“As if?” I had to laugh, for Lu’s outfit could only be described as total shimmer. “All eyes will be on glamorous you.”
“My approach is always carefully thought out, Cassie. The LK Gallery is exclusive. And when prospective buyers are speaking with me, I want them to understand they are purchasing premier art creations and will be paying accordingly.”
“I get it. The artist can be understated, but the gallery owner needs to make a statement.”
“You’re a quick study.”
Who was I to question Lu? Her reputation was impeccable. And she’d earned her international standing through years of careful research, dedicated networking, and hard work. I had every confidence in her abilities. It was my own self-assurance that stood on shaky ground at the moment.
Even the gallery had been designed to inspire. The converted former bank was a granite Greek Revival with white ionic columns and high ceilings, ideal for the dramatic wrap-around second-floor loft.
“Are you ready?” Lu filled a champagne flute with some bubbly and handed it to me.
“Do I have a choice?” I sniffed the glass and grimaced.
“It’s sparkling pomegranate juice.”
“You don’t think I can handle myself?” I assumed Brooks had been telling tales until she corrected the notion.
“It’s one of my strict rules. None of my artists are permitted to drink during their showings. When people are nervous, the drinks go down much too quickly. Early in my career I witnessed the collapse of more than one fledgling artist because they said or did something stupid or inappropriate. I insist on a preventive strategy.”
“I see your point. But why do I need to drink anything?”
“If you’re drinking, the patrons are drinking. And when the patrons are drinking, they’re more likely to …”
“Fall in love with my art?” If I’d been holding a glass of real champagne, I’d have swallowed it quickly to wash down the insult.
“That’s not at all what I was about to say. People will recognize your extraordinary talent, and they will love your paintings, with or without the champagne. However, there’s a financial motivation for this exhibit. Am I right?”
Of course she was right, and I felt embarrassed for my cynical reaction.
“So, if our guests are enjoying a bit of champagne in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere …” She let the thought drift.
“As they become looser, so do their purse strings?”
She smiled slyly.
“I didn’t mean to be so sensitive.”
“Don’t worry. This is your night, and all I want is for my newest protégé to embrace and enjoy your moment. Can you do that?”
“I’ll try.” I set my glass down so I could properly hug her. “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”
“Trust me, kiddo. By the end of the night, I’ll be the one thanking you.” She released herself from my hug and gently squeezed my arms for encouragement.
A string quartet began to tune up, prompting Lu to take her leave for one last consult with the caterer, offering me the opportunity for a moment’s reflection. The thrill of having my own exhibit was somewhat tempered by all that had led up to this night. It was little more than six months since Ethan had departed my world, yet so much had changed. Would I be standing here today if my husband had not left me in such a sad financial state? I couldn’t imagine where I’d be now if it hadn’t been for the fortuitous day Ashley and Vince wandered onto the cliffs and into my life. Would I be living with Zoe and Oliver in California? Renting an efficiency apartment on the wharf and waiting tables at the diner or cleaning rooms at Hilliard House? How ironic that those two vibrant young people, who’d saved me from losing my home and losing myself, were now lost themselves.
A light tap on my shoulder woke me from this reverie.
“How’s my girl?” I turned to find Brooks holding a dozen long-stemmed pink beauties.
“Aw, Chuckles.” I leaned my head into his chest. “They’re lovely.”
“They pale in comparison.” He lifted his glass of champagne.
I raised myself on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for being here. I’m really nervous.”
“You don’t look it. Besides, once this place crowds up, you’ll be fine. And you can count on me to be your helicopter.”
I shot him a quizzical look.
“You know? Hovering nearby at all times.”
“I’m a lucky girl.”
“That you are.” He winked.
“So were you able to find Cindy?” I kept my voice low, although the only people milling about at the moment were those putting their final touches around the gallery.
“Not yet.”
I frowned. “It could be a tremendous help if she identifies the bird.”
“Hey, listen.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “No talk of Cindy or birds or missing persons. This could be a pivotal night in your life.”
“You’re so wise.”
“Or am I just a wise guy?” Brooks had me smiling, and for a moment the jitters remained at bay.
Lu stopped for one last inspection on her way to open the gallery doors, and within minutes a crowd was streaming in. I was truly astonished by the turnout. There were the usual suspects who always showed for town functions in support of Whale Rock: local politicians and business owners like Evelyn and George Hilliard, Lizzie Davis and her beau-du-jour, Tommy Turner and his wife, Archibald Stanfield and the former Miss Peeper—even Sylvia Trask was there. But many of the faces gathered to see my work were unknown to me, patrons of the arts lured by Lu’s persuasion or her reputation. And she really knew how to work the crowd, seamlessly gliding from one guest to the next, introducing them to her featured artist—me—and guiding them toward the pieces she felt would be most suited to their tastes.
At one point, I gazed around the room and was surprised to see Teddy there, grinning at me. He was wearing a wild retro sports coat, loose tie, and tight jeans, but the oddly thrown together ensemble worked for him. I walked over to where he stood with a disparate group of young people.
“You clean up well, Teddy. Thanks for coming. And for bringing your friends.”
“Oh, yeah. These are my bros, Marco, Benz, and Cav.” They were an awkward group, but each of the young men uttered a polite hello. “And this is Jess.” Teddy placed a possessive hand on a young woman’s waist.
“Nice to meet you.” Teddy’s date took in the room. “Your work is impressive.”
“Thank you.” And I was in turn impressed by Teddy’s good taste in girlfriends. Jess was engaging, attractive, and poised.
“Yeah, really cool stuff,” Marco added, looking around uncomfortably. The other two friends, Cav and Benz, nodded in wholehearted agreement, though I suspected this was probably the trio’s premier introduction to the art scene.
But Jess presented an air of sophistication, a noticeable contrast to the uneasiness of the young men in the party. I wondered if Jess and Teddy were one of those age-old Cape Cod stories: daughter of a wealthy tourist becomes infatuated by the irresistible charms of a local boy. Those summer romances didn’t usually end well, but maybe they’d beat the odds, as my parents had done.
“Your paintings of Ash and Vince are awesome.” Teddy nodded toward the alcove where the small grouping had been placed.
“They had a special bond, didn’t they?” Jess asked. “You captured that.”
I was taken aback. “Did you know them?”
Teddy didn’t give Jess the opportunity to answer for herself. “Sure, Jess knew them from Wizards.”
“That’s right.” Jess seemed to have taken the cue. “They came into the bar a couple of times when I was there. You can just tell from your paintings they were a close couple.”
Now was not the time to delve further, but I was quite certain my earlier hunch was correct about Teddy being more familiar with Vince and Ashley than he was admitting.
Instead, I asked, “How did you know a
bout the exhibit?”
“Your friend Brooks told me.” He nodded to where Chuckles was sharing a laugh with George Hilliard.
“I hate to interrupt.” Lu sidled up to me. “Some buyers are dying to talk to you.”
I turned to Teddy and his entourage. “If you’ll excuse me?”
“Sure thing.”
“It was lovely meeting you,” I said to the three amigos, and each mumbled a somewhat clumsy reply.
“And you too, Jess.” Then I leaned in and whispered. “Teddy’s a lucky guy.”
She was positively luminous from the compliment. “Good luck tonight.”
“Teddy, it means a lot to me that you came.”
“Enjoying it. Who knows? I might even buy something.”
Lu was quick to intervene, offering her own sparkling smile and adding, “If you find a treasure you just can’t live without, we can discuss a payment plan. And of course, Cassie offers a discount to family and close friends.”
I gave her arm a subtle pinch to lay off the sales pitch. Taking my cue she added, “Absolutely no pressure. Please enjoy the show. There’s plenty more champagne.”
“Old habits,” she apologized and whisked me across the room, whispering in my ear, “I also wanted to let you know your handsome FBI guy is here.”
“What?” I nearly stumbled and turned quickly to look. Fortunately Lu had a good grip.
“Tell me you haven’t had any of the real sparkling wine.” She gauged me closely.
“I just wasn’t expecting Daniel to be here tonight.”
“Something up with you two?”
“I’m pleased he’s here.” And it was true. But could I trust his motivations? For all I knew, he was returning the mystery item to Mr. Stanfield and just happened to see the flyer in the antique shop.
“Is there a but at the end of that thought?”
“It’s complicated, Lu. I cut it off with Daniel a few days ago.”
“It doesn’t appear he got the message. He’s hardly taken his eyes off you since he arrived, at least until a moment ago.”
“Where is he now?”
“At the wine bar having a little tête-à-tête with our good friend Chuckles.”
An involuntary groan escaped my lips.
“Is there something going on between you and Brooks?”
“What? No!” Whatever made her think that? I needed to get this discussion off the subject of my personal life. “So who wants to talk with me?”
She negotiated the crowd and directed me toward two nattily dressed middle-aged gentlemen who were beaming as we approached.
“Edgar. Jimmy. Here she is: our new star of the local art scene.”
I knew Lu had a job to do, but it made me uncomfortable to be described in such immodest terms.
“A pleasure to see you again.” Edgar Faust extended his hand and covered mine with the other in a warm and familiar manner. “Funny, we hadn’t run into you for years, yet here were are meeting for the second time in the space of just a few weeks.”
“That’s right. Café Muse.”
“You were with that tall, super-delicious drink of water standing right over there.” Jimmy Collins was looking around the room. “Now wherever did he go?”
“I promise we’ll track him down later,” Lu swooped in for the save, relieving me from any discussion involving Daniel.
“I’m so glad you came tonight.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“Edgar was just saying how he’d love to write a sequel to his story about Battersea Bluffs for the Cape Cod Times,” Lu enthused.
“Especially in light of the newest mystery surrounding the Mitchell family.” Edgar was glowing at the prospect of another story.
Before I had a chance to respond, Jimmy interrupted. “I must apologize for my partner, Miss Cassandra. But I will make amends by offering our concerns for your young friends who have so sadly disappeared.”
“I appreciate that.”
“You have mine as well.” Edgar looked chagrinned. “Jimmy’s right, and I do apologize for my overeagerness. Nevertheless, perhaps one day you will permit me the opportunity for a little chat.”
“You’ll come down to Alcyone. I’ll make lunch,” offered Jimmy, taking my hand and leaning in close. “I predict we are going to become very good friends.”
I was drawn in by their charm and would be pleased if Jimmy’s prediction came true. “What’s Alcyone?”
“Our humble abode in Chatham.”
“If you grant us the favor of your company, I’ll tell you the tale of how we decided upon the name,” added Edgar.
“It’s settled,” Jimmy said. “We can make a day of it. And I promise not to let Edgar monopolize your time.”
Lu took the prompt from Jimmy for her pitch. “Perhaps you could make it a dual opportunity and find the ideal spot for those canvases you’re planning to purchase?”
“Oh, we already know where they’re going.”
“We have the perfect space that has been waiting for just the right collection.” Edgar nodded delightedly in agreement with his partner.
“And since The Enduring Mysteries of Cape Cod did win a New England Book award—and Edgar attributes much of the credit to the story about Percy’s Bluffs—we just have to have the grouping of paintings from the three different vantage points.”
“They so capture the essence of the cliffs, the rocks below, where Percy Mitchell met his fate. And that majestic house with the incredible views of Cape Cod.”
“Edgar fell in love with that view the day he came out to interview you. I’ve heard about it time and again, and now that I’ve seen these paintings, I finally understand what is so compelling about the setting.”
“Then you must come out and see it in person one day,” I offered.
“I would love that.” Jimmy pulled out his checkbook and said, “Now, down to business. Name your price. I’m ready to buy an anniversary present for Edgar.”
Edgar was obviously moved by the gesture, and the adoration these two men shared was enviable.
“I’m honored you chose my work.” I left the business details to Lu and excused myself. Pretending to mingle but hoping to find Daniel, I strolled from room to room, exchanging pleasantries with the guests.
Lips caressed my ear and whispered, “If you’re looking for your boyfriend, he’s gone.”
I turned to face Brooks and flashed angry. “It’s not nice to sneak up on someone. And besides, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He cocked his head. “Is that right?”
“If you’re talking about Agent Benjamin, I knew he was here. But truly, I couldn’t care less.”
“If you say so.”
“I do say so.” I kept my voice low but intentionally frosty.
“Aw, come on. I was just teasing. Don’t let it ruin your night.” He put his arm around my shoulder and gave a fond squeeze. “Still friends?”
“I suppose so.” How could I resist that disarming smile? “Especially since, to quote Granny Fi, you keep showing up like a bad penny.”
“She was an awfully nice lady, your grandmother.” He picked up a flute from a passing waiter’s tray. “Lu’s trying to catch your attention.” He thrust his chin toward the opposite side of the room.
Indeed, Lu was waving me over to where she was standing next to a short, plump, elderly woman glittering in diamonds.
“Her latest prey. I’d better go.” But before I did, I touched his arm and asked, “You going to stick around for a while?”
“You betcha. Why don’t we celebrate afterward?”
“I hope there’s reason to do so.” I hated to brag, but I did want to tell Brooks the good news. “Actually, I did sell three paintings. Isn’t that amazing?”
“I’ll bet you sold more than that. At least one more I’m certain of.” His ears were turning red.
My heart melted, but Lu had now crossed the room, hooked her arm in mine, and was p
ulling me back toward the dazzling dowager.
The rest of the evening was a bit of a blur. After the last lingering guests bid farewell and the catering crew was completing its cleanup, I kicked off my heels and plopped onto one of the elegantly upholstered settees decorating the gallery.
Chuckles was with Lu in her office, settling the sale for the painting he’d selected of Whale Rock Harbor, the place he’d called home his entire life. His father was founding partner of a prominent law office on Main Street and had restored one of the original Victorians on the harbor. Mr. Kincaid loved more than anything to be out on the open water, and with his home and office both but a mere stroll from the harbor, he could hop on his sailboat at the slightest whim. When the elder Kincaids retired to Florida, they took the boat with them but signed over their cherished Victorian on Whale Rock Harbor to Brooks.
“I’ll have them delivered tomorrow,” Lu said as they exited her office. She settled herself beside me on the settee. “Well, tonight went exceptionally well. I’ll know more tomorrow when I hear definitively from several other interested buyers. It’s a game we play in the art world. Oh, but Margaret Devon did purchase the schooner. Did you know it was her son’s? The Lady Slipper?”
“I had no idea. It just happened to be anchored out by Simon’s Reef when I started that seascape.”
“He died a few years ago.” Brooks shook his head. “Cancer.”
“I’d forgotten. Tragic.”
“Yes, but Margaret was thrilled when she saw The Lady Slipper in your painting. She bought it for her grandson, Jonathon’s oldest.”
“So, if nothing else, I made someone very happy tonight. As far as I’m concerned, it was a success.”
“Trust me. Your success surpassed bringing some joy to Margaret Devon. But right now, I’m exhausted, so I’m kicking the two of you out of here.” Lu stood up and made a graceful waving motion toward the door.
Brooks picked up an unopened bottle of champagne. “One of the perks of being a buyer tonight?”
“It’s yours. Just go.” Then she kissed me on both cheeks. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
* * *
Brooks and I strolled leisurely through town, reminiscing about which family had lived in what house and the shops that had been open since we’d been kids. I told him about my visit to Mr. Stanfield’s antique store and Celeste’s letter opener. The harbor was fully illuminated by the moon and with a bit of chop to the water, the masts of the moored boats were swaying in a dancing rhythm.
House of Ashes Page 22