Double Trouble

[Isolde]

OOC: Yes! Yet another thread as a result of Imoen and I getting together and plotting. We are hooked and we know it! This story is open to all who would like to join. The characters of Eve, Erica and Colin have been taken but we can use anyone who wants to play either a good or bad guy. The story line is that Eve and Erica are twins who are master forgers. It is a family business handed down by their father as is their Art and Estate Sales shop which is a front for their activities. This thread is purely for fun and we will develope the plot as we go along. We invite anyone who wants to have fun to pick a role you feel you would have fun with and join us.

IC: I wove my small car through the traffic as I thought about my latest purchases from the auction block. I had picked up a few good pieces and so I was in a pretty good mood even though traffic tended to be slow on the way back to the shop.

Finally I got a break in the cars and got off the highway and onto the main road. I was anxious to talk to Eve about my latest purchases as well as see how she was doing on her latest 'work'. Eve was my sister...my twin to be exact and we worked together in the family business and I wasnt talking about Jacobson's Art and Estate Sales where we housed our real business.

I let a sigh of relief slide past my lips as I finally pulled up in front of the shop. I got out of the car and straightened out my grey business suit. It was a deceptively simple. It was cut short...just below my thigh...and the blouse was open in the front so that anyone standing near could get a good glimpse of cleavage but those giving me a casual glance could deem it a proper fit for a business woman. A grey jacket accompanied it and was cut so that my figure was accentuated-especially my ample bossom.

One of the lessons learned from dear old dad was that a little distraction made slight of hand all that much easier. And you would be surprised at how distracting a flash of thigh and a bit of cleavage could be when talking to even the stuffiest of business men. Catching a glimpse of myself in the side view mirror I paused only a minute to insure that my raven tresses were in place before heading into the shop.

Jacobson's Art and Estate Sales was housed in one of the best districts in the city and we did business with only the best clientelle. Our art was always the best, our jewlery in the best taste and the land we dealt with was always of prime quality. Dad would have had it no other way and he passed his tastes onto his daughters.

As I entered, I paused a moment to look around. No matter what kind of day I had had this place always had a calming affect on me. I would always stop just on the threshold to take in the magnificent paintings that adorned the walls and easels placed around the shop in an eye catching way. The jewlery case which aligned one side of the shop would catch her eye. That was my specialty and I loved the sparkle and twinkle as a perfect gem would catch the rays of the sun. I could tell almost instantly if a gem was worth the setting it was ment for whereas my sister could tell in an instant if a painting was from an old master or a new artist wannabe. She could also tell if the artist in question, if new, would make it in the art world or not.

A large oaken desk sat directly forward of the door, its surface stacked with papers and office supplies...all set neatly about. It was a very ordered desk and so it should be. It belong to Colin their receptionist and sales person. He was a godsend. Young but efficent and with that debonair English air about him that you only saw in the movies. Everything he did, he did with a flair and the customers loved him. He never failed to charm the women or the men for that matter and almost everyone who came in left with something from the shop.

To the back of the desk were two doors that remained locked at all times myself and Eve along with Colin the only ones with the keys. One of them was my work room and the other Eve's. To the right side of the desk was a set of stairs that led to a loft above and more art and the room where the filing cabinets held all the shop's transactions. All legal transactions I reminded myself with a sly smile.

I heard voices in the loft and looked up to see Colin speaking with a lady. A customer I presumed. She had that rich 'I can have anything I want' air to her and I could see that she was eating up everything Colin was telling her, her eyes locked on his young handsome features and a giggle coming from her every now and then. I shook my head. I was still amazed at his effect on the female population.

Not wishing to disturb a possible sale, I walked behind the desk and unlocked the door to my sister's work room. Colin knew I was there even though he showed no signs of it..he always knew everything that was happening in the shop.

Slipping inside, I shut the door again. It locked automatically and so I never had to worry about that. I looked around the 'studio' there were canvases and paint strewn from one end of the room to the other. Pallets, easels and tarps seemed to crowd into every nook and cranny in the room and in the middle of it sat Eve. Her back was to the door and a canvas faced her. The canvas was empty, waiting for her to begin her most recent 'project'. Another thing about Eve was her ability to spend only the shortest of time with a painting and to be able to recreate it on canvas. She could go to an art museum for a few hours and come home and paint anyone of the great masterpieces from memory and do it well enough to fool all but the best appraiser. She always prefered to keep a picture of the painting next to her though...she was a prefectionist where her art was concerned and would book no imperfections in what she did.

"Hello, Erica," she said turning around, her jade green eyes meeting my own,"How did the auction go?" I smiled as I came around to her and lifted something from my jacket pocket dangling it in front of her. It was a bracelet in which the most delicate and smallest of diamonds and rubies were inset. I had gotten it from the auction but not the way that I had gotten the other things which were to be put out for display in the shop. I could do to a piece of jewelery what Eve did to a painting. Some of the best households in the country had my work in their home safes. The majority of them just didnt know it yet.

"The switch went without a hitch. I managed to exchange them right after the sell and after the appraisal. Mr. Beckman was very nice letting me and a few others look at it after the purchase and, since his eyes were elsewhere..." I smiled a 'cat eating the canary' smile knowing she knew what his eyes were on.

Turning my attention to the blank canvas I said,"So do we go out and celebrate tonight or is it take in while you figure out what to put on that canvas of yours?"

[Edited by Isolde on 03-12-2001 at 03:02 PM]

 

[Neale]

Colin

Ah, this is too easy...
"So, Mrs. Smythe-Higgins... I'm sorry, Gwen. Would you prefer the Caravaggio delivered to your residence, or would you like to take it home with you today?"

This Sloane Ranger, or whatever they call themselves in the States, had the typical, crass lack of taste common to her class. So long as it's the most expensive one, they were easily satisfied. Thank God this wasn't the real one! It really would be a crime to consign a true masterwork to the Perdition of this upper-class twit's home. Eve had amazing talent, to be sure. 'Gwen' would never know the difference, and the original would be safe in a private collection in Ontario.

 

[Imoen]

Eve

I pause, brush in hand as the door behind me opens. The sweet, classic delicate scent of Chanel No. 5 wafts through the air and I can do naught but smile. My sister has returned.

"Hello, Erica," I turn to face her, gazing into the jade green eyes that so mirror my own. "How did the auction go?" I lay my palette and brush down, smoothing my hands against my paint splattered smock before taking hold of the lovely bracelet she holds aloft. I lay it across my wrist, admiring the intricant detail and glimmer of the inset diamonds and rubies. "It's stunning, Erica. Absolutely stunning. Identical to the one you showed me this morning." I smile up to her, grinning at her smug expression. "You're amazing, but of course you know that already. This should fetch a pretty penny. Unless.. you wish for me to keep it for myself?" I ask innocently, my face devoid of all but the most solemn of expressions. I grin and slip the bracelet back into her hand, listening to her exploits of the morning.

I laugh at her comment about Beckman, I knew the man well and his... appetites. I'm sure he feasted well on what small amout of flesh Erica allowed his eyes to gaze upon. It was a good distraction, one that Erica had schooled into a fine art. Thinking of art, my attention is drawn to the blank canvas behind me.

"No, I am finished for today I think. I had considered starting another. One of my own fashion, but I think we should celebrate. We have more than one reason." I grin slyly as I stand and make my way to a covered canvas behind her.

"Volia!" I announce as I slip off the cover with flourish. "I finished this earlier this morning. It is magnificent even if I do say so myself. Klimt is one of my favorites." I sigh dreamily as I gaze upon the recreation of Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'. The rich and vivid colors and brushstrokes perfectly recreated, the painting oozed of fierce passion and deep-seeded love.

 

[HotStuff101]

um...

OOC: Hi, id lvove to be part of this, but can sumoen plz happen to explain the story,a nd whats going on? maybe a detailed things of whats happeneing? thx

 

[Isolde]

OOC: Hi Hotstuff, you are more than welcome. Well...lets see...Eve and Erica are twins and forgers. They had that passed down to them from their fathers. They forge jewlery and art works and swap them for the real things to sell on the market later. Their front is an Art and Real Estate sales shop where their receptionist and only other person who is aware of their activities (Colin) helps them out. He is in charge of the business aspect. So far not much has happened but that will change.

You are more than welcome to come in either as one of their contacts or one of the good guys.

 

[HotStuff101]

hmmig ot an idea.

hmm Would it be possible for me to be a world *famous* thief, who steals priceless jewlery and art ^^ and replace it with fakes made by u, for a veyr nive price

 

[Isolde]

OOC: We do our own placement of the fakes but you can always be a contact and help us out when we need it if you want. Maybe someone who is good a disguises and can infiltrate places to set things up.


[Edited by Isolde on 03-14-2001 at 06:02 PM]

 

[HotStuff101]

OOC: yeha i mean liek, i run my own theiifing thing, but i get replacements form you guys. Maybe I pretend not to know their fake, but i actually do, and u guys dun knwo that! hehe

 

[Isolde]

OOC: hummm...how about you get them from us and the price is a part of what you get for the original...commissioned work. We know what you do and as long as our plans dont clash we are willing to make the forgeries for you.

 

[HotStuff101]

okie

Alright! i liek it

 

[Isolde]

I smile at Eves' comments concerning the bracelet. I know she is aware that we already have several buyers wishing to purchase it. I also know that she would never endanger our business by openly wearing something that was 'aquired' as this was. Slipping the bracelet back into my pocket, I move with her over to the canvas.

All I can do is gasp as I see her work. Perfection as usual. The color, the brush strokes, I knew that they would all be exactly as they should. "Perfection as usual," I said to Eve, throwing my arm around her and giving her a quick hug. "You are a talented woman, sis, no doubt about it."

Smiling and pulling away from her, I added,"Now we have two things to celebrate. Tell you what, let me stow this in the safe in my workroom and you go see if you can drag Colin away from the shop long enough to come with us. He deserves to be in on this as we would be lost without his wonderful research capabilities. I will go and make reservations for one of the swankiest resturants in town. We will go up into the apartment and change and be on our way."

We both lived in the apartment above the store for some very good reasons. The first was the fact that we didnt want any of our work falling in the wrong hands and the second was that it was simply more convienent. If we worked late into the night as we often did, than we did not have to travel far to get home. You reached the upstairs apartment through the room that housed the records and up some stairs.

Walking from the room, I was in time to hear the familiar jingle of the bell announcing that the previous customer had left and then Eve, who was right behind me, calling to Colin. "Close up, Colin," She said,"We are all going out. Business can wait for pleasure tonight."

I smiled as I entered my own work room and approached the safe. Unlike the crowded conditions of my sister's work room, mind was almost obsesively clean. Not because of personal habits but because I worked in precious and semi precious stones which were always locked up in the safe. A large table dominated the room and upon it was a large lamp and several jeweler's tools with which I made the copies such as the one that I had switched this morning.

Reaching the safe, I quickly opened it and lay our prize within before securing it and exiting to make the call to a well known resturant in town that knew us well and would not balk at giving us last minute reservations.

 

[Neale]

Colin

I smile at the lovely lady in anticipation of the night's 'pleasure' trip. "Certainly, madam. The last customer chose to take her oh so priceless treasure home with her, and the proceeds from that sale alone will easily cover anything you ladies have in mind for tonight."
Hope this pleasure trip doesn't end up with us running from the local constabulary again... Still, the look on that poor man's face was well worth the exercise! Wonder if he ever got that Porsche down from his roof?

 

[Isolde]

Erica

A came out just in time to hear Colin's statement. "Colin, what would we ever do without you?," I said as I blew him a kiss before picking up the phone. "And we are off hours so it's Erica and Eve now." Dialing the number for The Orangery, I was delighted when it was picked up on the second ring.

I knew the tenor voice on the other line and I put on my best high class tone. Though Colin could have done much better, this man knew Andrea and I well. "Maurice!," I said, my voice oozing charm,"Listen, Andrea and I were going out on the town tonight and we were wondering if you might just happen to have a cancelation for tonight. What time? Oh in about an hour and a half. You do? Wonderful! Yes, for three as usual. See you then." As I hung up I knew that someone had just lost their reservations at the resturant but since my career was taking others things, the knowledge did not bother me as much as you might think.

"It's all set," I said as I headed up the stairs to change and freshen up. "Lets get this party on the road."

 

[Moonlight_33]

Lisa Cartman

OOC: If you don't like my post it's ok to spank me.(please) I hope you don't mind my dropping in like this, but i saw the light on and thought i'd say hi.


Lisa had inherited the house from her grandfather. A huge old country mansion the old man refused to leave even in death. Most of the house had been close off for many years, all except for the bedroom he used, the kitchen and one of the down stairs bathrooms. Apart from the fact the house was in desperate need of cleaning, it was in very good condition for it’s age, but then, she figured, they knew how to build houses back then.

As she began exploring the house, she could feel her grandfather’s eyes upon her, almost as if her was showing her around. She was his only living heir, and although he was a miser in life, if seems he was quite the opposite now. She found the door that led to the upstairs bedrooms and then the one to the attic, the one to the attic of course, being swollen shut with time. It took some doing, but eventually she got it open. Ordinarily she would have left the door for another time, but for some reason she felt a real need to go up there.

Having been sealed for so long, the room that was almost as big as the rest of the house was relatively dust free, everything covered with sheets or placed in boxes. There was hardly room to move for the crates and other covered items. Something leaning against a large crate caught her eye, uncovering it revealed four paintings she had never seen before. The frames looked ancient, but she knew nothing about art so she really had no idea what they were.

Although her grandfather had owned everything she inherited, there was not a great deal of cash in his estate. The house was accompanied by a rather large tax debt that she had no idea how to cover. She was waiting to hear back from the bank in regards to a loan, she would do anything to keep this house, but in the mean time, if she could sell these paintings, it might bring enough to keep the IRS off her back for a little longer.

Collecting the paintings, she took them down to the living room. Looking around with a sigh, this would have to be the first room she would need to clean. She flicked through the phone book looking for some idea of who to talk to about the paintings. They were signed, but who could read an artist’s signature?

An add in the phone book caught her eye, Art and Real Estate. She called the number, Damn it was after hours. She left a message on the machine and went o the kitchen to see what she could find to clean the living room with. It was going to be a long night, but her grandfather was there to keep her company.

 

[Isolde]

OOC: Love the post and welcome to the thread.

 

[Moonlight_33]

OOC: do you have a set direction for this thread or can i add a twist?

 

[Imoen]

Eve

OOC: Hey Moonlight! Can you email me or Isolde the twist you have in mind? Preferably her, she's the one dealing with this thread mainly. Thanks bunches!

IC: "Certainly, madam. The last customer chose to take her oh so priceless treasure home with her, and the proceeds from that sale alone will easily cover anything you ladies have in mind for tonight."
"Madam indeed! Colin, please, don't make me have to ask you yet again to call me Eve." I smile warmly at him, admiring his handsome stature. I do believe he was one of the main reason's we've had such an amazing influx of repeat customers. Especially of the female variety. "That last customer wouldn't have been Mrs. Gwendolyn Smyth-Higgins again, would it?" I ask of him teasingly, throwing a smile over my shoulder as I make my way upstairs to my apartment to change. "I do believe she's quite smitten with you, Colin." I laugh at his expression as I slip into my apartment.

I emerge a realtively short time later in my most humble of opinions and make my way back downstairs, my black heels making a sharp tap with each step as I descend. I'm fairly proud of my appearance, deciding on the newest Armani suit I had added to my ever-growing collection. The slacks were fitted nicely and draped well along my lenghty expanse of legs. The slacks and the matching jacket were made of a deep dark black gabardine. The jacket had some rather sharp lines to it along the shouders and fitted my waist snugly. From the back the entire outfit looked rather conservative. The front however was a completely different story. The neckline of it plunged deeply to near naval, were it fasted by a mere button. For contrast and perhaps just a hint of modesty, I had tossed a scarlet red scarf around my neck, the ends dangling lightly over my shoulders. I had secured my raven tresses in a chic french twist, just allowing a few tendrils to escape and float around my face. Although painting and creating art was my passion, I prefered to use a simple palate for my face. Mascara, a hint of blush and a rosy-tinted lip gloss was all that I ever used, if I used any.

I found that my sister and Colin waiting in the foyer, my sister having the knack for always finishing her preparations before me. Both of them were used to my tardiness by now. I smile as my gaze slips over Erica apprasingly, taking in her appearance. Stunning as usual. The deceptively simple sleveless black Prada dress she wore accentuated her curves perfectly. A complete and total reverse from my own style of dress that evening, the front of hers extremely concervative with a high boat neckline, but when she turned. Oh my, when she turned! The dress left her back completely nude, plunging deep to rest in trim folds at her lower spine. Her hair was worn loose this evening, although gathered slightly at the crown, only to leave the rest to cascade in soft dark curls down her smoothly tanned back.

"I do believe we shall stop the show tonight, darlings." I slip my arm through both Colin's and Erica's. "Shall we go?"

 

[Neale]

Colin

Fortunately, I'd years and years to perfect my British 'stiff upper lip'. Wouldn't do at all to let my jaw drop at the combined vision my lovely employers presented. Knowing better than to attempt to compete with either of these ladies in the sartorial splendor department, I'd chosen a simple, elegant, and ever-so-tasteful white tuxedo.

Taking my accustomed place between them, I accompanied them out of the door, and into the night. Every man, and many of the women, we encountered tonight would curse me roundly, without ever knowing my name: just their not being in my shoes tonight would be reason enough.

 

[Isolde]

Erica

OOC: I dont mind a twist, Moonlight. We are really just going with the flow on this one. We could do with a good guy or two if anyone is reading this...being bad is not such fun without the possiblity of getting caught to spice things up.

IC: I laughed at my sister's statement and linked my arm with Colin's. We would take my car this evening and quckly arrived at the restauant. Andrea and I had great skills in gliding in and out of traffic, father had insisted we learn to drive expertly. Never know when you might need something like that in our line of business.

At The Orangery we were admitted right away. The doorman Jaque knew us on site and we were ushered in where Maurice stood at his podium, admiting guests and making sure no undesirables passed him. Upon seeing us, he practically clapped his hands in delight. Sis and I were known as good tippers and everyone in the resturant knew it.

"Mistress Erica and Eve...and Master Colin. What I delight to have you here. I was so glad to here you were dining with us this evening and I have reserved your favorite table by the balcony for this evening's meal. Please, follow me."

I smiled to Eve and Colin as we were led to our seats. Eve loved to look out on the gardens that had been planted in the back of the restaurant. She had even painted a picture of it and presented it to the owner in appreciation of the service we recieved here. In fact it was hanging near our usual spot and I knew it to be a favorite piece of those who frequented the spot.

Maurice pulled out my chair and Colin pulled out Eve's. When we were all seated Maurice did a half bow to us and waived for a waiter to come and serve us. When he appeared, I noticed that he was a new addition to the resturant. He was kind of young-in his early twenties-and very good looking. Brown hair and hazel eyes which seemed to jump from Eve to myself and back again. Finally he turned his attention to Colin and cleared his throat.

"Yes, sir," He said, a tinge of nervousness in his tone,"What would you like this evening? Perhaps a drink to start off the meal?"

I sat back and let Colin do the ordering. He was a perfect gentleman and knew by heart what both Eve and I liked and he also was aware that price was no object when we were either entertaining clients or celebrating. I was eager to have the waiter leave so that we could discuss our upcoming plans for the Forsythe's party which we had been invited to and for whom Eve had done her latest painting.

[Edited by Isolde on 03-18-2001 at 09:19 PM]

 

[Neale]

Colin

Sitting in this fine establishment, I could not help but be amazed at how far I had come from my Liverpool birthplace. No one in my family had ever even seen the inside of anything classier than the local pub, yet here I was...

"We'll start off the evening with some celebratory style, my good man. If you have any of the '63 Rothschild's left, we'll take a bottle now. If not, perhaps a California vintage would be a refreshing change of pace. Your avocado salad would be quite nice, to follow. Our main course will be your freshest catch of the day, the Pacific Marlin steaks, if they are in tonight. You choose an appropriate wine to complement the fish. The ladies and I will negotiate dessert later, if you please. Oh, and since you are new here, I'll point this out to you: we are relatively easy patrons to serve. Bring us our drinks and meal, then stay away. I assure you, we will signal you, should your presence be required." I smile at the nice young man, to reassure him that we weren't so bad, after all. Then the twins shared a particularly high-wattage smile with him. Sigh. Hope the bloke can remember his name after that smile, much less our order...

The wine arrives, and I light up a Dunhill, looking around the restaurant. It never ceased to amaze me how many of the people here I recognized. How many of them owned priceless works of art, more priceless than they would ever know!

 

[Moonlight_33]

Lisa Cartman

As Lisa set to cleaning the living room, she set the paintings out so she could see them while she worked. They were quite affective, even if they were a little abstract and not quite to her taste. She finally made it to the side of the room that supported a wall that was primarily books. She loved to read, and she was looking forward to the time when she could sit back and bury herself in all those written words. As se dusted along, one book all but jumped off the shelf and landed at her feel.

She jumped in fright, she was already very tired and it was the last thing she had expected to have happen, she picked up the book and looked at the spine. “Gordon Rough’s Guide to the Art World”

Strange that her grandfather would have such a book, she didn’t know him well, but she would never have thought him to be a man with an interest in art. She put the book back on the shelf only to have it jump right back out and land at her feet once more, this time landing face down and open.

By this point she was really starting to become freaked out, her trembling hand reaching for the book and lifting it to look at the open page. What she saw frightened her all the more. There, circled in red ink, were the four paintings she now looked upon across the room.

“Jesus Christ” she whispered. “These are Mistral’s paintings.”

She knew virtually nothing about art, and she would be the first to admit that, but she remembered seeing a movie about Mistral, so it was a name that stuck in her mind. She closed the book and almost wept with joy, these paintings would fetch more than enough to pay the debts, and more. Her troubles were over….or so she thought. She would await the art brokers call in the morning, for now, she needed sleep. Eyeing the room carefully, she wondered if anything else was going to jump out at her.

 

[Imoen]

Eve

I lean back against my seat with a deep sigh, one hand resting lightly over my full stomach.

"Ooooh." I groaned softly. "I do believe I should have passed on the bananas foster but it was such a decadent treat!" My eyes light on the Dunhill Colin just lit. "Oh Colin, may I?" I pleaded with a coaxing smile. I leaned foward as he struck a flame for me. My cheeks indented slightly as I took a long, delicious draw from the cigarette - holding my breath for a brief moment as I felt the slight tingle, an almost light-headed feeling. Mmmm. I pursed my lips and turned my head away from the table, exhaling the stream of white smoke.

I place my elbows on the table, supporting my chin in my cupped palm as I lean foward. I smiled in content.
"So Erica... Exactly what are the plans for this week? Since the major portion of the project is completed, exactly what should I concentrate on now?"

 

[Isolde]

Erica

During the meal we had made small talk about the business, gone over the sales of the day, discussed an upcoming estate sales that we were in charge of and generally avoided the subject of our next 'aquisition' while others were within listening distance.

After the waiter had cleared the remenants of our dinner away and we were left with just our drinks, the talk became serious.

"Okay," I said to Eve and Colin,"Lets talk about next Friday night. We have been invited to the Forsythe's upcoming bash, party and general to-do. Boring, I agree but they have a wonderful painting that they have no idea the real value of. We are about to remedy that and make sure it gets a good home while they recieve something more to thier status as art lovers."

Turing my gaze to Colin, I said,"Now, I know our wonderful and charming companion here has done his research on the Forsythe's house. When has he ever failed us? So spill...what have you come up with?"

 

[Neale]

Colin

As always, with the twins, it was business before, during, and after pleasure... but what a wonderful business! The meal had left me feeling quite relaxed, and I sipped the excellent wine, clearing my mind for the task at hand.

"As you know, ladies, last month, I wangled an invitation to their home from Mrs. Forsythe." Eve grinned at me, knowing full well just how I'd managed that! "As you might have guessed, the lady was most... accomodating. She is quite proud of the home she has put together, and relishes pointing out its every feature to her... guests." Erica spoke up, "I'll bet that's not all she relished, Colin... now get to the good part!"

Sensing their impatience, I could not resist pausing the story long enough to light up another cigarette, enjoying the impatience evident in my erstwhile employers. "Now, Erica dear, you know it would be rather ungentlemanly of me to comment upon... other parts of my time spent with the lovely Monica, I mean, Mrs. Forsythe." My answering grin to theirs belied my words, letting them know that, at least on this scouting expedition, I hadn't had to close my eyes, lay back, and think of the Queen. Monica had been a truly remarkable woman, in bed and out. Almost a pity I'd not see her again...

Deciding I had dragged things on long enough, I explained the layout of the near-mansion, the various security procedures, and the details I'd been able to gather about the party itself, including a guestlist, amount of alcohol ordered, and who was doing the catering.

"So, there you have it ladies... a prize peach perfectly primed for the plucking." I raise my wineglass to them in a toast, "To yet another wildly successful adventure!"

 

[Ask For More]

Mark Cheung

OOC: Quick character summary!

Mark Cheung

Chinese, 5'10, 29 yrs old
Short black hair and brown eyes, slim and muscular for obvious reasons...

Born in Hong Kong, and taken in as an orphan by a master thief, and soon became apprentice.
Now an expert, his speciality is in stealing paintings and rare artifacts either for sale in the black market or as a hired thief.

As a cover he trades succesfully in the stock market, working for myself from home. Charming and witty, his riches make him an obvious target for the ladies.

IC:

My plane touched down in the early afternoon. The weather was beautiful and much cooler than Hong Kong at this time of the year, which could sometimes feel like a pressure cooker when the humid air pressed down on you.

I had been here a few times before on business, and this visit was no different. My last job had earned me enough to slack around for a long time, but I was getting itchy and felt like returning to action, so when the call came through I jumped at the chance to visit the USA again. What can I say? I love America. The weather is nice, the prices are cheap, and the women are beautiful!

The hotel check in went smoothly, and within an hour of my arrival I was standing on the balcony, enjoying the sun and taking in the city scape.

Turning back into the room, I pulled out a folder from my breifcase and laid the contents out on the bed for perusal. And invitation to a party, and plans for obtaining the lovely painting at the house of a Mr and Mrs Forsythe. I had met them on my previous foray into this city, and the wife was somewhat taken with me, although at the time they were only engaged. I allowed myself a little smile, remembering a brief, passionate encounter in the washrooms of a very upmarket restaurant.

When the evening came, I felt like walking around the city, so I dressed casually and wandered the streets, looking for a nice restaurant where I could relax, and take in the scenery. Before long I was sitting next to a window overlooking the street, and admiring the scenery while sipping on a beer.

Looking around at the clientele, one table caught my eye instantly. There were two ladies, twins I think, sitting with a man who looked vaguely familiar to me. Searching my memory, I realised that I had been introduced to him by the aforementioned Monica Forsythe on my last visit. Taking a closer look at the ladies with him, it looks like his status has elevated since my last visit.

My train of thought was broken by my food arriving.