Page 37 of London
“I don’t believe in coincidences.”
“Then how would you explain it? You also don’t believe in karma, auras, fate, and what have you.”
“But I believe in destiny. Let’s look at this logically. I assume you didn’t use a model but sculpted the statue from your imagination, perhaps inspired by a dream man. Correct?”
“I… suppose so,” she said. “I rarely use live models.”
He nodded. “And then, you met me. This means I’m literally the man of your dreams,” he reasoned. “We were predestined to meet and be together.”
She couldn’t tell if his somber tone was genuine or feigned. For a few moments she sat speechless, her mouth gaping open. Finally, she rubbed her forehead, shaking her head.
“You are the most arrogant man I have ever met.”
He smiled but didn’t contradict her.
A companionable silence stretched between them as Gerard maneuvered the vehicle back to the city.
“I’m going to ask Mrs. Adams to take Pirata home with her while we’re gone. It breaks my heart leaving him alone. We’ve never been apart. What if he gets depressed and thinks I won’t come back?”
Gerard scoffed. “He’s a rescued tom cat. As long as he has food, toys, and someone to scratch his ears, he’ll be just dandy. Mrs. Adams adores him, and vice versa.”
“That’s true. I’m glad that—Wait. Where are we going? This isn’t the way home.”
“It’s the way to my flat. I did mention going there after dinner. Do you mind? I can take you back to your place if you prefer.”
“No. This is fine.” Any place where she could be in Gerard’s arms would be fine.
Gerard lived in London’s west end, not too far from Francesco’s gallery. Parking was limited, so they had to walk from the parking garage to his apartment. Linda didn’t mind. Growing up in Rome, the birthplace of Renaissance art, she enjoyed every opportunity she got to admire old buildings, study the intricate architecture, and marvel at how well they were maintained. One would never guess they were centuries old.
Gerard lived on the second floor of a four-story Georgian building, accessed through a well-lit private garden. The building had recently been repainted a conservative beige, but the multicolored flowerpots on each window ledge provided a touch of whimsy.
“When I decided to find a flat of my own, I thought this would be a good one because most of the other tenants are elderly people. I figured it would be quiet,” Gerard said and chuckled. “Turns out, I was dead wrong. I forgot elderly people wake with the sun, start clanging pots and pans at an ungodly hour, and talk to each other at a level slightly below screaming. I didn’t take into account the hearing issues that are often a consequence of age and past experience. In spite of that, I like it here.”
“It’s a pretty place,” Linda whispered. His neighbors might be early risers, but they were probably all sound asleep now.
There was an elevator, but Linda suggested they take the stairs. She was admiring the well-maintained carpet in the hall when Gerard stopped dead. She collided with his back, puzzled.
“What’s the matter?”
She poked her head around him. The door to one of the apartments was ajar. Something was wrong.
“Is that your place? Did you forget to close the door?” she whispered, not that doing so would make any sense.
“Yes it is, and no I didn’t. It looks like there’s been a break-in.”
Gerard slowly advanced toward the flat, keeping her behind him in some chivalrous attempt to protect her. He reached the door and pushed it open. Cautiously, he eased a hand inside and flicked a light switch.
“Oh, my God!” Linda gasped.
The apartment had been ransacked. Clothes were strewn everywhere. Couch cushions had been cut open or ripped apart. Books had been swept off shelves, their covers askew as if each one of them had been thoroughly examined. Every drawer had been pulled out and dumped. Papers were scattered across the floor.
“Son of a bitch!” Gerard swore.
Linda clung to Gerard’s arm, trying to offer comfort, knowing it was impossible.
The clatter of spike heels caught her attention seconds before a woman rushed down the stairs. Her red high-heeled shoes made her long legs seem even longer and the skimpy black dress she wore revealed large breasts and a supermodel’s body. Her blonde hair was tousled, and she wore a kilogram of makeup.
Linda barely had time to step out of the way before the woman flung herself at Gerard, her arms clenching him around the neck.
