Joe Maklin had earlier that day given Drake an important assignment. The air was heavy with unspoken words as Maklin smoothly slid a file across the table toward Drake.
"My boy, Drake," he began, his voice a low, gravelly murmur that commanded attention, "we've got ourselves a golden opportunity."
Drake leaned forward, his senses keen and alert. He understood that when Maklin spoke, it wasn't to entertain idle chatter; it was time to pay heed.
Maklin continued, "There's a man we've been in business with for years, a top-tier dealer by the name of Armfire. He holds the keys to a vast network that stretches across the expanse of Europe. But, recently, things have taken a difficult turn."
Drake's eyes narrowed in response. He knew all too well that in their line of work, complications had a tendency to spiral into deadly consequences.
Maklin pressed on, his tone steady, "One of Armfire's own, a fellow named Coleman, turned traitor. He managed to get his hands on a crucial file—the entire dossier on our drug trading routes and contacts. Coleman not only acquired it but also made a copy, Drake, and that spells trouble for each one of us."
Drake's jaw clenched involuntarily. The implications of such information falling into the wrong hands were dire. He listened with unwavering attention as Maklin continued to divulge their predicament.
"Now, here's where you come in," Maklin disclosed, leaning in closer as his voice dropped to a hushed whisper. "I've dug up some valuable intel. Coleman stashed that copied file onto a flash drive, discreetly tucked it away within a painting that's set for auction today. What's more, the individuals conducting the auction have no inkling that there's something hidden within the frame."
Drake absorbed the weight of this revelation. The mission ahead was clear: Retrieve that flash drive at the auction, securing the vital information before it wreaked havoc on their operation.
Drake arched an intrigued eyebrow, his skepticism clear. A painting? It seemed like something straight out of a heist movie, not their usual line of work.
Maklin's grim nod affirmed the unusual nature of the task. "Exactly. That's the situation. It's been shipped to Klecany City, where it's scheduled to be auctioned off. Drake, I need you to go there and retrieve that painting—quietly. We don't have the local police under our thumb, and we can't afford any unwanted attention. We especially can't risk others finding out about this. The last thing we need is that valuable information slipping into the wrong hands."
Drake absorbed the gravity of the situation and nodded. On the surface, it sounded like a straightforward mission. "Consider it done," he affirmed with conviction.
Meanwhile, at the Siezend Gallery, Abigail found it ridiculously hard to hold in her excitement. She was very eager to share the good news with her boss, friends and coworkers.
She approached Georgia, her friend with a radiant smile.
Georgia, who was meticulously arranging a display of sculptures near the entrance.
"Georgia, I have something incredible to tell you," Abigail announced, her voice quivering with enthusiasm.
Georgia looked up from her work, intrigued by her friend's sudden exuberance. "What is it, Abigail? You look positively radiant."
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Abigail began to share the news. "I have the painting, Georgia—the one that Flora Bell has been raving about, the last piece from the Adelina Greens' collection. It's in my possession."
Georgia's eyes widened, and a gasp of delight escaped her lips. "You have it? That's incredible, Abigail! How on earth did you manage to get your hands on such a coveted piece?"
Abigail enthusiastically recounted the dramatic events that had unfolded—the auction, Drake's persistence, and the unexpected turn of events that had led to the painting now safely resting in her care.
As Abigail shared the story, Georgia's smile grew even wider. "Abigail, you locked someone up for this painting? You're absolutely mad!"
Abigail chuckled, sharing the amusement with her friend. "Just enough to be a curator, don't you think?"
"Abigail, this is beyond incredible! Mrs. Bell is going to be over the moon when she sees it. You've truly done something remarkable."
Abigail grinned but then lowered her voice, her excitement tempered by caution. "Just, please, don't tell her the story of how I got it. I don't know how she'd react if she found out what I did to secure this painting."
Georgia returned the gesture with a warm smile. "No problem," she assured Abigail, giving her a thumbs-up.
Abigail's face flushed with pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Georgia. I couldn't have done it without your unwavering support and encouragement."
Touched by her friend's sentiment, Georgia reached out and embraced Abigail tightly. "You know I'll always be here for you, Abigail. I can't even begin to imagine the look on Mrs. Bell's face when she lays eyes on that painting."
Abigail carefully cradled the precious artwork in her arms as she made her way towards the office of Flora Bell, the esteemed head curator and director of the contemporary art gallery. Her heart raced with anticipation as she approached the ornate wooden door, her knuckles gently rapping against the polished surface.
"Come in," called a voice from inside.
Abigail pushed the door open, revealing Flora Bell seated behind a cluttered desk, her sharp eyes peering over a pair of reading glasses. Flora was renowned for her impeccable taste and keen eye for emerging talent, and her approval held immense significance for Abigail.
"Flora, I have something extraordinary to share with you," Abigail said, her voice quivering with excitement.
Flora Bell's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she set aside her paperwork. "Well, don't keep me in suspense, Abigail. Show me what you've brought."
With great reverence, Abigail unveiled the painting. The moment it was revealed, the room seemed to come alive with vibrant energy. Flora gasped in delight, her hand instinctively moving to her chest as she beheld the masterpiece before her.
"Oh, Abigail, an Adelina Greens piece!" Flora exclaimed, rising from her chair. She approached the painting, her fingers almost trembling as she reached out to touch the canvas, as if confirming its reality.
"It's breathtaking. This painting is a symphony of color and emotion, a testament to the artist's extraordinary talent," Flora raved, unable to tear her gaze away. A radiant smile spread across her face, a smile that carried the weight of years of passion for art, signifying her genuine delight.