Page 37 of Line of Sight (Second Sight #4)

Hampton Falls, NH

CHRISTMAS WITH Dan’s family plunged Gary into an ocean of memories. His own home had been a place of laughter and joy when both holiday cheer and twinkling lights were plentiful.

I lost all that when we lost Brad.

He’d been a little apprehensive about meeting Dan’s parents and siblings, but within half an hour of being introduced, Gary knew two things for sure: Dan favored his mom, and the whole family comprised some of the most down-to-earth, generous, warmhearted people he’d ever met.

Watching their unfettered joy when Dan’s brother and sister-in-law announced that she was pregnant, and that so far the outlook was good, brought tears to his eyes. Seeing how Matt lavished love and care on his wife sent a wave of warmth flooding through Gary.

This is exactly what I needed. No pressure for a couple of days, good food, some wine, and the promise of abundant conversation and children’s laughter.

And then in two days’ time, it would be Sean’s funeral.

He might have been my brother-in-law.

Dan handed him a glass of champagne. “It isn’t usually so boisterous around here, but then again this isn’t a normal Christmas.

” He grinned. “I’m going to be an uncle again.

” He glanced over to where Matt was rolling around on the carpet with Dan’s little nephew, both of them making way too much noise.

“He’s going to make a wonderful dad.” Then he returned his attention to Gary.

“So… where were you just now? You seemed miles away.”

“I was thinking about Sean.”

Dan’s face tightened. “I liked him.” He laid his hand on Gary’s arm. “We’re going to catch this guy. You know that, right? Because any other result is unthinkable.”

“Have you mentioned my offer yet?” Matt said as he joined them, a little breathless, a toddler clinging to his leg.

Dan rolled his eyes. “You only suggested it about fifteen minutes ago. You don’t want an answer right this second, do you? Unless you brought all your artist paraphernalia with you and you’re going to have us pose.”

Gary frowned. “What offer? What are you talking about?”

“Matt wants to paint our portrait.”

“And I’ll give you my friends and family rate,” Matt added. Gary blinked, and Matt burst into laughter. “I’m yanking your chain. I’m not going to charge you a cent.”

“I’ve seen your work,” Gary confessed. “It’s very impressive.”

Matt flushed and gave a short bow. “Thank you. Is that a yes?”

“It’s a ‘we’ll discuss it,’” Dan retorted.

Gary liked the idea. What he wasn’t sure of was how much time it would take.

Matt glanced down at his nephew. “Liam, go bug your daddy. It’s his turn.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Liam tottered toward the kitchen, shrieking for his dad.

Matt gestured to the couch. “Let’s sit. I’ve got a better chance of seeing Liam coming when he wants a rematch.” They sat, and Gary leaned back, his glass in his hand, studying Matt. He was taller than Dan, with the same shade of brown hair and eyes that always seemed to hold amusement.

“I’m curious. How do you usually work? From sittings? Photos?” The only artist Gary had ever come across had been a murder victim, and she’d worked from photos.

“Usually sittings. Most of the time they come to my studio.”

Dan smiled. “Otherwise known as the top floor of their house. Lots of natural light. He can hear the ocean while he paints.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “There’s a reason it’s called Ocean Boulevard. And sometimes I go to them, if they insist. Take the portrait I’m working on at the moment. The guy lives in Massachusetts, about an hour’s drive from my place. Fantastic property.”

“So what’s the process with him?” Gary found it fascinating. He wasn’t sure there was a creative bone in his body.

“I spent one session nailing his features. Not literally of course,” Matt said with a chuckle. “The underpainting is done in monochrome, and then I start adding thin layers of color. I work in oils.”

“And how long will it take you to finish it?”

“I should be done by February.” He grinned. “And then it’ll be on to the next one.”

“Oh no it won’t,” Nicole yelled from the kitchen. “The only thing you’ll be painting in March is our child’s bedroom. I want unicorns, rainbows, and fluffy cute animals on every wall. Think you can manage that, Rembrandt?”

Matt winked at them. “Unicorns? Really? And Rembrandt ? Couldn’t you have chosen Sargent? Or Warhol?”

“He was the most famous artist I could think of. You gonna argue with that? And when you’re not painting cute little bunnies, you’ll be painting my toenails.”

“And you wouldn’t have it any other way, would you?” Dan murmured.

“Absolutely not,” Matt whispered. “But don’t tell Nicole that.” He got up. “And speaking of Nicole, I’m going to make sure she has her feet up.” He patted Gary on the arm. “So happy to meet you.”

“You too.” Gary waited until they were alone before putting his arm around Dan and pulling him closer. “I love your family.”

Dan turned his head toward Gary and kissed him. “I think they’re going to love you too.” He cupped Gary’s cheek. “Now do me a favor? Turn your brain off for a while? I know that’s easier said than done, but try, for me?”

Gary chuckled. “You’re right. It is easier said than done. For the first time, we’re close to uncovering Brad’s killer, and part of me doesn’t want to rest until we’ve done that. But I will try,” he added.

Two days away. Nothing’s going to happen in two days.

He hoped.