It was almost 10 o'clock when Marieke came in. Over a delicious mug of coffee, they reminisced together about the previous day, after which Marieke came up with the key question, "How are you guys experiencing it? Do you still need security guards for the coming days?"

Sjaak and Lisa looked at each other. That question had also come up briefly during breakfast. Sjaak nodded to Lisa, giving her the opportunity to answer, "We just talked about it. Whether it is still necessary, we don't think so. And to be honest, we long for the normal situation again, being able to go outside, drink coffee in the guesthouse and so on. On the other hand, we have also exchanged views on how we have experienced the past period. And that is actually only positive. We just had two guests continuously, and with one it clicked even better than with the other. We experienced it as good, good and special. When you guys came that first day, I did have my doubts, whether I would be able to handle this, but it just went perfectly."

"I'm glad about that, to hear that," Joke replied. "Bennie and I also talked about it this morning, how we experienced it. You know, Bennie and I just get along really well, but we always have to wait and see if it clicks with the people we go to work with. Well, with you guys it more than clicked! It's been a fantastic time, we've enjoyed your music several times, and continuously enjoyed who you are, your visible, palpable connection. You are truly a very special couple!

And further, as far as our work here is concerned, we also don't feel that we have to expect any more danger. And I almost regret that..."

They all laughed, whereupon Bennie spoke up some more, "I'm also glad that it went so well. I have also heard from our colleagues that they have never been so well looked after as they are here. I think I speak for the entire team when I say that we have had a perfect period here."

"That sounds like a fantastic evaluation!" Marieke thought. "And may I also conclude from it, that all the security guards can finish their work here from now on?"

As Sjaak and Lisa looked at each other, they both nodded.

Marieke explained that she would wait with the bill until after Johan's ruling. "Almost certainly we can split the bill among the five defendants."

When everything was finalized, they stood up, saying a heartfelt goodbye. Sjaak and Lisa walked with them outside for a while longer, sniffing the fresh air as if they were smelling it for the first time. It was the fresh wind of freedom!

.

While Marieke and her security guards were talking in Sjaak and Lisa's house, Annerieke asked the outside guard about their experiences of the previous day.

"That went perfectly! We told the construction workers that there was a series of court cases going on that would last all day, that we couldn't go into the substance of it, and that we had taken on your job for the day. The construction workers swallowed it like sweet bread, and so they did that thickly spread gingerbread. We ate and had coffee with them, and I can't help but say that the atmosphere was good."

"I'm glad about that," Annerieke replied with relief. "Not that I didn't entrust it to you, but I'm so used to taking on all the care myself. It's been my job for years, and I've always enjoyed doing it. Monday will be the verdict, again five sessions. After that we'll have coffee with the same friends as yesterday, but eat here in the evening. Do you think you'll be able to take care of the coffee and lunch again?"

"I don't expect that will be possible. Probably this will be our last working hour here. Unless Lisa and Sjaak decide otherwise and still have the impression that security is needed."

"So you have the idea that there is no longer any danger for them?" Annerieke asked.

"Based on what Marieke told us about yesterday, we don't think there is any danger anymore."

Annerieke thought for a moment, "I think you guys are right. The change in those suspects was so special. It is actually not possible that they would still seek revenge. Oh look, your colleagues have just arrived with Lisa and Sjaak. So it will indeed be over with your work. I actually love it, because it means we can pick up our normal lives again. On the other hand, I have quite enjoyed the contacts with you and your colleagues. Thank you for the way you set up, it was nice!"

"It was good for us too, we had a great time here. Thanks for how you took care of us with food and drinks, and especially for the nice conversations. And it's nice to hear that that's so mutual. We will also pass it on to our other colleagues. We know from them, that they also experienced this period as good, as special."

Marieke had heard the last part of the conversation and responded by joining in and thanking Annerieke. Simon, Huib and Margreet, who had come out, were also warmly thanked. "All in all, it's been exceptionally good, I haven't heard a dissonance anywhere, and I'm very happy about that! And after yesterday's court cases, we absolutely do not believe that there is any more danger. So... we can close it with this, our work here is done."

With many happy words, they all said goodbye to each other, after which the Bloemenhof family waved goodbye to the security guards.

Annerieke hugged Sjaak and Lisa: "Wonderful that you can join us again. I missed you so much!"

"So did we, we also missed just being here with you, although I wouldn't have wanted to miss this experience," Lisa said.

"Indeed! We've been lucky with both teams in our house. But it's great to be able to move freely again!" Sjaak looked at Lisa as he spoke the last words, and saw that she nodded with a beaming face.

As they walked to the kitchen, Margreet put her arm around Lisa's shoulders, "Welcome back, dear friend!"

Huib came up next to Sjaak and gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder, "Wonderful, everything back to normal! Are you still looking forward to Monday?"

"No, not at all. I think Johan is a great judge, sincere and honest. I trust him completely. But of course I'm curious how his verdicts will read!"

"Yes, so are we, we were talking about it this morning too. Purely curious about how he is supposed to officially sentence them, and if he will add anything personal to that, sentence reduction or something. We'll see, just a few more days of patience!"

The construction workers were still on their second cup of coffee and looked up happily when Sjaak and Lisa appeared to be there again.

One of the construction workers came up to Lisa: "I don't know what's going on, and I don't have to, but I'm glad you guys can be here again." He gave Sjaak a high five: "Yeah, really good to have you guys back in the group!"

His colleagues joined them with cheerful greetings, words of relief. And so it happened, that it felt like everything was already behind them!

To chapter 211. Organization for Monday

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