The DragonStone Caper

One moment it was there, and the next it would vanish like a mere whisper in the wind.
Newspapers often were filled with missing articles on various artefacts, a jewel, a painting, an antique vase from different parts of the world. Yes, cases such as these do not bring much attention to the minds of the people reading them, but what does, is the person who stole it.
No one ever saw his face, only that he striked at the most unexpected hour and vanished without a single trace.

"Who is this man?", was a question instilled in the minds of the people around the globe. The government then themselves named him the Shadowman. The Unseen one under the covers of the dark.

Renowned detective of three years, Vanya Nowack stepped through the humongous doors of Lily McAllistor's mansion, ready for her covert mission. She straightened her long brown wig and checked on the blue lenses that covered her dark brown eyes.
Lily McAllistor had held a party to show off the treasured family heirloom she had inherited after her father's passing, the Dragonstone. Rumour had it that it glistened like a bonfire in the woods, who wouldn't want to get their hands on such a priceless trinket?
"Ah, Ms Nowack! What a pleasure to make your acquaintance.", Ms McAllistor gushed as she made her way towards the lady in red.
"The pleasure is all mine, Ms McAllistor." The youthful brunette smiled, as the corner of her eyes crinkled.
"I suspect you already know why I've enlisted for your help then, and I have a disturbing feeling that someone will try to steal the stone tonight," Lily stated.

Vanya stepped a bit closer towards the woman, looking left and right to make sure no one was eavesdropping, "The tone you speak in, if I may say, warrants that you may already know who the miscreant is."
The aged but elegant woman in front of her let her stern facade wash away as concern filled her eyes. "Why, you know just who. You've been at his tail since the start of your career. The-"
"The Shadowman.", Vanya intervened, her face holding no emotion. "I've had my doubts. We must stay vigilant. He can never neglect a gem such as this."
They turned towards the ballroom as they watched people blabbering about their jobs and fancy lives, some dancing along with the music while others seated themselves with a glass of wine and savoured the delicious food offered. "Well, I won't keep you waiting. The unveiling will be at twenty-one hours. I cannot have him slip through with my jewel or so help me.", said Lily McAllistor as she fanned her face, walking away to greet her guests.

Much time had passed by since the female detective had welcomed herself to a nice glass of wine as she looked around the hall full of people. Unbeknownst to her, William McAllistor, Lily's younger and shrewd brother made his way towards her. He tapped her on the shoulder, making her jump.
"Do you care to dance Miss-?"
"Laura Poulter, Mr McAllistor," Vanya lied, sending him a dazzling smile. "And I wouldn't mind one. After all, My legs feel sluggish from sitting all night long.". She took his hand as he pulled her up from her seat and led them to the dance floor.

"So Miss Laura," He started, as they swayed to the pleasant song in the background. "You must be pretty interested in the Stone, considering how bored you looked at the party." He joked as he twirled her around. She laughed lightly," Why yes I am! I work as a gem enthusiast, and an artefact such as this dates back to many centuries."
"It is true, the stone belonged to my father and his forefathers." He scowled.
"You don't seem very happy about this, care to tell?" she asked as the song ended.
"My father saw it fit to present it to her instead. He wanted to make a difference in an age-old tradition and even said that I would be reckless with such possessions." He exclaimed unhappiness clear on his face.

Vanya smirked internally. She knew where this was leading to and had to tread carefully. "Why, that doesn't sound very fair, in my opinion. A tradition is well, a custom you have to follow."
"Those are precisely my thoughts Laura, its unusual to have someone take my side in such a situation."
And now was the time to strike.
"If you don't mind, would you show me the stone? Considering my line of work, I would love to have a look at what makes it so unique!" she coaxed.

William McAllistor looked around and sighed, "If it so pleases you. It might as well look as if I enjoy the fact that I don't have it."

Vanya turned around to take her phone out of her purse and tapped it a few times. She reached out for her leather jacket placed on the table she once occupied, looked at the time and smiled, "Lead the way."
The two made their distance from the bustling hall to a silent and dark corridor. After a few minutes, they reached a locked doorway. "Please move aside for a moment Mi'Lady."
Vanya stepped to the left as he placed his hand on a small screen beside the door. The screen lit up for a moment before it voiced out, "Welcome Master William.". The doors to the room opened, and it was a sight to behold.
The walls had thousands of cabinets holding different kinds of treasures that may have cost billions all together, but only one caught her eye. Vanya made her way over the Dragonstone. It was placed right at the centre of the room, outshining all of the others. 
William McAllistor walked towards and took it out of the case. "Behold, The Dragonstone. The pride of this family."
Vanya gasped, "May I hold it ?". William carefully proceeded towards her and placed it in her palms. She turned around and walked towards the light. It certainly looked like a burning ember.
"Magnificent" Vanya breathed out. She carefully gave the man the stone back, and stuffed her hands in the pockets of her jacket, shivering from the cold.
"I can understand why you would commit a crime for this Mr McAllistor. I don't think any artefact can match up to this." she looked at him with a false look of pity.
"I know, it's a shame I don't own it." William wistfully stared at the stone.
"If you so desire to have it, then have you thought of taking it," She paused, "Forcefully?"
He smirked, "Why, yes, Miss Laura. Every second of the day. Lily doesn't deserve this honour, I do. She's naive, Innocent enough to trust her brother with anything," He walked closer towards her.
"Even your identity, Vanya Nowack."
Vanya backed away from the man, eyes wide with surprise. William McAllistor pulled out a knife from his belt and threateningly pointed it at her.
"You see Miss Nowack when I walked up to you, I had no intention to ask a lovely lady for a dance, instead to make sure no obstacle stands in my way.", he said as he twirled the knife between his fingers.
"You can try me, Mr McAllistor."
"Pretty girls like you shouldn't pick fights."
"I might just surprise you."
He swiped forward with the deadly weapon giving Vanya a few milliseconds to duck. While doing so, she managed to land a punch on his stomach, causing him to hunch in pain. He tried to strike her again across the abdomen, but she caught his arm and twisted it, allowing the dagger to clatter out of his grip. She brought his arm behind his back and dropped him to the floor.
Luckily at that very moment, the doors opened, and Lily McAllistor stood there with a confounding look plastered on her face.

Just before Twenty-one hours, Vanya thought.
"Oh, my word! William? What on earth is going on here?" She shrieked.
Vanya smirked and made her way over to the woman. "He is no Shadowman but as promised, here is the thief," She turned to meet the panicked eyes of the male McAllistor.
"What? This is an outrageous accusation. You have no proof!"

Vanya smiled sweetly, "Actually I do. Getting proof out of anyone is a difficult task, but fighting against the words spoken through your own mouth? Impossible." She held her phone out and stopped the recording.
"This contains all the words your brother and I have exchanged this evening since we entered the safe, you may take a look.
When the recording was played in front of a heartbroken sister. Vanya made her way towards the livid man.
"Pretty girls like me don't pick fights, we win them,"
  He made a run for the door; however, the guards managed to grab hold of the man before he could escape.

"Vanya Nowack, NYPD; You are under arrest for attempted murder and theft. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can, and will be used in court of law."

When the police cars had driven out of sight, Lily McAllistor turned towards Vanya, "I cannot thank you enough, Ms Nowack. I-"
"There is no need for all that. I am just glad that everything is all right," Vanya smiled, "Well I guess I'll be on my way now, more investigations to do, after all, It may not have been the Shadow himself, but I don't expect him to be resting" She returned the stone to its owner as she turned around.

Vanya Nowack walked away from the mansion with a sly smile on her face. She took off her wig, allowing her short, straight brown hair to tumble to her shoulders. She zipped open the side pocket of her leather jacket and took out a stone — one that glowed like embers in the dark, The real Dragonstone. The fool of a man didn't notice her take it while he went on about his master plan and exchange it with a fake. It would take them a while to notice, but by then she would be gone.
She slipped it back in and continued her journey into the night, ready for the next adventure, the next extraordinary caper.
'Another successful Caper for this Shadow "Man".'








  

Hey Guys! This is my first official Short Story. I came up with this during the Crossword Competition, where we had to send them stories from our schools and they would select a few to participate in the finals. This was also what I put up from the finals (results haven't come out yet!), and so I decided to share it with you guys!!
I hope you guys liked it !!
@Daughterofrome  out!