A Shared Table

Viktor Draven sat at his study desk, with a cup of untouched coffee sitting opposite him, curling steam rising up into the dim light. In the rest of the room, the only sounds were the occasional scratches of Dexter moving about in the hallway. Viktor tapped his fingers against the oak desk his thoughts restless.

"Lazybones," he muttered to himself. His eyes slipped down to the gold outlining the window. "If I let other people deal with this matter, nothing will get done." He straightened up, resolute. "If I want answers, I'll need to see through this myself."

Dexter entered the room lightly carrying Viktor's coat. "Latmier Consulting or home today, my lord?"

Viktor grinned. "Neither. Let's start with the office. Have the car ready."

Dexter nodded, his lips thinning into a line. He knew better than to question Viktor's plans, no matter how impulsive they seemed.

Calista Moore was adjusting her blazer when exiting her apartment as the cool, fresh morning greeted her upon taking a step into the air from her flat, well before her busy mind settled about the meeting itself. She knew well that today had something special-Elza Hart from Brush was coming and planned to meet about the start-up of partnership relations between Latmier Consulting with B&V.

Across the road, Axel lay fast asleep in his rented flat, the soft glow of surveillance monitors illuminating an otherwise dark space. The many missed opportunities that had accumulated in the past two days were piling up, though a blissfully insensible Axel would snore oblivious to it.

Calista arrives at the office to find Agatha bustling with her usual sense of efficiency. "Morning, Calista, the discussion room's set up and Elza ought to be around anytime now.

Calista nodded, smiling. "Thanks, Agatha. Let's make this easy. First impressions are important, especially with a client like B&V."

A bit later, Elza arrived fashionably late and with the air of nonchalance only someone like her could manage to carry off. Her outfit was perfectly styled, but one sensed that it hadn't been rushed off at leisure that morning.

"Good morning," Elza said warmly with only a hint of languor in her voice. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

They started the meeting at the discussion room. Agatha introduced Latmier Consulting along with its growth and expertise. Meanwhile, Elza had to speak regarding the history of Brush and Vision Gallery.

"Hmmm" Elza started sitting on her couch, reclined. "B&V was not always that sleek institution it is today. It began as The Great Museum of Fenzaric. The founder of the museum, a commoner had a very extraordinary passion for art. Fenzaric built it from scratch though he never witnessed its glory days. His descendants extended it further, acquiring some of the finest pieces of their time.

Calista listened intently, her fingers tapping lightly against the table. She was stunned at the weight of history behind this gallery and the potential that added to the task of modernization.

"Most of the pieces are still held in our vaults," Elza said. "We will bring them out for rare occasions. It's tricky, though–trying to honor heritage and at the same time make it current."

She nodded her head already brain-wiring strategies. "The challenge is how to preserve the past but integrate it with the future. We are going to have to find a middle ground that honors the legacy of the gallery yet will not alienate potential new visitors."

Elza's eyes sparkled with interest. "I like how you think, Calista."

After the meeting, the three women headed to Laplace, a fine restaurant known for its intimate ambiance and exquisite cuisine. Over lunch, the conversation turned personal.

"So, Agatha," Elza began with her scheme in a playful tone "tell me about your family."

Agatha chuckled. "Well, I've got a husband in the army and two little monsters at home. My mom helps keep them in line while I'm at work."

Elza smirked. "Sounds lively and what about you, Calista?"

Calista hesitated but then said "I have a daughter. She's my world."

Elza raised an eyebrow but didn't pry. Instead, she shifted the focus back to herself. "As for me, let's just say I've had my fair share of lovers but none of them were marriage material."

The three women laughed the tension easing.

Agatha's phone rang out suddenly. She stepped aside to take the call as her voice faded in the background, pacing the restaurant.

Calista and Elza turned to her, their conversation halted.

"She's dedicated," Elza said with a smile.

"Very," Calista agreed.

Agatha came back with a face full of curiosity and concern. Elza's lazy demeanor shifted ever so slightly, her sharp eyes catching the subtle change.

"What's the news?" Elza asked, her voice full of casual curiosity, while really being very interested.

Agatha hesitated. "It's about the company. But we can talk about it later."

Elza tilted her head, with a know-it-all smirk on her lips. "Of course. Later."

After they had left the restaurant without really talking much with Agatha's mood spoiled for her.

Meanwhile, Elza returned to Brush and Vision Gallery where the activity was buzzing. The vice art director was coordinating a minor exhibition while the workers were rearranging displays, and a few visitors roamed the halls.

Dex Drakmore walked across the gallery. His sharp sight scanned every angle. He paused at Elza's office. He knocked with a sharp touch and entered it.

"Elza!"

Inside, Elza was leaning on a lavish chair, resting her feet on the table. A book lay on her lap, and she gazed lazily up to him. "What now, Dexter?"

He crossed his arms, frustration shining in his face. "You can't run the place if you are always sleeping around.".

Elza shook her head, calm as a summer serenity. "Relax, Dex. I have everything under control. Besides, isn't that why you're here? To keep things running smoothly?"

Dex shook his head, muttering something under his breath. "And what about the task Viktor assigned you? Any progress?"

Elza dramatically yawned. "Of course. Axel's on it. Well, sort of. You know how these things go.

Dex exhaled; his nose curled up. "Just. see it gets done."

Elza relaxed with a salute. "You got it, boss you know well enough we now have an extra pair of hands for help."