Painted Sins

th Lorenzo had shaken me deeply, bringing back memories I'd tried hard

ing the name I had chosen for my new lif

fety I thought I had built over the last five years. I pushed away f

s. This place used to bring me comfort, surrounded by beauty and

o do-emails to send, an upcoming show to plan. I needed some

med me, but something still felt wrong. I couldn't shake the feeling that somet

wning as I looked through the transactions. Ever

right," I murmure

with amounts that were suspiciously round. My hear

clearer. Someone was using my galle

panic rising in my voice.

llery had become a front for illegal activities without m

? Who was behind it? And did Lorenzo know? Is

opped. If I reported this, I'd have to explain everything. My f

ld my breath, straining to listen. There it was ag

as in the

desk felt too bright, like it was giving me away. I

could hide and hope they would leave. But i

know wh

ocking against my bare feet, and crept to

paintings and sculptures in quick flashes. A figure mo

d always seemed off-balance to me. With practiced ease, they l

hat been there? What else in m

tucking it into their jacket. As they tur

rco, my assistant manager. The man

s head snapped up. Had I made a sound? I shrank

roached, slow

ith. My eyes landed on a heavy crystal paperweight-a gift fr

outside my office. I saw Ma

artbea

andle bega

aperweight, re

oud and shrill

is pocket. After a moment's hesitation, the shadow moved away. I heard

egs weak with relief. But I coul

ible. I couldn't go home-if Marco was involved, he knew

I couldn't think

. "What do you mean, she knows?

knew I had discovered the

ime to wonder.

ng out. Marco's back was to me, his atten

the office. My bare feet made no sound as I crep

truck. My hip bumped a pedestal, sending

eyes wide with surprise

me like a blow. Marco k

ped. "How lo

ions. Marco lunged at me, his f

hink. I ju

rco squarely in the forehead with a sickening

Marco's still form. The weight of what I

ack to reality. He was alive, b

ra

ticking by as I fought to open the door. Finally, i

m nearby bars the only light. I looked

arco, blood running down his face, staggered into

his jacket, pu

ra

the sidewalk, my bare feet slapping the pavement. I didn't look back,

y illusion of safety, had

dea where

ew I coul