Nothing Hiding by Pierce Blake

Author:Pierce, Blake [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense, American Suspense, Police Procedural, Murder Investigation, fbi, international crime thriller
Published: 2023-06-22T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

"We're headed to the Portrait," Juliette said. "It's the closest art gallery I know of, and I'm sure that the owner knows what is going on in the art world."

The Portrait was just a ten-minute drive away, and Juliette remembered it well. It had been established for decades, and she'd accompanied her father on several visits there, which had felt more like pilgrimages, thanks to the combined enthusiasm of him and the owner. He'd loved the place so much that he'd organized a few diplomatic functions there.

She remembered him speaking to the owner, who was then a young, dynamic force in the art world. Since then, the gallery had expanded. She was sure the owner was connected to everyone who was making waves. And with everyone who was creating darkness too.

Would she remember the way? This was a challenge. Channeling into her younger self, Juliette drove away from Regent’s Park, turned left, then right, and then she was on track. The gallery was up this road and then around the corner, in a magnificent three-story converted mansion, where it occupied all three floors.

"Sierra, while we go in, do you think you can research online?” she asked. “We’ll find out about the art world in here, but what if there are people outside the art world who have made the news for something to do with wax sculpture?”

“I can look online,” she nodded. “Makes sense for me to do that now. I’ll stay in the car, and hopefully, we’ll get more information by the time you’re done in there.”

As they walked toward the entrance, Juliette felt a sense of familiarity wash over her. The building hadn't changed much since her last visit, except for the addition of a few sculptures on the lawn.

She remembered how the owner, Mr. Fenton, had added a rush of energy to the place, bustling around, involved in a hands-on way with the passionate process of showcasing artwork to the public. She wondered if she’d feel that same energy again.

Taking a deep breath, Juliette pushed open the heavy, wooden door and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of oil paint and polished wood. The floors creaked with each step she took as she headed across the hall to the reception desk. This was a bright blue piece designed in the shape of a sailboat. Art spilling over into functionality. The woman at the desk was a young, trendy, arty looking person with eyebrow piercings and red hair cut in an edgy style. Her smile was genuine and warm.

"Welcome to The Portrait," she said. "Are you here for a tour, or for the launch that's happening this afternoon?"

It was the same energy. She felt it. Despite their dark reasons for being here, this light, bright gallery was an uplifting place to visit.

"We're actually here to ask Mr. Fenton some quick questions," Juliette said, showing her police badge. "I'm FBI Agent Hart, and it's regarding some background on a criminal case."

She could hear his voice, from somewhere in the labyrinth of rooms, with its sharp, enthusiastic timbre.

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