Page 15 of Family Affair
That was it? That was all they wanted from him?
His father spoke up, “Now, Ward, I know he’s been taking lessons, but we can’t risk him fouling up. What if he…”
“Have you looked at this?” Ward interrupted, pointing at the easel. He picked up a lamp from the desk and shone more light on the canvas.
The Madonna’s pale face stood out, sorrowful and austere in her grief. As the light hit them, the folds of her heavy cloak acquired a three-dimensional feel, and the golden goblet appeared to reflect the light.
“Have you realized how perfect he can be?”
Rick stared at Frank like he had never seen him before. “He’s fourteen.”
“Exactly. Can you imagine his hand at sixteen? At twenty?”
Ward helpfully plopped Abe’s masterpiece right next to Frank’s for comparison. The men didn’t speak again for a long time, but Frank felt the currents of silent communication passing back and forth between them.
“I’ll be damned,” Rick whispered.
Ward smiled. “Who could’ve thought? The Lord works in mysterious ways. Abe can stop freaking out.”
“What about the client?”
Ward smiled sweetly. “Tell the client to up the price.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Your boy is golden.”
