Chapter 102: A Stolen Legacy
1528words
After the fitting was complete, a phone call came from the museum. They picked it up with many worries and heard the very bad news: one precious artefact from the Moonlight Lease collection had disappeared.
A place where items are kept for everyone to see, it turned very disordered. The strong observers of all the events shouted and requested the police to come help. Eki and Dapo felt cold fear deep inside their hearts. Suspicion came directly to them because they know the collection very well.
One morning, a message came to visit the museum director's room. Inside the room, the feeling was very serious. Mr. Thompson, that is what the museum director called him, welcomed us with an expression of doubt and sadness when we entered his room. The next day, we got a call to come to the director's office for a meeting. It felt very serious at that time. When we walked into the room Mr. Thompson gave us a look filled with doubt and unhappiness.
"I am sorry to put you both in this situation, Eki and Dapo," he said with a voice full of regret. "But the artefact was found very close by."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other, knowing that someone was putting the blame on them but choosing to protect themselves.
"We are not part of it," Dapo said with a strong voice. "We work very hard to make this exhibition happen." There is no reason for us to steal."
Mr. Thompson moved his head up and down with a calm expression on his face. "I understand," he said, "but the reality is not what we hope for."
The next few days felt like a big nightmare. Their names were everywhere in the news, and their good image was destroyed: artists who everyone respected now looked at as suspects linked to this very big robbery case.
They had to go through a lot of stress. It seemed like every step they took was being observed, each action looked at and examined closely. Their mobile phones are ringing all the time, and journalists want to interview them without stopping. It seems like their entire world is turned upside down.
At the same time, the search for stolen items was continuing. Police put in much work but still had no clear path to follow. This situation was becoming serious because if they did not find it quickly, this could cause more damage to our museum's good reputation.
Amid all the chaos, Eki and Dapo found comfort in each other. There were only two people who understood everything. They supported each other with gentle words of encouragement or by staying strong when things were difficult.
As days became weeks, the initial shock began to lessen and was swapped with strong resolve. They chose not to let this situation beat them down. They had strong determination - they would find their missing thing and show they were not guilty.
They start their investigation, gathering information quietly. They talk with people who worked at the museum before, trying to find any clues. They came back to the place where the crime happened for another look and checked everywhere very carefully, making sure they did not overlook anything important.
They kept on investigating, and the way they went took them along a route that seemed very suspicious. It showed an improper side of the museum. There appeared to be corruption and greed for money there. The robbery seemed like it was not just a random thing, but more of a well-thought-out plan.
As they went more into the puzzle, it became clear to them that their game had many dangers. The people who stole were very strong and seemed like there was no limit to what they might do to take power over things.
Eki and Dapo were in a place full of art, feeling like they stepped inside the stomach of a giant creature. The beauty all around them often had secret danger hiding within. When this special thing was taken away, it made them stuck in those dark places too. Now they have a job to bring light back into these spots again.
"They're trapped," Dapo said with strong belief. His voice was clear about how serious the situation seemed to be, but he stayed firm in what he thought.
Eki nodded, her eyes full of strong determination. "We must find out who is responsible for this," she said softly. "And we need to get back the artefact."
Their investigation brought them to a man called Silas Thorne, who was an art collector and lived alone. In the art community, many people spoke about his odd behaviour, but nobody had concrete evidence to confront him directly.
Dapo, feeling not so sure, says: "Thorne is a player too; I hear rumours about him and Moonlight Lease artefacts."
Eki agreed. 'We need to be careful though. He's a dangerous man."
They decide to handle Thorne with caution, acting like they were potential buyers. This was a risky choice but it was the only lead they had at the moment.
Thorne's hello was very smooth and seemed adult-like, but Eki and Dapo could feel a wise mind hiding behind his elegant appearance.
"I understand, you are interested in my collection," Thorne said gently and quietly. "I am very honoured."
Dapo acted like he was interested in his collection, and then he said, "We are so eager to know your likes," but with a sarcastic tone.
Thorne's smile was less strong for a short moment, but he quickly got back his calmness. "Ah, you look very good," he said. "Perhaps we could collaborate."
The talk ended without problem, but Eki and Dapo sensed somebody was watching them. Feeling both nervous and determined, they left Thorne's place. They were getting closer to the truth, but also going closer towards risk.
Then, they continue to investigate Thorne's life. They discover information about a secret group of dark dealers and learn more about hidden auctions and the illegal art trade. The feeling in the air was not the same as we often imagine about the shiny art world.
When they see the puzzle coming together, they understand that taking this item is only one part of a bigger plan. Thorne is with a group that is smuggling stolen things.
The truth was very scary. They had to fight a very strong enemy, an organization with lots of money and many powerful friends. But Eki and Dapo were not people who got scared easily. They wanted to reveal the truth, no matter what they had to do.
Their apartment was like a castle. It gave them some safety. But the fear stayed. Fear is like a hunter that tracks them always and hides in every corner of their mind.
"We need to be careful," Dapo whispered. "They know we understand."
Eki nodded, her eyes showing both fear and determination. "We cannot let them win," she said.
They chose to take risks and inform the police about things they discovered. It was very dangerous, but there was no other way for them. The police officers heard them, their faces showing doubt.
The top detective said, "This is a very serious claim. We will investigate it, but we need strong proof."
Eki and Dapo knew it was not easy to collect evidence against them. Thorne was smart, hiding the things that could reveal his wrong deeds.
When they leave the police station, a sense of hopelessness surrounds them. It seems like whatever action they take keeps being stopped again and again. But, still, they kept their spirits up.
After some weeks, they find out something very surprising during their investigation. They learn that Thorne has planned a big auction where he will sell many stolen artworks and items - this is the perfect chance to catch him in the act.
Eki and Dapo decide to go to auction just like rich collectors do. This move was dangerous, but seemed the only way they could find evidence against Thorne.
The location where the auction took place was a very luxurious penthouse. This setting felt opposite to the tough reality they intended to show. While they were talking with other people, their attention remained on Thorne who was the main focus.
Suddenly, a big noise came. Many men with masks quickly rushed into the penthouse, holding guns firmly in their hands. People who were at the party yelled and then hid fast. Eki and Dapo glanced at each other, eyes full of concern. They understood the thing they feared most was happening right in front of them.
In all the confusion, Eki saw Thorne attempting to slip away. She gripped Dapo's hand firmly and moved towards the exit, intent on escaping.
