Chapter 5: Shadows of the Latin Quarter
The following morning, leaving Leo under the protection of trusted staff at the estate, Arthur and Julian navigated the narrow, winding alleys of the Latin Quarter. Rain washed over the cobblestones, reflecting the dim yellow light of the antique streetlamps.
They arrived at the small, dusty art restoration shop where Eleanor had worked. The front window was cracked, and a "Closed" sign hung crookedly on the door. Julian picked the lock with practiced ease, and the door creaked open.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of turpentine, varnish, and dry paper. The workshop had been ransacked; drawers were pulled out, and canvases lay slashed on the floor.
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"They were looking for the ledger," Arthur said, his heart sinking as he saw the destruction.
"And they didn't find it," Julian pointed out, kneeling by a heavy oak desk. He pointed to the floorboards beneath it. "Look at the dust patterns. Something was moved recently."
