“It could be, but it’s highly unlikely.”
She looked at a few more pages on her laptop. All of the images had the same gentle blend of color and similar composition. If the painting wasn’t a Bierstadt, it was a very good imitation. “I know someone who might be able to help us.”
“Who?” Pat asked.
“Nick Costas. As well as being able to value your paintings, he knows a lot of people in the art world. He’s sent paintings to restoration experts and the Smithsonian for authentication. If anyone knows who we should contact next, he does.”
“I agree,” Pat said. “Nick knows what he’s talking about. Why don’t you take some photos of the painting and email them to him?”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll call him tomorrow morning and see if he has any questions.”
“In the meantime, we should try Mrs. Bennett’s boysenberry cheesecake. It’s Brett’s favorite.” Pat winked at Hannah. “If you ever want Brett to do something for you, make him a cheesecake.”
“You make me sound like a pushover,” Brett grumbled.
“I think your sweet tooth is kind of cute,” Hannah said with a smile. “And if you like baking cheesecakes as much as eating them, this could be the best job I’ve ever had.”
“I wouldn’t be too quick to say that. Mrs. Bennett’s cheesecakes beat mine hands down.”
“You’ll have to make one before I leave,” Hannah said. “And if it were lemon, you’d earn bonus points.”
“Is there anything else you’d like?”
The sexy smile on his face made her blush. “You’ll get me into trouble, Brett Forster.”
“It couldn’t be worse than the trouble you’re already in.”
Hannah pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Apart from not following your directions, I’ve been on my best behavior.”
“That’s what’s worrying me.” Brett picked up their coffee cups. “Pat and I will be in the kitchen. Don’t take too long or there won’t be any cheesecake left.”
Hannah saluted his back. “Yes, sir.”
Pat chuckled as he left the living room. “I’m going to miss you when you go home, Hannah.”
“I’ll miss being here, too.” She watched Pat walk slowly cross the room. She hadn’t been lying when she said she’d miss everyone. There was a strong bond between Mrs. Bennett, Pat, and Brett. They might not be related, but they were as close as any family. It was nice to be part of a family; part of something bigger than her own life.
She focused her phone on their mysterious painting and took a few photos. When she was happy with the images, she emailed them to Nick. The more she studied the canvas, the more certain she was that it could be a Bierstadt. And if that were true, Pat would have to invest in a new security system. Because this painting, along with the rest of his collection, was worth a lot of money.
***
The next morning, Hannah bit into a piece of toast and watched Mrs. Bennett roll out some pastry. Dividing her time between the McConachies’ art collection and finishing her latest painting was working better than she thought it would. So far, she’d spent more than eight hours painting. It didn’t sound like much, but it was more than she’d managed all month. But today, she was focusing on Pat’s art collection.
Mrs. Bennett frowned at the jacket hanging over the back of Hannah’s chair. “It’s going to be another cold day. If you go outside, make sure you wear lots of warm clothes.”
Hannah smiled. Each day, Mrs. Bennett said the same thing. “I will, but I’ll be working in the attic this morning.”
The phone in the kitchen rang. “I’ll get it,” Hannah said as she walked across to the counter. “Hello. This is the McConachie ranch. How can I help you?”
“Is that you, Hannah?”
She smiled when she heard Nick Costas’ deep, Greek-accented voice. “It is, Nick. How are you?”
“I am feeling excited. I turned on my computer this morning and saw the photos you sent to the gallery. Has Pat remembered any other details about the painting?”
“No. He’s going to visit Ida today and see if she remembers anything. Do you think it could be a Bierstadt?”
“It is hard to say from the photos. I would like to come to the ranch to look at it myself. Would this be okay?”
