A New Perspective (Panic X howler01)

[Panic]

Adeline was thrown a bit by the question to look at the key. Everyone had their weird hobbies she reasoned though. But as soon as she gave him a quizzical look, fingering the chain around her neck nervously, he took her hands in his. Adeline couldn’t help but notice how small they felt in his, dainty even. His hands were warm and slightly calloused. The movement had caused them to face one another, however, and she blushed a bit at their close proximity. What he had to say though through her even more.

He was asking her for money to purchase the piece? Her mind was sent reeling as she tried to digest his request. There was no way she could actually help him pay for it. The price tag from her dress poking into her side reminded her of that. His suit though, it looked expensive. Everything about him did. How could he not afford such a painting? No, it was too ridiculous and even in her more innocent demure could see through the lie. Her eyes furrowed a bit as she tried to decipher his expression.

She stood there biting her lip as she concentrated, each thought racing through her mind quickly trailed by another. What he was saying though made since. Those that actually bought the paintings didn’t appreciate the work. Not like she did. Not even like Marcus claimed to. They did just collect dust after appearing for a while, it would be a shame to see such a collection end in a storage unit. But how could she help him? After all, what if he got her away from the party just to swindle money from her, his interest all part of the act. This particular thought caused Adeline to frown a bit.

Reluctantly, she dropped his hands and took a step back from the handsome man. “I think…” Adeline said struggling for words. “I think it would be best if we both returned to the gala,” she finally said softly somewhat wishing that she could push the words back into her mouth as soon as she had said them. He had been swindling her, hoping to get a deal on the painting, something that even Adeline couldn’t make happen. It made her feel foolish, like a little girl getting tricked. She avoided his gaze, instead staring at the marble floors intently as she spoke. “I’m sorry to hear about…about your financials but I should return,” she said, hoping the quiver in her voice was only in her imagination.

Adeline had never felt so duped. Here she as thinking she had found another art enthusiast and instead she had met nothing more than a handsome art shark. Still, she believed she could salvage the night. After all, she still had a few hours before her father was to return home. She dared to look back up at Marcus, the hurt written all over her face as her arms crossed defensively over her stomach before starting to head back down the hallway trusting he would follow.

[howler01]

She, plainly, could not assist him in that way...oh, but she'd helped in so...so...many other ways. Was he disappointed and a bit saddened by the hurt look on her face? Yes, that much he made clear with frown. She thought he had merely brought her back here to take her money. That simply wasn't the case. She'd given him plenty of information...but, he'd gotten all caught up in her allure, in fact, he still was. Thus, he'd thrown himself off of his game. He had not planned to factor her into his equation; she'd not been a part of his little game, but he'd been so intrigued by her presence and grace of knowledge, that frankly, his mind had swayed to her. Now, it seemed he was going to lose her. Lose her, and Marcus realized, his chance of a clean getaway with the painting. She was far more likely to believe him if he probably just told her the truth, but, with a little spin on it. Marcus did follow, but called to her,"Adeline...wait...there's... something else...I think you should know." Here, he paused, thoughtfully. These next words, in his mind at least, were critical. Say them wrong and she'd be gone. Say them right...and he might yet have the prize after all.

Marcus tried a different approach, trying to hide the bit of desperation in his voice as best he could,"Adeline...I'll admit my earlier money grab was a bit...odd. I apologize for that, really I do. But, think about this; no one values the painting like you or I do. No one understands it's importance in the entirety of the collection like you or I do. No one...can so elegantly speak of it's positive attributes like you can. Look, I don't know how else to say this. I...don't just want to buy the painting on some whimsical notion that the world will understand it's meaning. In fact, I...never came here to buy it at all. I...I cam to steal it and I hoped that you might help me do it. You...you are a very pretty woman and...to be honest, I had almost given up on the idea of even stealing the painting...because I find you much, much more interesting as a person. Besides, the painting is worth far more than whatever it will be auctioned off for tonight. So, what I propose to you is this: help me steal the painting, help me give it to someone who will treat it properly and display it for the entire world to see; rather than throw it away in some dusty corner, forgotten, alone. Or maybe they'll hide it in the storeroom, confined to it's shipping box. Save it from that fate. Give it a true home. Free it of the chains of auction. Just...give me...some time alone with the items to be auctioned...and....I'll give you part of th eproceeds from the sale." How much of those "proceeds" he was unwilling to say. he just wanted to see if she'd bite. His hand was dealt. he'd been thrown off of his game sufficiently enough that she'd caught his little lie.

Marcus took a look around him for something to hit her with, but everything was too secure. Brute force wasn't his strongest asset. If it came down to a fight, even with her, he'd lose and he knew that. He had words, and he'd gotten this far. He added,with a gesture at her outfit" How much did all of that cost? How long did it take you to put it together? Four months? Six? With the money you'd earn from this little deal...you could buy ten outfits just like that...if not better! Please, help me do this...and you'll see your share of the money." He nodded and smiled once more at her. He hoped the money angle would win her back over to him. If only for a little while. She was scared, he was terrified that she'd tell her father about the theif who tried to steal her money...besides, everyone ha a price, or so logic went. He just had to fugue out what hers was.

He caught up with her and said, with a bit of a pleading look,"Please. Just...five minutes. Five minutes and it's all done. No one else has to know." He looked at her once more and waited anxiously for her answer.

[Panic]

Adeline didn’t hesitate to stop. Part of her wanted Marcus to not only be after money and so she turned to face him as he admitted there was more to him. Instead of just coming out with it though, he paused making Adeline’s heart speed up. What else could there be? Those thoughts of doubts though quickly vanished when he started explaining how much that painting meant to both of them. It was true. Everyone else just wanted the name. They would put it up, having their guests look on with envy until the next gala where it would be hidden away from the world. How was that fair? It should be seen. Appreciated.

Her heart completely stopped though when he explained he had planned to steal it. Steal it? Somehow the concept refused to set in. Why would he steal it? Steal it? Breathe Adeline. Let’s think this through, she told herself. Her mind was sent reeling again as he explained how he wanted her to help him. Have the daughter of head of security rob the museum! Adeline swallowed hard against the heavy lump in her throat but it refused to budge, just the knot in her stomach.

What scared Adeline the most wasn’t the fact that she was in private with an art thief. It was the fact that she was actually considering it. She quickly dismissed the notion of having the share of the money, she didn’t want that. Taking the money would make her no better than those social elites who would buy the piece for nothing more than a name. No, the money wasn’t going to be a factor.

Adeline stood very still as she thought things through. This was the one night her father wasn’t working so that would put the blame on whomever was in charge. Good, he might be able to even get that raise they both knew he deserved. Okay so without any ties back to her father that just left her. Easy enough, Adeline knew the security system inside and out, and if Marcus had done this before as she had expected, then he could have very well work out any flaws. Fine. So getting caught wasn’t the problem.

As Adeline thought through her logic once again, she began to chew on her lip. “You have to promise it will go to a good home,” she demanded, looking defiantly into Marcus’s eyes. “I won’t help unless you promise me that whoever ends up with that painting understands it like we do,” Adeline pleaded. Under any other circumstances she could never condone stealing, but who would be the victim here? A couple of social elites who missed out on a six month statement piece. But then there was the museum too, they would lose a sale. But it would bring publicity which they couldn’t have without such a scandal.

No! What was she thinking! Helping out an art thief? Had she lost her mind? Adeline started to backpedal but everything kept coming up logical. Why not? Taking in a deep breath, Adeline reached up to her necklace and ripped off the cheap silver chain holding the master key, tightly grasping it in her hands. “I have to go to the security room to erase any proof that I was behind the gala from my dad. I’ll have to do this and put all of the cameras on repeat for ten minutes to make sure. I’ll meet you back at the party so we can make it to the auction. Whatever you do, stay away from the east wing, they’re holding the paintings there and we wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. Ten minutes,” Adeline explained hoping that Marcus would catch on.

This was crazy. No this was insane. But still, Adeline felt this thrill of excitement passing through her. She had spent her childhood playing pretend and now she actually was stealing a million dollar painting? It was unbelievable. With her blood pumping full of adrenaline, Adeline was shocked by her next move. She quickly kissed Marcus on the cheek while shoving the key into his hand, hiding it from any cameras. “Don’t get caught,” she whispered in his ear before pulling away and heading towards the security room at the center of the museum.

[howler01]

Her reaction to his desperation was, by all accounts, unexpected. Here she was, a girl who, to Marcus anyway, didn't quite fit in. Something about her had seemed off, yet...at the same time...that was what had made her so interesting...and his goal so distant. he'd half expected her to turn away...or slap him...or something, but she hadn't. In fact, judging by her words, and her actions; she'd struggled with the idea, but begrudgingly accepted that she was going to help him. She'd take care of the security...all he had to do was saunter over, swipe the painting...and be gone. Good. She ripped the key off of her neck, and gave him to, with a quick kiss. Marcus, being gracious and playing it up for whatever camera might be watching them, kissed her back. Ten minutes, she'd said. Well...he had options then, didn't he? He could take that shortened tour of the Modern exhibits...walk around...or do the smart thing and head back to the party. She, presumably, would give him a signal, to let him know that everything was set.

"It will go to a good home, I promise." In fact, that too, was a lie. He didn't know where the painting would end up. She'd made up her mind by the point, he was just aiding her decision. Though..perhaps he could be convinced to buy the painting himself...but where would he keep it? Marcus moved far too often to do much more with it then the people he'd just put down. Maybe...maybe it was time to stay in one place for awhile. Maybe it was time to settle down for awhile. Maybe Adeline would come with him. But, then, she'd realize that he dealt with some pretty bad people on a dayd to day basis...so...maybe not.

Was that kiss for the camera...or...for her? he thought as he headed back towards the party, quietly entering the code 10 23 70 into the door to untrigger the alarm before he locked it. He'd give her two minutes...Then he'd go ahead and swipe the painting. Marcus did want to check on the party...just to make sure no one had noticed that the "art dealer extraordinaire" had gone anywhere. he walked back out into the main room where the gala was still in full swing; everyone seemingly talking and laughing and having a good time, staring at what was to be auctioned. And, as before, the painting they both prized sat unnoticed as it had before. Such a shame. I do hope you find a good home. he thought as he checked his watch and counted the time in his head.

It was time to get going. He figured two minutes was enough time for her to go and change the cameras around and erase her own prescience the gallery. Marcus calmly proceeded into the East Wing, unlocking the door and using the code he'd memorized and punched in earlier Now, just to find the painting, swipe it...and he was home free. The Moreau wasn't hard to find. The "ugly" little painting was sort of off in it's one little corner, though, like all of them, two guards were paroling around the paintings, but they hadn't yet noticed the now outed art thief. he slipped on some gloves, meant for handling such things, and walked right towards the painting. One of the guards finally noticed,"Hey! what are you doing? You can't be in here! This is a restricted area!"

Marcus merely smiled at the man and said,"oh? I apologize, I thought everyone had the memo. The Moreau over there has to be inspected... Marcella Hunt, Art Inspector, they hired me to ensure...that everything is authentic tonight. You understand, don't you? We wouldn't want some fake being sold for lots of money, would we?" The guard looked doubtful, but he reluctantly brought out the painting, which, when his back was turned, Marcus quietly slipped into a special case, designed for paintings. He nodded to both guards and said,"don't worry gentlemen...I'll bring it back...my tools are just...in another secure area." he provided one more smile and left the area.

Marcus carried the rather large briefcase out to his car first, flashing the guards at the door a smile, on his way out and his way out. Once he'd secured the painting in the trunk of his car, he went back into the party and simply mingled for a bit, looking around for Adeline, so that he could quietly take her away from the museum; if she was wiling to go, that was.

[Panic]

Adeline truly believed Marcus when he guaranteed the painting would find its proper home- perhaps some out of a need to trust she wasn’t making a mistake by helping him, but mostly because she wanted to trust Marcus more than anything else. If she couldn’t hold her trust in him, then she had to question her entire rational and judgment of others. It was that blind faith in Marcus that had Adeline’s walk to the security room as a walk of conviction. Every step that echoed off the marbled halls was a step of Adeline continuing to justify her actions. This. Was. The. Right. Move.

Adeline straightened herself up before knocking on the door with a dainty knock since she was no longer with a key. Inside of the room she heard a gruff and shuffling before the door swung open to a large, rotund, man with a scraggly mustache. “Adeline…” he said in a disaprooving tone despite the goofy smirk underneath the messy hair damp with what Adeline assumed was his coffee.

“I know, I know Danny. Trust me, I feel like an idiot already,” she said making sure to look down at her feet meekly. “He’s much too old for you little lamb,” she added in a deep gruffy voice as she mocked him. Danny just looked at her before laughing, his small eyes crinkling around the edges. His laugh was warm and encompassing and Adeline felt a twinge of regret for what she was about to do. She had known Danny for almost as long as she was running around the museum. He helped raise her almost as much as her own dad did.

“Anyways, he was just a dealer looking to swindle down the price,” Adeline lied, acting disappointed. “He didn’t have any interest in me,” she added before looking at him through her lashes- an old trick she taught herself to get her dad to buckle to her.

“Sorry ‘bout that Addy,” Danny said taking her into a side hug that smelled of stale coffee and cigarettes. “Probably for the better though, ya? A guy who can’t see what a catch you are is not worth the time of day sweetheart.”

Adeline chuckled softly as she squeezed him back. “You’re probably right. You’re not going to tell my dad about this are you?” she asked making sure to look at him as meekly as possible. This was going to have to work or Marcus was going to find himself in the back of a police car very soon. “He was already nervous about having me come to this and it would just bother him to know his little girl was tricked. I already feel daft enough as it is.”

“Nope, it’ll be our little secret,” Danny promised with a wink as they both walked into the small security room. A large wall was covered in television screens, all flipping through multiple stations of different feeds of the museum, most of them empty besides the gala hall and the east wing. The bottom corner television played a soccer match softly with half of a donut and coffee sitting in front of it. “So besides your little embarrassment there, what brings you to my neck of the woods here Addy?” Danny asked as he took a seat in a rolling office chair in front of the monitors, the chair moaning under the weight.

“Actually, my dad was out front,” Adeline said quickly, her words rushing together as she threw together a hasty lie. “He, he was dropping me off when he said he had to talk to you?” she added, forcing her voice to even out a bit hoping he wouldn’t catch on.

Danny eyed her a bit suspiciously but stood up anyways. “He was always a worrier, probably just some security measure.” Adeline just nodded along with a sympathetic smile as if she were agreeing, knowing it was a lie.

“I can watch the monitors if you want to go step outside really fast,” Adeline offered.

“That’s a good girl of ya, always looking to help out,” Danny said ruffling her hair as he grabbed his security jacket and headed for the door. “Oh and Addy?” he said, poking his head back in causing the girl to jump as she looked to him from the chair. “You’ll find someone nice one day.” With that Danny was gone and Adeline was left with all of the security equipment. She set out to work clearing out the video and setting it on loop for a small section of time just as her dad had showed her how years earlier. Scribbling down a hasty note on the donut napkin about a false excuse of her dad calling and leaving, Addy got up and left the security room hastily.

By the time Adeline had returned to the main showroom where the gala was being held, her heart pumped vigorously from the excitement of pulling off such an act. She couldn’t believe how easy it was to get people to believe her. First her dad with staying home, and now Danny. She could only hope he wouldn’t bring it up later at work.

Adeline grabbed a glass of champagne off a moving waiter as she weaved around the other party goers. What if Marcus had been caught? Or there was a hold up? No, there was no cops, that meant no alarms or reasons to worry. Still, her nerves were completely wreaked and she about downed the entire glass, hoping the bubbling drink would settle her even bubblier nerves. What if he had left? Used her like she used Danny and left her? Adeline chewed nervously on her bottom lip before finishing off the rest of her drink and grabbing another. Her fingers played against the glass nervously before she finally spotted the familiar mop of dark brown hair. Sighing with relief she made her way through the crowed before standing next to him, raising her eyebrow as if to ask how his side of the heist went.

[howler01]

Marcus noticed Adeline because of her raised eyebrow. He gave her a slight, reassuring, confident smile. His signal that all had gone well. He reached for hr free hand and wondered what his next plan was going to be. He should be long gone from here...and yet, the girl still mattered. Somehow, she was still important in all of this, but why? She had served her purpose. She had helped him snatch the painting, and yet, Marcus still felt he owed her something; that some debt was unpaid between them. He couldn't rationalize why he was still here and not long gone any other way. Marcus asked her quietly,"Perhaps we...should be going now? I see little point in hanging around much longer...unless there's...something more you wnated to show me?" His way of asking her had everything gone well on her end.

The night had been a success, yet still, there was a general feeling of uneasiness, uncertainty in Marcus's mind about all of this. As if he'd somehow made deal with a devil, as if somewhere she'd return to her home and reveal all she had done to her father, and Marcus would be in some very hot water. However, Marcus had the feeling in his gut that this course of action wouldn't take place. Besides...there was that kiss. Marcus was alittle more than curious about it. But, the museum and the gala were hardly the places to discuss such a matter. Marcus supposed he'd just take her home or to his own apartment, but that could end badly, particularly if her father was to arrive home and not see her there.

He held out his hand to grasp hers and waited to see if she would take his as well. He could tell she was enjoying the campaign perhaps a little too much, and he didn't want the drink going to her head such that she did something she'd later regret.

[Panic]

Adeline didn’t hesitate when taking Marcus’s hand. The way that their hands fit together made Adeline blushed. His hand was calloused against her softer ones, warm and inviting. Maybe it was the champagne, or maybe just the high of pulling off her first real crime. Either way, Adeline felt like she was flying and could take on anything. “Nothing at all. I hate to leave the chaos coming, but we should probably be off. Lead the way.” Her body buzzed with excitement and her smile felt permanently plastered to her face.

Where as before, Adeline had come in feeling like a lost lamb, her head was held high now. At least in her mind, it was a small victory for the young woman. One less painting would be hidden away and truly appreciated. She felt extremely proud for being a part of that. Not only was she giving a painting a home, it was a painting of her personal hero. Adeline was continuing his legacy. That was enough rational for now at least.

As Adeline bounced a little on the balls of her feet, a sinking feeling came in her stomach. Her father. He would be arriving soon surely. He would get a call as soon as they realized the painting was gone. What if he saw her? Suddenly the urgency to leave the gala was like a smoldering heat in her stomach. She had to get out of that room before he came. They needed to leave. She eyed the exits nervously, as if he was going to walk through the doors at any moment yelling and red as he turned her into the police. He would still be on his date though. She needed to calm her nerves before she became frantic. Taking a deep breath she counted to ten slowly before taking another sip of her drink for good measure. She was being ridiculous, of course they were safe for a while.

Adeline offered another warm smile to Marcus as they weaved through the crowd curious as to where they would be going. Hopefully he wouldn’t just drop her back off at her place. That would make her feel even more like a little kid, being dumped as soon as her work was done. At the same time, she wasn’t sure what he would expect if they went back to wherever he was staying. Maybe she could convince him to go grab coffee or something else. Something public. That’s what they taught in those self-defense classes her father forced her to go to. Yes, somewhere public.