If you’re just joining this story, you may want to start from the beginning.
This story follows the first in Jenn’s Rediscovered series, Last Assault on Oak Island.
Onward with the search for the Amber Room. . .
The hotel room bill in Göttingen was quickly settled. Dr. Karen and Paul were relieved to hear Carlos' news of release. A lengthy call to the museum put Agnes Breach's mind at ease, after which she soundly reprimanded Carlos for endangering Lauren.
Once the pertinent calls were over, Lauren made one to Elden to discover he was in transit from Norway. She left a message for him at Vistoli's office.
She handed Carlos a comb as they sat at the Göttingen train station. "You look like Einstein on a windy day."
"It's good to hear your voice again. Even to critique my grooming habits." There had been many such remarks during the ride from Bad Werlein. He smiled, not quite washing away the hollow look beneath his eyes. Dr. Karen joined them at the bench.
"Three for Colmar," he said.
"Colmar?" Lauren watched Carlos rake his hair with the comb. "The closest airport is Frankfort."
Dr. Karen answered. "Dr. Sheldon says we have an acquisition from the Duke of Anjou."
She looked in astonishment from Dr. Karen to Carlos. "We do?"
They went as far as Mainz before stopping for the night. Carlos was anxious to meet Paul and Gustalav, but upon observing Lauren during the train ride, he convinced Dr. Karen that they should spend the night in the city. Carlos chose a modest hotel for the night hiatus.
Lauren gratefully found her room next to those of Carlos and Dr. Karen and immediately ran the shower as hot as she could tolerate it. She bundled her clothes of the last few days into a plastic liner and buried them in the bottom of one of her garment bags.
In the shower, she let the water stream around her, grimacing where it stung her ankle. Where the credit card had worn beneath her bra was slightly chaffed, and the card's magnetic strip had begun to dissolve. She wondered if it was even usable after the abuse of the mine water and wear. For several long moments she let the water pour over her, glad the last five days were finally over. She caught herself wondering if Reuben had sought medical attention.
She sighed, refusing to continue the line of thought, and poured a handful of shampoo.
Perhaps it was better not to think of some things. Or maybe it just wasn't yet time.
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