinguished-looking man with a diplomatic air.

Dr. Saif steps forward first, extending his hand to me. “Johan, thank you for your relentless work. The preservation of our heritage is of utmost importance.”

I shake his hand, feeling the sincerity in his grip. “Thank you for your cooperation. This project means a lot to all of us.”

Ms. Layla nods in agreement as she steps forward. "We are grateful for the dedication your team has shown. It is not often we find such commitment to preserving our history.”

"Your support has been invaluable,” I reply. “We couldn't have done this without your help.”

Mr. Ahmed joins in, his voice calm and measured. “We recognize the importance of this project and are here to ensure its success. Your findings are of great significance to us.”

As we sit down to eat, the conversation flows naturally. The officials are keen to hear about our findings and the significance of the artifacts we’ve uncovered. I describe some of the most exciting discoveries, the stories behind them, and the meticulous care we’ve taken to preserve them.

“We are particularly excited about the potential of the Star of Ubar,” I say. “If it is what we believe, it could be one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent history.”

Dr. Saif nods thoughtfully. “It is indeed a remarkable find. We are pleased to support your efforts to ensure it is preserved and studied properly.”

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 allknow 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.

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