The Green Phoenix

The clock ticked loudly to midnight. Every night it ticked off the uneventful minutes. No museum robbers with plans to make off with overpriced art ever had the courtesy to break in so Wil could spoil their plans. Anything to break up the monotony of patrolling. At least that’s what she thought until the museum director showed up. The curator was one thing. Liza usually liked to be there for big deliveries, and she was cool to Will. The museum director was a whole other thing. If that glory hound showed up it meant something “big” was coming in. Which would be exciting except he had an uncanny ability to suck all the fun out of anything, except for Liza. Nothing could dampen her, probably the only reason he hadn’t managed to drive her off. She kept rushing back and forth between the two biggest walls in the museum. Her heels clicking as she muttered about light and other technicalities of placement, sporadically saying “I can’t believe it.” Liza was usually enthusiastic about her art, but her eyes were doing a particularly happy dance tonight.

Liza: Wil, will you accompany me to the bay door in back.

Wil: Sure. Why is it coming though there? Deliveries usually come though the side door.

“It’s the only door it will fit through.” Liza responds and gives a little wink. She tries to look serious, but her excitement radiates off her. It radiates off her for half an hour while they wait in the cold night air until the Museum Director gets impatient.

“They’re late.” He says, “They were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago.”

For the first time Liza’s smile slips.

“I hope nothing has happened. This crew is normally very punctual. That’s why I hired them.”

“They certainly charged enough.” He said.

As he opened his mouth to say something else they were blinded by headlights that turned into the ally. Wil’s hand automatically went to her side arm, and she put her other on the button to close the door to be ready. Another, larger vehicle followed the first closely. When the driver emerged Wil heard Liza squeal: “Callisthenes! I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I like escorting my painting when I can. Besides, I love a chance to visit my favorite curator.”

He was perhaps the most beautiful man Wil had ever seen. He towered over everyone, muscles rippling under onyx skin, sun bleached hair that looked like spun gold. Liza looked like a child next to him, he lifted her at least 3 feet off the ground when she hugged him.

“You’re late. I was starting to get worried.” Liza said.

“We had to detour, a road was blocked by a nasty looking accident.” Callisthenes said.

Then the Museum Director cleared his throat unnaturally loudly. Liza looked a little embarrassed, but bounced back quickly.

“Cal, I would like to introduce Thomas Dwaas. Our Museum Director.”

The Director stepped forward hand outstretched. Callisthenes took it with both hands.

“Callisthenes Gios Apollona. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said it with such warmth and sincerity that every ounce of pompousness in the Museum Director’s seemed to melt away.

“Mr. Gios Apoll-”

“Please, call me Cal. All my friends do.” Dwaas blushed like a school girl at this.

“Cal. Thank you for this opportunity. To loan us such a prestigious piece is very generous.”

“I am happy to. K. always liked smaller museums better. She said they care more. Besides, Liza assures me you have excellent security personnel.”

“On the subject of security personnel,” Liza said” Cal, this is Wilhamina Jackson. She is the supervisor of our night security team.”

He reached out to shake her hand as he had with Dwaas. Looking Wil straight in the eye.

“Liza has told me much of you. I must admit, I was not expecting someone so young and beautiful.”

His eyes were gold, with purple rings around the irises and purple flecks. They were breathtakingly beautiful, but there was something in them that made her feel wary. Basking in his presence could leave you burned and blistered if you weren’t careful.

“None of that should matter as long as I am competent.” Wil responded.

“Indeed!” He laughed and clapped her on the shoulder. Then to the group he said, “Shall we go in? I want to see where Nadine will be.” He offered an arm to Liza, and then an arm to Dwaas.

“You brought it on the perfect night. The museum is closed tomorrow. We only have one wall big enough for the painting, I am going to have my staff clear it in the morning. We should have it up by tomorrow night.” Liza told him.

“We’ll be announcing it everywhere immediately. We will be having a small event for friends of the museum immediately and a larger special event to celebrate it’s visit next week. I do hope you will be able to join us?” Dwaas said with a flutter of his eyelashes.

“I don’t know right now. I travel constantly for business.” Dwaas deflated. “Do not be disheartened. I will make time to visit on a regular basis.” Cal said cheerfully.

“Of course! Liza told me of your stipulations for the loan. Perhaps I could join y-“

“No. I like to have alone time with Nadine. However, I do think we can find time for lunch occasionally when I am in town. I can tell we will be excellent friends.” Cal concluded.

Watching the emotional roller coaster Dwaas went on during the brief conversation was unlike anything Wil had ever seen before. He seemed to feel more emotions in that minute then most people felt in a year. As they walked up to a massive crate Cal thanked each of the men who transported it. They crowded around him like puppies to accept his thanks and thank him in return. As they walked back to their truck they looked as serene as a teen aged girl who’d just met her favorite pop star and felt life was complete. Liza and Dwaas stood staring at the crate.

“Can we open it now?” Liza asked breathless.

“You’ve seen it before.” Cal responded

“I know. I just…” She said.

“I haven’t.” Wil said. He looked at her thoughtfully.

“Very well. I hate to leave her locked up anyway.” Cal decided. He took a crow bar, and tossed another to Wil. Together they pried off the lid so large it shook the floor when it fell away.

She stood dwarfed by the painting. Looking at the wide strokes of blues and greens punctuated by bright splatters of orange and yellow Wil felt engulfed in a strong sense of calm, followed by hope.