Beyond The Dragon

Chapter Two

I walk up the steps to the two-story cabin and knock. Please answer me. You just have to. Matthew opens the door and smiles dissolving his wrinkles a bit. "Hi, Matthew. I had a few questions about my dad." I greet as I fidget with my black long sleeves and he opens the door wider. "Come on in. I was just making a fresh pot of tea. Would you like some?" He asks and I smile up at him. He's always so welcoming and sweet to me. 

"I'd like that. I hope I'm not interrupting your work." I assure him as I walk in and he chuckles as he leads me to the kitchen. "Not at all. I've got a bit of an inspiration block right now. But I do have to wonder. Why are you here to ask me questions? You know everything about your father, don't you?" He asks and I sigh as he grabs the kettle from the stove pouring two cups for us before grabbing the sugar. I wish. "My father was not as simple as I thought it seems. I took care of him my whole life. Made sure he ate while he was working. Cleaned his messes. Promoted his work. I thought he was simply one track on the mind... But one of his paintings was stolen and something came to light for me. I thought since you were my dad's closest friend that you might be able to clear this up for me." I explain and he nods for me to continue as he places the red mug in front of me. I look out the windows at the snowfall and bite my lip. He always loved the winter. It inspired him so much.

"I'll try my best. What is it?" Matthew asks and I look back at the silver dashing out from his fiery hair. "I heard that there are rumors on the black market. Rumors that my dad had more pieces in the world. Pieces unknown to me. Is that true?" I ask and he leans back in his chair. He can't even look at me! It's true! "When you started working in that office and started getting depressed with your life... Your father tried to show you the brighter things in life. But you were always too stubborn to take it. So, he started to make things for you to find. Even had a secret workshop so you'd never find out. He thought seeing the world from his perspective in these little treasure hunts would help you. He was going to leave you clues but, I guess, never got the chance. He asked me to make sure you never found out what he was doing. So, I did, and then after he died last year... I thought maybe it would be too hard for you to go and find all these pieces he made just for you. I thought it'd upset you. So, I never told you. Is that why his landscape was stolen?" He asks and I nod as I rub my face. He can't be serious. He hid my father's private collection from me. A collection just for me. But this painting was stolen to get to that collection.

"He made them for me? I thought he did all that stuff just cause it made him happy just painting and making things." I whisper and he chuckles. "He did. He loved being an artist. But he loved you more, Katherine. You were his whole world. I don't know what he made but he did say it was the best thing he could have ever done. So, if someone is after your father's private collection then I suggest you try to find it before they do. It is yours to decide what to do with and your father would've had a conniption if he knew someone was trying to steal it from you." He scoffs and I take a big gulp of the tea. How do I even start with this? 

"Where would I start? I have no idea where to look." I laugh sadly and he shakes his head. "That's not true. Your father made them for you. Which means you're the only one who can find them. You're the only one who would understand what he has to say. Was there anything else in his will?" He asks and I shrug. Just the usual things. "I got everything. My childhood home, his home, my own home, and all his collections. Not to mention the savings." I explain and he hums. "Maybe start at one of the houses. He saved them for a reason right?" I nod and stand to my feet. "You're right. Thanks, Matthew. I'll be back if I have any more questions." I promise and go to leave until his voice stops me. "Do an old man a favor, Katherine. Let me know what you find. I'd like to know what Austin made that was so amazing." I nod that I will and walk out of the home. I stop when I see Ian leaning on my car with a cigarette in his mouth and his motorcycle keys spinning in his fingers. You've got to be kidding me.