Angel With a Bullet by M. C. Grant Page B

shoulder pads. Without a care, she applies a fresh coat of scarlet lipstick to collagen-plump lips and blows a kiss at her reflection in a desktop mirror.
    Mary Jane Clooney’s last opus was headlined “The Twelve Secret Erogenous Zones You May Not Know You Have.”
    Stoogan follows my gaze and grins.
    I shudder.
    _____
    After two hours on the phone, I’ve only found one gallery in the entire Bay Area, the Gimcrack, that specializes in Diego’s work. Unfortunately, the owner is at a showing on the white sandy beaches of Carmel and isn’t expected back until tomorrow.
    I scratch my head, not wanting to admit Diego’s death is looking less artistic and more self-pitying than I hoped. I try one more.
    â€œAvenida Gallery, how may we help you?” The voice is smooth, gentlemanly and instantly likable.
    â€œDixie Flynn of NOW calling,” I reply, just as friendly. “Is the owner in?”
    â€œSpeaking.”
    â€œAnd your name?”
    â€œJonathan Smithwick, Jr.”
    â€œAny relation to the British beer maker?”
    â€œNone.”
    â€œPity, it’s a nice brew, especially poured slow into a frosted mug.”
    He laughs. “You’re not wrong.”
    â€œI was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me?”
    â€œAbout art?”
    â€œOr imported beer. Unless you’re an expert in other areas that’ll make for a good story.”
    He laughs again, sealing our friendship and dulling his natural defenses.
    â€œHow may I help you? Dixie, was it?”
    As a reporter, I’m used to people not wanting to talk. The trick is to come across like an old friend or sympathetic relative. Whatever makes them forget you’re a single-minded bloodsucker whose only interest is in the inches of gray matter below your byline.
    If they laugh, they’re yours.
    â€œI understand you carry Diego Chino’s work?” I begin.
    â€œNot any longer, I’m afraid. Diego really hasn’t produced anything of interest in the last six months or so.”
    â€œI understood he was very popular.”
    â€œThat was last season. I’m afraid his work has become rather …” He hesitates, searching for the right word. “Stale.”
    â€œDo you know of anyone who still carries him?”
    â€œI believe the Gimcrack on Union Street does.”
    This is the same story I heard from the other galleries.
    I switch topics. “Do you carry Adamsky?”
    â€œCertainly. He is very popular.”
    â€œDo you have any in stock?”
    â€œOriginals or prints?”
    â€œOriginals.”
    â€œNot at the moment, but we are expecting a shipment of new works to arrive this week, and I’m planning to get my hands on several choice pieces.”
    â€œWhere does the shipment go when it lands?”
    â€œStellar Galleries is Adamsky’s North American agent. But several galleries, including my own, have an agreement to purchase works directly from them.”
    I scratch my head again. “Why doesn’t Stellar keep all the paintings?”
    Smithwick Jr. chuckles softly. “Adamsky is quite prolific and Stellar doesn’t have the space to show all his work. Plus, it can be rather overwhelming for the client to make a decision when facing an entire gallery full of work from a single artist. It’s easier to find a favorite piece when there are fewer options. Under our agreement with Stellar, we purchase the paintings at an agreed price. Everyone benefits.”
    â€œHow many galleries are involved?”
    â€œThere are ten of us within the city. Stellar also opened a new gallery in Carmel recently that is attracting buyers from L.A.”
    â€œDoes Stellar have originals for sale?”
    â€œYes, I believe they do.” His voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper as he adds, “However, if you are interested in purchasing, might I add that the paintings I choose become some of his most sought