Heavy price to pay

Fiction Friday: This Week’s Challenge: Write about an Auction.
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Only did I see with my own eyes did it became a reality. There it stood ready to be auction off to any fool that comes along. It was too late to bid. The closing amount was too great to even mention.

In a moment of panic, I swiftly ran on the stage, grabbed the painting and went out the door. The stunned silence told me of their utter surprise.

The guard was sleeping and drooling onto his front uniform. Silently, I walk pass him, all the while making sure the painting was properly handle. Though it was a small painting, about the size of a 8 x 10 picture frame, it felt heavy in my hand.

Admiring its beauty at the hotel, I wandered awkwardly back and forth, worrying about what just happened. Then a knock on the door sent a panic in my heart. The knock sounded heavy and urgent. I almost screamed as I quickly hid the painting in the cabinet under the sink in the bathroom.

It was room service. I had ordered dinner a few hours ago after checking in. I guess I was too distracted to remember. I tipped the guy with a twenty dollar bill and hung the "Do not disturb" sign on the knob.

I was too nervous to eat and only managed to eat half of the turkey sandwich with a sip of the ginger ale. I should have order wine.

Moments later a cop came by to asked some questions about the painting. Since I work there and was the curator of the auction house, I guess they wanted some information about the painting. I remind calm and told them what they needed to know. I saw no suspicion in their eyes as they said goodbye.

On the plane ride to California, I stare out at the clouds, their ever-changing formation. This was not planned. Taking the painting while disguised as a blond was a last minute decision. I could not and do not want anyone to own this painting. It was the last piece of work of art that my family had owned and since I couldn't afford to buy it back, well...guess now I have to see about getting a new job.