Roland paused for a lingering breath. “Well, you’d think she’d be used to such requests. I mean, we are talking
about Madison Brooks, after all.”
Aster swallowed.
Ryan froze.
“You’re not really interested in commissioning a piece, are you?” Roland’s features sharpened. The kind-older-lady facade had dropped. She’d been playing them all along.
Aster stared wordlessly, having no idea how to respond, so Ryan spoke for both of them. “You know who we are, then.” Aster cringed when Ryan said it, but quickly realized there were no other options, no way to start over.
Roland gazed at them shrewdly. “I recognized you immediately.”
“I’m sorry,” Aster started. “We just—”
“You’re just looking for clues, I suppose. I knew it was Madison back then. When I watched In-Depth, Trena Moretti confirmed it.”
“Has anyone else come by?” Ryan rested his arms on his knees and leaned toward her.
“Surprising as it may seem, you’re the first,” Roland told him. “But then, most people don’t really think about the deeper implications of what attracts people to the art they choose to surround themselves with.”
“Did you and Madison keep in touch?”
“She never knew I recognized her as Madison. I wanted the commission and knew better than to let on. If you’re asking me if I know where she is, the answer is no.” Aster started to return the pics, but Roland motioned toward the one of Madison and said, “You keep it. I have no need of it.” She dug deeper through the file and handed over an old photo of a similar scene, only this one didn’t seem staged.
“She gave me this for reference. Though it wasn’t necessary, seeing as how she’d arranged the scene exactly how she wanted. It’s rare to work with a client with such an exact vision. Made me wonder why she didn’t just get herself a nice camera and take the pics herself. But again, I needed the money, so I did my best to give her what she wanted. Tell me, how do they look—hanging on her wall?”
Aster stared at the pic. It looked a lot like the ones Roland had taken. After a moment, she flipped it over. The word Home had been written on the back, the letters awkwardly formed as though written by a child. “The pictures are striking.” She looked at Roland. “Though they seem a bit out of place among the glitzy surroundings.”
“Doesn’t surprise me.” Roland nodded. “Like I said, the girl was full of contradictions.”
“Can I keep this as well?” Aster asked, surprised when Roland reached toward her and snatched it right out of her hand.
She tucked the photo into her pocket and stood, signaling she’d run out of patience.
“I’m sorry for the trouble,” Aster said. “We appreciate your help.”
“Seems you need all the help you can get about now.”
Ryan grinned gamely. Aster fell mute.
They made their way back through the gate and were rounding onto the street when Roland called out behind them. “In case you change your mind about that commission.” She handed Ryan her card, then disappeared back inside.
Ryan glanced at the card, tucked it into his palm, and ushered Aster toward his car.
“I’m not sure how I should feel about that,” Aster said, once they were safely inside. “I’m left with more questions than answers.”
Ryan pressed his lips together and pulled onto the road. “I’ll tell you how you should feel about it.” He handed her the card. Seeing Aster squint in confusion, he motioned for her to turn it over.
Aster flipped it, then gaped at Ryan in shock.
“Looks like we’re taking a trip to Ojai,” he said.
TEN
FAKE LOVE
“When are you going to introduce me to your mom?”