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"There's no reason to make the argument bigger than it is," I say.

"The circumstances are strong enough on their own."

Simon nods. "Agreed."

Later that afternoon, Clara confirms the current legal position.

"There's nothing in the chain that undermines the Trust's title," Clara says as she slides the acquisition documents toward me.

"The Kensington purchase was made in good faith through an established dealer."

"So Charlotte doesn't need a legal fight," I reply.

"No," Clara says. "Not unless someone creates one."

"I don't intend to," I say.

Neither does Charlotte.

That is precisely why this assignment should remain manageable.

***

By the third morning, I know the file well enough that I no longer need to keep returning to the index. Helena and I spend most of that day reviewing the internal deaccession process.

The collection administration team prepares the recommendation. Counsel reviews the proposed transaction. The appropriate Trust representatives decide whether the painting can be released for private sale. If the Trust agrees, Charlotte can make a formal offer. The procedure is structured, but there is nothing unusual about it.

Late that afternoon, while I am reviewing an older valuation history, an email appears on my laptop.

The sender is Julian Mercer — Harrington & Vale.

I recognize the name immediately. Harrington & Vale is one of London's more discreet auction and private-sales houses, the kind of institution whose most valuable transactions often happen quietly between collectors, advisors and specialists long before the public sees anything.

I open the message.

Julian explains that Helena mentioned I was in London and that Harrington & Vale is hosting an invitation-only modern collection preview reception tomorrow evening. The guest list is small, mostly collectors, advisors, curators and private-sales specialists, and he would be pleased to have me join them if I am available.

I glance across the table.

"Do you know Julian Mercer?" I ask Helena.

"Yes," Helena says as she looks up from her computer.

"He just invited me to the Harrington & Vale preview reception tomorrow night," I tell her.

"You should go," Helena replies.

"Julian keeps those events small, and the guest list is usually very good."

"That was my thought," I say.

I type a brief acceptance and send it before returning to the file.

***

By the fourth day, I am no longer discovering the Reinhardt material. I am refining it.

Simon confirms the final historical references while Clara completes her review of the title documents. Helena begins preparing the internal material that will eventually be needed once Charlotte is ready to make a formal offer, and I spend the final hours checking everything against the records I brought from San Francisco.