The Vanishing Act - 2. Chapter 2

Ethan Blake, a young artist with a raw talent that mirrored the chaotic beauty of his city, was still reeling from the devastating news of his mentor's death. Damien Moreau, a renowned art collector and gallery owner, had been more than just a teacher; he was a father figure, a guiding light in Ethan's tumultuous life, and his lover. The police had ruled his death a gruesome homicide, the victim of an abduction and brutal torture session.

Detective Eliott Carter, a seasoned investigator had been called away from his vacation to take on the case. The discovery of the body and Elliott's subsequent interrogation of Ethan had led to the young man's confession and revelation about the smuggling of antiquities. The detective was convinced that the murder was linked to a criminal gang and quite obviously to a person or persons with some knowledge about antiquities.

Further investigation of colleges, staff and friends of Damien Moreau had turned up some perhaps important leads for investigation. Rumors had circulated that Moreau had stumbled upon a significant discovery, something of a unique and prized item, something he might not be willing to part with, but something the gang desperately wanted.

Of course, this was all hearsay and there was nothing concrete to go on. However, Eliott was certain these criminals would turn their attention to Ethan, so he had his phone tapped and his movements followed. It wasn't that he believed Ethan to be involved, rather that he thought the gang whoever they where would be convinced Ethan knew where whatever they were after was kept. Sooner or later they would make their move, watching Ethan was as much for the young man's own protection as it was to catch the villains.

When a note was received, left in the letterbox of the lobby, Ethan finally became aware that this was no game. Fear struck Ethan. He had no idea what Damien could have kept or where. All he knew was that his mentor had been involved in smuggling and had not listened to his pleas to stop before things got completely out of hand. Ethan could not understand why Damien would be involved in these illegal activities, he surely hadn't needed the money.

That evening he did not take Helios on his usual long walk in the park, but cut it short and quickly returned with the dog to the city apartment. For some reason he felt safe there, cocooned by the works of art, furniture, and familiarity. Ethan became a prisoner in his own home. He was constantly on edge, his mind racing with possibilities. He tried to focus on his art, but the fear and uncertainty clouded his creativity.

Ethan felt a growing sense of dread as he picked up the note. His hands trembled as he opened the envelope, the threat scrawled in bold, black letters: "You know what we want. Give it to us, or we'll make you regret it." The sender's identity was clear: the same antiquities smugglers who had murdered Damien. Panic gripped Ethan as he realised beyond any doubt, he was their next target.

Desperate for answers, Ethan began searching through Damien's belongings. He combed through his office, his personal effects, and finally, his desk. A secret drawer, hidden beneath a false bottom, slid open, revealing a single item: a card with a name and address in eastern Russia. The words "Russian Dolls" were printed at the top.

Ethan was baffled. Russian Dolls? The name conjured images of a matrimonial agency, offering Russian women to wealthy Western men. But why would Damien, a renowned art collector, have anything to do with such a business? And more importantly, why would the antiquities smugglers be interested in it, if this was indeed something to do with what they were searching for?

As Ethan pondered the mystery, he remembered a conversation he had had with Damien months ago. Damien had mentioned a secret project he was working on, something he couldn't discuss with anyone. Could this card be connected to that project?

A shiver ran down Ethan's spine. The thought of Damien being involved in something so morally questionable was unsettling. But as he looked at the card, he realized that the answer might lie in the past, in the hidden secrets of his mentor's life.

With a newfound determination, Ethan decided to travel to Russia. He knew it was a dangerous gamble, but he had no other choice. The only way to protect himself and uncover the truth was to confront the people behind the Russian Dolls.