by Dayna Rubin
Tsun Jae slid open a dividing screen within the hall, which they walked through, and then she opened another, and as they walked along, Tsun Jae slowed to where she seemed to glide before them. The last screen was opened, revealing the pond they had viewed through the glass. Upon the teak stool sat a very small old man in loose white drawstring silk pants and flowing shirt transfixed by the pond. Water glided down the surface of a boulder on all sides, whispering unintelligible secrets to them as they looked on.
The sand between them and the seated figure of Tsun Jae’s grandfather was undisturbed. They stood before him, unsure, but at ease, waiting for words of wisdom. He took in each of them all at once, seeming to wash over them with his gaze.
Natanya lifted her foot to step onto the sand, her intention became obvious to Tsun Jae, who stopped her with a light touch, and then beckoned them out.
They retraced their steps, walking through each of the two screened off hallways, and passing the Koi pond within the glass-enclosed courtyard once again; exactly the same as it was the first time they had viewed it. The sand was undisturbed, the grandfather absent from the stool.
Weaving their way through the house, stepping up to some levels and down to others, they passed the rooms once again, except the furnishings were now turned toward them. Arriving at the front door Natanya said, “Was this where the handle was before?” Natanya reached for the tail of the serpent clinging to the door.
“Yes, why wouldn’t it be?” Tsun Jae grasped the handle as Natanya looked on, then ushered them to the outer courtyard, and back into the car waiting on the circular driveway. The serenity of their encounter encapsulated each of them; the disturbance of the engine along with the jolt of the car lurching forward broke them from their reverie.
“Grandfather says it is time,” Tsun Jae said above the noise of the engine.
“Really, because I didn’t hear him say anything, unless he told you earlier,” commented Dauphine as she sat beside Tsun Jae gripping the door handle as they took the corner at a high speed.
“No,” Tsun Jae replied.
“No, he didn’t tell you anything before, or no, he didn’t tell you now?” Natanya asked.
“Both…no,” Tsun Jae replied. Her tiny body seemed to lift off the seat as she gripped the steering wheel with both hands.
Gage jumped into the conversation, “If he didn’t actually tell you that, and we don’t really even know what that means by the way, then how did you know?” His voice carried to all of them from the back seat.
“The message became clear when he allowed us entry. Tsun Jae never entered sanctuary before.” Tsun Jae said simply.
“You’ve never been in that room? In all these years? You mean to tell me that you go to your grandparents’ house and they just don’t let you in to part of the house?”
“Yes,” said Tsun Jae, nodding as if there were nothing unusual about that.
Natanya bit down on her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, then looked at Gage who she exchanged a knowing glance; realizing she had begun to make fun of a symbolic gesture.
Gage overemphasized silence by pressing his lips together, and then gestured toward Tsun Jae, none of which fazed Natanya who blurted out before she could stop herself, “My Great Aunt Rose gave me notes about things that haven’t made sense until now, so I totally understand what you’re saying.”
Dauphine swiveled completely around, momentarily letting go of the handle hanging above the door to give Natanya an incredulous look.
“What?” Natanya shrugged then attempted to explain her outburst. “She saw the Van Gogh under the forged Vermeer, and she must know that Signature Conservatory and the National Gallery covered it up!”
“How many people did you want to tell? I’m just curious…” Dauphine nearly ended up in the driver’s seat but grasped the dash in time to stop her from sliding all the way over.
“They try getting information from me after you left, but I act dumb and not say anything,” Tsun Jae said.
Dauphine cast a glance over her shoulder to Natanya, raising her eyebrows, “There’s an idea!” then looked back out the side window.
“What does he mean ‘It is time’?” Gage asked.
“I understand and soon you will understand,” Tsun Jae pressed on the accelerator leaving Gage with nothing more to do than hold on or be thrown around the car as if he were a paper cup caught in the bed of pickup, in endless recirculation.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Crumpled Canvases
“We have helicopter coming. It take you to next place. You come back to Russia with it. To Mr. Abramovich house,” Bruno said as he clapped Warren on the back, then he jumped into the loaded helicopter behind Ted and closed the door.
After Ted and Bruno boarded the helicopter, Philippe caught a glimpse of a gun tucked into a holster attached to Bruno’s leg. As he stared after the helicopter, he recalled where he had seen Bruno. Philippe recalled that Bruno had received a note from the boy, had seemed angered by it, crumpled it, and then held it balled into his fist, as they entered the house.
Warren said, “I know what you’re going to say, but we can’t stop them from taking them just now. They are supposedly putting them into safekeeping. We need to go after the rest of the hidden paintings. Then, we have to be able to trace the ownership, and prepare an irrefutable presentation that can’t be glossed over.”
“We’re risking a lot…” Philippe pushed his hands into his pockets as he stood watching the helicopter fly over the mountain ridge and out of sight.
“Well, I hope the kid wins his Air Guitar contest…” Warren said looking toward the castle. Almost as an afterthought, he asked Pascal, “Any more news coming in regarding more locations?”
“I haven’t received anything since the last encrypted message telling us to go to Switzerland,” Pascal replied.
Philippe asked, “Has anyone given any thought to how we’re going to get out of here if the helicopter…just ahh, doesn’t come back?”
The sound of chopper blades began faintly, increasing as it came nearer. “See, there you go,” Warren said while seated on a boulder at the clearing; the same position he had taken after they had loaded the previous helicopter.
“Hey, does anyone know where that kid went, by the way?” Philippe asked.
“No, I recall Ted said he was going to waylay him.” Warren said.
“I believe his exact words were that he was going to take care of him,” Pascal corrected.
The helicopter came in for a landing, slowly descending until the door slid open, barely touching the ground, but low enough to allow them to board.
They leaped into the waiting helicopter, easily finding a seat, this helicopter bigger than the first two.
“It’s astounding to think there is more to be found than what we have encountered at Ragnit and Mespelbrunn, and what do you think the Directors of these museums are going to do when they have to declare the number of paintings they have hanging on their walls are copies?” Philippe reclined his captain chair, placing his folded hands beneath his head.
“it’s not only the museums that will be affected, it’s the numerous foundations, trusts and individuals who have been sold works of art that we now know are fakes, that will sustain a large loss, “Warren mused aloud, the hum of the helicopter filled the space.
“I’m thinking about what the Chief Justice had said,” Warren began.
“What was that?” Philippe asked, “I wasn’t present during your conversation where the decision was made to cover the situation of the forged painting. What did he say to you?”
“I was told the stability of the nation was the priority, and to reveal the forgery was not an option.”
“That’s when you were asked to step down?”
“Yes, that’s when I was told to come to the decision already made for me. I was to believe I had a choice.” Warren laughed as he reclined his chair.
Pascal found a charging station for his iphone, plugged it
in, then collapsed into his chair to relax.
“I think we are deserving of a little rest. The works of art we have recovered are worth enough to even put a dent into Roman’s fortune…” Philippe observed, unable to leave it at that, he added, “That is, if we can retrieve them from his estate when we’re done…” Philippe’s voice trailed off.
That still remains to be seen,” Philippe concluded.
“How much time do we have before we arrive?” Philippe asked.
The pilot informed me the duration of the flight should be a little over an hour, if you include the inclement weather that’s about to descend upon us,” Warren said.
“Well, I’m taking this opportunity to relax before we arrive,” Philippe pulled down the shade on the clouds gathering around them, turned off the overhead light and closed his eyes.
“Philippe?” Warren asked, a cryptic smile lifting one side of his mouth.
“Yeah…I’m resting, so if this is just a quick question…” The question came out more like a statement.
“Was there a way you could be traced? You know, after you made the transaction?” Warren stared up at the ceiling.
Philippe sighed, “I had used a false name, so…”
“No, before the actual exchange. I’m talking about the person who contacted you at work. The one who you met at the International Conference.”
Philippe opened his eyes, allowing them to rove the interior as he contemplated the question, “Yes, the ability to find me is high, as he knows my name, my company, and the city where I live.”
“Hmm…” Warren seemed to be considering something but didn’t expand on it.
“It was a one time connection. They definitely received what they wanted and appeared not to have any idea, no realm of knowledge as to the extent of information held within the album of pictures,” Philippe said.
“What if they have received information to the contrary? Gained knowledge as to the astounding amount of information in the album.” Warren put forth.
“We would have heard from them. We would have seen some kind of effort to waylay us, create a divergence, obtain our information, all of which hasn’t occurred,” Philippe replied defensively.
“No, as far as we know…After we arrive in Switzerland, we need to contact Dauphine and Natanya, make sure they are all right,” Warren said, putting into words one of the nagging thoughts that had been plaguing Philippe.
“All right, I’m all for making sure they’re unharmed and are not in any danger, but my money is on Roman and his crew. If there’s any threat to our mission, I think it will come from them.” Philippe crossed his arms, glanced at his watch, then resumed his former position.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The Chiaroscuro and Sfumato Effect
Tsun Jae flashed her badge at the parking attendant as her car barreled into the garage. Without a reduction of speed, she dove into her numbered slot for employees of the National Gallery.
As everyone released their clutch on something solid in the car, Tsun Jae said, “You…NASA lady…you can’t go in. You two go to entrance, I get passes for you.” Tsun Jae pulled her large pillowcase of a purse from under Dauphine’s seat, not appearing ruffled or frazzled, only determined as she rifled through her purse.
After Tsun Jae left to change back into her National Gallery Uniform, Dauphine, Natanya and Gage stood next to her car discussing how they were going to proceed.
“Did you bring the copy of the poem…I think there might be something to that,” Dauphine said as they walked toward the visitor’s entrance.
“You’re not going to try to go in are you? Gage asked as they continued walking toward the building.
“Yes, I am. Look, no one is going to recognize me.”
Natanya looked dubious, stopping in front of the entrance, she stood near Gage, both of them skeptical of Dauphine’s tactics.
“Maybe…when we go in…you could meet us, say in one of the outdoor gardens,” Natanya ventured.
“I’ll stay out while you guys go in and…hey…If I can’t go in, you can’t go in either!” Dauphine said to Gage. “You were with me when we were pulling the paintings off the wall and examining them. I don’t see why she would single me out!” Dauphine declared, indignant in her staunch support of her point.
“Okay, I’ll just go in…” Natanya said.
“Natanya, how many times have you been in this museum to survey a painting or for an event?” Dauphine asked.
“Well, quite a few, actually…”
“That settles it, all of us could be recognized,” Gage said..
“What if we take in different parts of the museum?” Natanya suggested.
“Bad idea. I think together we have a better chance,” Gage stated resolutely.
“What if we try the same approach as we did in the airport?” Dauphine said.
“Yes, you and I will go in together, and Natanya can stroll around separately.”
Natanya appeared to consider the option, nodding in confirmation, “that works.”
They all turned toward the National Gallery, the three of them lined up side by side, viewing it as if they should suddenly be able to see the secrets it held.
Dauphine linked arms with Gage and they began a slow amble toward the entrance. Natanya waited until they were a little farther ahead before she headed toward the building.
“It’s only a few paintings we’re trying to find. They could be hidden anywhere.”
Dauphine whispered to Gage, edging in closer to him as they walked so that no one would hear them.
“And how Tsun Jae’s information plays into this, I have no idea, but hopefully we’ll find out, and soon.”
“I concur,” Gage said.
They approached the Season Passes and Special Events and Exhibitions window after entering through the wall of glass doors. A group of people was reviewing the options for family memberships, finally deciding to purchase season passes. Then, they couldn’t decide who was going to hold the temporary receipt slip and started discussing the possibility it might be lost in the mail, until they were finally assured there would be no risk, even if they lost their passes, or didn’t receive them in the mail, as they could be replaced at no charge.
Gage and Dauphine had been trying to keep themselves occupied during this time by looking at information on the museum, when they were finally able to come to the front of the line.
“Hi, we have passes waiting for us under, um… well, they were being put aside by someone named Tsun Jae Pei…do you know anything about that?” Dauphine tried to be unassuming, not wanting to draw attention to her self.
“Yes, of course, why didn’t you say so? They’re right here.” The National Gallery employee started to hand them the envelope, but then held it back just as Gage was about to grasp it.
“Wait here, I just remembered that she said she wanted to dispense it herself.” The staff member retracted the envelope, tucking it into the drawer just under the counter, then walked to an internal intercom system where she pressed a button to call Tsun Jae to the Customer Service Window.
“It will be a few minutes if you would like to wait here in the lobby. I’m sure you will find many fine pieces of art to occupy your time.”
“Thank you, we’ll wait for Tsun Jae in the Lobby as you suggested,” Dauphine said to the staff attendant. Turning to Gage, she asked, “Why do you think she wants to join us? Do you think she knows more than she’s letting on?”
“Hard to say, but she did indicate that it was time for something to happen, according to her grandfather. Maybe she has something she wants to share with us regarding this recent development,” Gage offered.
Tsun Jae arrived in her required attire of black dress pants and button down black shirt, lanyard hanging around her neck encasing her name and bar-coded I.D.
“Here are the passes…” The attendant began to hand them to Dauphine but was intercepted by Tsun Jae.
“I’ve got it from her, thanks,” Ts
un Jae approached them, then passed them, saying, “Come on, we have very little time to find this hidden painting.”
Dauphine and Gage put down their brochures and folders, and quickly moved to follow Tsun Jae who was moving pretty fast, about to round a bend, which would take her out of eyesight.
“There may be more than one painting, Tsun Jae,” Dauphine said as she walked, then trotted in an effort to catch up to Tsun Jae.
“Yes, there were a few others in addition to the Da Vinci that we know about, but there may be many others which may be hidden with them. We had to stop looking through the album, so we don’t know how many others could be hidden here.”
“What album? You speak of this album before, when you were here taking paintings off wall and putting them in special machine,” Tsun Jae said. She was now walking so quickly, both Gage and Dauphine were having trouble keeping up.
“Yes, we were cleaning them, looking for the possibility of forgeries and hidden pictures beneath their surface.
“But you were stopped by the angry man and woman from the government.”
“Yes…” Dauphine said, unable to talk and keep up with Tsun Jae moving at such a fast pace.
They finally stopped at a storage area with a large steel door, the backlit keypad to the side of it.
Tsun Jae punched in the code as the lock released, evident by the subtle click coming from the door, “Come on, we check in here.”
Dauphine surveyed the room, finding it was well lit and well organized. She said, “I’ll start over here, you guys take either the middle section, or the end, and we’ll work in our own area. Hopefully, we’ll find something.”
“You don’t sound hopeful,” Gage said as he moved toward the back of the room.
“No, if there was something stashed away for years, it would have been discovered here by someone earlier.” Dauphine checked a well-labeled crate with a barcode, which probably listed exactly what was in it, when it arrived and from where.
“If they operate similarly to NASA, they will probably track each object to know where it is in the facility at all times,” Dauphine continued.
