02 - Curiosity

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02 | Curiosity

Ariá:

Vere Amore? Strange name for a case. Good thing I'm not a detective. Judging by what dad calls it, I'm guessing this has to do with a museum or something involving an art piece of some sort because if so, count me in. Definitely count me in. I don't know but something about art as a whole is just so attractive. I always try to express to Chloe how serious a situation is when it involves art and men and her go-to response is always, "Men in art are mostly old and creepily poetic". I mean, she's not necessarily wrong but still.

The most artistic thing I could do is draw a stick figure and even so, it would be mediocre. Maybe an old woman came to dad for help. Old women and art go hand in hand for sure. I was about to get to the good part of how a possibly good-looking guy came to dad for help when the next thing I knew, I was being rocked back and forth to snap out of it.

"Are you okay Riá? You seem a little lost" he asked, looking quite concerned. I could tell he was beginning to worry. He'll get wrinkles faster if he doesn't stop, I swear. "I'm fine dad, stop stressing. I was just pondering about this case of yours. I'm sure the name isn't English." I said. He grinned and went back to sit at his desk. Dad stared right at me and I did the same. It wasn't unusual at all, in fact, I like to have these silent staring contests with dad when there is nothing left for me to add to a conversation or something.

It was quiet for a while until dad broke the silence. "You're right, it isn't. Between you and I, I call it 'The Cracked Painting' instead. I can tell you're curious about this, aren't you?". It's like he can read my mind but then again, he is my father so of course he knows what his daughter is like. I'm a daddy's girl after all. I nodded and leaned forward. It was so obvious that my interest peaked. No shame about that if I'm being honest.

Hopefully a handsome guy is involved.

"I actually have no clue what Vero Amore looks like. I'm sure there is a poem or at least some sort of meaning behind the artwork hence the title that isn't English but overall" –he exhaled– "I know nothing other than the fact that it has a crack." Dad said. Seems like the artist is a little secretive. I urged for him to continue, curiosity getting the better of me.

"The painting was done by Emilio Bianchí, a member of the Bianchí Family. As years passed, so did the painting and now it belongs to Leonardo Bianchí, well at least it did before it got stolen." Dad finished.

I sat up, intrigued by all this information that was shared with me. Honestly, I thought this whole thing would bore me. I was expecting to hear all that fancy stuff you see in those crime shows but it was pretty straight forward and I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested. Oh, I was definitely interested, especially with this Bianchí Family dad mentioned and whoever Leonardo is. They sound expensive and the name is not English, that much I can tell. 

Dang, I wonder if all this thinking might turn me into an amateur sleuth.

"Dad, who is Leonardo Bianchí?" I asked. I'm pretty sure I pronounced the last name wrong but it's alright. At least the person isn't here where they could probably attack me for it.

"I had a feeling you would ask me that", He said with a chuckle. "Leonardo is the one that came to me for help when he realized the painting was stolen. He should be coming here later in the afternoon to discuss details." 

I'd ask dad how old this Leonardo guy is but I don't want to seem thirsty, plus, Daniel will somehow hear of this and go all 'protective mode' on me because he's older or whatever and he takes his role as big brother very seriously. Guess I'm sticking around longer then.



I was playing Candy Crush on dad's phone due to the fact that I was too lazy to get up, walk all the way to the parking lot just to get my phone out of the car. Dad didn't seem to mind anyways because he had his nose deep in official looking papers and answering calls every minute, as always. I'd say about twenty minutes passed before there was a knock on the door and Ms. Mulberry walked in.

"Excuse me Mr. Woods, there is a client at the front desk waiting for you" She said. Dad was in the middle of a call but signalled that it was okay to let the client come to him and soon after Ms. Mulberry went to relay the message. Meanwhile, the excitement stored inside me was bubbling up and ready to overflow.

For someone that doesn't even know what this Leonardo guy looks like, I sure am excited. I can't believe myself. Suppose he's a total jackass and I'm hyping him. Gosh, get it together Riá.

I'm busy trying to make myself look as put together as possible while dad is sitting calmly, the complete opposite of me, awaiting this client of his. Suppose it isn't even Leonardo that is requesting dad's time of day right now. Embarrassing on my part.

Ms. Mulberry walks in again but this time, there is someone behind her and that someone is quite tall. Forget that, the person is practically towering over her. I'm unable to see their face because Ms. Mulberry's up-do hairstyle is blocking the way but I can see the muscular build of the person and let me tell you, they're very bulky. Not too much though.

"Leonardo Bianchí is here to see you Mr. Woods"

Oh shoot-

"Buon pomeriggio, signor Woods".

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