Ariana POV
The atelier had astronomically high ceilings and telltale splatters of paint on the walls that Dimitri had left. Traces of long-dead artists' creativity. The home smelled of old paint as well as the cafe au last from a nearby cafe. The living room and kitchen were done in French Country style, creating an unexpectedly homey touch Ariana wouldn't have expected.
A skinny old staircase led up to the bedrooms on the second level, and Elina started to carry all the bags upstairs. Dmitri pointed to a door in the living room wall. "There's a workout room, not that you'll need it with all the walking you'll be doing," he told an awed Aunt Sally and Uncle Bill. "You'll have a full escort wherever you go, even if you're just going to the patisserie next door for petits fours."
"This is remarkable," Uncle Bill enthused. "Was this as is or did you have to knock out a wall to get the open kitchen?"
The reference to the girl who disappeared in Aruba is, of course, Natalee Holloway. Another girl targeted by a predator--this time of the human variety.
Poor Ariana--now she finally understands her mother's overprotectiveness.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!