Jonathan Pine returned to work as a night manager at a major hotel in Cairo, two years after Richard Roper's arrest. He had taken a sabbatical to recover from the physical and emotional scars of his confrontation with Richard and the subsequent trial. The hotel was a familiar and comforting setting for Jonathan, a place where he felt safe.

"Hello, I'm Jonathan Pine and welcome to the Nefertiti Hotel. Are you here to check in?" He asked, as he stood behind the counter, wearing his usual suit.