Sofia searched through the different names and adoption records in the computer. She adjusted in her seat, glancing around the library, hoping no one was watching. She would spend an hour every Friday before work to look through the records. In search for any sign of her brother. She sighed and looked at her watch and grunted.
It was ten minutes after six, shit, she thought, I'm late for work
Sofia quickly exited the windows and logged off the computer, standing up and grabbing her things. She turned to head for the door, fixing her collar and walking through Aparo park. She glanced around, she managed to stay away from the nastier parts of the city. Working in a well-known art gallery funded by Wayne enterprises definitely helped that cause.
She always liked the idea of staying somewhat secluded from others, anyone in this city wasn't exactly a kind bunch to talk to, even those who had money. Although she has met Bruce Wayne a few times before for his fundraisers in the gallery, he always seemed kind and down to earth. She didn't care for too much but the idea of money and corruption tainting the minds of people was ridiculous.
Luckily for her, she hasn't had any recent encounters that may draw too much attention. She crossed the street and turned to see a black van parked on the opposite end of where she was. She had her sunglasses on so her eyes weren't noticeable when looking at something in particular. But she couldn't help but feel eyes on her as she entered the glass doors to the gallery.
Sofia sat in her desk, the gallery was big compared to most. It was usually quiet until later on in the evening, when events were taking place. She looked down at her phone, there was an unknown call made, but she paid no mind to it and deleted the number.
She heard the door open and turned her head up to see who the visitor was, to her surprise it was Oswald Cobblepot. He was a usual visitor for the studio. And far as everyone else was concerned, because of his heavy income, the fact that he participated in illegal activities was of no relevance to Gotham's aristocrats.
He was a heavier set man who always smelled of cigar smoke. Sofia put down her phone and watched as her manager Francis Caron. He was an odd man in Sofia's opinion, he'd always wear the most expensive clothing even when no one saw him and usually kissed ass to the owner of the studio. An older man named Vallentino Bellomi, he was a very humble character and treated Sofia with respect. She didn't have any family to confide in so she subconsciously thought of Vallentino as sort of a role model to her. And he had no kids, his wife passed away five years ago from pneumonia.
"Mr. Cobblepot! Such an honor to have you back, what can we do for you?" Caron greeted
Cobblepot had two men follow inside the building with him while three more stood watch outside. It was kind of funny to see such a small man have staff that are clearly bigger than he is cower in fear of him. She looked down at the miscellaneous papers scattered on the desk, she continued to listen to their conversation.
"I've a prior reservation with Vallentino in regard to my donation for the fundraiser tonight," he replied dryly with his thick English accent
Sofia could tell he didn't care to talk to Caron and I think he knew that as well. The manager shook his head and smiled, "of course! Let me go fetch him, was there anything you'd like while you wait?" he asked nervously
Cobblepot grunted and looked up at Caron, "I'd like for you not to waste my time."
Sasha scoffed, both men turning to her, she cleared her throat and looked back down at the desk. Cobblepot kept his eyes on her and she could feel it.
Caron rolled his eyes and quickly turned back to Oswald, "Certainly Mr. Cobblepot, my apologies!" He scurried off to the back office of the gallery, leaving only Sofia up in the front.
She could hear footsteps coming closer towards her and she closed her eyes in frustration, not wanting to interact with this person.
"Of all the times I've been here, I've seen you around sweetheart and I never thought to ask what your name was?" he smirked
Sofia looked down at him, forcing a smile, "Sofia. Sofia Black."
Cobblepot raised his brows and nodded, "What an unusual last name, tell me where is it from."
She gulped, not wanting to give any further information to him, "It's uh—"
"Oswald! My friend, how are you?"
Sasha sighed in relief at the sound of Vallentino's voice. Cobblepot turned and grinned at the older man, Sofia looked back to see the older man gradually walk up behind her.
He placed a hand on her back, "Are you distracting my employees again Ossy?" he joked
Cobblepot looked to Sofia before laughing and shaking his head, "Oh no Belomi, it's your beautiful employee here that's distracting me," he winked
Sofia inwardly gagged and sat up in the chair, Vallentino noticed her discomfort and walked forward, chuckling, "Come my friend we have plenty to discuss in my office."
Vallentino ushered Cobblepot to his office room, Oswald ordered his men to stay in the lobby area. Sofia watched them until they disappeared behind the white walls of the intricate studio. She turned her head to see his men staring at her with stoic faces. She stared back at them passively.
An hour passed by and Sasha could hear the chatting come from Vallentino's office once again. She continued to go through the separate photo instillations for tonight's event.
"Vallentino it's always a pleasure," Cobblepot stated
Belomi smiled and bowed his head, "you are welcome here anytime Oswald you know that."
The shorter man nodded and turned, heading for the door while swinging his cane around. He turned to Sofia, "Will I see you at the fundraiser tonight Ms. Black?"
Sofia glanced to Vallentino who winked at her, "Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied sarcastically, Cobblepot didn't seem to catch on and instead smiled happily and turned heading out the door.
She sat in her chair and rolled her eyes, shaking her head, "If this man thinks he's got a chance, he's sadly mistaken."
Vallentino chuckled and walked over to Sofia, "Don't worry dear, he won't be going near you. Not while I'm around."
She smiled while he looked down at the pictures, "We'll need to fix everything up perfectly for tonight. You will be there won't you Sofie?" he asked
She hated when he asked her like that, she could never say no to him. She sighed and nodded, "Fine."
He smiled and placed a hand on her cheek, "thank you dear, what would I do without you? You are both my eyes and ears, I'm getting too old for certain things."
"You're not that old Val," she smirked
The older man laughed, "because you keep me young!"
By this time Caron walked ahead, "Yeah how could you not feel like you're taking care of a child with her antics."
She rolled her eyes and Vallentino only smiled, "Now now Francis, let's not pout."
Caron scoffed, "Me? Pout? How immature of me, she makes an ass out of me every chance she gets," he glared at Sofia who did the same
Sofia smiled and leaned on the desk, "Oh Francis, you don't need me to make you look like an ass, your perfectly capable of doing that all on your own."
Francis narrowed his eyes at Sofia. Vallentino laughed and waved his hands, "alright you two," he clapped, "let's start setting up the studio, we have a lot to do before tonight."