STOLEN

“ a hero, please some of us were born to be greater…….., Tobi Oba Raven’s pov The cheating ace with diamonds stood before me in all its glory unlike many other paintings in this museum Georges de La Tour’s stood out. A naive Madien, a playboy, and an observer all stacked with brush strokes, paint, and a canvas, not a very good one by the way. I reached for another glass of champagne smiling at the waiter who gave a slight nod in return. “ of all the treasures in this room, you still manage to look astonishing” I cringed so badly as the smell of tobacco and bad whiskey hit my nose, I quickly put on a witty smile turning my back to the painting and facing the not-so-gentleman before me. “ I don't manage Rafael, I just simply do” I quickly thought of the most comprehensive reply to his bullshit compliment. “Ah, so beautiful, yet so witty, my kind of woman, Mademoiselle. It is times like this that make me think about the beautiful Renaissance, the passion for energy, and the beauty of it all.” He moves closer to me with every new word that comes out of his mouth. I swear to God. I tried not to step back as I found everything about him repulsive. But Rafael was my trump card today, and I wasn't about to lose him so I played along. “You are most definitely correct. Rafael, The Renaissance is all I aspire to be: bold, passionate, and astonishing like you said.” I batted my eyelashes at him and played with the loose strands of hair behind my neck, pretending to look back at the cheat with the Ace of Diamonds. I saw him bite his lower lip from the corner of my eye, and then he took the bait. “And what do we have here?” He finally asked, staring at the painting I had my eye on. “Hmm, I don't know something about cheats and diamonds, but I love the canvas on this one. It's so shiny. It will look so pleasant in my apartment in Monaco.” I replied, peering my eyes into the name underneath the painting as I murmured the painter's name. “Ah, I remember this painting. It's a very nice painting with the cards and cheating.” Even a child could tell he knew nothing about the art. I didn't know if I should punch him or shoot him in the face, but everything was going according to my plan, so it compensated for the disgust I felt right now. “Wow, you know this piece? Seriously Rafael! I love men who care so much about our culture, especially our lost art form.” He grinned at my words and replied. “ I try my best, Mademoiselle.” Our conversation went back and forth about how much he loves art and what he was willing to do to prove it. Rafael was rich, like Daddy’s money rich, making him the perfect cherry on top of my perfectly baked plan. “Ohh Rafael, What I’d give to be like you, so passionate about art, and I don't even have a single painting hanging back home.” “Please, you think too highly of me, but why don't we talk more about this diamond painting? somewhere more quiet and pleasant?” He offered, pointing towards the hallway away from the crowd. “Of course, I'd love to!” I replied with a smile, not forgetting to bat my eyelashes at him. “Please, after you, Julieta.” He made a little bow, and I chuckled as I walked toward his guards, with him closely following from behind. Raphael placed his hand on my back as he ushered me into his sweet, which was as grand as I expected. There were paintings all over the walls, which were fake. On our way here, he kept talking about art and how much I resembled it. I couldn't complain because my plan was going well, so I kept smiling even though my cheeks hurt. “Would you like more champagne, Ma'am?” I nodded a little yes before Rafael quickly ordered his guards and the server to leave us so we could get more privacy. His hand moved from the back to my thighs. I swallowed a little as I am never always prepared for this, so I took his hand and kissed it. “I can't stop thinking about that painting! Rafael!” I gently placed my other hand on his face and continued. “You have no idea how happy I'll be if I get my first art piece today. And the things I do when I'm happy are out of this world. Rafael” My fingers slowly traced from his face to the hem of his jacket. I could already see the excitement on his face. Then, I withdrew my hand and grabbed my glass of champagne. I could already smell his frustration, and I knew I was getting closer. “Very well, then. If it's that painting you want, it's that painting. You shall get my Juliet.” Rafael stated, I did a little victory dance in my head and played along. With all the seriousness I could muster, I hugged him tightly and squealed! “Oh, Rafael, you've made me the happiest woman on the planet” I pulled away, and he said. “That's the goal, my sweet Juliet.” Before I could say anything else, he hastily grabbed his phone and instructed his guards to fetch the museum's art curator. I felt nervous, as this path was always the hardest in every mission. The museum's curator was here. A short, blonde young woman with obvious American perks joined us in the lounge of Rafael’s Museum suite. “Hello Mr. Rafael Dubois, how may the Louvre Museum be a service to you today?” She asked, paying no attention to me, just Rafael. “I would like to inquire about one of your paintings. What was the name again?” He asked, turned to me, and I replied immediately. “The cheat with the Ace of diamonds.” “Oh well, this piece is very complicated, and there is a waiting list and a possibility it might be auctioned off tonight.” The curator still hasn't looked at me. I turned to Rafael with the saddest face. He looks at me and back to the curator. “Why do you need a waiting list when it will be auctioned anyway?” “Well, I can't share such information about the museum, but I can direct you to my superiors. Maybe they can get you what you want?” She answered his question, and he let out a loud laugh. “You see, there is always a way around these things; just a few phone calls and money; that painting will be all yours mademoiselle.” The curator asked Raphael to follow her, and he did just that. He blew me a kiss on his way out, and I gave him one last smile and mouthed an adios to him. Immediately, the door closed; I kicked off my heels and sprinted into the bathroom, activating my intercom. “Ross, talk to me.” “To return to the gallery, you'll need to climb the hatch and crawl through the events.” Ross answered almost immediately. I looked up at the arch, and it was an easy climb, so I sprinted into action. “Spider, you're 5 minutes behind; I‘m waiting on you!” Another voice said through to the intercom. “I'll be there in two Nyla, just a little delay. It's harder to convince French men than I thought.” Nyla laughed at my words, and in less than a minute, I jumped out of the vent and landed in front of her.