New Magic (Charmed 1998) Book 2 (Power of Five Series)

chapter 3 - The Painted World

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Day One

Night - Bucklands - Prue's Office

Prue was with a woman, Jane Franklin, looking at a painting, talking into a tape recorder. "Painting of a gothic castle, artist unknown, circa 1910s. Oil on canvas, 10-by-18. Miss Franklin, where did you say you got this?"

"I inherited it a few months ago, but it's been in my family for generations," Jane told her.

Prue took a closer look at the painting. "The composition is so unusual. The artist used pure color straight from the tube and then varnished each layer over and--"

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but do I really need to be here?" Jane asked.

"No, of course not," Prue answered. "It's just that most people prefer to be at an appraisal, especially when they plan on selling the piece."

"It's just that I'm kind of in a hurry," Jane told her.

Prue nodded in understanding. "Say no more." She handed Jane a sheet of paper. "Just sign at the bottom, and you are free to go."

Jane picked up a pen to sign the paper. "Thank you. So how long do you think it'll take to sell it?"

"Well, I'll need to see ownership records before I can do anything," Prue admitted.

Jane nodded, capping the pen. "I'll send you everything I have. So is ha all then?"

"Uh, no," Prue answered. "Since you definitely want to sell the piece, I'll need to confirm its authenticity, its physical condition." She handed Jane another sheet of paper. "So if you'll just sign at the bottom, that will let us go ahead and x-ray the piece."

Jane uncapped the pen to sign again. "Done. Anything else?"

"Well, yes," Prue answered. "Miss Franklin, I would really like the time to research this. That way I can get you the best price."

"Look, I appreciate your professionalism, I really do, but I'm not interested in getting the best price," Jane told her. "I just want you to sell that painting as soon as you can, all right? Good night, Miss Halliwell."

They shook hands.

"Good night," Prue agreed.

Jane left.

°☾°¸.●¸.★°:..•°

Office Building

Phoebe was walking toward an elevator, on the phone. "Piper, it was an accident. It's not like I borrowed Prue's car so I could drive it into a pole."

At P5, Piper, Parker and Lucia were working, restocking the shelves. The phone machine was on speaker.

"How bad's the damage?" Lucia asked.

"Not bad, but maybe expensive, which is why I need a favor," Phoebe answered.

"If you're calling to borrow money, we don't have any," Parker told her.

"No, it's not about money," Phoebe told them. "It's just... I don't want you to tell Prue. She's been so supportive, and I don't want to lose her trust again."