Lewis
"Weakness?" I ask
"Garlic bread is your weakness, you told me once. Well fair is fair… glasses are my weakness."
I pull up short, "glasses?"
She seems beyond mortified but I take the fact that she hasn't let go of my hand as a good thing, "It's not just glasses, it's glasses on you."
I see her mind whirring choosing her next words carefully, "I don't want to be friends with you anymore."
I understand what she's saying, "then let me court you."
She relaxes and nods.
Hobson
I'm relieved, relieved that I didn't scare him off. As we walk back to the restaurant and our cars I hear a question, "what is your favorite color?"
"Green"
We exchange banter back and forth until my car looms.
He kisses me on the cheek and we go our separate ways.
Lewis
I'm dating again; it's been a long time since the Midnight Addiction concert where I met Val. I know Laura; at least I think I do, now I'm going to court her. I'm trying to think back to all the things I did with Val and before that Diane. I'm in my fifties and I still don't understand the dating scene.
As I put my glasses in the case on my nightstand I smile.
In the morning Hathaway is searching for information on the computer while I'm on the phone trying to do the same. The desk sergeant from front of house comes back with an envelope.
"This was just delivered sirs."
I take the package and open it. Inside are two formal looking envelopes and a piece of paper.
Please deliver to DI Lewis and DS Hathaway below the scribble was two sketches of them another hasty scrawl announced they look like this.
I take one of the envelopes and open it.
Faces
An Art Exhibition of the work of Philip Horton
The location of the art gallery was also given.
"Something interesting sir?" Hathaway pipes up.
"Actually yes. Do you remember Philip Horton? The lad who could draw anything from memory?"
"Yes" James states as he stands up to view the invite.
"Well we've been invited to his exhibition, even included sketches to make sure the invitations got to the right people."
James smiles and I smile too. I had wondered what would happen to that lad. Brilliant talent but even he said, "I wish could make things up."
I think an art exhibition would be a wonderful date.
Hobson
I'm tugging on my dress; I'm terrified that it carries some lingering smell from the medical bay. The gallery is clear across the other side of town. It makes more sense for me to dress here and hop into the car than go home. Robbie drives with a confidence that I envy. We manage to find parking and make our way inside the gallery. There is a decent sized crowd formed already. On the stark white walls hang canvasses of various sizes and on each is a face. We are offered champagne as we peruse the art. Robbie stops in front of one wall with many depictions of the same person, a woman.
"Someone you know?" I ask.
"Nell Buckley, Phil's girlfriend of sorts. She was murdered by the riverbank."
Our thoughts are interrupted by the appearance of a Youngman in somewhat casual attire.
"You're the policeman Inspector Lewis." The Youngman announces
"Hello Philip" Robbie says warmly as he offers his hand.
Memory sparks and remember Robbie asking me about autism. This must be whom he was referring to.
Robbie points towards the art, "This is great work. "
Philip beams under the praise and points to someone, "Mr. Bellamy saw my work after I got my first and this is my exhibition. Are you a Policewoman?"
Young Mr. Horton is a charming individual and we begin a conversation I don't take it personally when he doesn't make eye contact. Eventually the young artist circulates the best he can under the supervision of Mr. Bellamy.
I look at the art, the talent this youngman has is tremendous. I'm drawn to one wall a pen and ink drawing captures my attention. It's James and Robbie in their office. James is depicted behind a desk while Robbie leans in to see what is on the desk. The detail is amazing, the angle of Robbie's tie as it dangles in the air the texture of James' hair it's as if I could feel it through the paper.
"Bloody hell" Robbie says in awe as he nears the drawing.
"It's good isn't it?" I say and he can only nod openmouthed.
Three quarters of an hour later James arrives and sees the collection as well. He doesn't stay long citing music practice. Nonetheless, he takes the time to talk with Philip.
I'm enjoying this casual spending of time. I don't know what I was expecting when I told Robbie that I wanted to dissolve our friendship. Part of me was expecting him to drag me off to his flat and the other for him to leave and never speak to me again. This courting has taken me by surprise. We've been friends for so long and slowly we are transitioning hopefully into something deeper. I turn and see him staring at me and my breath catches. While it may take time I think this slow approach will be more rewarding than a quick fumble in bed.
