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CHAPTER ONE
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2024-11-16 04:27:51I pushed open the brown wooden door and stepped into my studio, a sense of excitement rushed all over my body as I was eager to start work on the next painting.
I shut the door right after me with my left hand while holding a cup of coffee on my right. Setting the cup of my coffee down on the table filled with different sketches of paintings, paint brushes, and some disorganized books about painting, I reached out my handbag and hung it on the bag holder by the wall.
A number of finished paintings lay on the wall by the floor and a couple more hung on the wall. A few were finished, a few unfinished and a few were client's orders to be picked up. I always made my paintings from scratch and my mind and never copied anyone’s work no matter the amount a client was willing to pay.
I pulled off my trench coat, leaving my black shirt and a pair of deep blue jeans on a pair of boots on and pulled a stool closer to an empty canvas I had already set and sat. I took a sip of the coffee and picked up my brush, slapping against the white canvas gently, my strokes flowed.
It was evening and one of my client came over to the studio to pick up her art herself as she was skeptical about it being delivered.
“ I am sorry, I got a little bit delayed at the meeting” she said
“ No that's alright, I figured you'd have called me if you wouldn't be able to come today” I replied
“ So where is my priceless artwork?” she asked
I moved over to where I kept some already packed paintings and picked out her painting named “Estranged heart”. It was a painting of a wilted rose that seemingly looked like a heart.
“This is really a masterpiece Lexi!!” she exclaimed as she saw it
“ I am glad you like your painting Mrs Shelby” I said with a smile
“Like seems to be an understatement, I love this painting” she said and tapped me on the shoulder.
“ Thank you Mrs Shelby ” I said with a smile again
“Victor, come put this in the car will you?” she beckoned on her driver as he came in and carried the painting out of my studio.
Mrs Shelby was about to leave my studio when she turned around
“ You don't have a man in your life do you? I think this is the point in your life where you should have someone to go back home to dont you think? She asked
“ I am glad you're concerned about that Mrs Shelby but I don't think I want to have that for now” I replied
“ One blind date wouldn't hurt would it? I have a perfect candidate in mind” she said
“ I will think about that Mrs Shelby” I said with a smile
“Please do my dear” she said this and left my studio.
It was time and I was ready to close up for the day, this was my daily routine but this time around, I needed to stop by the store to get some groceries as I had ran out of them at home.
I picked up my handbag and stuffed some books from the table into them and picked up my trench coat and wore it.
After slightly bumping into cans of oil paint stacked right by the foot of the table and a jar of brushes that I remembered I kept down by the table, I decided to move these things so I don't bump into them again.
It was getting late and I needed to get my groceries. I carried my handbag and stepped out of my studio and as I shut the door behind me, my eyes fell on the next store opposite mine, they sold flowers and I remembered how my foster mum would always get me flowers each time she came home from a trip and constantly I hoped someone would get me flowers.
The grocery store wasn't that far off from my studio so I decided to take a walk instead of driving my compact car. Unknown to me, I was being tailed by a black sedan just on the other side of the road, I didn't think a simple woman and artist like me would be tailed. I got to the store and got the things I needed and it was all packed in a brown paper bag and found my way back to my car at the studio, still oblivious of the black sedan tailing me.
I put the paper bag and my handbag at the back seat and drove all the way home. Today felt a lot different from other days and I couldn't figure out why but anyways, its just been me all these years.
My apartment was located a little bit away from the main town and I did this cause I needed my solitude as an artist. Parking in front of my house I got off the car and grabbing my bag of groceries and my handbag, I headed towards the main door.
It took me a while before I could find my keys in my pocket and at last I found it and opened the door to my house. I shut the door and hogging my bag and the paper bag to my chest, I walked and reached for the light switch and switching it on I saw a manly figure up ahead, standing right in front of my tv.
My heart jumped and skipped a beat and the bags I was holding to my chest dropped to the floor, pouring out the pack of frozen turkey wings, three pieces of apples, a carton of milk, a pack of hot dogs and a pack of pasta, I could feel sweats breaking out all over my body. I suddenly withdrew back to the door to find my way out and bumped into another man all dressed in black.
Still shocked and afraid, I suddenly felt my hands tightened and a white napkin placed right on my nose. I struggled to break free but the substance that was in the white napkin kicked in and I could feel my eyes closing and everything became blurry and slowly pitch black.
Am I dying or am I about to get killed?
What is happening to me?
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Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER TWO
I sat there with a paint brush in my hand, my eyes staring blankly at the white canvas in front of me.I have always found solace in the quietness my studio exuded, the different smell of oil and paint- it was my own sanctuary and I loved being in it. But today, I wasn’t in my sanctuary, there was no familiar scent and warmth in this room. The room I was in had dim lights and gave off a cold aura as it also had meager interior decoration. I could feel the weight of Julian’s sharp gaze over my shoulders, being calculative from across the room.“60 days, nothing less, nothing more,” he suddenly said in a low growl thus breaking the silence. Julian Blackwood came off as a man who commands attention the moment he steps into the room. Tall, a lean muscular build, jet black curly shoulder-length hair and his aura gave off some sort of quiet but dangerous confidence. I could feel my heart thumping but I quickly squeezed my eyes shut hoping that would suppress the rising panic within me.
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER THREE
The room became awfully quiet after Julian left. Sixty days, I had sixty days to replicate a painting I barely remembered and also not figuring out why Julian wanted me to do so but I knew there was something more to this task. I stood from my stool, paced the room for a while and coming back to the spot I stood from, I stared at the canvas again as though that would tell me the true reason why I was here. I was still fixated on the canvas when I heard a footstep approach the door. The door creaked open and I made a swift turn to the door to see who it was.It wasn't Julian.A young girl of about eighteen years of age entered, dressed in a plain black dress. She had her face down and clenched to the tray of food she had brought in as she closed the door. “Julian said you should eat,” she said in a low voice.“Is she a staff or his woman? No, I'm sure Julian wouldn't let his woman do such basic chore and plus she seems pretty young to be here in the first place,”“Hmm thanks,” I mut
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER FOUR
There he stood in the doorway, dressed in a black shirt and a pair of black pants. He looked out of place yet somehow in control. He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.“Lexi,” he said“Marcus?” I said with a mix of surprise and confusion in my voice.My instincts suddenly stepped in and I went over to him and gave him a warm hug.“What are you doing here? It's been years since I last saw you,” I said in a worried tone. “Yeah, I know. It’s been quite tough moving on since that day Lexi,” he said almost teary. “Let’s not talk about that, that’s not why I am here,” he said, switching tones.“Then how are you here Marcus? Did you sneak in? Did anyone see you? I don’t know what this is all about but I think it’s dangerous here Marcus,” I said frantically. Marcus came closer to me and placed his hands right on my shoulder. “Let’s sit first Lexi,” he said We both moved towards my bed and sat facing each other“I only came on board as one of Julian’s security,” he said
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER FIVE
It's been two weeks now and sleep didn’t come easily, my mind always raced at the thought of what Marcus said and also what Julian said—the deadline pressing down on me. 60 days, much less now. I kept turning from the right to the left side of the bed, the clock ticking steadily, more as a reminder of time slipping through my fingers. I suddenly threw off the covers and stood from my bed, pacing the room like a restless prisoner—maybe that’s what I was. Imprisoned to this painting, to Julian, to whatever game was unfolding before me. I grabbed my sketch pad from the table filled with different paint brushes, color palette, oil paints and normal paints and started drawing, trying to replicate the original Elysium with the vague memory I had. Halfway through the sketches, there was a soft knock on the door, I paused with my pencil mid stroke as the door gradually opened. The same young girl stepped in, standing in the doorway her expression remained still and unreadable. “Mr Julia
Last Updated : 2024-11-16Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIX
I stood still, caught in between and trying to process his words and everything that's been going on. Julian was a puzzle— a dangerous but beautiful puzzle. I wasn't sure if I wanted to solve him or simply let myself get lost in it all.“ I don't know if I should be flattered or worried” I said in a low voice“A little bit of both wouldn't hurt” he said, his lips curling into a playful smirkI looked away for a moment, needing space to think, his words held such a weight that I wasn't ready to carry. “ I-I should go” I said as I slipped out of the side and towards the fireplace. His eyes followed me as he stood there, his gaze unwavering“Is that what you really want?” he askedMy throat suddenly felt dry. Of course it wasn't what I wanted but what I should do if I were to avoid being just a pawn in this game. “This is complicated. I haven't made progress with the painting and I have fewer days counting down for me. I-I think I should be more focused on that” I said “Life itself i
Last Updated : 2024-11-25Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SEVEN
Marcus walked down the dim lit hallway carefully, his eyes searching all over the place to see if he was noticed. Obvious to him, a fellow colleague on the security team had been watching him. He saw him entering and exiting the room as he trailed Marcus' movement with curiosity in his eyes until Marcus was out of the hallway. He brought out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, picked out one and lit it up to smoke. He suddenly had a mischievous grin after he took a puff of his cigarette and carefully followed Marcus to wherever he was going. Marcus, oblivious of being followed by Sammy, walked into the supply room because that was the only place without a cctv as it was empty. Bringing out his phone from his chest pocket, he quickly made a call to a man named Marve. “Hey Marve, huhh there might be a little bit of a problem with Lexi but-but not to worry, I’ve got things under control,” he said, his words fidgeting. “And what’s this problem?” Marve asked over the phone. Ma
Last Updated : 2024-11-26Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER EIGHT
Marve dropped the call and placed the phone on the table when a thick but slightly hoarse voice called out to him. “Marve, what’s the problem?” Xavier asked. “Huhh, it’s the kid Marcus, says he has a little problem with the plan but he’s going to take care of it,” Marve answered. “Little or no little, a problem remains a problem, he better fix it or he gets fixed!” Xavier let out as he walked into a room, followed by Marve and two other men in black. It was a room deprived of sunlight with a foggy atmosphere due to the number of cigarettes that had been smoked in the room. Xavier went directly to his table, took a Cuba cigar and lit it to smoke as he walked towards Marve. “What did he say was the problem?” Xavier asked Marve. “He didn’t give me full details but I know he said something about Lexi” Marve said. “You mean the wannabe painter?” One of Xavier’s new recruit blurt out jokingly as he laughed. The words “wannabe painter” struck a nerve in Xavier, he looked at him
Last Updated : 2024-11-27Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER NINE
The head of security hurried over to the east wing as soon as he got radioed. On getting to the inventory room, he met with the staff who radioed him looking distressed and out of place. “What is the issue here?” the head security asked. “Sammy was supposed to come do the inventory a couple of hours ago but he's been nowhere to be found,” he said frantically. “Well did you radio him or check the quarters?” the head security asked. “I did sir but there was no response, he wasn't found in the quarters either,” he answered. The head security took a few steps back, brought out his phone and made a call. “I am heading to the media room now, pull up the CCTV for me,” the head security said. He turned to the other guy who was still looking around with his flashlight. “Look around, see if you can find anything,” the head security said before leaving for the media room. The head security and other team members finally got to the media room and gathered around the bank of monitor
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
Latest chapter
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - SIX
Julian has finally gotten to the border of Russia as the chopper dropped him off there and flew back home as he could not pass through the border without proper means. Just like Stronach said, there was already a pick up ride waiting for Julian at the border the moment.He came down from the chopper with his backpack and walked towards the pick up ride as there was a man waiting by the car.“You must be Mr Julian….I will be the one to drop you off at Mr Stronach’s,” the aide said.“How far is it from here?” Julian asked.“Not far enough to disturb your peace on the journey, shall we?” the aide said as he gestured his hands for Julian to get into the car.Julian got into the car with his back pack and they drove past the border and to Stronach’s. The aide drove for a while and finally we arrived at Stronach’s. Julian and the aide finally got to Stronach’s as he was led into the compound and then to where Stronach was, busy grooming one of his horses. “Ah! my business partner Julian!…
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - FIVE
Frederick called Mr Blackwood the moment I got carried away.“I’ve done what you wanted, please tell me where my brother is” Frederick said. “ I will tell you where your brother has been moved to. I am a man of my word and a generous one, Julian, might not be so much” Mr Blackwood said and hung up.Frederick later received a text message from Mr Blackwood and it was the location of his younger brother and this was after Mr Blackwood had confirmed my location with the two men before Detective Garrett arrived. Frederick ran into the car and drove off as fast as he could to the location that was sent to him.He finally arrived and it was a private hospital, he went into the hospital and after he asked for the ward number where his brother was moved to, he went straight there and found his brother bedridden with a private caretaker. The caretaker excused herself and left the two brothers. Frederick came closer and sat next to his brother’s bed and held his right hand.“I am sorry, I s
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - FOUR
“But why?……There is no reason for Frederick to do such a thing” I said.“Well there is always a reason behind everything. Why don’t we start with what Mr Blackwood wants with you?” Detective Garrett asked as he sat on the chair while I sat on the bed.“Mr Blackwood? How do you know of Mr Blackwood and how do you know he has anything to do with this?” I asked.“You seem to ask a lot of questions young lady……I found the phone call logs of one of the men that kidnapped you and the last call made was to a number saved as Mr Blackwood, does that answer your question?” Detective Garrett said.“How do you know Mr Blackwood? You haven’t answered that” I said.“How I know Mr Blackwood doesn’t matter…..you know Mr Blackwood but you don’t seem surprised that he sent men to kidnap you, why is that?” Detective Garrett asked curiously.“Because it’s not the first time” I said.“What do you mean? You have been kidnapped before?” Detective Garrett asked.“It’s a long story and I don’t think I have th
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - THREE
I sat there in the backseat as we drove fast and past trees, the fresh air up against my face as I inhaled and exhaled. The thought of painting such beautiful scenery occupied my mind and before I could finalize that thought, we had gotten into the city. Bubbling and quite busy but not so busy.We drove past cafes, restaurants, bookshop, art galleries, marts, precincts and every other thing that could be found in a city. We finally arrived at an art gallery and I was quite eager to step in and feed my eyes with artworks and creativity. I had finished admiring the pieces I was attracted to now and I just knew it was time to eat as my stomach had been rumbling.“Can we grab something to eat? I am so hungry right now” I said to Frederick who was still lost in the works of art he had seen.“Yeah sure. I am sorry, I should have made arrangements for that…there is a spot that I visit when I am here” Frederick said as we stepped out and got back inside the car and went to the new location
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - TWO
Walker prepped the chopper as he was told as he stayed by it until Julian’s arrival. Julian finally got to the helipad.“Good morning sir…….I wasn't aware of this trip, I would have prepped things earlier” Walker said.“Its fine Walker….have you notified Stronach of my coming?” Julian said as he tapped him on the shoulder and then threw his back pack into the chopper.“Yes sir, there will be a pick up car at the border……is there any task you'd like me to perform while you are away sir?” Walker asked.“Just keep your eyes on Xavier, we can't have him making any sudden moves” Julian said. “Will do sir” Walker said.“You are going to be taking orders from Fred and keep him updated cause he'll be the closest to you” Julian said as he got into the chopper and sat right next to the pilot.The pilot turned on the necessary engines and took off. Just then Frederick walked to the helipad but the chopper had taken off so he only met Walker there.“He’s gone?” Frederick asked.“Yes sir, he took
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY - ONE
“I’ll explain when I am done with all of this,” Detective Garrett said.“What do you mean when you are done with all of this?… what exactly are you getting into Karl?” Detective Mike asked.“I just need you to trust me Mike, can you do that?” Detective Garrett asked.Detective Mike sighed but deep down he knew that he wasn't going to get Detective Garrett speak up about the sudden transfer. “Fine, I'll trust you and hope that you get to the bottom of whatever it is you're pursuing,” Detective Mike said. *********************************************************Back To The Present “That one call made everything come crumbling down,” Detective Garrett said.“I'm really sorry about Frieda, I had no idea you had this deep reason behind all of this,” the informant said.“I have been on this case for a while now and getting concrete evidence against the Blackwoods is my utmost priority” Detective Garrett said. “And I am happy to help with whatever you need,” the informant said.“Thank y
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER SIXTY
“You must be her uncle Karl, your number was the only emergency contact we found in her wallet……I’ll give you both some time” the morgue attendant said and exited the room. Detective Garrett began to sob in pain and deep hurt.“I’m so sorry pumpkin….I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you….I’m so sorry, please wake up and say something. I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry” Detective Garrett kept saying as he ran his hands over her face, still unable to believe that his only niece and relative left was gone. “How you must have felt all alone and scared pumpkin…..I shouldn’t have let you go, I shouldn’t have let you go” Detective Garret kept muttering as he held her body in his arms and wept profusely. Just then the pen recorder fell out of Frieda’s pocket and Detective Garrett remembered he gave it to her and then held onto it instead as he wailed while holding her body. After a couple of long minutes with his niece, Detective Garret was finally able to let go of her body for the morgue
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER FIFTY - NINE
Xavier stood there and looked over Frieda’s body.“What were you thinking huhh?…..I had wanted to give you a painless death, I guess you got it,” Xavier said.“Get rid of her quietly,” Xavier ordered the other man and he did as he was told.Xavier approached Marve now.“Directly from the boss huhh??” Xavier said to Marve but he didn’t say a word.“Well while you’re under my watch……you only report and respond to me, I alone am your boss! Now is that clear?” Xavier asked.“Yes sir,” Marve said.“Have that treated or it’ll infest,” Xavier said as he picked up his jacket and they all exited the lodge.**********************************************************Detective Garrett was done with work and was home now. He had been expecting a call from Frieda as regards the auctioning she went for with her new client but yet there was no call from her. Detective Garrett deemed it that she was probably caught up with other things and decided to not overthink it. But then two days passed and yet
Canvas Of Secrets CHAPTER FIFTY - EIGHT
“It’s pretty simple, paint the damn replica or you die. We don’t have to be dramatic about it” Xavier said.“Please don’t kill me, I am as good as dead the moment I paint the replica. Please let me go and I won’t say a word” Frieda pleaded.“Agree to paint the replica and you won’t have to die, it’s quite simple don’t you think?” Xavier said. “Why does it have to be me?” Frieda asked.“You were the easiest to trick into buying one of your pieces, what’d did you call it? Resonance?” Xavier said and burst into laughter and went away to the restroom. It was at this point that Frieda knew that she had woefully made a grave mistake and there seem to be no way out. She suddenly remembered her uncle’s words to be careful and wished she had just listened to her head instead of her heart. In the process of regretting her decisions, Frieda felt a slight bulge in the back pocket of her jeans and remembered that she had put the pen recorder Detective Garrett had given her as a present the last
