Page 121 of Caper Crush
We take our time looking at the paintings, discussing them with Matt. Neither the Kimimoto norPlaying Around 1:30is here. Matt is knowledgeable, which makes me want to scream.Why are you wasting your talent copying others’ work to sell? Why ruin your reputation that way?
“I like these two,” William says as we narrow it down to two in the studio. They are only three hundred dollars each.
“If you like these, I have one in the back you may want to see,” Matt says.
“You have more in the back? Can we see them?” I ask excitedly.
“Sure,” Matt says. “And I can show you the work I’ve copied. I’m pretty good.”
We follow him to the back studio/storage room. A soft light filters in from one arched window. Matt goes to the back closet to pull out some paintings. Similar to my studio, paintings cover the wall.
Off to the side on the wall by an easel ismy painting.
I shriek.
“What?” William asks.
Matt runs back. “Is everything okay?”
Think quickly.
“Yes, sorry. I thought I saw a roach. I’m sorry.” I point to one of the paintings on the wall byPlaying Aroundto divert attention. “I like this one. William, what do you think?”
“We were just exterminated, so there shouldn’t be any,” Matt says.
William says, “I like it too.”
“How will we ever choose?” I ask. “But I definitely want to see the ones you thought we would like.”
Matt returns to the back closet, and I gesture madly to William at my painting on the wall. His eyes widen, and he nods.
I text the group that it’s here. I want to grab it and run.It’s here. It’s here. It still exists.I text Jade in case I can still be in the show.
Matt comes out with two other paintings, but I can’t concentrate on this gig anymore. William seems to sense this and keeps up the conversation.
I inch closer to my painting because I want to check that it’s undamaged. And also to confirm that I’m not seeing things—that it’s reallyPlaying Around 1:30.
It looks undamaged.
Uncle Tony:Officer Johnson is on his way.
Annabelle:Edmund pushed back dinner. Said he had to go somewhere.
“What are your favorites?” William asks me, drawing me back to the current conversation.
“I’m having such a hard time deciding what to do,” I say honestly.
“Would you allow us to think about it overnight?” William asks. “It’s a big decision. I think we still like the two out in the gallery, but I also really like this one.”
The buzzer sounds.
“That’s weird,” Matt says. “Let me go see who that is. Do you mind coming with me? I don’t like to leave my paintings unsupervised, though I’m sure you’re trustworthy.”
“Yes, you shouldn’t trust people,” William says.
I don’t want to leave my painting, but I come along.
“Could we stay in here with the door open?” I ask. “I just need to look at them some more to decide.”
