Page 79 of Caper Crush
As William tapes up the other painting, I cut open the next one and look inside. It’s not one of our paintings.
“Does he have bathroom issues?” Vinnie asks. “He looks healthy enough, but he really should see a doctor about this. He spent a long time in the bathroom at my country house too.”
“Just an upset stomach.” Takashi tsks. “But please give him a moment. He’s embarrassed about it.”
“It’s just I have to go to the bathroom too,” Vinnie says. “Are you looking for something in particular to buy?”
Buzzer time. I run to the window, William after me. I quickly crawl back out, scraping my knees on the brick windowsill. I hunker down. William hurriedly closes the window.
I climb down the fire escape ladder, listening intently.
William returns to the gallery, apologizing for taking so long.
I’ve reached the last fire escape balcony, but the ladder is still about four feet off the ground, so my plan is to wait for William so he can help me get down.
“We thought seeing some art might cheer us up,” Uncle Tony says. “But it doesn’t seem to be working.”
“Particularly these pieces,” Takashi says. “Are they supposed to induce joy or sadness?”
The Kimimoto, with its bright pink and yellow and green colors, was like an explosion of euphoria.
“I think it depends on the person,” Vinnie says.
“This orange-and-white one makes me want to eat a Creamsicle,” Uncle Tony says.
The gallery phone rings. The assistant takes the call. “Sure, so they’re wrapped up and ready for pickup? And they’re in the closet next to the door? Great. I’ll be there around three.”
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” someone yells near me.
I turn around. A woman sticks her head out of the window right next to me.
“No loitering!” she yells. “Get out of here. This is not public property. You’re trespassing.”
“Sorry.” I scramble down the fire escape ladder and stop at the bottom rung. The ground looks really far away.
“Get off the fire escape or I’ll call the cops,” she yells.
“I’m just waiting for a friend,” I say. “I used to work here, and we used to meet on the fire escape.”
“I’m calling the cops!” She waves her phone.
I jump.
Pain races up my foot as it hits the ground.
“Oh!” I collapse and rock. Waves of hurt skyrocket through my body.Oww.I close my eyes and bite my lips to suppress the guttural moans I am making.Ohhh.
Someone shouts my name. William runs toward me.
“What happened?” he asks.
“I had to jump. She was going to call the cops.” My voice is wavery.
“You should have just waited or called me. What if you’ve broken your foot?”
I moan. “Ohh.”
He puts his arms around me. “It’ll be okay.”
