CHAPTER19
Ian waited until they had finished the afternoon session before he went back out to the rear wall again, a sweat-stained towel wrapped around his neck. He dialed Kari’s number and waited. When the phone rang and rang, without an invitation to leave a message, he grew worried.
Then a sleepy voice said, “Hello.”
“Kari?”
“Ian?”
“Did I call at a bad time?”
“What time is it?”
“Almost five. Kari, what’s wrong?”
“Indrid was here. I started painting. I fell asleep, and now I’m due at the neighbors for dinner in an hour. Why are you calling?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you’d like some company.” He smiled at the gathering dusk. “But that was before.”
“Before what?”
“Before I heard you’ve been working. Can I see?”
“I never let anyone see my work like this. Never, never, never.” He was fairly certain he heard a smile in her voice. Then she said softly, “I suppose . . . if you really want.”
“I do. So much.”
“It’s just . . .”
“What?”
“The painting is about you.”
He steadied himself on the stone wall. “I actually don’t know what to say to that.”
“My neighbors have a friend. Her son is an artist. They want me to meet them. Why don’t you join us for dinner?”
“I’d love to. But are you sure I’d be welcome?”
“They were at Castaways when you played with the actor.”
“Connor Larkin.”
“They’d be thrilled to bits.” The smile in her voice was clear as the sunset. “But they’ll probably ask you to play for your meal.”
* * *
When Ian started back toward the studio, Danny’s crew were packing away their gear. Connor waved a farewell from his car and pulled through the open gates. Ian hurried home to shower and change. He waited until he was through town and heading south to make the call.
“Ms. Kerkorian’s office,” the receptionist said.
“It’s Ian Hart. I’m sorry to be calling so late. Could I set up a time to speak with Kiki tomorrow?”
“Hold please.”
Which was why Ian had phoned. This close to the festival’s opening, it was unlikely Kiki would stop working before midnight. The phone clicked twice. Then, “You just saved me a dime.”
“What’s up?”
