Page 32 of The Prize

Theo looked impressed. “This lady knows her stuff.”

“She certainly does,” Tobias said with pride.

“So the exhibition here of a sample of Leonardo’s personal items have been authenticated?” I sat forward, intrigued with this opportunity.

Theo raised his bushy eyebrows. “Yes, absolutely. A private collector generously loaned them to us for a month. I’m glad you’ll get to see it. Fifth floor. Mention my name if you have an issue. You shouldn’t.”

I gave a nod. “I visitedMona Lisain the Louvre a few years ago. She was beautiful.”

“And even more has been revealed,” said Theo.

I added with joy, “Art historians have discovered both tiny letters and numbers in the dark paint ofMona Lisa’s eyes. It’s a secret message da Vinci was sharing with us. Maybe his signature. Somehow I doubt there’s another painting of her out there,” I muttered.

Theo smiled. “She’d be easy to authenticate. Carbon dating would help to rule out a fake.”

“Thank you, yes, Professor.” I threw a triumphant smile at Tobias to say,There, someone has finally proven the madness of your idea.

Tobias held my gaze. “Leonardo left his unique signature on Mona Lisa’s dress as a final strike of possession.”

I narrowed my gaze on him in response to his subtle strike back.

“Perhaps there was a romance revealed by her timeless smile,” Tobias added with a glint of humor.

“Leonardo da Vinci hired musicians and comedians to entertain Mona Lisa during those long hours she posed for him.” I raised my chin in defense of her reputation. “After all, she was married. So her smile is most likely her amusement from the entertainment provided to prevent boredom.”

“And I thought you were a romantic?” Tobias smirked.

“Not when it comes to science, Mr. Wilder.” I shrugged a shoulder. “You would know all this, Professor.”

Tobias was studying me and I threw him a defiant smile.

“Of course, should another painting of her ever surface out of the blue, specialists will perform multispectral analysis on her.” I turned my focus back to Theo. “This is an easy way to confirm her authenticity.”

Theo shook his head. “Thank goodness for science.”

“My point exactly. And of course they’d carbon date the canvas.” I pushed myself to my feet in triumph. “Take paint samples and run her through infrared. How wonderful is this!” My nerves forced it out as a screech. “And the rest will be from Mona Lisa’s smile—”

“The otherMona Lisa,” said Theo thoughtfully.

“Can’t see it happening myself,” I added. “Not after all this time.”

“I told you she’s art obsessed.” Tobias cut me off and turned back to Theo. “It’s been a wonderful visit. Thank you for this—” He tapped the Post-it note and left it where it lay. “I’ve memorized the numbers.”

“How long are you in town?” asked Theo.

“Few days.” Tobias glanced at me. “Perhaps longer.”

Theo slowly pushed himself to his feet and grimaced.

“Please don’t get up.” I gestured my concern for his back.

He waved it off. “It’s wonderful to see you. Don’t leave it so long next time.”

“I won’t.” Tobias leaned forward and hugged Theo.

I stepped forward to shake his hand. There was a bounce in my step as we headed out, because our meeting would have helped Tobias see sense.

Halfway down the hallway I waited for a couple of students to walk by. “We can still visit the exhibit.”