Page 23 of The Artist
Chapter8
Alexis spent most of the next day at the gallery.Even with Peter there, all of her attention was on getting ready for the Aspen Arts Festival, which was the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
“Peter, will you let me show this painting in the festival or would you rather I not?Be aware that if you say yes, I’ll put an ad in the local papers and on Facebook and Instagram.Plus with the Chamber of Commerce who will put it front and center on their website.People will come in droves to see the painting and you.”Since she knew he’d been hiding from the media and the public, she wanted him to be prepared.
He thought for a moment and then nodded.“I understand, and though I would prefer to stay out of the spotlight, it’s yours to display as you like.If it will bring people into the gallery, then by all means, use it.”
Horace chose that moment to come barreling through the door.“I heard about your…accident.I’m here to offer my gallery for any paintings you want to protect.”
She narrowed her eyes and fisted her hands on her hips.“Of course, you are.And you won’t admit that this is your doing, will you?”
His eyes widened, and his brows rose almost comically.Then he pointed at his chest.“Me?You think I did this?”
“Oh, not personally, but you hired someone.I want you out of my gallery.Now.”
Peter came up behind Alexis.
“You?What are you still doing here, Mr.Kincaid?”asked Horace.
“First, I’m here to give Alexis one of my paintings for the Festival coming up.”
“But you can’t.”Horace sputtered the words.
“He’s a friend of mine and has generously offered to show one of his paintings here.”
Horace’s face reddened, his rage evident.“You can’t.This is only for local artists.”
Alexis smiled.“But heislocal.He’s a Colorado artist, and that meets the festival’s qualifications.They don’t have to be just from Aspen or the Western Slope.”
“This isn’t over, Alexis.Not by a long shot.I’ll make you regret ever opening this place.”Horace stomped back the way he’d come and made sure to slam the glass-and-wood door, shaking the building.That’s the problem with having the gallery in an old Victorian house, it didn’t take a lot to make the building move.
She turned toward Peter.“I’m almost ready to take you up on your offer of security.”
He lifted an eyebrow and shoved his hands in his pockets.“What’s stopping you?It would be to protect my painting as well.”
“That’s true but the deputies who usually would provide that service, might be on Horace’s payroll and not only wouldn’t they provide security, but they are also liable to try to steal the painting for Horace.Even though he couldn’t sell it legally, many private collectors exist who would rather remain anonymous and would buy it.There are only two deputies that I completely trust.T.B.Robertson and Miranda Jacobs, who you already met.”She smiled.“All the women in town say the T.B.stands for tight butt.”
Peter shrugged off her concern with the wave of an arm.“I’ll bring in my own people.I can trust all of them.I pay them very well.Does your deputy know what his nickname is?”
She laughed.“His real name is Tyler Bradford and he has a great sense of humor.And besides, he does have a tight butt.”
“You sound like you know him very well.”
She nodded.“We’ve dated a couple of times.He’s actually built a lot like you with broad shoulders, a trim waist, and a tight butt.Add to that your amazing forearms from painting and you’re the complete package.”
Peter reddened and she knew it wasn’t from anger.
He dropped his chin a bit, and his eyes locked with hers.“That’s very flattering, but it’s not the art that makes my muscles.It comes from working the ranch.All of us work it as often as we can, and it takes muscle to throw bales of hay, trust me.”
“I can only imagine.I wouldn’t like that, though I would love to ride the horses.”She smiled and sighed.
“Maybe I’ll take you to my ranch someday and take you riding.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He dropped his chin a tad and looked at her through half lidded eyes.“I never do.”
Two hourslater she looked around the gallery.The window was repaired and Peter had left, presumably to go back to his cabin.She didn’t want to put up his painting yet.Not with Horace escalating his harassment.When would the police get involved?After he’d killed her?She put a hand to her throat.Wouldhe kill her?He was becoming more threatening, even doing it in front of Peter.
