Canvas & Keys

29. The Day Is Not Complete Until I've Terrified Someone

Chapter 29

The Day Is Not Complete Until I've Terrified Someone

There was something about Berlin I absolutely loved. Maybe it was the city streets, the buildings, the people...but it was definitely because this was where we would find the key in Johanna's painting.

While Cruz was in the back seat on his laptop, Drake was driving with one hand on my knee as I sat beside him in the passenger seat. My locket was in my hand as I absentmindedly played with it, though took the time to carefully open it to look inside. Now, Jesse and Lorraine's picture wasn't the only one inside. The picture Drake had taken of us was now opposite it. I couldn't help but smile, especially when they were the exact same, just with different people over ninety years apart.

The day before we left Pallandino, I spent it almost entirely with Savannah, Ash, and Gage, knowing I wouldn't be seeing them for a few weeks. Of course, they said they'd be calling regularly. Aiden and Sterling had even promised to watch out for and protect them. While Savannah and Ash thought their promise was adorable, Gage rolled his eyes and warned them he wouldn't need any protection. Of course, he failed to mention they were the ones helping to teach him to fight.

We were heading to Neues Museum later than we had before. The later we could go to the museum, the less people would be there. John had, again, made arrangements with the director of the exhibit for us, Arend Steinmann. Other than security, he would be the only one there.

I didn't know how I felt about knowing this would be the painting we would find the key in. For some reason, I couldn't help but think in the back of my mind that something was going to happen. The Order leaving us alone for the last few weeks...it just made me all the more suspicious. Even if Vince didn't know what our next move was, Beau and Flannery's warning about him having connections everywhere made me more alert than usual.

Once we left Pallandino, however, that was when we really kept watch. Even when we pulled up to the museum, our heads were on a constant swivel.

Arend Steinmann was waiting at the entrance as we walked forward in the dim lighting. I'd met him before, so he recognized me when the three of us headed inside.

"Nice to see you again," he greeted with a smile.

"Same to you," I nodded, and then introduced him to Drake and Cruz.

"I have actually just gotten off a call with John Raymond. He said you were on your way and wanted to make sure I had the right Johanna Hummel painting in one of the restoration rooms. Eine Nacht unter Blumen is the one, correct?"

"Yes," I said, nodding again. "We only need to look it over for a few minutes, so we won't be taking up a lot of time. I know you have a family to get home to."

"It is no problem," he said, shaking his head. "If you'll follow me."

It didn't take long for Mr. Steinmann to take us to the restoration room. There were several other paintings there also, but my eyes were only on one.

"Here you go," he said, handing over two sets of gloves. "Will you need...?"

"I've got this. You can leave now."

I said it so quick, it came out a little harsh. I didn't realize it until Drake and Cruz gave each other looks before looking back at me.

"Very well," Mr. Steinmann nodded. "You have worked here before. You know what to do once you leave."