Anna dialled again frantically. 'Hello? I think I got disconnected, can you put me back through to Mathias Keller at 85 Rüdersdorfer Strasse.'

'That's a restricted...'

'Yes I know, I have permission. My name is Anna Lehman. Please put me through.'

'One moment please, Frauline Lehman.'

She was becoming desperate. Why had he hung up on her? He couldn't be that angry with her for going to see Krause. Could he?

The operator clicked back though. 'I'm sorry, but you don't have permission to call that address.'

Cold flooded Anna's body, her heart pounding. 'But, I just spoke to him a moment ago!'

'I'm sorry, Frauline Lehman. You've been taken off the list. Can I call someone else for you?'

Screwing her eyes tight shut to hold in her tears, Anna let out a long breath. 'Yes, Karl Von Hart please, at 67 Cuvrystraße.'

'One moment please.'

It didn't take long for Karl to pick up.

'Hello?'

'Karl,' Anna managed, relief washing over her. 'Thank god.'

'Anna, what's the matter? You sound awful! What's wrong?'

'Can you come and pick me up from the university?'

'The university? Why are you there little one?'

'I'll explain in a moment..' she began.

There was a heavy knock on the door. 'Anna,' barked Krause. 'Open the door.'

Anna went completely still, her heart thumping wildly. She'd locked the door. She knew she'd locked the door. He couldn't get in.

'Anna?' demanded Karl. 'Anna you're scaring me, what's going on?'

As a louder, more persistent banging sounded, Anna yelped, covering her ears. She should have just run away completely. She was so mixed up she had no idea what she was doing. 'Please come and get me Karl, I'm frightened,' she whispered.

'I'll be there as soon as I can.'

'Come to mama's office. I've locked myself in.'

'If that's Krause doing anything untoward, don't be afraid to hit him with something. I'll be with you in 20 minutes tops.'

'Thank you,' she breathed, then the line clicked off.

Another knock came again as Anna grabbed the letter opener on her mother's desk. She got to her feet, gripping it tight as she approached the door.

'Anna, for god's sake!' barked Krause. 'Stop being such a child and open the door.'

Sniffing, Anna found her grit. 'I'm not going to do that.'

'You've left your handbag in my office. Don't you want it back?'

Jaw clenched, Anna let out a long, calming breath. 'Karl is on his way here for me. You can give it to him. I assume you won't try to assault him too.'

'Assault? You want to talk about assault? You've broken my finger you little bitch.'

'Because you assaulted me with it!'

The door knob rattled, and Anna took a step back.

'Stop being a coward and open the door,' he snapped.

'Fuck you!' Anna grabbed a chair and secured it under the door knob, then sat at the far end of the room with the letter opener held in front of her.

'Anna!' Krause barked, still trying to get in.

Closing her eyes, Anna tipped her head against the wall, her knees pulled to her chest as she hummed to drown the sound of Krause's continued attempts. She could still feel his finger burying inside her, smell him on her clothes. It was so degrading, scrunched up in the corner of a room hoping he wouldn't get in.

She should have fought more. Why didn't she fight more? Why had her body betrayed her and kept her paralysed in fear.

Mathias was right. She was oblivious to the danger.

Oh god, Mathias.

He was angry at her. Truly angry.

Had she just allowed herself to be molested and damaged her chances with the first man she'd ever felt anything for?

Eventually, Krause stopped trying to get in. He stormed away, a door slamming a little while later. She didn't know if he'd just gone to his office or left completely. Somehow, the silence was worse, because now she had no idea how safe she was.

Instead, she was left in a dark office, with only a blunt tool for comfort as eternity seemed to envelope her in its smothering embrace.

Glancing down, Anna inspected herself in the dim light. He'd ripped her blouse. She could feel the air on her skin where she shouldn't, her skin stinging from where he'd grabbed her. Between her legs was worse. That didn't hurt. The burn had gone as soon as he'd pulled himself free of her. But there was a dull ache there; a persistent numbness that she wished would go away. This morning, she had felt nothing but pleasure. Now, she felt heavy with unease.

A door banged open down stairs.

Sparking to life, Anna sat up. She had no clue how long she'd been sat here, her thoughts stealing her sense of time.

'Anna?' called out a welcome voice. It was coming from the stairwell.

'Karl?' she called back.

'Little one, I'm here,' he said, much louder now. He was just outside the door. To affirm it, he rattled the handle. 'It's all right, it's me. You can open the door.'

'Has he gone?' Anna asked.

'Krause?'

'Yes. His office is down the hall.'

'Wait here,' said Karl, his footsteps fading as he charged down the corridor. Then he was at the door again. 'His office is locked and there's no light on. It's just us.'

Breathing out, Anna scrabbled forward and tore the chair away, fumbling the lock and opening the door. The moment she saw Karl, she threw herself into his arms, burying her nose into his neck and breathing in his familiar smell of leather and spun sugar.

'What the fuck has he done to you?' seethed Karl, drawing back to inspect her. His fingertips brushed over the torn blouse, running over the scratch marks left in Krause's wake. 'Oh little one.'

'I just want to get out of here.'

'Of course,' said Karl, wrapping his arm around her. 'Where are your things?'

Tears brimmed in her eyes. 'He...he has my handbag.'

Karl hushed her, planting a kiss on her forehead. 'It doesn't matter. We'll get it back another time.' Carefully, Karl guided her down the stairs, keeping her close beside him as they left through the door and headed to the car. He tucked her in the front seat, closing her door before he darted to his own side and settled in the driver's side. 'Home or mine?'

'M-mine,' she said. Then changed her mind. 'Yours.' Then she thought. 'I don't know.'

'Where will make you most comfortable?'

Usually, Anna would always say home. But she knew her bed smelt of Mathias right now. She couldn't bear the idea that she would curl up in that smell only for him to not turn up for their date. And why would he? After he'd put the phone down on her and blocked her calls.

'Yours,' she said quietly.

'All right,' he said, pulling her into him so that she could snuggle against his side as he drove them away. 'We'll phone your parents when we get there. Then you can let them know you're not coming back until you're ready.'

'Do you still have spare clothes for me there?'

'You know I do,' he said, pulling her closer. 'You always have a drawer at my place.'

'Thank you so much, Karl.'

Closing her eyes, Anna let herself forget what was happening and lose herself to the safety of her best friend's embrace.

*

'Hi Elli,' Anna said, trying her best to keep her voice level.

'Where are you?' Elli asked. 'We got back and you'd buggered off.'

'Elli!' said a faint voice behind her. 'Language!'

'Sorry mama,' sighed Elli. 'Are you with Captain Nemo?'

'Um, no. I'm with Karl. I'm going to stay here tonight.'

'Oh. Okay. What about your date?'

Swallowing, Anna let out a long breath. 'I think it's cancelled.'

There was a small ruffling sound before Elli whispered. 'Have you snuck off with Nemo? Because if you have you can tell me.'

'No, I really am with Karl.' Anna glanced at her best friend. 'Can you come and tell Elli I'm with you.'

Smiling, Karl held the receiver between them. 'I've got her all tucked up Els.'

'Oh, all right. Did she tell you that you both have to take me to the cinema three times?'

'Erm, no?' laughed Karl.

'She owes me for hiding that her and Captain Nemo were smooching in bed.'

Karl shot Anna a raised eyebrow.

'Elli!' hissed Anna.

'And he was naked!' Elli giggled.

'Well good thing she has you to keep it so secret,' sighed Karl. 'Three trips to the cinema you cheeky monkey.'

'Good. All right then. Have fun!'

'Elli,' said Anna quickly. 'If Mathias shows up, would you call me?'

'Why would he show up if you're with Karl?'

'Just,' Anna began, then sighed. 'Just ring me if he does.'

'Sure. Bye!'

Anna put the phone down, sitting up so that Karl could tuck himself beside her as he handed her a cup of lemon tea.

He had stuffed Anna into one of the obnoxiously large jumpers his mother knitted for him, both of them snuggled together on his sofa. Anna rested her head on his chest, enjoying the way his fingers soothed her scalp through her damp hair.

This had always been their routine.

No matter whose heartbreak it was, or what was eating them, the comforter would always hold the other close and give long hugs and good head scratches.

She'd explained what had happened. She had cried. He'd let her shower and change into something warm and comforting, even if he insisted it was still too warm for such apparel. He'd also promised they could eat cake for dinner until they were sick.

Karl hadn't pressed her on the details of Krause's attack, for which she was infinitely grateful. All she wanted was to forget. For the first time ever, her best friend seemed content to remain completely silent.

'You're very quiet,' she said eventually, sipping her tea.

'Weird, isn't it?' he said with a small, half-hearted laugh.

'What are you thinking about?'

He let out an irritable sigh. 'I'm annoyed at myself for encouraging you to pursue Mathias.'

'What? Why?'

'Because he's just suddenly decided to cast you aside for what? Disobeying a stupid order he gave?'

'Wasn't so stupid as it turns out, was it?'

There was a small, strained silence. 'Regardless, he shouldn't be ignoring you now. I don't understand how someone can be that hot and cold. Yesterday he looked like he wanted to murder me for going anywhere near you!'

'He's just extreme I guess,' Anna sighed. 'I don't know. Maybe this is how he deals with anger.'

'It's bull shit,' sighed Karl, sipping his tea.

'I know. But I don't really want to think about it anymore. Can we just put some music on?'

'Sure,' he said, kissing her head as he got up. He went over and put on some bluesy jazz, then turned back to see her staring at the telephone. 'Don't wait for him to turn up at your house Anna. You'll only be disappointed.'

'I can't help it,' Anna said in a small voice that was thick with disappointment. 'I really thought he cared, Karl.'

Taking her tea from her, Karl set it down and scooped her onto his lap. He rocked her as she cried again, soothing her as best he could.

There was nothing he could really say.

It was done.

***

Alby was still talking.

Anna knew she should be listening to the Monday morning meeting. She should have been listening for the past few minutes. Neither her heart nor her head was in it today. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't concentrate. She would have stayed at home but dwelling on it seemed far worse. She needed a distraction.

Alby had stopped speaking and was now looking at her expectantly.

Clearing her throat, Anna straightened in her seat. The other three archaeologists were all staring at her too. 'I'm sorry, Alby. What did you say?'

Huffing, Alby began again. 'There will be a government official coming today to take a look around the museum.'

'Oh, all right,' said Anna.

'He's very interested in Nefertiti, so I was hoping you might be able to show him the Keller wing?'

'Mhmm,' she said, nodding before she looked away.

Sighing again, Alby looked to the others. 'Thank you, everyone. I think I'll just have a private moment with Anna, if I may.'

The others all bustled out, Anna fiddling with her fingers as Alby perched on the table beside her.

'Anna my love, are you all right?'

'Fine,' she said quickly.

'I didn't upset you with the call yesterday, did I? I only wanted to warn you...'

'Which I appreciated. I went to speak to Krause,' she began, but stopped. There was a lump in her throat and her bottom lip trembled. She could still feel him on top of her, the hard wood in her back.

'Anna,' said Alby, taking her hand lightly and brushing it with his thumb. 'Sweetheart, don't cry. What did he say?'

'He...' Anna paused. She couldn't tell Alby. It wasn't professional. She just wanted to forget about it all. 'He doesn't want me on the dig any more. I've ruined my chances.'

'All because of your relationship with Herr Keller?'

Hanging her head, Anna couldn't stop the tears. 'There isn't even a relationship I don't think. I think he's done with me too.'

Alby let out a long breath, slumping into the chair beside her. He kept her hand in his, his other smoothing over her back. 'Oh Anna, I really am sorry. Saturday you were on top of the world.'

'I know,' she mumbled.

It wasn't fair. It really wasn't fucking fair. She'd been so happy on Saturday. She'd experienced so many wonderful, life changing things that night. It was honestly the best night of her entire life. And here she sat, wondering what on earth she could have done to warrant a pervert's groping hands on her and her lover's scornful rejection only a day later.

'Anna, maybe you should take the day off,' Alby said gently.

'Nonsense,' she sniffed, trying to catch her tears with the back of her hand. 'You want me to talk to the state official.'

'He'll be here soon, and you're in no fit state. I can do it. I think you should take a day to recover. You've certainly earned it after all the funding you secured on Saturday.'

'You're sure?' she asked.

'Absolutely. Go on home. Or meet up with that Karl of yours. Whatever makes you happy.'

'Thank you Alby,' she said, surging forward to hug him.

He hugged her tightly. 'I know I'm just your boss. But I really hate seeing you like this.'

'I don't like feeling like this,' she admitted.

'Come on,' he said, pulling back and helping her to her feet. 'Go get your things and get on home.'

Anna bid Alby goodbye and closed his office door. Slightly relieved, she wandered down the corridor to her own.

Then she stopped.

Krause was stood in her office.

He was perusing her things, his nose scrunched in disdain. His finger was splinted, his bottom lip blue and swollen. When he looked up at her, Anna felt physically sick. The usual smile he had for her was gone, a glare firmly in its place.

'You left this in my office,' he said, holding up her handbag that he had set on her desk. He dropped it, the thud making Anna jolt.

'Thank you,' she managed, frozen to the spot. It wasn't terror sweeping through her in this moment. It was humiliation. It was disgust. It was anger. He had ruined things for her. This man. No one else. Whatever Mathias' problem was had to be to do with Krause, she was sure of it.

'Why don't you come in and we'll put what happened yesterday to rest,' he said, pushing out the chair that sat in front of Anna's desk.

Scoffing, Anna's fists clenched by her sides. 'You're inviting me into my own office, Gerhart?'

'At least you're using my name now,' he sighed. 'Come on, Anna. We have the dig to talk about...'

'I'm not going anywhere with you,' she spat. 'You're disgusting.'

He gripped the chair beside him, his knuckles white as he twisted his fist around the wood. 'So that's it then? You're throwing away your entire future simply because you think you're too good to open your legs for me?'

'Pretty much,' she said quickly, her words a flurry. 'Maybe my replacement will.'

Krause gave a huffy laugh, looking her up and down. 'You're not special Anna. You're simply a good looking girl who's enthusiasm outweighs her talent.'

Gritting her teeth, Anna tried her best to quell her nausea.

'When your looks fade, you'll be nothing more than a boring old spinster. Or perhaps some housewife who people once thought of as exceptional because she had good breasts and a nice smile.' He took a small step forward and she took one back. 'But if you come in here now and talk to me properly, your name could go down in history beside mine. So do the smart thing and sit down.'

Anna's eyes darted between he chair and him. Then she turned on her heel and ran. She knew he was following her. She could hear him calling her name as she ran for the stairs. Her heels clacked loudly as she ran down the three flights of stairs, her heart pounding all the while.

When she reached the lobby, she looked back up the stairs. He wasn't there. Not wanting to wait and see him, she pushed on towards the outer doors. Behind her, the elevator pinged. She turned and saw him step out.

'Anna, wait!' he called, hurrying towards her.

She didn't stop. She didn't look to Miriam or Margot or anyone else that was staring. There was no way she could let herself get anywhere near his slimy hands ever again. Anna pushed out of the double doors and onto the courtyard. She couldn't stay inside when there was a chance he might corner her again. She had to get out into the fresh air.

The doors banged open again behind her.

'Don't you walk away from me, Anna.'

'Leave me alone,' she spat, her arms folded over herself as she tore across the paving and towards the main street. She felt sick, repulsed, ashamed. It was as though she could still feel his finger inside her, scraping at her insides.

'Anna!' he hissed, hot on her heels. 'This is your last chance...'

She could still feel his lips on hers, his beard scratching against her skin as he whispered awful things to her. 'I don't want another chance. Go away.'

He caught her arm, spinning her back to face him, the grip he had on her bruising and persistent.

'Let go!' she snapped, trying to pull her arm free.

'Don't be such a petulant child!' he barked, tugging her closer so that she stumbled.

'I won't have you touch me!' she said, scrabbling to get away from him, but he wrestled her into submission, holding her before him.

His face was red and flushed with rage, his nails digging into her arms. 'I wasted so much time on you, and you think that will go without payment? You owe me, little Anna.'

Anna squirmed, rage swelling in her gut. 'Get off me, or I swear to god I will...'

'You'll what?' he spat.

Before she could retort, a hand enclosed around Krause's, a low voice issuing a warning. 'Remove that hand or lose it.'

Anna looked up at the intruder. She had never seen him before. He had to be around her father's age, perhaps slightly younger. He was a complete stranger.

But right now, he was the only thing standing between her and the man that had forced himself on her.

'This is private,' seethed Krause, his grip tightening.

Ignoring Krause completely, the stranger turned to look at Anna, his hard, lethal expression softening. 'Frauline, do you want this conversation to be over?' From the closer angle, she could see he had a definite kink in his nose, his moustache and slight stubble fair like his hair, though there were notes of ginger and sliver peppered throughout. He had grey eyes with a depth to them she had never seen before; it was otherworldly knowledge mingled with understanding and grace. A saviour, in every sense of the word.

'Yes,' Anna managed.

With a small nod, her saviour dug his finger and thumb into Krause's wrist causing him to yelp. As Krause released Anna, the stranger casually stepped between them, shielding her with his body as if it were nothing. Krause pushed forward, but the stranger's hand shot out and held him back. It was effortless.

'Lay your hands on a woman like that again, and you'll sorely regret it,' he promised, his voice soft yet laced with menace.

Krause adjusted his jacket, looking the new man up and down. He must have decided it wasn't worth it because he took a few steps back and settled his gaze on Anna. 'You're finished, Anna. Do you understand me? You'll never work in the field, I'll see to it.'

'Oh, you like threats?' said the stranger, his head cocked to one side as if in invitation of a fight. 'Threaten me then. Do you think you'll get a word in before I break your nose?'

A small crowd had begun to gather, watching the exchange. The stranger was perfectly calm, his gaze focused solely on Krause. Glaring, Krause skulked away, muttering to himself in frustration.

The stranger turned to Anna, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder. 'Are you all right, Frauline?'

'Y-yes,' Anna managed, but her heart was racing so fast she thought it would detonate at any moment. Her mouth opened to gulp in air, but it wasn't helping, dark spots clouding into her vision.

'Frauline?' he said again, crouching a little to fully meet her eyeline. 'Frauline, you're safe. He's gone.'

Anna tried to nod, but she couldn't steady her breathing, no matter how hard she tried.

The stranger's hand took hers, and pressed it to his chest, Anna startled by his movement. 'Breathe with me,' he said softly, the hand on her shoulder now guiding her jaw gently to look at him. She stared straight into his grey eyes, nearly losing herself to their steely resolve. 'See how easy it is?' he soothed. 'In and out. In and out.'

'In and out,' she repeated, her breaths stuttered as she tried to copy him.

'That's it, Frauline. In though your nose, out through your mouth.' Together, they continued to surrender to serenity, Anna's head drifting back to earth as she let herself be coaxed into reality. 'You're doing so well, that's it. Keep breathing.' His hand was warm over hers, her entire arm flooding with the welcome sensation.

As Anna fully came to, she swayed a little towards him, overcome with adrenaline.

'You need to sit down,' he said gently, his eyes scouting the area.

'I work in there,' she said, pointing to the museum.

'Can I help you inside?' he asked.

Anna gave a small nod.

Carefully, he tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow and began to lead her inside. He ignored the other onlookers, and it made it easier for Anna to do the same.

As they went in through the double doors, Miriam and Margot darted over.

'Anna! What happened?' asked Miriam, clutching Anna's cheeks between her palms.

'We saw that Krause with you, but you just ran out,' said Margot, then glanced up at the stranger. 'Who are you?'

'He helped me,' Anna managed.

'She needs to sit down,' said the stranger. 'And perhaps something sweet? She's in shock.'

'You go, Miriam. I'll man the stupid desk,' said Magot, planting a quick kiss to Anna's forehead before she ran back to reception.

'I can take her,' said Miriam, trying to tug Anna into her hold.

For some reason, Anna couldn't let go of him. He was not stopping her. It was as though to let him go would be to spiral all over again.

He seemed to sense that and cleared his throat. 'Why don't I help her to where she needs to go.'

'Yes, of course,' said Miriam in a fluster, beckoning them away to the elevator.

They rode in silence up to the top floor, then walked in much the same way to Anna's office. Following Miriam's instructions, the stranger sat Anna in her desk chair.

'I'll make you a coffee, Anna,' said Miriam. 'Will you be okay here for a moment?'

Anna nodded. Miriam left, another silence befalling them. Anna still hadn't let go of the stranger's hand. She looked down at their enclosed fingers, inspecting him a little further. Despite his pristine mossy green tweed suit, his hands looked well used. He had long fingers with rough knuckles, prominent veins on the backs of his hands.

He didn't seem to mind her holding on, simply pulling another chair closer with his foot so he could sit down.

'Sorry,' Anna mumbled.

'You have nothing to apologise for,' he assured her. 'You're bound to be shaky.'

'I don't even know your name,' she said with a slight laugh, wrapped in the absurdity of holding an unknown man's hand in a bid for comfort.

'Hans Lange,' he said softly, the corner of his mouth upturned into a small smile.

'Anna Lehman,' she said, then shook their entwined hands as if in greeting.

Hans chuckled slightly. 'Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Frauline Lehman.'

'And you.' There was a pause. She didn't know what to say. This man had come to her rescue and yet she was just sat here, gripping his hand like a damn fool. 'I can't thank you enough for intervening.'

'I'm sorry it had to come to that. It's not right for anyone to be treated thus.'

'I quite agree,' she said. She let out a long breath and pulled her hand from his. It felt terribly empty all of a sudden, but she couldn't very well hang onto it forever.

Flexing his fingers, Hans set his in his lap. 'Would you like me to leave you to it?'

No.

'Perhaps you might wait a moment,' she said, her cheeks turning pink. 'I think I just need a while longer to adjust.'

'Of course,' he assured her, a small reassuring smile on his face.

He had such a pleasant facial structure. She could make out small scars here and there, dotted across what otherwise seemed like the face of a well mannered gentleman. There was a slightly larger one in his hair line, the short, neat style he had it in not hiding it particularly well. But they were all white, and faint; clearly they were from a long time ago.

When she realised she'd just sat staring at him for a while, Anna cleared her throat. She wanted to try and start a conversation. It would feel less awkward.

As if understanding, Hans' eyes wandered around the room. 'Is this your office?'

'Yes. I'm an archaeologist.'

His head tipped to read the name plate on the open door. 'Doctor Lehman. Do forgive my mistake...'

'It's quite all right, Herr Lange. You weren't to know.' She smiled. 'And are you Herr Lange? Or is that wrong too?'

He smiled. 'Actually, its Colonel Lange. But as you say, you couldn't have known that.'

'What brings you this way, Colonel Lange?' she asked, a conversational rhythm beginning. 'Isn't the army academy over the other side of town?'

'I can't say I spend a whole lot of time there nowadays. Unless I'm training. I'm actually here for a meeting with your curator.'

'Y-you're the state official coming to scope out the museum?' she spluttered.

He smiled. 'Indeed I am. It's a security visit, to check for safety regulations. An article in Sunday's paper had President Altmann interested in doing an official visit.'

The article on her.

'You seem too important to be running a security detail,' Anna blurted, then clasped her hand to her mouth. 'I apologise, that was so rude...'

'Not at all. If anything, it was a compliment.' He smiled again. 'I asked if I could actually. I profess myself a bit of a history enthusiast. And this way I'd get a private tour.'

Anna smiled. 'And in work hours, no less.'

'Well exactly. I don't get time for such things otherwise,' he said. 'I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Queen Nefertiti.'

'That's my speciality,' Anna said. 'I'm the Egyptologist.'

'Well how about that,' he said, delight filling his tone. 'So, are you the Doctor who theorised that the painted plaster covers a much older statue?'

Anna's heart pounded. 'You've heard of my theory?'

'I've read your paper, though I couldn't remember your name,' he confessed. 'I adore new historical discoveries, and I was supposed to attend the gala on Saturday so I thought I'd read up on it.'

'You didn't come?'

'Sadly no,' sighed Hans, the disappointment in his voice clear. 'Something else came up. Another reason that I asked to attend today.'

There was a small silence. 'Dare I ask, what you think of the paper?' she asked.

'Exquisite,' he said firmly. 'It was superbly written. It read like the most beautiful folktale laced with fact and intrigue.'

'You make it sound so romantic,' she said, fiddling with her fingers.

'Nefertiti is though, wouldn't you say? The mysterious wife of a heretic King. Nothing more alluring than that.'

Anna laughed again, finally feeling more like herself again. 'Well then, in thanks, you must let me be the one to give you the tour.'

'I wouldn't like to impose, Doctor Lehman.'

'I insist,' she said. 'If anything, it would be a wonderful distraction. I could certainly do with one.'

'Then I would be all too happy to oblige,' he returned.

Miriam bustled back in before they could continue their conversation. 'Here we are, coffee for both of you.'

'Thank you Miriam, I really appreciate it,' said Anna as Miriam squeezed her shoulder.

'Anything for you darling. I'm not quite sure what was wrong with your new boss today, but he was in one hell of a mood when he arrived.' When Anna looked away awkwardly, Miriam looked to Hans. 'Thank goodness you were there, Herr?'

'Lange,' he said.

'Lange? As in the Colonel Lange who is due to arrive here any moment?'

'Yes, I confess I arrived earlier so I might take in the artefacts,' he said.

'Well thank heavens you did!' Miriam said. 'Shall I let you have your coffee whilst I go and inform Doctor Hahn you've arrived?'

'That would be splendid,' said Hans.

'And let Alby know I'll do the tour. He asked me to anyway. Then I will bring Colonel Lange back to his office to discuss any logistics.'

'Of course,' said Miriam, squeezing her shoulder a final time before she left, closing the door behind her.

There was another, short awkward silence as they each made up their coffee. Anna added plenty of sugar to hers, ensuring to heed Hans' advice of something sweet to settle her nerves.

'I must apologise, Doctor Lehman,' Hans said eventually as Anna took a long sip of her drink. 'Had I known that gentleman was your new boss, I would have been a little more discreet.'

'Do not apologise!' Anna said quickly, setting her cup down. 'He is not a gentleman and warranted far worse than you delivered.' There was a small pause. 'And he is most decidedly not my new boss, so there is nothing lost on your part.'

'His behaviour was utterly despicable,' agreed Hans. 'How are you feeling now?'

'Better,' she promised. 'I don't want to keep you for too long, as I'm sure you and Doctor Hahn have much to discuss.'

'If you're happy to, we could start the tour now? Get you that distraction you wanted.'

'I'd like that,' she said, gulping the last of her overly sweet coffee down so that she shuddered.

Hans couldn't seem to stop a chuckle as he pushed to his feet. 'The sugar really will help,' he promised.

'I'll have to trust you,' she said, her eyes still a little scrunched as she joined him. 'Follow me, we can start on the ground floor and work our way up.'

'I'm afraid I really only have time for the Keller wing itself,' he said, the regret in his voice clear.

'Of course,' she said, still leading the way as she tried not to let her disappointment show.

'It's only because I would have far too many questions for you, Doctor Lehman,' he assured her, both of them strolling at a good set pace towards the Keller wing. 'Sadly, it being in work hours, I have to stick to schedule.'

'I feel even worse for stealing the extra time you allowed yourself,' she said, fiddling with her fingers.

'Its quite all right. I consider myself lucky to be getting a tour of the wing from such an Egyptology expert.'

Anna couldn't help but shoot him a huge smile. After Krause telling her she was next to nothing, it was so needed to hear that someone valued her opinion.

As they reached the entrance to the Keller wing, Anna couldn't help but think of the last time she was here. When Mathias had been singing her praises so fastidiously; how he had claimed her so publicly and resolutely; how he couldn't help but have his hand touching her skin at all times. Pain seared through her chest, the tears threatening to come back.

She simply cleared her throat. 'This way, Colonel Lange.'

Hans stopped in the entrance, his eyes darting around every exhibit and every piece of art work. 'Its magnificent.'

'Thank you,' said Anna, pausing just ahead of him. 'We wanted to make it as awe inspiring as possible.'

Peering closely into the glass cabinets, her surveyed the collection of lapis lazuli beadwork that was housed in the first case. 'The blue is so eye catching. Did you do this deliberately?'

'Yes actually,' said Anna, smiling as he continued to creep along the case, making sure he looked closely at every piece of jewellery. 'The bust had to lie in wait at the end so people could work up to it. But I wanted people to be stunned all the same.'

'That's utterly brilliant,' he said, his eyes darting to hers briefly before he continued his thorough inspection of the exhibits. 'I see that the majority of these pieces are form the New Kingdom?'

'Most things are, really. So much of the Old Kingdom or intermediate period remains in Egypt itself, or has worn away over time. And anything from the Grecko-Roman period doesn't seem to have the same fascination given that it's not the titular Egyptian era.'

'Do you have a favourite period?' he asked, slowly moving closer to her spot in the middle of the exhibit.

'Of course. 19th Dynasty.'

'Ah, the Ramesside era.'

Another smile lit Anna's face. 'Yes, that's absolutely right.'

Hans finally straightened and looked back at her with an equally big smile. 'Forgive me, I was just trying to impress you.'

'You are succeeding, Colonel Lange. It's nice to have a knowledgeable guest.'

'Surely all of your private tour visitors come with questions or a piece of knowledge they wish to excite you with?' he said as he finally came to stand beside her.

Images of Mathias flashed before her eyes. The way he had watched her through the glass. How close he had stood. The cocky smirk he had shot her when she bantered with him. 'You'd be surprised,' she said with a sigh.

Seemingly sensing her slight drop in mood, Hans turned to look at the limestone tablet housed right in the centre of the room. 'Do you read hieroglyphs?'

Anna stood beside him, looking it over. 'Yes, but not amazingly.'

'Can you tell me what this says?'

'Absolutely,' she said, setting her finger over the case so he could follow her translation. 'It's an announcement about the coronation of Ramses IV. You see this here?' She circled the cartouche. 'This is his name. And this bit next to it is the title of Pharoah.'

'Wasn't Ramses IV assassinated by his harem?' asked Hans.

Chuckling, Anna shook her head. 'Close. That was his father. Ramses III.'

'Clearly my old age is catching up with me,' he sighed. 'I fear I've embarrassed myself.'

'Not at all,' she assured him. 'I'm still highly impressed you know as much as you do.'

'Thank goodness,' he said, a small smile still etched on his mouth. He had a lovely smile. It wasn't over the top, nor was it a smirk. He just seemed genuinely pleased.

For a little while longer they moved through the exhibits, Hans telling her as many things as he could remember and Anna correcting him where appropriate. It was light hearted. Easy. The perfect distraction.

Eventually, they ended up in front of Nefertiti.

There was a long silence as Hans stared at the ancient queen, his expression suddenly serious and wistful. 'She's transcendent, isn't she?'

'Absolutely,' Anna sighed. 'Every day, I wonder what happened to her.'

'There's no record of her death?'

'None whatsoever. She just vanished.' Another silence engulfed them, the air growing thick with intrigue. 'I don't know how a person so great can just fade into obscurity.'

'Perhaps she wanted it that way,' ventured Hans, both of them looking at one another. 'I'm sure every great person has an escape plan, or at least good enough reason for one. Perhaps the life of a heretic queen grew too much.'

'But they were so in love,' Anna said, her voice growing thick. 'They lived for one another. For their family. The way they presented themselves to their people was unlike anything the ancient world had ever seen. I can't believe, even for a moment, that she would choose to just leave her husband's side for no reason.'

Anna paused. She was right. No one disappears for no reason. Abandoning someone has to come with cause, even if that cause doesn't seem reasonable. It certainly hadn't been with her mother, but whether Anna liked it or not, she had been far too much for that ridiculous woman to handle. Even if it was stupid, there was still a reason.

Mathias would not have lost interest so quickly for no reason.

He would not have turned cold over the course of several hours for no reason.

There was something between them. Something raw, and brutal and honest. Something that made her heart race, her head spin, her stomach flutter.

He had been patient with her and protective of her modesty even when she had lay before him and begged him to take her. You don't do that if you are indifferent to someone. There wasn't enough gain in it for him to have suddenly lost interest.

She had to know what had happened.

'Doctor Lehman?' Hans voice cut in.

Anna looked up. He had clearly been speaking to her. 'Forgive me, did you say something?'

'Nothing of importance,' he said. 'I was just asking if you were all right? You went deathly quiet.'

'Sorry,' she said quickly. 'I got distracted. There's someone I desperately need to speak with and I just...'

'Please,' said Hans gently, 'don't let me keep you.' He checked his watch. 'As I feared, we've gone well over time and I do need to go over logistics with Doctor Hahn.'

'I'll escort you back up.'

'I can make my own way,' he assured her with another small smile. 'Please, go and attend to your urgent matter.'

'Thank you,' she said earnestly, turning to leave. But she paused. 'Colonel Lange, I really can't thank you enough for saving me today. If you'll permit me, I'd be honoured to take you on a proper tour of the museum at your earliest convenience. Then you can ask as many questions as you like.'

His smile spread. 'Only if it doesn't become intrusive.'

'Not at all, Colonel Lange. It would be a pleasure. You can reach me directly here at the museum or arrange it through Miriam at the front desk.'

'It might be a long time in the future,' he sighed. 'I have very little free time during work hours.'

'After hours is fine,' she promised. 'Then there would be no rush.'

'You're too kind, Doctor Lehman. I promise I'll be in contact soon.' He held his hand out to her cordially.

Happily, Anna took it. He had large, heavy set hands, Anna feeling just how rough his knuckles were beneath her thumb. His palm was warm as she squeezed it lightly, the sensation shotting up her inner arm. They stayed locked for a moment, simply looking at the other. There was something familiar about his eyes. It was almost as if she had always known him, somehow. Perhaps it was just his calming presence.

'Until we meet again, Doctor Lehman,' he said with a final nod of his head before he withdrew his hand.

'I look forward to it,' she said and turned and ran out of the wing.

Hans waited for a moment, flexing his hand as he stared at Nefertiti a little longer. His other thumb smoothed over the palm, as though there were a sudden ache there. Shaking his head, he made his way back to find Doctor Hahn.

More art work by everyone's favourite artist ♥️ AnaAck