The Dream

Chapter 5

The next morning, I was feeling unusually tired, which was confusing; all I did was sleep the whole night. I got ready to leave for the exhibition. I was excited to see what my next clue could be. What could I possibly get from an auction house?

The exhibition was filled with antique stuff and paintings. I was surprised by the sheer number of people present there. I went on to look around, find some clues as to why Mr. X might have sent me here. I hovered around some of the antiques, read their description to see if there could be some hidden clue there.

Just then I spotted a beautiful painting. It depicted waterfronts and gondolas under a beautiful evening sky. I looked at the title of the painting and the name of the painter. I couldn't believe my eyes. The title of the painting was 'Shores of Venice' and since the painter didn't want to reveal his identity to everyone he had an alias 'Mr. X'.

I couldn't believe what was happening. This was what my Mr. X wanted to show me, but how was this painting related to all the mess I was in?

Just then the auctioneer came on the stage to start the auction. After a few antiques were sold, he announced, lot no. 21, The Shores of Venice.
The bidding started and soon the bid was raised to a hefty price. At one point, even I felt like bidding for it. After all, it was a beautiful painting and also possibly my next clue.

Just then I heard a familiar voice from behind me, raising the bids. I turned behind to see who it was. I was stunned by that sight. It was the old woman from yesterday. She was raising the bids and ended up buying the painting. That's when I realized, Mr. X wanted to lead me to this woman and she was my next clue.

I went up to that lady.
"Hello, ma'am. My name is Richmond Thawne. I work as a forensic analyst for the CSI."
I told her all about Mr. X and all the clues, and to my surprise, she hardly had a look of surprise. I wanted to take a closer look at the painting, to find any more clues, and the only way to do that was by asking help from her as now she was the owner of the painting.
"Hello, young man. I know who you are. I am an acquaintance with Sarah and she has told me about some strange problems you are facing.
I am Dr. Alice Parker, and I am a researcher. I conduct sleep studies for Sleep Tracking Analytics and Research popularly known as S.T.A.R labs. You see, I am and oneirologist. Nice to meet ya!"

This came as a second shock to me. If she does sleep studies, maybe she can help me; not just with the painting but she might also be able to tell me something about my dreams. I took her contact details so I could collaborate with her and try to find some answers for myself.

I was planning to go along with Alice so that I could have a chat with her, regarding my dreams. Just then I got a call from Jack. A murder was reported on 10th street and they needed a forensic expert to gather shreds of evidence. So, I had to rush from there.

I reached the crime scene, wore my gloves, and got ready with my kit to enter the scene. I saw the body; lying cold, surrounded by a pool of blood. I saw the face of the person and I was shocked to the bone!

That was the moment of realization; My dreams are starting to come true!