The Venturesome Race

Chapter Nine:

BRYNN JONES POV –

Once we had landed back in the UK it was 9pm, I asked Roland to clear us for an 0600 flight to Washing DC. There was someone I needed to talk to, well wanted to. After he agreed, the four of us headed up from the hanger bay, through Camille’s garage and up to the first-floor lobby. The girls came to greet us in the living room, after the usual greetings, we all decided on Chinese for dinner. Camille placed the order after complaining about it for five minutes before hand, while the boys and I went to unpack. Only 40 minutes later we were all sat in our seats at the living room table, eating and catching each other up on everything. The boys listened as Ruby told us about how she has authenticated the 900-year-old sword we found in Wales last month and already has a buyer. Luka told the girls about the wonderful foods he had tasted while we were in India and Roland taunted ruby over the fact that he basically just got to sit by the pool and sunbathe all day.

After food I had headed straight to bed and so did Roland, the others stayed up late gathered around the table together. No doubt planning strategy in case we happen to bump into any unfriendly company agents or sad sack freelancers. After unsuccessfully trying to sneak out with Roland in the early hours, we had an extra travel buddy. I should’ve known Vincent wouldn’t let me go anywhere alone even though technically I was going to be with Roland. It apparently makes him to nervous since last year and I guess I understood in a way. If I hadn’t snuck off to get the scroll alone then I probably wouldn’t have almost shed my mortal ties. That was a thought that hadn’t left my mind since it happened. If I weren’t so scared that the company agent that was sent would have hurt Vincent, Camille and Roland then I never would’ve gone out there alone. Instead of trusting in my team and telling that about the threats and my past run ins with the agent, I hid it from them, tried to go it alone and it nearly killed me.

The car company we use when in the states had gotten everything ready for my arrival and there was a big black SUV on the edge of the air strip along with a driver waiting for the three of us when we landed in DC. It was only be a short 30-minute drive to the Smithsonian and I spent every second thinking about how to discreetly get the information I was looking for.

Walking into the small classroom in the Ancient Civilizations Wing I found just the woman I was looking for, Mrs Julia Le’ovre. Hunched over her desk in the far corner of the room. Her nose was buried in a book just like it was every time I came to see her; it had started as a one-off visit just after my accident, but I find her so fascinating and the passion of which she discusses the older world is truly a marvel. I couldn’t help myself; I had come back to attend several of her classes at the university and to ask for some advice or guidance every so often.

“Hello Mrs Le’ovre.” I greeted her with my signature smile whilst entering the room. As I crossed the space between us, she held her arms open wide too embrace me. I walked straight into her arms and wrapped my free arm around her waist placing my hand on the back of her shoulder as she rubbed my back softly. When she released me, her eyes fell onto the sleek red box in my other hand.

“I told you to stop bringing me gifts. You’re going to make me fat as well as old!” She exclaimed as she chuckled.

“Oh, I will not, I promise mam.” I replied with a humourful tone.

“Oh, you’re such a sweet woman, what little treat have you brought along this time?” She asked, I loved bringing Mrs Le’ovre a little something when I came to see her. If not something small and fashionable, then definitely something edible.

“Chocolates from Belgium, Wine from Italy and some Authentic Curry Powder from India.” I smiled as I walked around the room, taking in all the facts and interesting notes that adorned the walls.

“Such a darling, you do know you don’t have to butter me up though.” She smirked while once again settling herself back into the chair she was previously sat on.

“It is good to see you again sweetheart, you know how much I look forward to our conversations and thank you for the gifts.” She cooed while gesturing to the seat facing her. Once I lowered myself into it, she rolled her chair a little closer.

“So, what can I help you with this time love?” She smiled, Julia had such a warm, motherly way of making you feel completely relaxed and comfortable. Sometimes I think that may be the reason I keep coming back, not for the information she can teach me but for the way she silently soothes my nerves.

“I’m hoping to visit one of the oldest tribes in India. I know it is better not to show up empty handed but I also know that different regions and religions have different preferences. I was wondering if you had any ideas on what would be bet to gift the elders of the tribe?” I unload my worry onto her and the waited. She reached up and tucked a few loose strands of her grey tinted hair back into her bun and then lightly rubbed the back of her neck. It was only a small and easily miss able gesture, but it made me involuntarily think of the company agent I hadn’t been able to rid my mind off. I then watched as a small frown appeared on her oval face and she squinted her round hazel eyes at me for a second before shooting up to a standing position.

“I think I may know just the type of thing you’re looking for sweetheart.” She clasped her hands together ecstatically. After listening to Julia describe the exact things I could present as gifts our conversation turned into a more relaxed and easier flowing one. We spoke about some of the things that had happened since our last meeting and some of the things we were going to do. Julia told me more about her upcoming trip to The Caribbean with her husband and how none of her students at the university had the same kind of drive or excitement for the past. Time always seemed to fly when I was talking to Mrs Le’ovre, the depth of mystery and intrigue from throughout history was something I could utterly lose myself in, even if it were only for a little while. It was almost dark out by the time me and Julia said our goodbyes, which didn’t leave me much time to do my last errand before the flight back to England.