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Post by Dia Hortensia on Jul 16, 2012 23:38:40 GMT -8
Prohibition. It had done wonders for everyone, Dia's "crew" especially. With Ravi and his art gallery serving as a front for their more lucrative and illegal business ventures, the group had finally found their footing when alcohol was deemed illegal. They had connections as far away as Atlantic City. And the money continued pouring in. The timing had been perfect; Dia and Orion were beginning to run out of money and the gallery hadn't been opened long enough for there to be any sort of profit just yet.
The Belvedere. The hotel also served as a vaudeville spot in addition to it becoming a beacon of debauchery. Needless to say when it opened on Christmas Eve 1919, everyone who was anyone in New York City was there, Dia and her friends included. For this event, Dia had her hair up. She noticed her former style was slowly going out of vogue. The new emphasis was on no curves and Dia was a woman of many curves. Still, she tried to embrace the change and as such, bought herself a new dress, the likes of which she had never worn. She hated to leave Spiro, her two year old, with a caretaker, but this was an event she couldn't afford to miss.
"Orion, I'm not quite sure this is...me." Dia said, studying herself in the mirror of their newly furnished apartment.
Her husband, the tall, dark and handsome Orion Hortensia had appeared out of the bathroom, adjusting his suit and staring at her intensely. "No...it's really not you darling. Just wear what you always wear and for heaven's sake, do something about your hair!"
Dia did as she was told, quickly doing away with the dress and fussing about with her hair in her lingerie. The intense length of her hair made it near impossible to manage, regardless of how hard she tried. She quietly walked to their closet and found one of her more fashionable dresses. Long and lavender, Dia knew that while rather dated, it could still turn heads if worn by the right person. She had her hair pinned in various places, leaving a few strands of messy waves loose and a lavender headband across her forehead.
"What about now?" She asked him as she began putting on her shoes.
He stepped out of the bathroom, "Better."
"This better be worth it."
A knock on the door interrupted them and Orion went to answer it. He was greeted by none other than Jerome, Clyde, Ravi, Torrence, Elodie, Vivienne and Andromeda. They were all decked out in their best. Torrence and Elodie had chopped their hair off and were both sporting the newly popular finger wave style. Vivienne and Andromeda, both blonde, had their hair pinned up in a style similar to Dia's. Ravi and Jerome were both wearing suits of impeccable style. Clyde was also wearing a suit, though it differed from the others in that it was white with pinstripes and he had a matching hat.
Jerome spoke first, "Let's try and be on time, shall we?"
"That would be nice." Ravi replied, his English accent severely out of place.
Dia looked at everyone and said, "Let's be on our best behavior. We are guests of honor tonight!"
Everyone nodded, murmuring incoherently until Orion cleared his throat. "Right...we know the game plan, right? No mess ups. We've been planning this heist for months." He winked at Dia, who just smirked but otherwise remained silent.
Vivienne giggled, her French accent fading, "I 'ope ze men don't cause too much trouble."
"Vivienne...not tonight, please!" Andromeda said with a hint of exasperation. "Let's get this over with.
The group all exited the Hortensia's apartment silently. Four Model T's were waiting for them.
"It was trouble trying to procure these automobiles for you Orion." Ravi replied. "I still don't understand the need for such...flash. You Americans just throw your wealth around like it's something to proclaim!"
Orion merely chuckled, a cigarette dangling loosely from his fingers. "If I wanted your opinion Lawrence, I would have asked. Now, just get in the automobile and drive."
Dia and Orion shared a car, Jerome and Ravi another, Elodie and Clyde the third and Torrence, Vivienne and Andromeda the last.
"Elodie, make sure Clyde is on his best behavior tonight and doesn't kill anymore. We don't need that kind of press..." Dia replied mentally.
"Don't worry about him. Just make sure Ravi finds the goods so we can get in and out. Elodie replied coolly.
Dia looked at Orion. "I hope you know what you're doing, love."
He started the engine. "When you take a look at what we're stealing, you'll have more faith in me."
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Ah, the Belvedere! The group had arrived, fashionably late it must be mentioned, and stepped out to flashing light bulbs. They were by no means celebrities, but they certainly looked the part and had become something of a favored cult among the citizens. It was a Saturday night. The neon was a mere nuisance to Dia, yet she grabbed a hold of Orion's arm and walked to the door with her head high secretly pleased at how important she was made to feel. Orion and Dia were able to get in with no problem. Vivienne, Andromeda and Torrence also managed to make a swift entrance. However, Ravi, Clyde and Jerome found it difficult.
"We don't allow them in." The guard had said. He motioned to Jerome, who raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
Clyde took his hat off. "Don't you know who he is? Jerome Willis! The Jerome Willis. The same man that saved your lady's life if I do recall..."
The guard cleared his throat, a tint of red flushing across his white face. "Forgive me, sir. I apologize..."
Jerome said nothing, walking in with dignity. Ravi followed, though eyed the guard with contempt and Clyde lingered longer than was necessary. "I could have you fired."
The guard had a look of unease on his face as Clyde spat on the floor and walked in.
The lobby was packed, but comfortably so as everyone waited for the word.
"You remember the plan. I find Babette and charm her while Ravi, Andromeda and Elodie sneak upstairs. Dia enters the hall as our representative, while Clyde and Jerome keep a watch out here. And Vivienne finds Mr. Weston and, well, works her magic." Orion said, relaying the plan.
Everyone nodded silently and split up. Orion winked at Dia again and she nodded her head, heading towards the main entrance.
Andromeda, who had stolen the floor plans of The Belvedere months ago, led the way, with Elodie and Ravi following her. "Alright, it's this way."
The main staircase twisted several times and a few patrons were coming down. The trio kept their distance from one another as they ascended; it was important to keep as low of a profile as possible. After all, they were about to attempt some risky business.
Vivienne had headed towards the secondary staircase, which led to the rooms for those who lived at the hotel. She was to find Paul Weston, of the powerful Weston family and steal whatever was of worth without him knowing. Vivienne turned a few heads as she gracefully walked up the stairs and had she not been on a serious mission, she would have surely flirted with them all. Weston's room was located in the Main Suite. He was one of the richest men in the world, after all.
She knocked on the door.
When he opened it, a devilish grin appeared on his face. Surprisingly, Weston was young and handsome. He was dressed similarly to Clyde, though his suit was black with pinstripes. She had been expecting someone different. "Are you Paul Weston?" She asked playfully. He took her hand and quietly led her into his room, clearly thinking she was a prostitute. Vivienne took a quick look around, saw plenty of priceless artifacts that she knew didn't really belong to him and had her eyes set on something red.
He noticed her eyes travel across the room and led her to a desk with jewelry stashed this way and that. "You like? Here." He said, his voice deep and calming.
She smiled playfully, "You are too kind." She placed her hand over his eyes, as hers began to whiten. Before he had time to react, he had fallen to the floor.
Vivienne grabbed all that she could. "He 'as a room full of goodies!" She sent out mentally.
She was not worried if anyone saw her; she was a master of illusions. Vivienne quietly left Weston's room. He'd wake up soon and have no recollection of her or that he had just been robbed, or at least he was supposed to. She descending the stairs, passed the lobby and nodded to Jerome and Clyde on her way out. Her job was done.
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Dia commanded attention wherever she went. She didn't actively seek it out but she was a unique looking woman. Her height, weight and skin complexion gave her that exotic look that many found irresistible for whatever reason. She walked further into the main area and smiled as she saw all the alcohol being poured. A young man with a notepad walked up to her and asked, "Is it true that Clyde Delphino is part of the Constanza family?" Dia raised an eyebrow and ignored the man. He followed her, asking her more personal questions until she finally addressed him.
"Leave me alone. I'm not answering your ridiculous questions. If you want a story, I'm sure someone in this room can give you one. You're barking up the wrong tree..." Her tone was menacing and he seemed to get the hint and disappeared into the crowd.
A group of women of great reputation approached her. Their skin was fair, their hair short and their breath smelled of liquor. "Did you really think a woman like yourself could hold onto a man like Orion Hortensia? Look at him over there talking to Babette. That dress is out of season and your hair...how could you even show up to an event like this dressed like that?" The prettiest of the bunch spat at her.
Dia glanced over at Orion and smiled. "You're just jealous that he's talking to her and not you. Please, step aside, I have important matters to attend to." She wasn't lying.
The group of women looked shocked and muttered among themselves. Dia was used to such unpleasantries and she paid it no mind.
Ed Baxter, her contact in Atlantic City was walking towards her. "Ah, Lady Hortensia." He took her hand and kissed it. Baxter was a man of great means in his native city. "So glad to see your beautiful face here. I take it business is well?"
"If it weren't, would I be here dressed in my best?" Dia retorted seriously.
He chuckled. "You must learn to loosen up. I guess you want to get to business? Here's the deal, I've got 1000 cases that need a home. Coming straight from Canada; it's real good stuff. I'm willing to take half of that for Atlantic City. I'd love for you to have the other half. I figured I'd go to you and your group first before I start taking other offers. What do you think?"
"How much do you want for them?" She asked.
"Reasonable...$8300." Baxter replied calmly.
Dia nodded her head. "Very reasonable. You've got yourself a deal Mr. Baxter. We meet at the normal time and make the exchange." He took her hand once again and kissed it.
"Midnight by the docks...I hope your husband isn't around..." He winked at her and playfully left her to ponder his boldness alone. Dia looked up at the large grandfather clock and bit her lip. The trio didn't have much time before she'd have to address Baxter again.
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Andromeda, Ravi and Torrence hit a bit of a snag that took up some of their time, but they otherwise found the large library where most of what they were there for was stored.
"Ah...there it is, 'La fille avec la robe rouge'. It was a masterpiece. I was unable to find out who painted this, but there are several I've managed to locate around the world in this same style. Interesting." Ravi explained to the two women. "I wish I knew who painted these..."
"Yeah...can we wonder that later? We're on a time frame you know!" Andromeda said impatiently. She kept tapping her feet and looking around.
"Sorry...there is another...yes...there...a sculpture, three more paintings...and...a wooden violin. Please be careful with these. They are antiques and priceless and do NOT belong here. They should be seen and admired by true art aficionados..." Ravi went on to say, as he gently removed the painting from its post.
Elodie and Torrence shrugged and began the task of removing the items from the room. "Vivienne better have set this up right. If we get caught..." Elodie said, grunting as she tried lifting the heavy sculpture.
"No...leave that to me. You two handle the paintings and the violin; I'll take care of this." Ravi said.
It took fifteen minutes to gather up what they came for, yet the trio were out in record time. Just as she had done for herself, Vivienne had used her ability to hide what was stolen. The trio walked down stairs slowly for obvious reasons.
Clyde, start the car. Jerome, signal that we've got the artifacts. Orion...Dia we're leaving. The rest is up to you. We'll meet at the gallery." Elodie said mentally.
The trio walked past where Clyde and Jerome had been standing, except now, the two men were gone. They had managed to steal millions of dollars worth of items without anyone knowing.
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"Has anyone ever told you that you've got lovely eyes, Babette?" Orion said lazily, yet with a charm that seemed to make most women swoon.
She had short, blonde hair, dark eyeliner and was wearing a loose-fitted, gold dress. "Orion Hortensia...if your wife knew that you were up to no good..."
"But she doesn't know, does she and besides-" He said, stopping as he suddenly got the message from Elodie.
"Besides what?" Babette asked, batting her eyes comically. There was no doubt, she was stunning. Had Orion not been married to Dia, he might have shown genuine interest.
"Get over here now...we need to meet Baxter. We only have twenty minutes to head to the docks!" Orion yelled at Dia.
Dia came waltzing over. "Hello Babette...keeping Orion company until I returned?"
The blonde looked confused. "Uh...I...I should probably leave."
"You should." Dia replied indifferently.
With the owner out of their way, Orion and Dia looked at each other silently.
"Did he believe you? You told him you'd make the exchange?"
"Do you think I'm incapable of this?! I've been doing this for years! Of course he believes me."
Orion gently placed his hand on her cheek. "I just want this to go well, you understand darling?"
Dia nodded. "We should go." She added mentally, "Can you do what needs to be done without Clyde?"
Orion shrugged but never replied. Together, they left the Belvedere a lot richer than when they arrived.
Three days later, Ed Baxter's body was found in the Hudson River. His death was ruled an accidental drowning as no physical marks were found on his body.
Paul Weston's comatose body was found in his room. He would never awaken.
The Belvedere would remain open until the Spring of 1931, when the effects of the Great Depression finally took its toll. Babette committed suicide a month later.
Ravi only sold one of the paintings, secretly holding on to the others in his home in London.
Vivienne held onto the jewelry that she stole for most of her life. Even now, she still has some and has been trying to recover the others, having had to sell it for money in the 1970s.
Dia and Orion were able to use the "unfortunate" death of Ed Baxter to their advantage, carving out an area in Atlantic City and selling alcohol there. They would go on to make a considerable fortune.
The Great Heist of 1920 was never in the papers. The mysterious deaths never reported and the group never suspected. |
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