So many memories of their relationship in the good times that were once so treasured, and now were irrevocably tainted.
She pointed to the painting, a lump in her throat. ‘This one – it’s one of my favourites by Monet. I adore Venice and I’ve always especially loved this painting.’
The young man nodded. ‘Yes, me too. I grew up there.’
Beth’s eyes widened. ‘In Venice? Oh, wow. I’ve been only once, but it was very special. Why did you leave?’
The artist shrugged. ‘Venice, yes, it’s beautiful, a great city. But I am young, artistic. And this is the City that Never Sleeps.’ He smiled and ran a hand through his hair. ‘New York is a great place to go to art school, and this – it helps pay the bills.’
A migrant herself, Beth could, of course, appreciate that.
‘Well, you’re very talented.’ She took a step back and looked at the painting and then considered the others that surrounded it.The Son of ManandDogs Playing Poker. Then an idea struck her. It couldn’t be? Could it? Or was she just seeing potential clues in everything now?
But she decided to chance it. ‘These three paintings,’ she asked. ‘Why did you group them together? Seems like an odd choice – unless…’
Suddenly the young man’s eyes turned mischievous.
‘What is it?’ she urged, feeling as if she was being left out of a joke.
‘Nothing, I was just waiting to hear what you were going to say,’ said the young man.
She pursed her lips. She didn’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth, but she had to ask. ‘Do you like movies?’
And the young man’s grin widened. ‘Love them.’
Beth felt excitement growing in her stomach, and her heart rate speeded up. She was on to something, she knew it. ‘These three pictures – they were all featured in a movie actually. Did you know that?’
Yes, this was a little different to the other clues, but here was a New York movie reference right in front of her, and Beth would be a bad detective if she didn’t ask outright.
‘I did know that. But I am waiting to see if you have it correct.’
Was she being tested? Beth didn’t know, but she was going to play along. Realizing that something was happening, Jodi sidled up alongside her.
‘What’s up? Are you on to something, Beth?’ she asked.
‘I think I might be. OK, soDogs Playing Poker,The Son of ManandSan Giorgio Maggiore at Duskwere all featured in one movie,The Thomas Crown Affair. Am I right?’ she said, waiting with bated breath for the student’s reply.
‘We have a winner!’ said the young man theatrically. ‘Yes, you are correct. And that’s a great movie, by the way.’
Beth stood in front of him expectantly, waiting for a reward, anything to indicate she was on the right path. But the young man just kept smiling at her and after several seconds it was clear that there was nothing more to it. That it was just a happy coincidence that she had stumbled upon a bit of movie trivia here. She was truly looking for clues where there were none.
Her smile began to fade as the young artist finally decided it was time to pack up shop for the night. He began to put his paintings away carefully one by one, a clear indicator to Beth that he was ready to go.
She spun on her heel and looked out across the now deserted Bethesda Terrace. ‘This doesn’t make sense, Jodi. There has to be something more – we must be missing something.’ She turned back to the young man. ‘Isn’t there something else? Aren’t you supposed to tell me something? Isn’t there a clue here?’ she pressed, desperation entering her voice.
But from the look on his face alone, it was clear the young artist had no idea what she was talking about.
Jodi put a comforting hand on Beth’s arm and tried to pull her away from the artist’s stand – especially as the guy’s face had by now changed from warm and friendly to concerned that Beth just might be one of those crazy New Yorkers.
‘I don’t think he has anything else for you, sweetie. It was a coincidence. The movie stuff, it was just by chance.’ Jodi turned her attention back to the young man who was regarding the scene with curiosity. ‘Thank you very much for your time. You do beautiful work. Merry Christmas.’ And she went about escorting her confused and somewhat dazed friend towards the nearest park exit.
‘Time to go home now, Beth. It’s been a long day for both of us. I’ll see you at work the day after tomorrow, OK? Just try not to think about it too much and enjoy your day off.’
Beth nodded glumly, and even as she allowed Jodi to bundle her into a cab, giving the driver directions to her Gold Street apartment, she couldn’t overcome her disappointment.
For the first time in this quest, she’d failed.
Chapter 31
