Page 83 of Obsession

“Then, I’ll ask again.” I meet his gaze. “How competent are your hires?”

His face flushes. “I’m sure there must have been a reason behind this. The staff here is composed of highly accomplished professionals. Maybe they saw something we can’t.”

“I’d love to know what it is,” I say coolly. “Why don’t you call over the person responsible for choosing the artwork? Maybe he or she could educate me.”

Mr. Darwin clears his throat and says in an obvious attempt to protect his staff, “I don’t think that’s–“

“Mr. Darwin,” I interrupt, still studying the crappy artwork on the wall. “I don’t think you realize just how many prestigious universities are looking for donations in these difficult times. I could easily change my decision to support this program of yours, but trust and believe that if I decide to withdraw my sponsorship, I will also demand a full-fledged investigation into how my funds were utilized. Speaking of my funds, I wonder what’s taking Parker and your accountant so long?”

“You can’t do that,' Mr. Darwin gasps, the reality of the situation hitting him. 'I mean, the university really values your contribution, Mr. Middleton.”

“Make this easier on all of us and call the instructor in charge.” I give him a cold smile. “You’ve got five minutes.”

Chapter 28

Gotta Rattle A Few Cages

HUNTER

The instructor is a short, stocky woman with an outdated haircut who arrives within a few minutes of me making my threat. She looks wary as she looks between me and the dean, her eyes zeroing in on my face for a few seconds as if she finds me familiar.

“Mr. Middleton, this is Professor Wanda Hillsman. She’s the one who chose the artwork which will go on display at the art gallery this month. Professor Hillsman, this is Hunter Middleton and one of the school’s most generous donors.”

Wanda’s eyes glint when she understands who I am, and she steps forward to shake my hand. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Middleton.”

I can smell the greed coming off of her. However, I don’t let my feelings show when I return the handshake. “Likewise.”

“Wanda, Mr. Middleton wants to understand the criteria you used when you chose the student artwork for the gallery display.”

Wanda immediately brightens up, and her tone is a little pompous. “Well, having had work showcased in several gallery showings myself, I know what to look for in my students’ work. It’s all about brushwork, strokes, and the story the artist manages to get across. I chose my top five students. They have produced excellent work ever since they entered this college.”

“Really?” I drawl. “I find that hard to believe, Miss Hillsman.”

Her eyes narrow at the thinly veiled insult.

“I beg your pardon.”

“What Mr. Middleton is trying to say is that he disagrees with a few of your choices.” Mr. Darwin hurries to soothe the tension. “He was going through the rejected pile and he found a few pieces that he found much more eye-catching.”

It only takes me a minute to come to the conclusion that Wanda Hillsman has an ego that blinds her to common sense. Her voice is tinged with disdain as she says, “No offense, Mr. Middleton, but as an artist, I’m better qualified to differentiate between what is good art and what is great art. I’m sure you might disagree, but you’re hardly a professional.”

“Wanda!” Mr. Darwin hisses, horrified at the tone she’s using with one of his super donors.

I lift a hand, cutting his protest off. “No, no, let her continue. Why don’t you explain the difference in the quality of these two pictures, then, Miss Hillsman? After all, you’re such a professional.”

My voice is dripping with sarcasm as I hold out Megan’s painting, and I watch her face grow pale when I hold it next to Ashley’s painting. She tries to hold on to her confidence by saying, “It’s all about the brush strokes.”

“The brush strokes, huh? You know,” I drawl. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that there’s another reason for yourchoice. The inferiority of this student’s work is obvious to even me.”

She grows red in the face and quickly darts a look towards Mr. Darwin, stammering all the while. “I – I don’t know what you’re trying to imply, but this student has a history of being tardy and –“

I hold up the charcoal sketch of me, which I had placed at the bottom of the pile in my hand. “And what do you think of this picture? Does this also have irregular brushstrokes?”

I enjoy witnessing the moment of realization in Wanda’s eyes as she recognizes my face from the sketch.

“It’s you.”

“Well, clearly, there’s nothing wrong with your eyes,” I say sarcastically.

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