Eileen Slovak

Chapter Thirty-one: Duck at the Ex-Girlfriend Crossing

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and locales are products of the author’s imagination. They are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental. Copyright © 2024 by Eileen Slovak.

Scott

I recognize Trish Iannuccilli from Sean’s photos. I watch her storm out of the restroom right before Scarlet’s exit. Corky’s invite to the show is turning out to be a great opportunity to do some research. Having both of Sean’s ex-girlfriends in one place is an added bonus. I follow. She stops at a booth marked RISD and has a brief discussion with an older man who’s there representing the school. I make the assumption she’s a former student of his, until she kisses him. Then, she picks up her coat from a nearby chair and leaves. I’m tempted to follow her, but decide to stay, knowing I’ll have an opportunity to see Scarlet later. I fake an interest in the college for an opportunity to speak with the man.

      “Can I answer any questions for you? I’m Carl Johnson, I teach at the school.” He holds out his hand and we shake. The ‘school’ is the very prestigious Rhode Island School of Design.

     “Scott. Just looking, thanks.” I flip through a few brochures to feign interest.

      “Let me guess. You’re a photographer, right?”

      “Yes. I definitely take some pictures.”

      “I can always tell.”

      “What do you teach?”

      “Painting. It’s my passion. I’ve been with the school for twenty-five years now. If you ever want to perfect your craft, you can always take a few classes.”

      “Yeah, I’ll think about it. I’m still looking for my passion,” I say. “Have a good night.”

      Corky invited me to the after party but I haven’t thought through inserting myself into Scarlet’s social circle. It’s a different approach than I’d originally intended, but it’s already in motion, too late to reverse. I’ll have to decide what I choose to reveal about myself. For now, my only focus is the case. It’s important I resolve that, while avoiding getting too personal with anyone.

      I have some time to kill so I’m wandering through the displays. I saw Corky as soon as I came in. I’m steering clear of that area while Scarlet is over there. Still in the painter’s section, I stop in front of a booth filled with bright, gawdy landscapes. I’m no art aficionado, but this looks pretty amateurish compared some of the others I’ve seen. A tall, pretty, slim blonde approaches me.

“Hi. Can I answer any questions for you?”

      “Oh, I’m just looking around,” I say, with my hands in pockets. She’s what I’d call a space invader, someone who stands a tad too close for comfort. I take a step backward to correct the social distance between us.

      “Well, I’m glad you decided to look here. Everything you see is for sale,” she says, with Cheshire Cat smile. “I also, paint pet portraits. I can work from a photo. Do you have any pets?”

      “No ma’am.”

      “Well, here’s my card,” she says.

      When I don’t reach for it, she tucks the business card into my front jacket pocket.

      “Feel free to call me…anytime,” she says.

      “You have a good night,” I say, making a hasty retreat. I feel like I need a shower after that exchange and I don’t mean a cold one. I find the nearest bar station and order a drink. Across the hall, I can see Scarlet and Maggie huddled together near Corky’s booth. Scarlet still looks agitated, not to mention smoking hot. I pull the card out of my pocket: Serena Jacobs, Artist. I don’t why, because I never plan to call her, but I put the card back in my pocket.