Cecilia Velastegui
Cecilia Velástegui was born in Quito, Ecuador where she spent her childhood. She was raised in California and France, and she has traveled extensively to over fifty countries. Cecilia received her graduate degree from the University of Southern California, and she speaks four languages. She serves on the board of directors of several cultural and educational organizations, and she was nominated for the Arts Orange County Award. She lives with her family in Dana Point, California. |
Gathering the Indigo MaidensCecilia Velastegui A hysterical voice sounding impossibly identical to the nanny who raised Paloma in Ecuador begs for help saying she is being held as a sex-slave in Southern California. She implores Paloma to return the stolen Immaculate Conception painting from her collection in exchange for the release of the sex-slave. The caller claims to be the rightful heir of its painter, 17th century Quito artist Isabel Santiago (historical character). In subsequent threatening calls, texts, and letter, the caller reveals things only Paloma’s cherished nanny, Esperanza, could know. This can’t be real. Her painting cannot be stolen property, and the caller’s sex-slave claim cannot be true. Paloma’s ordered world will not allow for it. Confused and in shock, Paloma retreats to her library full of rare books and reviews the provenance documents. Within days, everything Paloma thinks she knows will be called into question, and she will find herself thrust from a life of order and beauty into a seedy underworld of con artists, art thieves, human trafficking, and a cunning adversary named Montserrat. |