The Phantom Man 2 - The Book of the Dead

XXV - Escape to London

Alexia took a leave from work. She hoped to retrieve her professional career when things calmed down. She still intended to take her exam to become a judge. She had studied a lot for that, and she felt like she could be approved. Maybe the escape wouldn't last for all the eternity... In her mind, that situation was too fantastic to be real. If only she could access Verena's memory! That way, she would be aware of the risk she was really taking that moment.

As for Philip, he suspended his activities as a language teacher and was paid his fees.

He said goodbye to everyone with whom he developed bonds of friendship and affection at the hostel where he lived.

"Remember us, son. Send news from wherever you are," said Anette with affection.

"Where are you heading to, Phil?" Asked Franz, curious to know more about the strange boy who always had sunglasses on.

"Actually, I haven't decided yet. I may spend some time in France. I'm going to enroll in a tourism course and work for a French travel agency."

He tried to mislead his whereabouts. He was sure that the hostel would be the first place where his enemies would seek information about him. However, he didn't foresee that Anette and Franz's lives were also at risk.

Philip embraced the couple who always had his back and treated him so warmly and gently. Diego and Elina also came to say goodbye to him. Elina, who liked the boy in a different way, said:

"I hope that when you return to Florence you remember to pay us a visit."

"Of course, I'll come by. I'll miss you all, guys."

Elina was sad to say farewell.

A few minutes later, he came down the stairs carrying his suitcase. He waved his right hand in a goodbye gesture. Nobody knew for sure for how long he would really be away. Only time would tell.

Juan had no need to say goodbye to anyone. During all the time he lived as Jonathan, he dedicated himself entirely to looking after Alexia and his protégé. He had only a few friends with whom he spent some time playing cards.

The taxi driver stopped in front of the hotel. He helped Philip put the suitcase in the car. Then they headed to the train station.

Once there, Philip stepped out of the car, put the suitcase on the floor and hugged Juan, who was now in Jonathan's clean and shaved face with short grey hair. Juan didn't want to call anyone's attention. He had a hat and a pair of dark brown square-framed glasses on. All he wanted was to go unnoticed. Alexia cut her hair in a Chanel style, and then dyed it with a dark brown color. She and Juan found it funny when they saw Philip not only wearing his traditional sunglasses, but also with a cap on his head. But what really looked weird was the beard he had magically grown.

"Who are you? It seems like I know you from somewhere..." Alexia asked, even though she did recognize Philip.

"I could have never guessed this young man is Philip, not even in a million years," Juan said, smiling.

Philip hugged Alexia. He thought of all the things that had been revealed to him about her during the past few hours. He kissed her lips for a few seconds. The wizard cleared his throat at the sight of so much affection, interrupting a moment Philip had longed for ages.

She wore a pair of jeans and a strapless pink blouse, a combination that Philip really liked.

"I know the lovebirds would like to enjoy a moment of affection, but this is no time or place. We must hurry..."

"Okay, then. Pardon me, I got carried away."

"We'll have plenty of time, hon," said Alexia, trying to make things appear less dangerous.