The Game Changer, стр. 75

as close as she could to the painting, an imposing size even in the huge library. It was exquisite. Most Minkovs were valued in the hundreds of thousands or higher, and that wasn’t taking into consideration the year, the period, the size, or the individual piece. Even for collectors such as Everett and Caroline, even in a town known for its long history of an esteemed art community, this was an incredible acquisition. She doubted if any of her peers in Chicago had ever seen a real Minkov in person.

“There’s another, in the dining room,” Caroline said. “Come, I’ll show you.”

Savanna was seriously impressed. Another? She listened as they passed through the living room and Caroline pointed out two paintings Savanna recognized, one a Monet and the other by an early nineteenth-century artist, Francois Laurant. The Minkov in the dining room was smaller than the painting in the library, but no less amazing.

“I hope these are insured, Caroline,” Savanna murmured. “I’m not sure you realize what you have here.”

Caroline gave Savanna’s arm a little squeeze. “Absolutely, don’t worry. Your sister handles all of that for me—insurance, copies of paperwork, everything. Everett was always so smart about finances and legal things, and Skylar has been a big help in recent years.”

They circled around back toward the parlor, passing the grand staircase, and Savanna noticed three faded rectangular outlines, bare spots, on the wall on the way up the stairs. “What was there?”

“Ah! That was a…Matisse, I believe, and a Rothman, and an early Laurant, I think—a painting of the Roman canals. I have trouble keeping them all straight. There are too many.” She glanced at Savanna. “I’ve begun some cleaning since losing Everett. We found a new home for the Rothman that was there and moved the other two for now while the stairway gets redone. My neighbor Maggie has her husband helping with construction.” She gestured in the direction of the house next door.

Back in the parlor, Savanna shook her head. “You’re busier now than when I left ten years ago.” She smiled at Caroline. “Why are you renovating? Your house is gorgeous.”

Caroline clapped her hands suddenly, excited. “Oh my, I just realized. You don’t even know, do you? You have to come. We’re planning a grand party here for my ninetieth birthday next month!”

Savanna’s face lit up. “Really? I came home just in time then, didn’t I?”

Caroline leaned forward in her chair. “Savanna. I wonder if you might consider doing me a favor? At least think about it.”

“Anything.”

“A mural. Can I commission you to paint me a mural? That wall.” She nodded toward the north end of the room. “Everett and I always felt it should have a seascape. After all the years here, it almost seems I can see it. It would complement our view.” She glanced out at Lake Michigan. “And you had the talent—I remember your artwork. Would you do it?”

Savanna was taken aback. She hadn’t painted—not seriously—in years. She’d messed around a little, but Rob had made her feel as if it were a waste of time, and she’d stopped making the time to do it. She’d dabbled a little since coming back to Carson, but…the idea of a mural was both exciting and daunting. “Caroline, I’m flattered. But you haven’t seen my work in ten years. I’m not sure I can meet your expectations. Why not just hire it out?”

“Because I want you to do it.”

Get the book! Out of the Picture is available now.