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Chapter 8: After Dinner

When Nikola got home from the post-reception dinner, she was relieved to have the whole thing over with. She immediately kicked off her shoes and exchanged them for slippers. She felt completely exhausted. Her worn out muscles ached through to her bones. She knew she shouldn't have worn new shoes to the reception, but she did, and now her feet were paying for it. She noticed the time - almost midnight. She was often awake much later than this without being nearly so tired. But then again, she did not normally have to meet so many people, and that was exhausting work.

Nikola walked over to the window and looked out. The view was not too impressive, since she was only on the eighth floor, but her building rose taller than most of the others immediately around it, so she could see a few of the lights of the city. She thought back to all the people she met that evening and wondered how she could ever remember them all.

A phone call from Eddie interrupted her thoughts, immediately putting her in a better mood. She especially enjoyed the ability to talk candidly and openly after so many hours of meaningless, guarded conversation. She brought the phone with her to the couch, and sank into its cushions, more relaxed than she had been all evening.
Eddie opened the conversation with, "How are you doing after the big ordeal?"

"Exhausted, but otherwise intact. I'm glad it's over. Did you see how bare the walls looked?"

"Yeah, I noticed that. What happened to the three paintings in the back?"

"Martha sold them right out from under me. I couldn't believe it. I'm still getting over the shock. I never intended to sell those paintings at all."

"Then how could she sell them?"

"I didn't think she could, but she did. She came and told me last night. By the time she told me, they had already been moved out of the gallery."

"Really? All in the same day?"

"Yes, exactly. It seemed to be strange to me, but I don't know how things work here in New York."

"That's not how things normally work here."

"I did get a very good price for them, though. More than usual. I almost feel that I've been bribed to let go of them."

"Are your prices higher here than in Germany?"

"Not intentionally. For the paintings I wanted to sell, I just took my usual prices and converted them from Deutsche Marks to Dollars. But those paintings had no price on them, because I had no intention of selling them."

"So maybe it's a sign that your paintings are getting more popular."

"I don't think so. The people who bought them buy paintings from me all the time."

"Oh really? Do you know them?"

"No, not at all. In fact their real identity is a mystery to me. All the interaction I have with them is through a law firm."

 "Maybe the law firm is buying them for itself, to hang in the offices."

"I used to think that, but I can't imagine the 'Woman in Red' series hanging in a law office, or any other kind of office for that matter."

"Yes, I see what you mean. They're not exactly a calming influence. Do you have any idea who's behind it?"

"No, none, but I think it's time to find out. This firm has been buying paintings from me ever since I started exhibiting publicly. They buy at least two or three a year. In the beginning, I didn't think anything of it, I was just thrilled to be selling any paintings, but in the last few years, I've been starting to wonder about it. They're based here in New York City, in mid-town. When I was first considering the trip here, I thought that I should pay them a visit. Now, after this sale, I think it's definitely time. Martha gave me a description of the man who came into the gallery and initiated the sale, so now I have even more to go on."

"If someone took all the trouble of buying paintings through a firm, then they might not want to be known."

"That's quite possible, but I have to try, especially now that I'm only a few miles away."

"When are you going?"

"I'm planning to go tomorrow."

"Let me know what happens. It sounds interesting."

"The firm's name is Morse, Chester and Associates. Have you ever heard of them?"

"No. The few paintings that I've sold have all gone to individuals. I've never had an occasion to deal with any law firms."

"Well, I guess I'll see what they look like tomorrow," Nikola said. "Did you notice Martha at the reception? I was amazed at how she worked the room. She was everywhere."

"She's always like that at receptions. It's like she finally has an outlet for all that excess energy."

"She does have a lot of energy. I feel like I can't keep up with her sometimes."

"I never can keep up with her. Did she put you through the usual round of introductions?"

"I was introduced to so many people that I lost count after a few minutes. Is there anyone in particular who I should remember?"

"Well, the Barclays and the Coxes are at every reception, but I don't know if that means they're worthy of wasting time remembering."

"I think the Barclays were interested in a piece of mine."

"Don't hold your breath. Every reception that I've had at this gallery, they've been there, and they've expressed interest in something, but they never buy. The Coxes aren't much different. They're also at every reception and express a lot of interest, but never come up with the cash. They did rent a few paintings from me once, though. They claim to be in the movie business, and the paintings were supposedly for a movie, but I never found the title that they mentioned in any movie theater around here. When I asked about their other movies, I never got a straight answer, so I have a feeling they're also just full of hot air. But there is one upside to those four - they throw a pretty good party every year, in fact it should be coming up soon."

"What kind of party?"

"A very ritzy cocktail party. It can be annoying, because Martha's there doing her introductions thing, but she's spread out among all her artists, so it's not as bad as a reception. The Barclays have a gorgeous apartment in the Upper West Side - the type I'd never get to see otherwise, and the food is great, with the champagne constantly flowing. On top of that, I always get a kick out of shocking all the old rich biddies with something when I'm there. I mean, they practically expect it since we're artists, and it's just too easy to pass up."

"How do you shock them?"

"If I can find an outrageous dress, I'll do that, but anything'll do. Some loud, off-color comment is usually enough."

"Have you ever heard of William Brown?"

"Older guy? Short and skinny?"

"That's him."

"I was introduced to him once, but I've never really had any dealings with him. Why?"

"He also expressed interest in a few pieces. Do you know Alan?"

"Alan Drake? Yeah, I've met him. He hangs around the gallery a lot, but he's not one of the affiliated artists, so I have no idea what he's doing there. He must have some kind of business with Martha 'cuz whenever he comes in he goes right to her office and closes the door. I used to think that they had something romantic going, but when you watch them together that seems highly unlikely. They act almost cold to each other."

"Maybe they're trying to hide a secret affair."

"I guess that's possible, but neither of them is married, so who would they be hiding from?"

"Good question."

"Not that I really care, it just crossed my mind. Anyway, I've gotta run, but let me know what happens at the law firm tomorrow."

"Sure, we'll talk then."

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