Page 40 of Fast Currents
“Is it serious?” Rae asked.
That, I didn’t know how to answer. Not yet. “It’s new,” I said instead. “We’ve only been on a few dates. Last night we went to the art gallery in Roche Harbor.”
“That’s right. You’re gearing up for the park service show. How are classes going?” Vi asked.
“It’d be a walk in the park if it weren’t for your gran.”
Violet winced, a mix of sympathy and amusement on her face.
“What’s she done now?” Anya asked.
“Let’s just say her artwork might get its own special corner at Chaz’s studio, complete with curtain to hide her self-expression from delicate eyes.”
Rae chuckled. “That sounds about right.”
“She worked the mayor and the fire chief into her orgy scene. It’ll be a miracle if we don’t get angry phone calls after the show.”
“Maybe that’s her plan to raise more money – if her art is too scandalous to show, there could be a bidding war to keep it out of unfriendly hands,” Rae said shrewdly.
“Huh.” That might be true for the orgy painting, but the dick statuette was probably harder to identify. “Speaking of the gallery, on our first trip to drop off canvases, something caught my eye.” I turned to Anya. “Remember that case that Drew found on the beach this spring?”
Her brow wrinkled. “The one he thought might have come off Jordan Dawkins’s boat?”
“Yes, that one. I think I spotted it in Chaz’s back room.”
“You think Chaz lifted it from Drew’s truck?” Rae asked.
“I don’t know. But it was odd to see something similar in his work room.”
“It was just lying out in plain sight?” Anya asked.
“Not exactly. I think it was tucked under a table. I kicked it with my foot. When we went back last night, he’d locked it away in a cabinet.”
“Wait. You broke into Chaz’s back room?” Vi asked. “Why?”
“I was curious.”
Vi shook her head. “And Clay let you do this?”
My chin firmed. “Clay isn’t the boss of me.”
Vi snorted. “No, but I thought he had more sense. You’re lucky you didn’t get caught. He might have lost his job if he got arrested.”
“Chaz is full of hot air. It was fine,” I said sharply. I’d never considered what he might be risking for me. Of course, the park service would frown on their enforcement professionals getting in trouble with the local law. “The point is, Chaz has a case in his back room with the initials J.D. Do you think it could be the same case?”
Anya tugged at her lip. “Maybe. I’ll ask Drew what he remembers.”
“Thanks,” I said grudgingly. “I grabbed a photo of the case last night if that helps. There’s just something off about the studio.”
Rae shook her head. “I’ll never understand how A.A.’s work goes for so much. Those paintings look like nothing but a colorful mess to me.”
“Whoever A.A. is, they’re prolific. Chaz must make most of his commissions off those pieces. The rest of the local artisans are small fry by comparison.”
“Your work is not small fry,” Vi chided. “Don’t be modest. Your glass pieces are gorgeous.”
I pursed my lips, tapping them gently. “I can’t produce at the rate A.A. can, and I definitely don’t command so much per piece. It’s an odd market here.”
We reached the cove at the bottom of the trail, exploring along the beach. We’d lucked into a windy fall day, but no rain. An atmospheric river was forecasted for the week, which meant we’d probably get dumped on tomorrow, but for the moment, we could enjoy the waves lapping against the rocky shore.
