ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"I sure hope it works," said Shana. "My concern is since he's spent time and money threatening me, doesn't that make him look guilty of something. He's even sent men to Peoria, Illinois to snoop around. If he just hands it over, to me that makes him look even guiltier."

"Shana's got a point." Philip turned toward the patio. "What's that?"

"That helicopter's flying awfully low. It's not landing, is it?" Jane followed Philip to the patio.


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 11 part 1

Shana stood beside Jane. "They have binoculars! They're spying on us. Why? What do they want?"

"My guess is they're trying to figure out how to get access to you or at least your paperwork." Philip used his hand to shield the sun.

Emily's eyes widened. "I've never seen a helicopter so close. It's knocking the chairs over."

Jane took Emily's hand and led her away. "Let's go to your room. We'll play Candy Land."

"But I want to watch."

"You're coming with me." Jane led the child away.

Philip watched the three German Shepherds pace, stare at the helicopters, and emit low rumbled growls. The fur on their backs bristled. "They're upset."

"Should we call Drew?" asked Helen.

After Philip checked his watch, he shook his head. "Drew hasn't landed yet." He removed his cell and pressed a number. "Jeff's on his way. I wonder if they're going to land." He glanced toward the roof.

Moments later Jeff entered the penthouse, as another helicopter arrived. "They'll be leaving." He pointed. "The second copter's the police. I heard the noise and called."

Tears welled in Shana's eyes. "Nothing like this happened until I arrived, did it? I'm putting you at risk."

Jeff grinned. "Things were quiet until you came. In my opinion, they were boring."

Helen swiped at him with a dishtowel she held. "I guess now you have a purpose other than eating my freshly baked cookies and brownies."

"Her cookies are fantastic. Have you tried them, yet?"

"You're taking this so lightly. Am I the only person upset?"

"They're gone." Philip watched a few moments longer before he took Shana by the hand, led her into the den, and motioned her to sit. "We're concerned too, but we also understand how difficult it would be for them to enter this penthouse, even from the roof. The door can only be opened with thumbprints. Just like the elevators."

"What if they rappelled onto the patio?" asked Helen. "Or shot at us?"

"The patio glass is bulletproof." Jeff pointed toward the patio. "You're as safe here as anywhere. Drew made sure this place is like Fort Knox."

"Why? I'm glad it's safe, but why would anybody choose to live like this?" asked Shana. "Back home I didn't need armed security guards and bulletproof glass." She glanced toward the elevator. "A normal key unlocked my front door."

"New York City poses its own security issues. Drew is a powerful man and sometimes his decisions are unpopular." Philip paused. "Since he's in the oil business, the environmental people have been known to get upset."

"I imagine they would voice their concerns, not physically attack. These people are trying to...," Shana used a tissue to dab her eyes, "wage war on me and it's over a painting."

Philip leaned forward in his chair and his eyes met Shana's. "I know I'm sticking my nose in your personal business, but I'm curious. Your father didn't seem to be overly interested in getting this painting back. Why is it so important to you?"



Characters so far:

Shana Kohlberg -- a 25 year old high school English literature teacher -- she's trying to get her families painting back

Anderson Sharp -- often called Drew -- 31 years old -- works part-time on Wall Street -- a billionaire from Texas oil wells

Dmitry Bezrukov -- one of three Russian men in black suits

Jeff Burk -- takes care of Anderson's cars and important security details.

Helen -- Anderson's cook

Jane -- Anderson's housekeeper

Philip -- Anderson's butler -- close friend and confident


Kyle -- Anderson's dog walker

Axel -- Anderson's lead German shepherd

Thor -- Anderson's second German shepherd

Romeo -- Anderson's third German shepherd

Aaron Kohlberg -- Shana's older brother

Ivan Kuznetsov -- formally Ivan Morozov, I accidently chose a real person, so I have changed it present day owner of the painting.

Patricia -- Anderson's ex-wife

Emily -- Anderson's five year old daughter

Isaiah Glassberg -- Anderson divorce/custody attorney.

Jeremy -- Jane's second-cousin twice removed, NYC undercover cop.

Hannah -- Shana's cousin, the same age. Married within the past year and just had a baby

Joshua Colton -- Art Museum's curator

Benjamin Kohlberg -- Shana's father