Page 80 of Against Ebony Irish Seas

“As Eoghan said, I’m Sophie Giombetti, and it’s truly an honor to be at the Sorcha Fitzgerald Arts Center, especially to be introduced by someone as special as Eoghan O’Dwyer. Beginning art at ninety-three! And Eoghan gave me permission to share some exciting news he only received yesterday. He’s having his first gallery show in Paris in a few months! Isn’t that incredible?”

As everyone started to applaud, Linc turned to Bets, grinning. “Did you know?”

She was beaming too. “No, but how wonderful!”

“I’ll have to admit,” Sophie said as the room quieted, “I needed a spot of good news this week after a number of unidentified men vandalized the home where I’m staying with the wordsGo Home Slutafter my newest glass installation design went public.”

Linc let his gaze slide to Malcolm then. He locked his jaw when he noticed the man was smirking.

Then the hologram of Sophie’s sculpture appeared, and many in the crowd exclaimed in awe. Linc turned his attention back to her presentation.

“I wanted to create something in keeping with Celtic tradition, which I’ve always had a fondness for, and I started with the Tree of Life, the symbol of rebirth and enduring strength. But I wanted a greater challenge, something to take my skills and vision as an artist to the next level.”

The hologram shifted, showing a closeup of the woman in the installation.

“This pregnant goddess represents everything I think is good in the world. She is the messenger of birth herself, of love herself, and as a woman who has been fortunate to have a child. I’ve never felt more beautiful or powerful than when I was pregnant, and sharing that experience in this installation is precious to me. I’ve also never had as much love for anything as I do for my child. Every child should be so loved. That is why having my art so misunderstood and attacked has been shocking.”

Linc watched as reporters leaned forward, some of them poised with their pens. Malcolm only kicked back more in his chair with his enormous girth, smirking.

“Controversy in art isn’t a new concept, and while I have watched other artists experience it—my parents included—it’s never happened to me. Even though I see this pregnant woman as beautiful, to others she is indecent because she is nude. Now it’s not my mandate as a human being or an artist to tell someone else what to think. My art is an expression. Not a moral or political statement of any kind.”

The hologram shifted again, showing what the full installation might look like in the upcoming museum. Linc knew they had a long way to go, but seeing it visually made his heart swell. Yes, they were going to build it, and Sophie, Ellie, Kathleen, Angie, and Megan were all going to display pieces there along with their future artists. What a wonderful legacy! Fuck Malcolm Coveney.

“Artistic freedom is as important to me as freedom of expression is to the protesters outside these very doors,” Sophie said, gesturing to the windows. “But violence and intimidation is another matter. It’s a crime, and when it happens to artists—and it does, in many places around the world—we need the local police and other stakeholders to hold those people accountable. They are not simply expressing. They are violating the law.”

Linc knew what was coming next. He’d had their legal team clear it. He watched as Malcolm sat up, his smirk disappearing.

“The arts center has lodged a formal complaint against our local police in Caisleán. They’re called the Garda here. I don’t have to tell you how serious the situation has become to warrant such an action. But it’s important for people in every community to draw a stark line between dissenting opinions and crime. I stand for artistic expression as much as for people’s freedom of expression. And I look forward to unveiling my sculpture at the opening of the museum the center has planned, which is being designed by the incredible architect, Tom Sarkesian. Thank you.”

People applauded, and Linc shot Bets an encouraging smile as she unclenched her fists from her knees. He watched as Malcolm rose from his chair and brushed past Donal, ostensibly heading for the front.Good riddance, he thought, as reporters started to raise their hands.

“Do you still feel safe here, Sophie?” the first one asked.

Linc was glad that Malcolm hadn’t stuck around to hear how his intimidation was working. Bullies fed on that kind of power trip.

Sophie blew out a breath before answering. “I have to admit I’ll be a little on edge until the perpetrators are captured.”

“Your daughter is six years old, correct?” another reporter asked. “What have you done for her safety?”

She went tight immediately. “It was a really hard decision, but I sent her back to our home in Provence with our longtime friend for a little holiday. I’m hoping she will be able to return soon. As a mother, I can’t tell you how difficult that decision was.”

“Your parents’ art was protested and hotly debated for much of your childhood,” someone called out. “Has this brought back bad memories?”

Nodding, she said, “Absolutely. I was telling someone recently how I can still remember the smell of the rotten eggs they threw at us and how it ruined my favorite dress. I was ten then. No child should have to go through that.”

“What do you say to people who consider your design indecent and immoral?” another reporter asked.

“Like I said, they’re entitled to their opinion, but they don’t have the right to stop me from expressing my art. When I’m not comfortable with something, I don’t go near it.”

“Can you give us an example, Ms. Giombetti?” someone called out.

“Sure thing.Silence of the Lambs.While I usually watch Oscar winners, I couldn’t do it. I was too freaked out by the subject matter. But I’d never presume to tell Sir Anthony Hopkins or Jodie Foster they didn’t have the right to make the movie.”

A number of people laughed, and Ghislaine took her cue to stride on stage and join her. “Sophie is happy to continue the conversation as we mingle. Thank you, everyone, for coming.”

The older woman put an arm around Sophie and led her back to where Linc and the others were sitting to the right of the podium. “Didn’t she do incredible? You all did! Congratulate her, but don’t take too long. There are reporters waiting for one-on-ones.”

Jamie rose with the rest of them and pulled Sophie close. “You were magnificent,mo chroí. I was inspired and not only because I love you so.”

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