16 Millimeters

by Larissa Reinhart

  “A memorial for Dustin? You don’t know what Dustin was mixed up in, Mom. Death doesn’t turn a sinner into a saint. God knows you tried your best. More than his own father.”

  “Come on, Miss Wanda,” I tugged on her arm. Between Luke and Shawna, I was going to lose this commission. “I’ll get you a cup of tea and you can look at my paintings. It’ll get your mind off things for a minute, anyway. I’ve got a real cute one of Snug, Terrell Jacob’s Coonhound.”

  Wanda beckoned JB and they conferred for a moment. With a shrug he followed her out of the viewing room.

  Luke shoved his hands in his pockets. “You spent all that money on art school to paint pictures of dogs?”

  “I spent all that money on art school to become a professional artist,” I said. “It’s early days yet. For now, I take what I can get.”

  “Including painting the departed?”

  “You ever heard of a still life?” I shot back and stalked out of the viewing room, swinging my portfolio bag behind me.

  I followed Wanda and JB into a little room crowded with a table and chairs. Unzipping the large bag, I pulled out a binder of photographs of my college works and a sheaf of plastic-encased photos of my newer stuff. Snug the dog, a horse named Conquering Hero, and a half-dozen kid portraits. I much preferred animals to children as subjects, something you don’t learn in school. Getting a four-year-old to sit still is damn near impossible. However, you take a well-trained dog in the right pose, and you’ve got the perfect model. Snug the Coonhound sat better than most people. We had an easy working relationship, what with Snug’s deferential silence.

  No need for forced conversation with that subject. Of course with this job, I couldn’t expect any conversation either. I could make do with photographs.

  But first I needed to get the job.

  “I don’t know why you’re wasting my time looking at pictures,” said JB. He tossed the portraits of Snug and Hero on the table.

  “This one is just beautiful, Cherry,” said Wanda, hold- ing up a Sargent inspired painting. The model wore a sheet draped like a toga, but the effect was tasteful with wonderful folds to show depth and shadow.

  “I’m glad you pointed out that one. Don’t you love the light on her face? You might not be able to tell, but that’s not an oil painting. I had a tight schedule, so I used acrylics. They dry quickly and I didn’t have to varnish the painting immediately. Someone mentioned you displaying the portrait at the funeral service? Oils wouldn’t dry fast enough to get the painting done without messing up the color.”

  “I was fixing on making a photo display for the service when I realized we didn’t have many of Dustin after he passed a certain age.” Wanda’s face colored and she cast her eyes away from JB. “I’ve just been in a tizzy, not knowing what to do with myself and not sleeping. That’s when I got the idea for the memory box. Started gathering stuff Dustin left in his old room. Then I remembered the family portraits we had done at our wedding and thought maybe a new painting would be a nice tribute.”

  “Let her have what she needs,” said JB. “A picture’s not bringing him back, but if it makes Wanda feel better, she can have it.”

  “I totally agree, sir,” I said. “That’s why you should let me have the honor of painting this portrait. You can see what quality I can produce. You don’t want a final memorial done by an amateur.”

  “What about Shawna?” he said, eyeing me. “Although Shawna did set a pretty hefty price for painting my son.”

  I squirmed, caught between a rock and a rattlesnake. JB would sell out his niece for a cheaper price. But probably wouldn’t help me underbid her, either.

  “A portrait lasts for generations.” I began with my salesman pitch. “My paintings are heirloom quality and will be around long after...” Since the subject was dead, I stopped before my mouth ate my foot. “Anyway, a portrait is priceless.”

  “Priceless? You talking free?” JB leaned back in his chair.

  “Of course a professional artist would base the price on other features. Number of people. Intricacy of the clothing, jewelry and props. Complexity of the background. And of course, the size.” I could not get over the size.

  “How complex is a coffin?” He steepled his hands under his chin. “And we don’t need background details.”

  “JB, don’t be cheap,” said Wanda. “Like Cherry said, we’re talking heirloom quality.”

  “Who in the hell wants to inherit a picture of Dustin in a coffin, Wanda?” JB said. “Even if little Dustins start crawling out of the woodwork, and God help us if that happens, I’m sure none of them will want this painting. We can cut some corners, here.”

  “Coffin portrait?” I said, swallowing hard. My mouth went dry, and I had trouble getting my tongue to form intelligible words. “I thought you’d want me to work from snap-shots or something. Dustin standing in a field, looking off to heaven, that sort of thing.”

  “Oh no,” said Wanda. “That would be phony. Dustin never would have stood in a field unless he was hunting, and I doubt he thought about heaven much.” She cast a quick look at her husband. “I want him as he is now. And realistic. None of that abstract stuff.”

  I gulped. “As he is now.” The man was murdered. An abstract would be easier to stomach. Not like anyone would enjoy looking at David’s “The Death of Marat” in their TV room. “All right. Uh, do you want me to create a pose, or do you want the whole, um, coffin?”

  “Could you paint it like we were looking down at Dustin? Like angels gazing?” Wanda’s moist blue eyes stared off into the distance and I shivered.

  I grabbed my notebook and made a quick sketch. “Something like this?” I showed her the rough illustration of my idea.

  “Oh, it’s just perfect,” she said, grabbing the sketchbook to shove at JB. “Let’s give Cherry a chance, honey. I really want this view. Shawna said she has an allergy to formaldehyde so she couldn’t paint Dustin this way.”

  “Tell you what.” JB leaned forward, hands flat on the table. “I’ll give you a shot. I want Wanda to be happy after what all she’s endured with Dustin. He was my son and I owe her that.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said, although my skin still prickled from the word formaldehyde.

  “But,” he said, “you got to have the painting done for the funeral. The whole she-bang. Wanda can choose between you and Shawna, so you better make it good. She likes quality. After the funeral, I’m done. Wanda can hang up his picture and look at it all she wants, but I’m putting this whole blasted deal out of my mind. I’m paying off his creditors right and left, dealing with folks’ complaints, and living through the embarrassment of the way he went. Do you know what they are saying about him?”

  I knew, but I sure wasn’t going to say. Folks thought a bad drug deal or payback from a robbery ring. Or someone just got tired of Dustin’s mouth and went postal on him. Hard to say with Dustin. There were so many crimes to choose from.

  “I’ll work up a contract,” I said. “Thank you for this opportunity. I’ll get cracking right away and I’ll also do the memory box.”

  “We’ll have Cooper set out the body for you then.” JB didn’t smile but I did see a flash of teeth. “Got to admire your tenacity, Cherry. I hate to say it, but stories I heard about your family made me question your reliability.”

  A shot of heat worked its way from my toes to my scalp. People always bring up my family’s history over the years, but it never got any easier.

  “My reputation is important to me. I am judged by my own actions as well as those that surround me. You know how people like to talk.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He looked at me evenly. “I’m glad we agree on this issue. As a businesswoman, you have your own reputation to protect and a lot of history to overcome.”

  A million comebacks crossed my mind, but none were appropriate for a bereaved father sitting in a funeral home with a large check that could have my name on it. I swallowed my pride and tried not to choke. “I’ll bring th
at contract by tomorrow.”

  He had better keep his end of the bargain, because after that humiliation, I sure as hell wasn’t working for free.

  * * *

  Click to continue reading Portrait of a Dead Guy…

  Also by Larissa Reinhart

  PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #1

  * * *

  STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #2

  * * *

  HIJACK IN ABSTRACT, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #3

  * * *

  DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #4

  * * *

  THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #5

  * * *

  A COMPOSITION IN MURDER, A Cherry Tucker Mystery #6

  * * *

  HEARTACHE MOTEL Three Interconnected Mystery Novellas (including “Quick Sketch,” A Cherry Tucker Mystery prequel)

  * * *

  “The Vigilante Vignette,” A Cherry Tucker Mystery Novella #5.5 (first published in MIDNIGHT MYSTERIES, 9 Cozy Tales)

  * * *

  15 MINUTES, Maizie Albright Star Detective #1

  16 MILLIMETERS, Maizie Albright Star Detective #2

  THE 12 SLAYS OF CHRISTMAS, a cozy mystery novella box set (with “A View to A Chill,” A Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright novella)

  Praise for Larissa Reinhart

  The Maizie Albright Star Detective Series

  15 MINUTES (#1)

  "Hollywood glitz meets backwoods grit in this fast-paced ride on D-list celeb Maizie Albright's waning star — even as it's reborn in a spectacular collision with her nightmarish stage mother, her deer-pee-scented-apparel-inventing daddy...and a murderer. Sassy, sexy, and fun, 15 Minutes is hours of enjoyment — and a wonderful start to a fun new series from the charmingly Southern-fried Reinhart." — Phoebe Fox, author of The Breakup Doctor series

  "I was already a huge fan of Larissa Reinhart's "Cherry Tucker" series, but in her new mystery series, FIFTEEN MINUTES, she had me at the end of the first line: "Donuts." Maizie Albright is the kind of fresh, fun, and feisty "star detective" I love spending time with, a kind of Nancy Drew meets Lucy Ricardo. Move over, Janet Evanovich. Reinhart is my new "star mystery writer!" — Penny Warner, author of Death Of a Chocolate Cheater and The Code Busters Club

  "Armed with humor, charm, and stubborn determination, Maizie is a breath of fresh air. I adored every second of 15 Minutes. Viva la Maizie!" — Terri L. Austin, author of the Rose Strickland Mysteries and the Null for Hire series.

  "Child star and hilarious hot mess Maizie Albright trades Hollywood for the backwoods of Georgia and pure delight ensues. Maizie's my new favorite escape from reality." — Gretchen Archer, USA Today bestselling author of the Davis Way Crime Caper series

  "This is a great start to a new series that boasts a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and the liveliness that befits this delightfully amusing and fast-paced drama." — Dru Ann Love, Dru's Book Musings

  "I love Larissa Reinhart's books because they are funny but they also show the big heart of the protagonist. Despite the movie star background Maize is down to earth and cares about everyone and justice. The situations that she finds herself in are humorous, but she isn't a joke. She is a feisty, perceptive young woman. I strongly recommend this book and look forward to the next in this series. Five stars out of five." —Lynn Farris, Hot Mystery Review

  The Cherry Tucker Mystery Series

  A Composition In Murder (#6)

  "Anytime artist Cherry Tucker has what she calls a Matlock moment, can investigating a murder be far behind? A Composition in Murder is a rollicking good time." – Terrie Farley Moran, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Read to Death

  "Boasting a wonderful cast of characters, witty banter blooming with southern charm, this is a fantastic read and I especially love how this book ended with exciting new opportunities, making it one of the best book in this delightfully endearing series." — Dru Ann Love, Dru's book musings

  "This is a winning series that continues to grow stronger and never fails to entertain with laughs, a little snark, and a ton of heart." – Kings River Life Magazine

  The Body In The Landscape (#5)

  "Cherry Tucker is a strong, sassy, Southern sleuth who keeps you on the edge of your seat. She's back in action in The Body in the Landscape with witty banter, Southern charm, plenty of suspects, and dead bodies—you will not be disappointed!" – Tonya Kappes, USA Today Bestselling Author

  "Anyone who likes humorous mysteries will also enjoy local author Larissa Reinhart, who captures small town Georgia in the laugh- out-loud escapades of struggling artist Cherry Tucker." – Fayette Woman Magazine

  "Portraits of freshly dead people turn up in strange places in Larissa Reinhart's mysteries, and her The Body in the Landscape is no exception. Because of Cherry's experiences, she knows that — Super Swine notwithstanding — man has always been the most dangerous game, making her the perfect protagonist for this giggle-inducing, down-home fun." — Betty Webb, Mystery Scene Magazine

  Death In Perspective (#4)

  "One fasten-your-seatbelt, pedal-to-the-metal mystery, and Cherry Tucker is the perfect sleuth to have behind the wheel. Smart, feisty, as tough as she is tender, Cherry's got justice in her crosshairs." – Tina Whittle, Author of the Tai Randolph Mysteries

  "The perfect blend of funny, intriguing, and sexy! Another must-read masterpiece from the hilarious Cherry Tucker Mystery Series." – Ann Charles, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Deadwood and Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series.

  "Artist and accidental detective Cherry Tucker goes back to high school and finds plenty of trouble and skeletons...Reinhart's charming, sweet-tea flavored series keeps getting better!" – Gretchen Archer, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Davis Way Crime Caper Series

  Hijack In Abstract (#3)

  "The fast-paced plot careens through small-town politics and deadly rivalries, with zany side trips through art-world shenanigans and romantic hijinx. Like front-porch lemonade, Reinhart's cast of characters offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet." – Sophie Littlefield, Bestselling Author of A Bad Day for Sorry

  "Reinhart manages to braid a complicated plot into a tight and funny tale. The reader grows to love Cherry and her quirky worldview, her sometimes misguided judgment, and the eccentric characters that populate the country of Halo, Georgia. Cozy fans will love this latest Cherry Tucker mystery."– Mary Marks, New York Journal of Books

  "In HIJACK IN ABSTRACT, Cherry Tucker is back—tart-tongued and full of sass. With her paint-stained fingers in every pie, she's in for a truckload of trouble."– J.J. Murphy, Author of the Algonquin Round Table Mysteries

  Still Life In Brunswick Stew (#2)

  "Reinhart's country-fried mystery is as much fun as a ride on the tilt-a-whirl at a state fair. Her sleuth wields a paintbrush and unravels clues with equal skill and flair. Readers who like a little small-town charm with their mysteries will enjoy Reinhart's series." – Denise Swanson, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Scumble River Mysteries

  "The hilariously droll Larissa Reinhart cooks up a quirky and entertaining page-turner! This charming mystery is delightfully Southern, surprisingly edgy, and deliciously unpredictable." – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Truth Be Told

  "This mystery keeps you laughing and guessing from the first page to the last. A whole-hearted five stars."– Denise Grover Swank, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author

  Portrait Of A Dead Guy (#1)

  "Portrait of a Dead Guy is an entertaining mystery full of quirky characters and solid plotting...Highly recommended for anyone who likes their mysteries strong and their mint juleps stronger!" – Jennie Bentley, New York Times Bestselling Author of Flipped Out

  "Reinhart is a truly talented author and this book was one of the best cozy mysteries we reviewed this year." – Mystery Tribune

  "It takes a rare talent to successfully portray a beer-and-hormone-addled artist
as a sympathetic and worthy heroine, but Reinhart pulls it off with tongue-in-cheek panache. Cherry is a lovable riot, whether drooling over the town's hunky males, defending her dysfunctional family's honor, or snooping around murder scenes." — Mystery Scene Magazine

  About the Author

  Larissa is a 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Best Mystery finalist, 2014 finalist for the Silver Falchion and Georgia Author of the Year, 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.

  Larissa, her family, and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit, have been living in Nagoya, Japan, but once again call Georgia home. See them on HGTV’s House Hunters International “Living for the Weekend in Nagoya” episode. Visit her website, LarissaReinhart.com, find her chatting on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, and be sure to join her newsletter for a free short story: http://smarturl.it/larissanewsletter.