Chirp(76)

“It’s beautiful work, isn’t it?”

Rance turned to look at a young perky blonde. “Yeah.”

The woman placed her palm against her windpipe and got all dreamy-eyed. “Every stroke is so intimate. Almost erotic. Clearly the artist is in love with the model.” The girl traced the line of his scar in the air with her finger, then snapped out of her trance. “Look at his fingers. So detailed. The way the cuticles hug the nails.”

Without thinking, Rance held out his hand and inspected it.

The girl gasped. “Oh. My. God. It’s you! You’re the model.”

He shook his head so fast his brain rattled. “No. No. I’m not. I imagine most men have similar hands.”

She narrowed her eyes. “It’s you, all right. See this freckle?” She pointed to the spot on his thumb. “Only a person in love with you would add such a small detail. I’ll bet if I could see your stomach, I’d find the scar. Wait here. Mr. Kennamer will want to meet you.”

As soon as the girl disappeared, Rance found the nearest exit. Didn’t want to risk her ripping his shirt open to prove her point.

As he drove away, he thought about his next move. He wanted to rush over to the Fontaine address and see if Chirp was there, but that wasn’t the best strategy. No, he’d rent a car. That way he’d blend in. He grinned. Modern term for his plan: stalking. But his motivation was different. For all he knew, this Odette person stole Chirp’s work. She could have Chirp tied up in a cellar. Okay, his mind was going wild again, but honestly, that was the only thing that made sense. Not the cellar part, but the stolen art part. Anyway, he needed to be sure before he charged in like the cavalry.

By five o’clock, everything was in place. He’d rented a car, returned to the motel, showered, and dressed in the new clothes he’d bought. He was like a teenager going on a first date. But if Chirp was there, showing up road-weary wouldn’t help his cause. Not if he wanted to make things right between them. Apologize and confess. That’s what he had to do. But once he did, chances were she’d never want to see him again. Couldn’t blame her. He’d pushed her away, and up until two weeks ago had refused to admit his feelings for her.

He loved her.

Had from the moment she’d helped with his tie. He’d just been too much of jerk to admit it.

He found a spot with a clear view but far enough away not to be noticed. Tinted back windows in the rented Camry provided good cover. A courtyard separated the main house from a garage apartment. This was the kind of place Chirp would choose. She was here. He could feel it.

It was almost six when a brunette came out onto the balcony. His heart sank. The girl was dressed all in black. Typical, but too modern for Chirp. She dropped into a chair and covered herself with a blanket. After a few minutes, she went back inside. He wished he’d bought binoculars.

Time crawled, and he’d about given up when the door opened. She came down the steps and strolled through the courtyard to the main house. Definitely Chirp. Now all he had to do was wait.





Blaze


The suspense was killing Blaze, but she suffered through the meal until Odette was ready to make whatever dramatic announcement she had planned. It must be big because the woman had gone all out. Caterers served each course as if she and Odette were dining in a Paris restaurant. For dessert she’d had her choice of raspberry macrons, apple galette, or crepes Suzette.

The server popped the cork on a bottle of champagne.

Odette smiled. “In two more months, you will be old enough to drink and that is close enough to celebrate this special occasion.”

The waiter poured, and Odette raised her champagne flute in a toast. “Chérie, you have been invited to exhibit two of your paintings at the Aurora Gallery in New York City. Congratulations! This is quite the accomplishment, and I could not be prouder.” She clinked her glass with Blaze’s.

Blaze’s head spun. Not wanting to be rude, she’d intended to sip, but now she gulped, then asked for more, and again drained it in one long swig. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Merci will suffice. This is the beginning of a wonderful career for you, and I am so happy to be a small part of it.”

Blaze didn’t want to be ungrateful, but she’d never wanted this. However, the sparkle in Odette’s eyes proved her excitement, and Blaze couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing her. “Yes, merci. Which paintings, and when will they show?”

“Not until January. A new career in the new year. So wonderful!” Odette rose and twirled, her chiffon caftan fluttering like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. “They want the full frontal and back nudes. I think you should send the one from your bedroom.”

Blaze choked on her third drink. “No! You weren’t supposed to see it.” It was the one of Rance lying in the hay after the best night of her life. The only one she’d done that included his face.

“I understand. It was merely a suggestion. Are you okay? You’re a little pale.”

“It’s the champagne. I’m not used to drinking,” Blaze sputtered. “I should go home.”

Odette cupped her elbow. “Yes. It’s the result of this wonderful surprise. How I would have loved an opportunity like this at your age. Oh, chérie, your talent has brought such bliss into my life! Go. Rest. You’ll be better tomorrow.”