Page 134 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

Stone and Dino arrived at Duchamp Gallery at noon and approached one of the gallery employees.

“Welcome, gentlemen. My name is Mindy. How can I help you?”

“Is Mr. Duchamp in?” Stone asked. “I have something I’d like to discuss with him.”

“He was here earlier. Let me check if he’s still around. Can I give him your name?”

“Stone Barrington.”

“One moment, Mr. Barrington.”

She disappeared behind a wall at the back of the room and returned a minute later.

“You’re in luck. He’s in his office and asked me to bring you back.”

She led them through a gap between offset walls and into the back room of the gallery.

As they neared the office door, Stone said, “Would it be okay if my friend waited out here?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.” The woman gestured toward a couple of couches in the corner and said to Dino, “You can have a seat over there, if you’d like, and feel free to make yourself a coffee.”

“Thanks,” Dino said, and veered off.

The woman knocked on the door, then opened it. “Mr. Barrington is here.”

She moved out of the way and Stone entered.

Simon jumped up and came around his desk, smiling broadly. “Stone, what a pleasure to see you again.” He thrust out a hand.

Stone shook it. “Good to see you, Simon.”

The art dealer returned to his seat and gestured to the guest chair. “I had no idea you were in Los Angeles.”

“Here for a business meeting.”

As Stone sat, he noticed a package wrapped in brown paper leaning against the wall behind Simon that looked exactly like the one in the photo Teddy had showed them.

“Of course, of course. A busy man such as yourself, you must constantly be on the move. May I ask, how did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t. I was in the neighborhood, saw your gallery sign, and took a chance.”

“I’m so glad you did. Did you enjoy the Cervantes exhibit in Santa Fe?”

“So much so that I bought one of her pieces.”

“Is that right? I didn’t realize. Which one?”

“Escape.”

Simon put a hand on his heart. “One of my favorites. You have a very good eye.”

“I just know what I like.”

“That’s the approach more collectors should take. I don’t mean to rush you, but I am a bit busy today. May I assume you’re here to discuss your mother’s paintings?”

“I am.”

“I see. Unfortunately, I don’t have much I can tell you at the moment, but I do anticipate news by tomorrow or possibly Saturday.”

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