Chapter 12 - Lost in Terminal 5
Heathrow Airport was a chaotic sea of rolling luggage, announcements blaring in multiple languages, and weary travelers rushing through passport control.
Julian carried Leo in a front chest harness, keeping him close just as Elena had taught him. The baby remained calm, soothed by the constant heartbeat against his ear. Julian moved through the diplomatic priority line, cleared customs quickly, and found himself standing in the arrivals hall.
He stood by the barrier, scanning the hundreds of passengers streaming out of the standard baggage claim exit. Minutes turned into an hour.
Julian’s driver, a polite chauffeur holding a placard reading MR. J. VANCE, approached him. "Car is waiting at the curb, Mr. Vance. We should beat the morning M4 traffic."
"Wait five minutes," Julian said, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Just five minutes."
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Crowds surged and thinned. Businessmen in trench coats, tour groups with matching hats, families reuniting with hugs—yet there was no sign of the faded denim jacket or the oversized cream sweater.
Julian’s heart sank. He realized he had never asked for Elena’s last name. In the modern rush of life, people crossed paths like phantom ships, exchanging profound illumination only to vanish forever into the dark sea.
