'Tell me what Gideon just said', she implored.
'Umm. You mentioned reparations and he said something about them too', Joe told her.
'Yeah, but what did he say? It's important, Joe', she said, her voice insistent.
He thought hard. 'Ahmmm, he said that the British Museum was slow to become involved in reparations but they were world leaders in loaning artifacts to other institutions', Joe said.
Beside him Jill's mind was spinning wildly. She was thinking about the piece that had turned up in Bulgaria, had passed through a museum in Paris but had originated here, in the British Museum. It was the reason she and Gideon had cooked up this visit. It was going to give them a chance to ask some questions, but after what he'd just said, maybe she knew where to look.
'Um, excuse me', she said, her voice tentative; she was still thinking through her question. 'You mentioned reparations', she began as Gideon looked intently towards her. 'I understand there are difficulties associated with such actions but the museum here is a world leader in loaning artifacts, as you said', she repeated Gideon's words, her own voice becoming stronger now. 'Could you just explain that process to me please?' she asked, looking now more to the board members than her own advisor.
Joe waited patiently, intrigued by the turn the tour had taken. The officials looked from one to another. 'Um, yes ma'am, of course', one tall, dark haired man said and began to explain the system in some detail. As he outlined the process Joe watched Jill's expression and figured that she was onto something. He decided to help out.
'Would you like to see an example of some of those records, honey? I'm sure Director Burns wouldn't mind showing you', he said, turning his full gaze from his wife to the Director.
'Um, of course, sir, it would be my pleasure. But it's a little untidy back there, we weren't expecting our special guests to come behind the scenes, as it were', the man rambled on a little, the reluctance clear in his voice despite his words.
Joe jumped on the opportunity. 'Thanks, man, I really appreciate it. Being able to facilitate these requests for my wife is very important to me', he said, running his hand along Jill's back, indicating that the president would be so pleased if this tiny accommodation would be made for the first lady.
How could anyone say no to the president in such a circumstance.
And so, as the tour ended, they entered a small corridor, obviously created during the Victorian period and little modified since. It reminded Joe of something Shawn mentioned about the layout of the older parts of The Louvre, not really fit for purpose in the 21st century with computers and virtual reality and enhanced conservation techniques. The old heavy wooden display cases no longer required were crammed into offices alongside desks and computer screens.
Director Burns paused in the corridor near to a door with a brass name plate attached. Records Office it announced.
'Um the space is quite tight', he said, eyeing the entourage surrounding the first couple.
Joe immediately answered. 'Jill and Gideon. You guys go on in, Sam will stay with you and Natasha can stand at the door. 'I'll occupy myself, umm, I'll ...', he paused, looking around the tight corridor and realizing that his presence was causing the whole space to be blocked up; just staying here wasn't an option.
Jill ran her fingers across the back of his hand. 'Why not go up to the rotunda and wait for me there?' she suggested. 'You can look at the glass dome in more detail'.
She grinned at the look of delight that crossed his face.
'Perfect!' he announced, and, with one final kiss and a little hug they separated. 'Just get a message to me if you need more time or more access', he whispered as he kissed her cheek. She squeezed his hand in reply and set about her task.
