Chapter Text
It was dark and windy outside compared to the warmth and air of mystery that filled the art gallery that night. Rich guests could be heard chattering along, commenting about the different paintings and how much money they were willing to bid for them.
A 27-year-old woman with light brown hair walked through the crowd deep in thought. Her tailored black blazer was cut low enough to accentuate her hips, paired with a sharp white shirt, a red tie matching her Louboutin heels, and slim black trousers. Hidden in the small of her back was a weapon, courtesy of The Source.
She stopped in front of her target. A confident smirk touched her lips as she raised a phone to her ear, speaking covertly into a tiny microphone pinned to her lapel disguised as a cherry brooch.
Four security guards at the front door, one near the bathrooms, two in the corridor and one by the back exit. JingJing Yu laughed softly and looked at her surroundings. They've upped their game since the last time I was here. Who would suspect that such an elegant looking woman would have such diabolical plans coming into fruition?
JingJing was relaying this information to her "partner", Numnim Phatchatorn, although she refused to see her as that. Numnim was more like an accessory to compliment her own talent.
Are you sure you can handle things alone tonight? I heard on the police radio that they have the place surrounded. Numnim is... a scaredy cat, but her skills are impeccable. JingJing had to admit that.
Are you doubting my skills, Phatchatorn? You know I have been doing this longer than you have. I don't need to prove myself to you or anyone.
Numnim joined JingJing's team almost six months ago after she almost got caught. If it weren't for her title, the police would have never let her go.
No, miss JingJing. I was just saying... Never mind. Remember that you have 90 seconds to replace the real painting with the fake before triggering the backup alarm. Not even the best art collectors can tell the difference between them if I do say so myself.
I thought we talked about the bragging, Phatchatorn. She hated that The Source gave Numnim such high praises for the last robbery. She did all of the heavy lifting, but Numnim got the compliments.
Numnim started bragging about it consistently to the point where JingJing took out the gun and pointed the barrel straight to Numnim's forehead as a warning.
While JingJing analyzed the best way to carry out her plan, a 30-year-old woman by the name of Janhae Ployshompoo was approaching the scene. Underneath her leather jacket, heavy sweater, and button-down shirt, she was sweating through her bulletproof vest. Janhae also had an earpiece which she concealed inside of her jacket.
Keep your eyes open. We can't let him get away again. I want two patrol cars at every exit.
Geez, Captain. Scared of failing daddy again? Detective Kapook teased forgetting that anyone tuned into their frequency could hear them.
Refrain from unnecessary comments and keep it professional, Kapook. Tawan Ployshompoo, chief of police, was sitting outside in his patrol car keeping an eye on the perimeter.
Detective Kapook swallowed hard and hit her forehead various times as she heard the voice of the chief of police coming in through the radio. Sorry sir.
Janhae laughed and made a mental note to hit Kapook extra hard during their next workout session.
The clinking of the host's champagne glass drew everyone's attention.
Good evening, everyone! Bidding will start in just a few moments. Please make your way to the main hall.
As the crowd surged toward the seating area, JingJing made her move. Kneeling subtly, she unclipped the fake painting hidden flat along her inner pant leg. With silent precision, she disarmed the frame's touch sensor, cut the real painting free, and secured the replica in its place.
Fifteen seconds! Numnim panicked in her ear. Hurry!
Shut up, Phatchatorn! JingJing hissed, smoothing the final corner of the canvas.
She cut the comms link, stood, and felt a hand press against her lower back. The sudden tough pissed her off, but her face remained serene as she turned to face a security guard.
Excuse me, Miss Yu. The auction is starting.
Thank you, JingJing said sweetly, stepping forward to break his contact while mentally noting his name to ensure he was fired by morning.
She seated in the front section, gently adjusting her trousers to hide the rolled original canvas, and pulled out her phone to pretend to take a call.
Tell the Founder I'll meet her tonight at the usual time. Numnim breathed out. Jingjing put her phone away.
The media, the police, and the art world were convinced the notorious thief known as "The Artist" was a man planning to hit the high-profile auction pieces. They had no idea Jingjing's target was a minor, overlooked masterpiece resting quietly near the back that is worth millions to The Source, and far easier to slip out under the nose of forty-armed officers.
As the auction opened, JingJing raised her paddle lazily, dropping a casual 100 million baht on a Georges de la Tour oil painting just to keep up appearances. The crowd applauded as the hammer fell, declaring Miss JingJing Yu the winner.
Afterward, as guests filtered back toward the champagne bars, JingJing checked her black Rolex: 8:25 PM. She had to leave now, or she wouldn't arrive on time, and her stepsister would suffer the consequences again.
Aren't you staying to receive the newest addition to your enormous art collection? JingJing turned around and her breath stopped when she saw the goddess that was standing in front of her. I'm Captain Janhae Ployshompoo. She extended her hand to JingJing.
JingJing Yu at your service. She grabbed Janhae's hand and brushed a soft kiss against her knuckles. She felt a sudden spark of heat pass between them.
CEO of Sizzy Enterprises, five-time winner of Pattaya's most beautiful woman of the year, and the city's most eligible bachelorette. Janhae let out a light laugh.
Are you a fan, Captain? JingJing teased, her dark eyes flashing. I could sign an autograph... with a personal note just for you.
Janhae blushed slightly but maintained her posture. No autograph needed. Just wanted to say hello. It's hard to miss your face when it's on every billboard in town.
Kapook and Numnim interrupted their moment.
Miss JingJing, you have to go, Numnim's voice urgently announced over her secondary receiver. Leader is waiting.
At the same time, Kapook tapped Janhae on the shoulder. Jan, your dad's calling. He sounds furious.
Janhae sighed, turning back to JingJing with an apologetic smile. I'm sorry to cut this short. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Miss Yu.
Until next time, Captain, JingJing replied with a dangerous, alluring grin.
Janhae felt her pulse quicken as she walked away, forcing herself to remember the CEO's notorious reputation for cycling through women like designer handbags.
Outside near the rear alley, Chief Tawan grabbed his daughter's arm, pulling her out of earshot from the rest of the squad.
You said you had intel on The Artist hitting this event tonight! Tawan snapped, his face dark with frustration. Do you know how much city budget I wasted setting up this perimeter? Someone better report a stolen butter knife, or so help me, you're off this division!
He let go of her arm with a harsh shove and walked away.
Janhae exhaled slowly, rubbing her arm as Kapook slung a comforting arm around her shoulders.
I really don't get how you're related to that man, Kapook muttered under her breath.
Let's just get back to work, Janhae sighed, turning her eyes back toward the gallery doors as JingJing Yu's red Audi melted into the night.