Five - Next Stop: Home

"I don't know if I'm ready for another treasure hunt," She admitted as she and Ian sat together on the couch, his arm around her, she leaning against him, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

"Me neither," he admitted. As thrilling as the last one had been with the amazing discovery made at the end, it had been more costly.

"After everything that happened last time..."

"I agree."

"And, it's not like I had much of a choice last time," she reminded them both.

"You can blame me for that."

"Oh, I do." They both chuckled. "And, thrilling as it was, I'm not sure if I want a repeat of that. If I'm doing this, it's going to be my choice - but like I said, I'm not eager to."

"I agree with you, Darling. Besides, getting involved in another one will only make it easier for you-know-who to make another mess of things."

This was true. Ian's employer - or, former employer - was being strangely quiet. No one wanted to do anything to provoke him.

"But it's a good thing, right? He's leaving you alone," she said, trying to see the bright side.

"Perhaps. For now. Or he's just waiting to strike."

True. She hadn't thought of that. She would hate living in such fear.

But Ian was putting on a brave face. "But enough of that. I will savour however long we have together in peace without him breathing down our necks."

"Me too. Well, since we're all decided now, I'll call Abi and tell her our plans."

"Sounds good, Love." He kissed her. "And you don't have to rush back home or to the States - you really can stay here for a while, if you'd like."

"I just might take you up on that." She kissed him back and smiled into the kiss - she could get used to this.


"I think I'm going to stick around here," she told Abi over the phone. "At least for a little while."

"That's good, Ali."

"Ja-" She was sure her sister could hear the smile in her voice, shaping her words. "And I suppose I should thank you for forcing us back together."

"It was no problem, really."

Alice rolled her eyes. "And surprise or not, but neither of us are eager for more treasure hunting, at least not right now."

"Understandable. Well, we'll keep you posted."

"Thanks. Be careful out there, Abi."

"We will be," her sister promised.

But, as Alice herself had learned, there was only so much safety one could assure and control on a treasure hunt. The rest, it seemed, was up to fate.


"Goodnight Uncle Ian, goodnight Alice." Harriet was in her pajamas and all ready for bed.

"Goodnight Harriet, I'll come and tuck you in."

"Okay Uncle Ian - um, could Alice do it this time?"

"Of course, if she would like to."

"Of course I will." Harriet took her hand and led her into her bedroom, which was full of packed boxes, just like the rest of the flat.

"Are you excited for your big move?" Harriet nodded. "Your uncle loves you very much," Alice told her.

"He loves you too," Harriet stated knowingly. This made Alice blush. "Do you love him?"

"Yes, I do." She was sure of that now, no doubt there. Not anymore.

"That makes me happy."

"Me too."

"Will you stay with us? When we move to America I mean?"

"Oh - well, I-" She hadn't thought that far ahead. "Maybe. I do have a sister who lives there."

"Then it's perfect!"

Alice chuckled at her obvious enthusiasm. "Goodnight Harriet."

"Goodnight Alice."


After hearing about how the hunt had turned out, Alice was glad they had chosen to sit this one out.

Now that it was over, everyone had begun to settle down: Abi and Ben were back together - Alice was glad they were able to work things out - Riley had a new girlfriend and was working on a new book, and Alice and Ian were happily living together raising Harriet. Alice had packed up things in Germany and moved with them to the States.

"Isn't it past your bedtime?" Alice said as she hugged Harriet. Harriet and her uncle had met Alice at the airport following her flight from Germany.

"Yes, but I really wanted to come along so Uncle Ian said I could as long as I promised to go right to bed when we got home. I even brushed my teeth before we left!" Harriet answered proudly, grinning as though to show off her freshly-brushed teeth.

Alice chuckled. "Well then I guess you won't be having a piece of German chocolate until tomorrow."

Harriet gasped. "No fair!"

Alice and Ian laughed before sharing a kiss in greeting. "Ready to go home?" he asked her.

"Yes, yes I am," she answered with full assurance.

Funny how things had worked out - and she wouldn't have had it any other way.

It didn't turn out to be very long, but I'm glad I decided to post this story. I think it wrapped things up nicely for where I had left these characters :)

As always, thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed overall! :)