Pat nodded. “I’ll look into it.”
“That is good.” Nick picked up his briefcase. “If Ida remembers anything about the painting, please call me. Otherwise, I’ll be in touch once I’ve spoken to Liliana. Good day, my friend.” Nick shook Pat’s hand, then turned to Brett and Hannah. “Take good care of Pat. He is working too hard.”
Brett shook Nick’s hand. “We’ll do our best.”
“That is all you can do.”
Hannah gave Nick a hug. “It was good seeing you again.”
“It is always a pleasure seeing you, Hannah. I am glad you are helping Pat. When you have finished cataloging the paintings, I will be happy to assess the value of each piece.”
“I’m hoping to be finished in the next day or two.”
“That is good. Goodbye everyone.”
Pat walked beside his friend, talking quietly as they disappeared into the hallway.
Brett moved closer to the painting. “It’s unbelievable that this has been in the attic.”
Hannah put the flashlight on a side table and moved closer to Brett. “Do you think Pat will install a good security system?”
“I’ll make sure he does. Are you looking forward to finishing the catalog?”
She looked at the painting. “I am, but I’ll miss everyone. It’s been nice spending time on the ranch.”
“You haven’t missed living with your sister or being close to your friends?”
Hannah smiled. “I haven’t had time to miss them. Besides, the telephone is a great invention. I’ve called Claire each day.”
“What are you doing this afternoon?”
“Working on my own landscape. Who knows, one day it might be as valuable as Albert Bierstadt’s.”
Brett stuck his hands in his pockets. “Could I see your painting?”
“Sure. I’m using the area at the top of the landing for my studio. The windows let in so much light that it’s almost better than being in my own studio.”
“I’m glad it’s working out. I’ll find you after I’ve finished on the ranch.”
Hannah looked closely at his face. “Is everything all right?”
“I…I wanted to tell you that I…” Brett took a deep breath and sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I’d better find Thomas and Dave. See you this afternoon.”
For the second time that day, Brett made a quick escape. She didn’t know what was going on, but she hoped he was all right.
***
Three hours later, Brett was sitting at the kitchen table with Dave and Thomas, enjoying a bowl of Mrs. Bennett’s beef and vegetable soup. He pushed his chair away from the table. “I’m making more toast. Does anyone else want some?”
Thomas and Dave shook their heads.
Brett headed toward the counter, wondering what was on the boys’ minds. They’d been unusually quiet all morning. “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
He turned sideways, catching the quick glance between Dave and Thomas.
Dave was the first to speak. “Thomas and I have been talking about our situation.”
Brett didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. “Your situation?”
