Page 44 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“That’s it.”

“Don’t let Ed know you told me that, or he’ll give you a stern talking to,” Stone said.

“Don’t let Ed know what?” Ed said, rejoining them.

Donna mimed sealing her lips, then whispered to Stone, “Remember, motivated.”

Chapter 16

“Tell me a little bit about you,” Stone said to Monica, handing her a glass of champagne.

They’d become separated from the others and had been making their way through the gallery at their own pace.

“Me?” Monica said. “Well, let’s see. I’m from a little town in—”

“Don’t tell me. Georgia, and the town’s name is Delano.”

“That’s oddly specific.”

“Let’s just say I’ve met a few people from there.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but I’ve never been to Georgia in my life.”

“Oh.”

“I’m from a little town called Fillmore in California. Have you heard of it?”

“I don’t think so.”

“It’s in Ventura County, north of Los Angeles. Farm country.”

“And were you a farmer?”

“My father was a supervisor at an avocado farm, but we lived in town. No farm work for me, I’m afraid. Iwasa barista on weekends and can still make a mean latte.”

“Is that so? I might have to test you.”

“Careful. You’ll never want one from anyone else.”

After they’d seen everything, Stone led her back to a painting of a young woman riding a horse over a similar background as the one in the portrait of Ivonne’s mother. The rider looked a lot like Arrington. On the info card beside the painting was written the titleEscape.

“I take it this one’s caught your eye,” Monica said.

“It has.”

“It’s stunning.”

Stone motioned for a gallery employee to come over.

“How may I help you?” the man asked.

“Has this one been sold yet?”

“One moment, I’ll check.” The man disappeared into the crowd.

“Are you thinking of buying that for yourself?” Monica asked.

“For my son.”

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