The flight touched down at London Heathrow at 10:10 AM. After a ten minute taxi to the gate, Jake and Stephanie disembarked. They said goodbye to the lovely flight attendant and made their way to customs. After clearing customs they made their way to the baggage claim. Stephanie stayed back as Jake moved into the crowd to retrieve their bags. Several minutes later Jake emerged from the crowd with their suitcases.
"That was brutal," he said.
They made their way towards the exit. As they neared, Jake saw a familiar face.
"Melvin!" Jake called.
Melvin waved and hurried to meet his guests.
"Jake, how are you?" he said, shaking Jake's hand firmly. "How was the flight?"
"Amazing, thanks to you booking us business class," Jake said. "Didn't know you had that kind of pull at Cambridge."
"Being chair of the department has it's perks," Melvin said. "And this must be your lovely wife, Stephanie."
He leaned in and kissed Stephanie on the cheek.
"Stephanie, Melvin Tomlinson," Jake said.
"A pleasure," Stephanie smiled.
"The pleasure is mine," Melvin said. "Shall we go? I've got a car for us."
They exited the building and to the parking area. It was a lovely morning. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze was blowing. They arrived at the car, and Jake put the luggage in the trunk, or boot, as they called it in England. They got in the car, with Melvin and and Jake in the front, and Stephanie in the back.
"I know you prefer local flavor, so we've put you up at the Strand Palace Hotel," Melvin said.
"How far are we from Cambridge?" Stephanie asked.
"Almost two hours," Jake said. "We can take the train, can't we, Melvin?"
"You could," Melvin said. "But you'd be going way out of your way."
"What?" Jake asked. "I thought the conference was at Cambridge."
Melvin chuckled.
"I said Cambridge was sponsoring it, Jake. It's actually being held in London at the Millennium Conference Center at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel. We're expecting a decent gathering."
The car slowed and pulled up to the curb.
"Here we are," Melvin said. "Your hotel. I expect you'll want to rest before tonight. I'll send a car for you around five."
"What's the dress code?" Stephanie asked.
"In your American terms, business casual," Melvin answered, smiling.
Jake grabbed the luggage from the trunk.
"Thanks again, Melvin," he said, shaking his professor's hand.
"See you tonight!" Melvin said.
Jake and Stephanie entered the hotel lobby and moved to the check-in desk.
"Welcome to the Strand Palace Hotel," the desk clerk said. "Checking in?"
