5
924 Words
Ava could barely sleep that night, her mind whirling with the revelations from Martin. Someone was intentionally using her name, her art, and her reputation to launder money—and now, she was determined to stop them. She has to find out who was behind it, and why her?
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The next morning, Ava woke up to a lot of messages from Martin, containing findings he’d discovered overnight: financial records, dubious transactions, and even a list of possible suspects. This wasn’t just a minor project; it was well calculated.
Martin’s final message was brief but urgent: "Meet me at my office. We need to talk."
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Ava arrived at Martin’s office, a glistening building in the center of New York City. On her way to his office, Ava began to feel she wasn't ready for what lay ahead. She was somewhat afraid, however, she shook the thoughts off her mind, not allowing fear to consume her.
When she walked into Martin’s office, he was standing by the window. His suit was pristine, but his expression was calm.
“You’re late,” he said, his tone curt.
“I didn't know there was a time.” Ava shot back, dropping her bag on a nearby chair.
Martin handed her a stack of papers and gestured for her to sit. “These are the latest financial traces I managed to discover. Whoever’s behind this is clever. They managed to leave no trace, but I found one name that keeps popping up in connection with the transactions: Alexander Miller.”
The name sent a chill down Ava’s spine. “Alex?” she whispered.
“You know him?” Martin’s eyes narrowed.
Ava nodded. “He’s an art dealer I worked with years ago. He helped sell some of my earliest pieces, but we lost touch after... a disagreement.”
“What kind of disagreement?” Martin pressed.
Ava hesitated. “He wanted me to create pieces that satisfied a precise, wealthy client. When I refused, he said I was wasting my talent and walked away.”
Martin leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. “Makes sense. Miller is known for operating in gray areas. If he’s behind this, he’s using your name because he knows you’d never suspect him.”
Ava clenched her fists. The idea of someone exploiting her work, her passion, to commit crimes made her mad. “So, what do we do?”
“We have to confront him,” Martin said simply.
Ava’s eyes widened. “Just like that? We don’t even know if he’s the one pulling the strings!”
“Which is why we need to make him slip up,” Martin countered. “He doesn’t know we’re onto him. If we catch him off guard, he might reveal something.”
---
Later that afternoon, Martin arranged a meeting with Alexander under the guise of being an interested buyer. Ava would join him, posing as an artist seeking representation. The plan was risky, so they had to tread with caution.
When they arrived at Miller’s gallery, Ava was surprised that it was still the same as the last time she was there. The space was still as lavish looking as ever, with high ceilings, porcelain floors, and walls decorated with exorbitant art. Alex stood in the center of the room, waiting for them.
“Ava Jones,” he said, his voice laced with feigned happiness. “It’s been a long time, 3 years I think. What brings you back to my humble gallery?”
Ava forced a smile. “Hey Alex. You see, I'm exploring new opportunities, and I thought of you.”
Alex’s gaze flickered with interest. “New opportunities, you say? And who’s this?”
Martin stepped forward, his appearance calm but commanding. “Martin Levine. I’m an investor with a keen interest in the arts. Ava talked about you, and I thought I’d see what you had to offer.”
Alex grinned. “You're in the right place. Let me show you around.”
As Alex led them through the gallery, Ava grew anxious. The works on the display were distinct, but something felt off. The themes were unusually similar, and the artists' names unknown. It was just like the pieces were drawn to impress without revealing anything personal about the creators. When they reached Alex's office, Martin asked him.“You’ve built quite an organization here, Alex. I’m curious—how do you source your pieces? They’re...quite unique.”
Alex laughed, a deep sound. “Oh, trade secrets, Mr. Levine. But do not worry, I deal with only the best.”
Ava leaned forward, her voice steady. “And what about your financial dealings? I’ve heard whispers that not everything here is above board.”
The room grew tense. Alex’s smile stalled for a bit of a second before regaining his balance. “What? You know how the art world is. People love to gossip.”
Martin’s gaze drills into Alex. “Gossip or not, you wouldn’t mind us checking, would you? Just to clear the air.”
Alex’s expression darkened, and for the first time, his charm slipped. “I don’t appreciate groundless allegations in my gallery. If you’re not here to do business, please leave.”
Ava and Martin exchanged a glance. They had pushed him far enough—for now.
As they left the gallery, Martin mumbled under his breath, “He’s definitely hiding something.”
Ava nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then we have to find out what it is.”
- Writer
