Chapter 131: A Global Impact
1123words
Even with so many risks, Eki and Dapo continue their mission. They understand very well how important it is to expose Thorne's bad actions. But the reason for justice is not only about one person; it also needs to change the entire art community.
Nigeria's "Moonlight Lease" scandal did not just impact Nigeria. Museums and collectors in many other countries also faced tough investigations because of it. People begin to inquire about their collections, like where these items come from or whether it is appropriate to collect art from countries that are still developing.
Eki and Dapo, they become famous voices in world discussions about art and culture. These two people go to many countries to speak at conferences or events. They also appear on TV and radio programs where they give interviews. They also inspire many new people who love art and want to bring about change. Their message is simple: Art should spread goodness, not hurt or take advantage of others.
In Paris, they meet young museum curators who work to improve the completeness of the museum archives. They talk with these curators and get help or advice from them. When in London, they joined a protest at the well-known auction house and asked for more transparency in the art market. Also, they met important collectors in New York who began to think about changing their ways.
When people start to notice their work more, they feel something big is coming; it feels like important things are about to happen. This is because the art world is beginning to change, and they are right at the front of this new creative wave.
Even though they knew the fight was over, it is true that Thorne still existed somehow and his next move stayed a mystery to them. So, they needed to be always alert.
At a large, grand party taking place in New York during the nighttime, Eki gets an unusual message. It says only two words: "Be careful."
Eki's heart continued to beat quickly in her chest. When she looked at the message again, it made her feel very scared. She thinks maybe danger is near. Eki looks at Dapo with a very pale face.
"We're being watched," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Dapo's face turned serious. "I get it," he said with a firm voice. "We have to be careful."
The rest of the evening was spent very cautiously, with their senses being highly aware. They looked around the room attentively to see if anyone was watching them or if anything unusual happened there. The gala changed from a shining party into a nervous watch duty.
Feelings of worry are getting stronger as the night goes on. They choose to leave the gala earlier, and many thoughts quickly run through their minds. We need a safe place where we can meet and think about what to do next.
They come to the hotel and use fake names, so nobody knows who they are. Later, when alone in their room, they begin talking about what this message can mean for them.
"Dapo, Thorne not far," Dapo said in a worrying tone. "He has no hope."
Eki agreed and said, "We need to move ahead of him. We must find out what he wants."
They spend many days inside the hotel room, looking over all the information they have gathered. They try to find connections and clues that might help them figure out where Thorne is.
One afternoon, Eki was reading old news and saw an article about a secret location hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. People believe this mysterious place is conducting very advanced research, but what they are studying remains unknown.
Eki handed the article to Dapo, her eyes shining with excitement. With happiness in her voice, she said, "Maybe this is it." Then she added happily, "This might be where Thorne is hiding."
Dapo's heart told him it was true. They must go and investigate. This choice is not best for safety, but it gives them the best chance to find Thorne and end his bad rule.
They got plane tickets to Brazil and felt both nervousness and excitement. They knew they were going somewhere new, a place they never visited before, but decided to face any challenges that might come their way.
As the airplane went up into the sky, Eki looked quickly outside through the window. They saw the city below - it was not very organized but also not too dirty, kind of like nice chaos. This is a place where all chances and risks meet; we are in a time that may alter everything for people everywhere.
They go to a village that is very, very far away - it feels like time does not exist there. They hear about hidden places in the jungle which you can get to only by boat.
When they leave the plane, warm air from the rainforest greets them. There is also a thrilling mix of sounds: unusual bird calls and distant roaring noises from the jungle fill this area which seems very different from the busy cities where they usually live.
They meet a local guide who can help show the way to the village. Even if the journey is very long and hard, they want to do it because it takes them closer to where their goal is found. The guide knows the path very well and helps them go through difficult areas. The trip can make us feel very tired, but our strong desire pushes us to keep moving bit by bit until we see the destination nearby. As we go deeper into the jungle, plants become more dense and noises from the rainforest get louder.
It was nearly time to halt, but at last, their eyes caught sight of it – a tiny village concealed within the dense green forest. It stood very distant and separated from all other locations.
When they get near the village, a strange feeling begins. This place is different from others; there is a silent tension in the air that feels almost secret. They should be careful, very careful.
Just before reaching the village, their guide suddenly halts. His eyes become wide with fear as he points at something distant. Men holding guns, appearing from within the jungle, tightly gripped their weapons.
Eki and Dapo exchanged a terrified glance. They had walked into a trap.
