Page 82 of The Explorer
I smiled and exchanged a long gaze with Aubri, knowing that loving her would never get boring.
CHAPTER 21
Pickup
Five Months Later
Aubri
On the sixth of July, after asking for five months, Indiana and I finally got a chance to visit the laboratory.
We spent the morning with Celeste, who showed us around the building where she worked.
After giving birth to her third child, she had earned a promotion to head of the environmental department. We listened as she went over what happened to all the tests that we brought back and educated us on the strategy behind which areas to clean first.
We soaked up everything as she introduced us to people and showed off the five different labs specializing in marine life, botany, geology, climatology, and limnology.
“What is limnology?” I asked.
Celeste gave me one of those patient smiles that always made me feel like I was stupid for not knowing.
“Limnology is the study of inland waters. So that means lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, wetlands, and groundwater.”
“Ah, you mean fresh water,” Indiana said and looked up as Victor came walking into the lab.
“No. It can be both freshwaterand saline,” Celeste explained before spotting Victor as well.
Stopping in front of us, Victor looked like a doctor with his white lab coat. “Are you enjoying your guided tour?”
“Yes, it’s fascinating to see what happens with all the tests that we risk our lives for.” I crossed my arms. “So, Victor, tell us again, which lab are you working in?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you. My work is classified.”
“Come on, you can tell us, we’re all friends,” Indiana pressed, but Victor didn’t budge. Instead he looked straight at Celeste and spoke in French.
After living for six months in Old Europe, I could pick up some of what he said. “I know you’re talking about my uncle, what is it?”
Victor stood in his typical stoic pose when he answered, “I tried contacting you and Indiana, but when none of you answered, I reached out to Banni, who told me you were with Celeste today.”
“That’s not what you just told Celeste. I heard you mention my uncle Khan.”
“Oui. He has sent his drone to pick you two up and take you home for the summer.”
“Today?” My eyes grew. “But I thought they were coming tomorrow.”
“Apparently, they are eager to get you back home. I believe your brother has come to fetch you.”
“Mason?”
Victor shook his head. “No, I was referring to Indiana’s brother, Jones.”
“Jones is here?” Indiana lit up.
“Yes, and a woman. I’m not sure who. The drone is expected to arrive in forty minutes. You have time to go home and pack what you want to bring. I’ll meet you at the landing place.”
“Why? We can find it ourselves.”
As if Victor suspected foul play, he gave a bored smile. “It’s just a precaution to see you off safely.”
