Delholme

As she sauntered around the gallery, Antonia did her best to be interested in the paintings. She was not an art lover. She appreciated it, but have only a vey basic knowledge of it. The only artist names she was familiar with came from the ninja turtles. Amanda had been chosen for this mission due to extensive knowledge and study in this field. Amanda could have a legitimate career as a gallery curator if she wanted to; Antonia knew that the paintings in the room were very old, and that was about it. She would have to be cautious in her conversations.

Grabbing a champagne glass from a roving waiter, Antonia stood looking at one of the paintings on the gallery wall. She glared deep into the colours and textures of the piece, unaware that everyone walking by her was giving HER the same treatment. How could they not…she was a stunner. She was actually starting to appreciate the aesthetic of the work, when she felt the presence of someone behind her.

“An interesting piece, don’t you think?” the man’s voice spoke from just behind her. “Ummm, yes,” Antonia quickly responded, “VERY interesting.” The man moved a bit closer to her and asked, “In what ay?” Antonia stuttered, “Well, um, I think it is um…I really like the frame!” She heard the man start to laugh and she joined in with him. Turning to face him, she realized it was Delholme. She plastered on a fake smile as she weighed her options in her head. Delholme was dangerous, as she had noted from his interactions with Amanda, but he also had full rung of this place. If she could seduce him or subdue him, she could find Amanda and get all of the information the mission required.

“You don’t know anything about art, do you?” Delholme chuckled. “Not really,” Antonia said truthfully, “but I love me a good frame.” They both smiled at each other. Delholme broke his smile and stated, “Rather curious you would be at an art exhibit?” Quick on her feet, Antonia replied, “I’m here as a guest of Mr. Kellner to comment on the fashion at the event. I’m a fashion critic.” Giving her a once over, Delholme responded, “Well, judging by your dress, I would say you have excellent taste in fashion!” He offered his arm to guide her around the gallery.

“So what did you think of the Mucha?” He asked Antonia. “The what?” Antonia replied. ‘What the hell was a Mucha,’ she thought. “Mucha painting that Mr. Kellner unveiled earlier,” Delholme stated. He gave her a concerned look, but she retorted, “Oh yes, THAT painting…good frame.” They both laughed again, with Antonia pressing her hand against his chest to show some intimacy. Appreciating the contact, he looked her over again, and then guided them out of the gallery and into the front rotunda.

At the base of the spiral staircase he stopped and said, “So, I never did get your name.” Antonia moved a closed to him, and said, “Antonia…Antonia Morelli.” “My name is Delholme, Rudy Delholme, and I have to tell you that you are the most beautiful woman in the mansion.” He moved closer to her, taking their champagnes and placing them on a table. “I am one of Mr. Kellner’s junior associates and art advisors. Let me put this out there…I come from a very rich family and have multiple houses, cars, and even yachts, and I would like to see you in all of them.” Antonia smiled coyly as he began to advance closer to her, “Well, Mr. Delholme…” He rose a finger to her “call me Rudy.”

Knowing she had to get Delholme alone, Antonia started to seduce him, “Well, Rudy, what do you do with all those yachts?” Delholme chuckled confidently and said, “I fill them with beautiful women...and I’m in need of a redhead.” Antonia batted her eyes at him and said, “Do you think we can continue this in a more private location…like your office?” He nodded, and said, “I thought you would never ask.”

Disabling the security system on the staircase, Delholme led Antonia up the winding steps to the second floor. She knew Delholme had an office in the mansion that he hardly ever used. She had never been in, but was eager to get him in there alone. She knew she would have to use her powers of seduction to try and get information from him, and then she could knock him out or something.

Reaching the office, Delholme produced a key card from his jacket pocket, swiped it on the control pad, and the typed in a numeric code. Antonia did her best to try and see the code, but she could only get half of it before Delholme concealed the rest. The door opened, and he gestured for enter.

Upon entering, Antonia saw that the room was not empty. There were two armed guards, and other party guests, including Kellner himself. She thought he was still downstairs. He must have a secret passage up to the second floor. All eyes in the room quickly turned to Delholme and Antonia. Kellner approached them.

“Rudy,” Kellner said, “I’m so glad you could join us. I am sorry to appropriate your lounge, but I wanted some privacy with some important guests.” Rudy nodded in acceptance, and Kellner moved his attention to Antonia. She had kept a low profile while working in the mansion, and had worn clothes and makeup that downplayed her features; she was sure she wouldn’t be recognized.

“Well now,” Kellner said reaching his hand towards her, “I don’t believe we have met before. And you are?” Antonia took his hand gracefully, and answered, “Antonia Morelli. I’m here as a fashion critic for the evening.” Kellner gave her the once over, and replied, “That’s funny. I don’t remember booking any fashion critics…but then again, there are so many details that I delegate to others. No Matter. My evening has certainly been enhanced by your presence, as I am sure Mr. Delholme’s has as well. Now, please excuse me as I have some guests to attend to.”

She watched Kellner return to his circle of guests, which included several stunning women in skimpy dresses. At least Antonia knew that she would fit in with the dress code. Feeling Delholme arm around her waist, she jerked forward a bit, before realizing that she needed to play along. The situation had changed, and Antonia’s previous plan was not going to work. She had to improvise.

Letting Delholme’s arm nestle around her body, Antonia decided that the best thing to do was to lull Delholme into a false sense of security, and then take advantage of him. She needed his key card, and probably his cell phone, where he probably kept his security code.

Delholme guided her around the room introducing her to people she really didn’t care to meet. He was using her looks and figure to show off his importance. They had both had about three drinks each now, and he had just handed her another scotch. She was definitely starting to feel them kick in. She had to be careful.

Off of Delholme’s lounge, was his private office. He guided Antonia towards the office, and opened the door. “I think we should have a more privacy…to discuss art, don’t you think?” Delholme asked. Antonia nodded in agreement, giving him a sultry look. As she walked inside, she saw a long mahogany desk, a black leather couch, a private washroom, bar, and entertainment system. Delholme motioned to the couch and said, “Please, make yourself comfortable.”