legality || ruby & jane
@janeglow
Ruby had found herself in a place she’d never wanted to be in, the place where she was at someone else’s mercy. Having grown up at the mercy of her father, then her brothers, Ruby’s entire focus and goal in life hinged on her control of it. But it wasn’t surprising in the least that she’d stumbled into the dangerous side of the art business. That’s how money had been covered up for centuries. The way to show wealth and power was to display original works, handmade and unique, and as long as someone else wanted it enough, it kept its value. She’d known all along that she walked a very fine legal line. That was part of the enticement of the profession.
Jane Glasgow had been referred to her by a client in an offhanded comment. “You know how you dealers all end up in some sort of legal battle,” was how the conversation began, and then a scribbled amount of information on the back of an irrelevant business card was shoved into her hand before the patron wandered off in search of more free wine, as expected. Three phone calls and an appointment later, Ruby was seated in the lawyer’s office awaiting her meeting. She had yet to tell anyone of her mistake, her miscalculation of people. It was embarrassing, and something her brothers would never let her live down. Had she done it on purpose, they’d have respected her for pragmatic business decisions, but this time... pure accident.
After being ushered into the lawyer’s personal office, Ruby smiled and extended a hand. “Ms. Glasgow, it’s wonderful to meet you finally. I’ve heard and read quite a bit of you. Thank you for taking my appointment.” Politely, she took her seat and began to prepare her explanation in her head.