Page 4 of The Prince of Hidden Shadows
I lean back in my chair, inwardly berating myself for my inability to hide a faint smile. “Of course, Mr. Volkoff. Though I have to admit, I’m surprised you came to me. From what I’ve gathered, your organization prefers more… traditional solutions."
Volkoff’s mouth twitches. A chuckle, maybe. Or a growl. Hard to tell with men like him. But his reputation? Subtlety never made the list. His crew acts without caring about consequences or retaliation. Why a change of strategy? “This operation is important to me for reasons that are none of your concern. I have too many enemies already waiting for my crew to slip. Iwon’t give them the pleasure of tracing this back to me. I decided to trust your skills to avoid trails on this one.”
Is he testing me?
Incapable of reining in my annoyance, I tap the side of the table. “And I don’t leave any. Ever.”
“Precisely.” He nods to one of his men, who slides a file folder across the table toward me. “I trust you.” I open it, revealing a photograph of a painting. My chocolate eyes widen as my pulse trips over itself. “This,” Volkoff continues louder, leaning forward, “is what we need. The painting called?—”
“Hidden Shadows,” I cut him off. I’m far from an art expert, but I recognize a rarity when I see one. Before I can catch myself, a grin flashes on my face.
Until this very moment, they hadn’t revealed what they were after. Volkoff’s reputation alone intrigued me. In my world, he’s known to work with more high-profile criminals rather than con artists like me. One of his henchmen contacted me out of nowhere. I took the bait and agreed to the meeting without knowing much about the deal. Truth be told, I wouldn’t have believed them.
Giving the picture a closer look, I forget to breathe. My cheeks flush.
Despite the painting’s dark hues, its vibrant reds and golds shine, even in the room’s sterile light. It’s in my blood—I chase beautiful things. No wonder I figured out how to get paid for it. It has nothing to do with material possessions, but everything to do with the conquest and satisfaction of achieving my goal. Keeping the prize isn’t the idea. Whether it’s shiny objects or gorgeous men, I can’t allow myself to become attached. Businessis business, and I always come after my work ethic, literally. That’s the real celebration of success, isn’t it?
“I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be able to lay eyes on it.” It was on my father’s bucket list. “Let alone steal it!” I conclude. Heat rises from the back of my neck. This time, I conceal my excitement under a practiced poker face.
“The legend claims a Greek god is responsible for this masterpiece,” the woman with the pearls—who Volkoff introduced as Natasha earlier— deadpans. Her voice is as crisp as what I believe is a Chanel suit, and a stark contrast to the telltale Victorian gothic look that I’ve perfected over the years.
Greek gods… riiight! Yeah, I’ve heard the ludicrous rumors. Seriously? Who would buy into that bullshit? Well, my client’s organization apparently, I remind myself without voicing my thoughts aloud.
As much as I love mythology, it makes zero sense, especially since its style is more reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. I bet the legend that creates a mystical atmosphere around a painting serves to increase its value.
Not my problem.
I heave a soft chuckle and turn to Volkoff again. “It’s based onThe Divine Comedyby Dante Alighieri.”Dated around 1443? Greek gods, my ass!“I wasn’t aware of the impending exhibition. It’s a first, isn’t it?”
Volkoff juts his chin my way, acknowledging my assessment. “Indeed. It is currently in the hands of a private collector in Zurich, but will soon be transferred to Princedelphia, Oregon. I’m sure you know about this coastal town that’s not so anonymous when all the fancy princes from even fancierkingdoms stay there. My intel gathered that the Princedelphia Metropolitan Museum is about to open a new wing devoted to art from these kingdoms. That’s the reason why the precious, legendary painting is landing there as we speak. The grand opening is scheduled two weeks from today. But we, of course, expect you to proceed in a timely manner.” He coughs lightly, shooting me an amused glance. “Nice outfit. Is it bespoke?”
“I thought we were here to talk about business, not fashion,” I quip.
My client nods. “We’ll cover your accommodations in the best of ways as well as transport—whatever you require.”
“I usually travel business class.” I let a grin slip.
“Look on page 3,” Volkoff says, leaning forward. “The contract terms are generous… We understand the risks.”
I keep my mouth shut and read every single word to avoid any potential hidden meanings that would trick me and contradict our initial agreement, feigning nonchalance at the amount.
“Of course. And we’ve arranged for you to stay at the Renversé Hotel. That’s where the runaway princes allegedly take refuge, so you might encounter some of them. Who knows?” Needless to say, I don’t believe in their existence, but why tell Volkoff and his goons? What matters is the mission. The thrill. The money. In truth, strategy is my biggest drive, but I can’t ignore the fun of the game.
“Should you… make any mistakes, you’re on your own, and you’ll owe us, Dolus,” Natasha adds.
How dare she?I meet her stare with a raised eyebrow and a confident smile until she backs off. I close the folder, my handresting over it. Now, my attention ping-pongs between them, weighing the silence.
Volkoff cuts her a brief, reassuring glance.Could she be the one in charge after all?“Dolus came highly recommended by the McPherson family, Natasha.” Her lips quirk up. “I trust him, and so should you.”
“Fine, fine…” she grumbles, her cheeks reddening.
Then, Volkoff turns his full focus on me. “Like I said, take as much time as you need.” His tight smile conveys the exact opposite, betraying his impatience. “But don’t mistake our patience for leniency.” Took him long enough to reveal his true nature. As if I’d been duped.
I meet his warning with one of my own, mirroring his words. “And don’t mistake my charm for carelessness. If you want this done right, you let me run the show.”
The room falls silent for a moment. Then Volkoff leans back, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“I believe we’re on the same page, Dolus.”
