Dance Moms - Claudia (2) Sand and Wave

Chapter 8 : Informant

"What is this place?" Emira found herself looking out an empty dark alley.

The father and daughter haven't spoken a word since they took her into the car. It was her first time set foot in St. Petersburg, but she could read the streets, enough to know the district was unwelcoming for foreigners.

Minutes later a car pulled up the opposite end of the alley, out came a man who dressed like he was living in a 50s movie, with a fedora hat and wire frame glasses too small for his face.

"Long time, General." the man removed his hat. "What can I do for you this time?"

"Seven of my paintings got stolen." Siwanov handed him a piece of paper.

"One must have balls of steel to do such a thing!"

"I want to know the buyer."

"These are rare paintings." the mystery man studied the paper. "Not the kind that's demanding. No offense."

"None taken." JoJo stepped forward. "But it belongs to my family. I want them back."

"Inheritance, I see. But I don't do that kind of business anymore, not much money for me, I'm afraid." the man gave an uncanny smile.

"Same rate, with commission."

"The price has tripled since we last met."

"Bullshit." Emira spoke in Arabic.

The mystery man took a step back, obviously surprised by the familiar language.

JoJo and her father stood in silence as the two went into an aggressive conversation, with the Turkish girl's voice growing firmer, and the mystery man stuttering.

"Twenty-four hours. I can do no less!" finally the man gave in, retreated to his car and drove away without even a goodbye.

"What was that all about?" the General asked.

"I told him his business, his family, everything about him, and I'll expose him if he doesn't give us what we want."

"And how did you come up with these information?"

"I'm a mind reader." Emira said proudly.

"A clairvoyant."

"A circus scammer!" his daughter corrected. "She reads facial expressions and body language to extract information."

"And where did you achieve such a skill?" the General amused.

"Look it up. She has my file." Emira threw JoJo a look.