by Claire Fogel
That woke me up in a hurry. I had no idea how much I’d made in sales.
Mom said, “What are you going to do with all your money, dear?”
Still stunned, I said, “I have no idea.”
My father said, “Harry Callahan and I were talking recently, Cara. I remember you saying something last year about wanting to open your own art gallery here in Thornewood, both for your artwork and for local artists. Harry thinks it’s an excellent idea. Are you still interested?”
I was surprised he’d remembered. “Absolutely. When I’ve finished school two years from now, opening a gallery here in town would give me something to do that I’d really enjoy. And I think it would be great for Thornewood, especially when we have so many visitors from the city during the autumn months.”
“Well, if you keep on selling your artwork the way you did today, in two years you may be able to open your gallery, with a partner or two, of course.”
“Partners?”
He smiled. “Harry and I would both be interested in investing in an art gallery with you. Harry feels it would be very good for other businesses here in town, which would benefit everyone.”
I loved the idea, and it would give me a definite goal to work toward, something solid to dream about that didn’t feature those impossible to forget dark blue eyes.
The next day Gavin and I returned to Syracuse. Thankfully, it wasn’t snowing.
With the Manhattan show behind me, I needed to figure out what to do for Barrett’s Spring Art Show. The only rule was that it had to be work done in school this year. I had two months to come up with something new since all of my recent work had been sold the previous weekend.
I decided to try to paint something in oils worthy of exhibiting. A few days later my brain kicked into gear. I remembered the pen and ink drawing of my father I’d done before I started school. It had turned out really well. Perhaps I could recreate it in oil paints on a larger canvas.
But I couldn’t forget about the next show in Albany either. Remembering how many people had wanted to buy my original pen and ink “Elf” drawings, I had to find time to create at least a few more. And I was hoping I would have one or two oil paintings worthy of exhibiting.
The next few months would be busy ones. So busy, I hoped I would fall into bed at night, too tired to dream about what was missing in my life.
When winter ended and we were finally enjoying warm Spring temperatures, I began setting up my easel on campus where I could enjoy the great work of Barrett’s gardeners, whoever they were. Red roses were blooming all around the red brick Administration building, the sunny patio outside the Café was lined with yellow daylilies, and even the dorms were surrounded by flowering shrubs I hadn’t noticed before.
Some of our drawing and painting classes were being held outside, giving me much needed time to create new artwork for the upcoming Art Show in Albany. At the same time, I was working on the oil painting of my father that I wanted to exhibit in the Barrett Art Show.
I took my easel and paints home every weekend. Work had become my middle name, and despite invitations from Amy to join her and Gavin on some of their weekend dates, I declined so I could paint. The weather was beautiful most of the time, allowing me to spend time both in Blackthorne Forest and in Elvenwood.
The “Elf” drawings I’d refused to sell had been so popular, I created some new ones with Ian’s help. It was a real pleasure being out in the apple orchard finding places for him to partially hide while I was drawing.
This time he’d been so well hidden, if anyone did spot him, he’d appear to be purely imaginary. I was sure Mr. Jourdan in Albany would be pleased with this new collection.
One night, a week before the Barrett Art Show, I was sitting in the Café with Gavin and our usual crew when a familiar figure in a suit and tie came through the door and headed for our table. I hadn’t seen him in a few weeks. I guessed the search for the missing SUV driver had been moved to a back burner.
“Hey, Lieutenant Fox, where have you been keeping yourself?” I asked with a smile.
His pale blue eyes lit up, crinkling at the corners as he smiled and asked if he could join us.
Lily grinned and said, “Good-looking members of Syracuse’s Police Dept. are always welcome at our table, Lieutenant. Have a seat.”
He shook his head, trying not to smile, and pulled over a chair from another table. “I’m glad you’re all here tonight. I was just in Mrs. Barrett’s office. You’ll be hearing an announcement from her very soon, but I thought I’d deliver the news personally.”
His face had become serious. His voice carried, and all conversation at other tables stopped.
“We’re searching for a predator, a young man who has been stalking girls on school campuses all over Syracuse. So far, no one has been assaulted, but based on the way he’s been behaving, it’s just a matter of time. He picks his victim, stalks her to her dorm or her home off campus, then tries to break in.
“So far, the girls have been able to call the police before he’s managed to enter their rooms, or homes, but sooner or later, he’ll get in. He follows a set pattern, following the girl of his choice for a few days, making sure she’s alone.” He ran his hands through his short hair. “We want to grab him before he hurts anyone.”
I asked, “How about a description, Lieutenant?”
He nodded. “He’s probably late teens, or twenties, quite tall, probably six foot two or more, thin, but always wears a dark hoodie so all we know is he’s white. No one has gotten a good look at him. I’ve asked Mrs. Barrett to make sure that you all walk in pairs, at least, until we catch this guy. Do not be outside alone, okay?”
We all nodded. The guys agreed to make sure none of the girls walked to their dorms alone.
The Lieutenant said, “Okay. Good. Spread the word. Mrs. Barrett is sending emails and leaving phone messages for everyone on campus. I was over at Syracuse U. earlier. Other officers are visiting the smaller schools in our area. We want everyone aware of this guy.”
He stood. “Be safe, folks. Cara, can I see you outside for a minute?”
I got up and joined him outside the Café door. “What’s up?”
“Are you still carrying your knives whenever you leave your apartment?”
“Yes, Lieutenant. I never go anywhere without them. Is that a problem?”
He shook his head, again looking serious. “Not a problem. I hope you won’t have to use them. Just keep your roommate with you, okay?”
“I will. Don’t worry about me.” I smiled. “But thanks for paying us a personal visit, Lieutenant.”
He nodded. “Get back inside now, Cara.” I could see the real concern in his light eyes. “I want you safe.”
When I went back to our table, Paula said, “Cara, you seem to get special attention from the handsome Lieutenant.” Both eyebrows were raised as she asked, “Anything going on that we should know about?”
Every pair of eyes at our table was suddenly pinned on me. I thought I heard Gavin snicker.
I groaned. “No, you guys. I haven’t even seen Lieutenant Fox since before Christmas.”
Lily chuckled. “Too bad, Cara. He’s gorgeous! Those eyes . . .”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. He’s a friend, but that’s all.”
Lily and Joel looked skeptical. Lily simply said, “Well, we believe you . . . sort of.”
Paula and Tim grinned at me but didn’t say anything.
Freddy had a hopeful look on his face. “Do you think there’s any chance the Lieutenant is gay?”
I smiled. “I don’t think so, Freddy.”
The next day everyone on campus was talking about the alleged stalker, but in the week before the Barrett Art Show, there were no reports of anyone on our campus being followed. Nevertheless, no one walked alone. We all had escorts to and from classes.
Gavin had attached himself to me with one arm draped across my shoulders, as though saying to any possible stalker, “Make my day!” He had once agai
n appointed himself my bodyguard and couldn’t understand why I was smiling. He was such a sweetie.
I tried very hard not to think about the bodyguard who was missing.
Classes were cancelled the day of the Barrett Art Show to allow us time to set up easels, tables, painted wooden room dividers, hooks and wire hangers, everything necessary for outdoor art displays. The school’s landscaped campus created an inviting outdoor setting.
And just in case the weather didn’t cooperate, the school had canvas canopy covers erected everywhere art would be displayed. Apparently, all art lovers in Syracuse looked forward to Barrett’s Art Show every year. I was told it always drew a crowd.
There were photography displays, paintings of still life, landscapes, seascapes, portraits, abstract paintings, graphic art, and Paula’s collection of political cartoons, which I was sure would be popular. Our current President wouldn’t have been pleased, but I doubted he’d show up in Syracuse for our art show.
Gavin hadn’t wanted me to see what he was working on, so once my oil painting of my father had been set up and displayed, I searched the area for Gavin’s work. When I found his small display, I was amazed.
He had been drawing all the wildlife that lived in Blackthorne Forest from memory, and his drawings were fantastic. There were beautifully rendered pictures of deer, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, even a skunk. I almost expected them to walk off the paper they were drawn and painted on. The year Gavin had spent working alongside Conor in the forest hadn’t been wasted. Some of his pictures were done in pen and ink, and some were finished in watercolors.
I knew Gavin was talented. But I hadn’t known how talented! I looked around but didn’t see him anywhere. I thought maybe I’d find him over at Lily’s photographic display, but when I got there, Lily was there but no Gavin. When I saw her photographic montage, it was obvious why he was probably in hiding.
“Lily, I had no idea you would be photographing Gavin in the nude!”
She was smiling but looked just a little guilty. “Well, Cara, I didn’t force him. After I took a few sample shots, I could see how beautifully he photographs. He’s even more photogenic than you! I simply suggested that I’d prefer to photograph him without clothes, and he shrugged and took his clothes off. Like it was no big deal, you know?”
I was in shock as I gazed at her photos of my blond roommate. They were tasteful, nothing overdone or in bad taste, but they were amazing. Gavin was a beautiful man, from head to toe. And I was sure every girl on campus would be hunting him, as well as a few of the men.
“Lily, did you tell him how many people would actually be seeing these photos?”
Once again, she looked rather guilty. “Uh, I may have neglected to mention that part.”
“Do you know where he’s hiding? I haven’t seen him anywhere since we got here this morning.”
She chuckled. “He’s probably sitting out the show in my dorm room. He asked me to let him know when everyone was gone. I think he’s a little annoyed with me, Cara. But aren’t these photos of him gorgeous? Be honest. Granted, I had a great model, but I am an awesome photographer!”
Yes, she was, but I couldn’t help feeling she had taken unfair advantage of my rather naïve roommate. There was no doubt she had enjoyed every minute of it.
I sighed, shook my head, and returned to my own display. Much to my surprise, my parents were standing in front of my painting, with looks of genuine pleasure on their faces.
“Mom, Dad, I didn’t know you were coming up today.” I threw my arms around both of them. “It’s so good to see you! What do you think of my painting?”
Mom was wearing a big smile. “Sweetheart, I think you’ve finally mastered oil painting. You know, we both love the pen and ink drawing you did of your father. Brian had it framed and it’s hanging in our bedroom.”
She looked up at my oil painting. “But this, it’s incredible, Cara. I think you captured his very spirit here. It’s wonderful.”
I looked at my father. Shaking his head, he said, “I’m simply honored that you see me this way.” He looked down into my eyes. “You’ve made me look like a hero.”
“Dad, you’ve been my hero since the day we met. Painting this was a labor of love.”
Mom asked, “What are you going to do with this painting when this show is over?”
I smiled. “Well, I’ll never sell it. It will hang in my apartment until I’ve finished school. Then it will hang wherever I live. But I hope, by that time, I’ll have done a painting of you as well so they can hang side by side.”
My father smiled down at my petite mother. They really made a beautiful couple.
My father said, “Where is Gavin’s artwork displayed? I’d really like to see what he’s done.”
I led them to the area where Gavin had set up his wall of drawings. “Dad, I’m guessing Gavin learned more than forestry while he worked with Conor.”
My parents were amazed at what Gavin had accomplished. My father said, “I had no idea he was so gifted.”
Mom admired every one of Gavin’s wildlife drawings. “Cara, if he ever wants to sell any of these, I’ll be first in line. They’re wonderful.”
“Where is Gavin?” Dad asked. “We haven’t seen him since we’ve been here. I really want to compliment him on the fine work he’s doing.”
“Uh, I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him since he set up his artwork.” I thought it best to keep them away from Lily’s display.
Mom said, “Well, if we don’t get a chance to talk to him, please tell him how much we like his work. We won’t be able to stay much longer, dear. I have to get back to the bookstore to lock up for the day. Christina is covering for me today.”
“Okay, I’ll be sure to tell him. Before you leave, how about joining me for lunch at the Café? We didn’t have time for breakfast this morning, and I’m starved.”
They agreed and I led them to the Café, making sure to avoid the Photography display.
Today’s lunch specialty was my Sunrise Special, which someone had renamed “Cara’s Bagel Sandwich.” Mom laughed when three of them were delivered to our table.
“I can see your influence on the Café’s menu, dear. I’m sure these are popular.”
I grinned. “Yep. Everyone loves them.”
After we’d finished our lunch, I walked my parents to Mom’s car on Birch Street.
“When we got here this morning, we stopped in to say hello to your landlady. She’s such a nice person. She seems to like having you here, Cara.”
“Yeah, I really lucked out with my landlady, Mom. We get together for tea once in a while.” I looked around. “She’s probably somewhere in the crowd on campus by now. She said she always attends the yearly Art Show.”
That was when I realized that Miss Williams would probably see Lily’s photo montage of the very nude Gavin. I shuddered slightly. Maybe living across from the Art Institute all these years had broadened her mind. Hopefully. But I wasn’t sure how my parents would have reacted.
I hugged both of them and they left for home, after again telling me how much they liked my painting. As they drove down the street toward the highway, I couldn’t help a sense of relief. I knew Gavin would have died from embarrassment if my parents had seen those photos.
Returning to the Art Show, I wandered around the campus, enjoying all the lovely paintings on display, although I didn’t understand the abstract paintings at all.
Most of Barrett’s instructors were present, many of them congratulating the students on their work. I was surprised to find Miss Alvarez, my oil painting instructor, standing in front of my painting, with a slightly confused look on her face.
She turned and saw me. “Cara, who is this?” she asked.
“That’s my father. I did this same picture in pen and ink before school started. Once I became more comfortable working with oils, I recreated it for this show.”
She shook her head. “I remember that you were having difficulty with oil pain
ting until recently. But this painting? It’s really good, Cara. What changed?”
I explained that my art mentor at home had spent some time helping me learn the techniques he used.
“Is your mentor a teacher?”
“No, just a good friend, a successful artist who’s always encouraged me.”
She snorted. “Well, if he was able to get you to this point so quickly, he should be teaching.”
I felt like telling her that he had taught me all the things she hadn’t, but I bit my tongue. No sense pissing off my instructor.
“If he comes to our Art Show, I’d really like to meet him,” she said.
“Francis doesn’t travel anymore, Miss Alvarez. He’s an older man who does all his painting at home.”
“Francis? Is he someone I might have heard of?”
“I’m sure you have. His name is Francis Sullivan.”
Her mouth dropped open. “The Francis Sullivan? He’s your mentor?”
“Yes. He’s a good friend of my father’s.”
She began to look annoyed. “Well, Cara, I don’t know why you’re even taking my class. He’s taught you techniques that I only teach third-year students.”
“Why wait so long, Miss Alvarez? I was getting really frustrated with my work in oils. I needed to learn those techniques!”
She was frowning. “Perhaps I could show a few of them to first-year students. I’ll have to think about it.”
She looked at my painting again. “Well, this is excellent work, Cara. I wish I could take credit for teaching you.” She nodded and walked away.
I sighed. I was pretty sure I’d pissed her off.
The crowds on campus were beginning to thin. Paula waved me over to her display.
“I got an eyeful of Gavin’s photos earlier today. Wow!” She giggled. “He must be hiding somewhere. I haven’t seen him all day.”
“Yeah, he’s hiding. I don’t think he had a problem posing for Lily, but I guess he freaked a little when he found out how many people would be seeing the photos.”
