Eighty One – Laura's Story Pt. 05

18

Back in the real world of work and normal people, Laura’s weekend adventure acquired the characteristics of a dream. Whilst trying to convince an open mouthed Abbie that it did indeed take place she cast her mind back to try and recall the rapidly fading detail of her experience. When that tiny part of her mind tried to convince her that it was indeed all fantasy and wishful thinking, her bruised backside was there to confirm the reality. She liked to think of the bruises as some sort of trophy and wore them with pride. The frustration of again failing to secure a chess piece took second place to the pleasure she took from knowing that she had Andrews full approval to continue.

The ping from her computer alerted her to the arrival of a new email. Graham Weston. She dreaded opening it for fear of having to read a deluge of gloating once he had heard about her failure to secure the pawn at the weekend. She was mistaken. The message was short: ‘You might enjoy visiting an exhibition.’

It was already mid morning, so Laura took a break from working on the Simpson’s presentation. As she often had since the game began, she sat in front of her computer, cup of tea to hand, and gave Google a good bashing. Pawn, knight and bishop must have flown up the search engine rankings since she started. On this occasion however she got lucky, or might have. A couple of secondary searches convinced her that she was on the right track. She rushed out of the office.

“Abbie, Abbie check this out!” She said, her excitement getting the better of her. “Are you in the middle of something?”

“I’m always in the middle, getting to the end is the problem, particularly when the boss is leaping around you wetting her knickers.”

“Can’t wear them remember, but anyway, put this into Google. Bishop, exhibition, London, illustration.” Abbie tapped away then looked at the results.

“Yes, so?”

“Look at the third one down. There’s an exhibition of illustrations on next week. Here, in London.”

“Yes, and how does that help you? We went through this with the pawn stuff and they all turned out to be innocent. Why not this as well?” Laura’s smug look made Abbie smile.

“Now put in Robert Bishop artist.” Abbie did the search and checked out the first three links before turning back to Laura.

“Bloody hell!”

“Exactly, it’s got to be more than coincidence.” Abbie turned back to the screen and continued examining the images.

“Even if it is a dead end I think I’ll go and see it anyway.” She said to Laura.

“Blimey, you’re getting to be more of a perv than me. You don’t play chess as well do you?” Abbie laughed. “Look, I won’t be able to concentrate on the presentation ’till I know about this so I’m going to take an early lunch and check out this gallery, okay?”

“Can I come, please?” Abbie pleaded.

“No you can’t. Get some work done. You can be a perv in your own time.” Laura walked back to her office. As she got to the door she called over her shoulder.

“And I’ll check the browsing history on that computer when I get back so behave yourself.”

“Spoilsport.”

The gallery was housed in a Georgian building set between two retail outlets in a neighbourhood catering to the tastes of the wealthy. Easels standing in front of high screens displayed artworks from what Laura assumed to be the current exhibition. It was slightly disappointing to discover that it appeared to be a typical London art gallery—with prices to match.

Laura stepped through the door and took a cursory look around. The wide room went back much farther than she had expected: it didn’t look that big from the outside. The artworks were modern, mainly abstract, and produced in oils or acrylic, Laura wasn’t knowledgeable enough to tell which. She liked most of them but could never afford to own one.

Listening to an elderly couple debating the merits of a large abstract painting made Laura smile; she never did have any time for ‘arty bullshit’. At a desk in one corner sat another couple, casually leaning back in the chrome and leather chairs. They appeared to be discussing the purchase of another piece.

She wandered on, attempting to look interested in each exhibit while she worked out how to tease information out of the owner. The elderly couple walked past her, thanked the owner and made their way to the door, still arguing their point of view.

Laura moved on and stood in front of a large canvas covered in what looked like sand mixed with plaster. She kicked herself when the overused phrase came to mind, ‘I could have done that’. She heard the door close, the second couple had left. From the corner of her eye she watched the woman, smartly dressed in a dark grey trouser suit, stride purposefully toward her. She was attractive, tall and slim and looked to be in her early fifties. Laura hoped the woman didn’t ask for her views on the artwork.

“Hello, that’s an interesting piece isn’t it? Reminds me of a cat,” she said, smiling.

“And you like cats do you?

“No, can’t stand them either.” They both chuckled; Laura liked the woman.

“Aren’t you supposed to promote the work?” Laura asked.

“Oh I do, but with these abstracts it comes down to personal preference. Now this one I love.” She moved on to the next picture, a rainy night time city scene. “Just look at those reflections and the colours in every shadow. Just brilliant.” Laura had to agree with her, it was a remarkable artwork.

“Do you have a particular area of interest?” The woman asked.

“I don’t really know much about modern art to tell you the truth. I did study the history of art for A level, but that was a long time ago.”

“It hasn’t changed.” She said smiling.

“No, I suppose not.” They wandered along and paused in front of the next piece. They both studied the painting. There was a long silence, which Laura eventually broke. “I saw the press release for your next exhibition and, as I was passing, thought I’d call in to find out a bit more about it.” Laura thought she picked up a slight hesitation before the woman answered, perhaps a transient thought holding her tongue.

“Ah, the Bishop collection. We were so lucky to get that. It’s only here for a month, on loan from a private collector. I love the erotica stuff. Fifty percent of the exhibits are the original drawings. I’ve seen them, so intense. That’s your area of interest is it?”

Laura wasn’t quite sure how to reply. “Erm…well…I don’t know really. A friend of mine suggested it, said I might find it interesting.” Laura felt the blush travelling up her neck and into her face.

“His sort of work isn’t to everybody’s taste.” The woman said and then she paused, choosing her words. “Are you looking for something in particular?” There it was, an open invitation. Laura’s heart raced. She had nothing to lose so she jumped in with both feet.

“I know it sounds silly but yes, there is something in particular. It’s a bishop, of the chess sort.”

Just at that moment the door of the gallery opened and a young woman entered. She placed her bag behind the desk before joining the others. The woman turned back to Laura and continued the conversation.

“And you think we might have one?”

“Have you?”

“Did your friend say we would, the one who suggested you try us?” Laura sensed the beginnings of a bizarre conversation—it had to be the right place.

“Well, he didn’t say you in particular. I just thought it might be you, considering the type of work in the exhibition.”

The owner turned to the young woman with an expression of delight on her face and said, “I don’t think we’ll be needing you on Saturday after all Sally.” Turning back to Laura she confirmed her assumption, “You are Mrs Miller aren’t you?” Laura gave a dumb nod. “There you are then Sally, that hunky boyfriend of yours will be able to have his wicked way with you after all.” Sally’s eyes remained fixed on Laura. The peculiar look on her face Laura found hard to read. Was it relief, disappointment, or something else? Then the girl spoke.

“Is this your first time? I remember mine. You can never get that back. You’ll love it.” Laura’s blank look spoke volumes, compelling the owner to step in.

“Thank you Sally. Why don’t you go and finish those price sheets, I’ll see to Mrs Miller.”

As the girl turned to leave she gave Laura a wink and a smile, and said, “I’ll see you soon then.”

“Yes, lovely.” Was all the bewildered Laura could think of. “What did she mean?” she asked the owner.

“Oh, she’s got her head full of boys, doesn’t know what she’s doing half the time. Now then, the opening is from eight till ten so you’ll need to be here at seven. Is that OK?”

“Be here for what exactly, what will I have to do?” She spoke the words slowly, hinting at her suspicions.

“You’ll serve drinks and nibbles to the guests.” She could see that Laura wasn’t convinced. “Is that okay?”

“Er…Yes, of course. And that’s it?”

“Did you have something else in mind?”

“No, it just seems too straight forward.” The woman laughed.

“Why shouldn’t it be? You seem very cautious.”

“I need to be. So far I haven’t had too much luck with finding chess pieces. I just need to make sure I’m not falling into another of their traps. So, let me get this straight. I come here on Saturday, serve the guests for a couple of hours and you’ll give me the bishop, is that right?”

“Right, well not quite. I don’t actually have your bishop, but don’t worry, I’m assured that one of the guests has.”

“Are you sure?” Laura pushed the point.

“Yes, it’s simple,” she confirmed. Lets hope so thought Laura.

On the way back to the office her morale rose higher and higher. At last she felt she was getting somewhere. The woman had confirmed all the details, surely there was no way they could hoodwink her again. On Saturday she would get the bishop, the first piece.

After relaying the story back to Abbie she too could see no loopholes. In high spirits, Laura suggested that the two of them could go out for a meal, her treat. Andrew would be staying at a hotel tomorrow night after a late meeting so she would be on her own anyway, the ideal opportunity. She rang Andrew to confirm with him. Yes he would be going to the meeting. She told him the good news about the gallery and Saturday night. He was pleased for her, so much so that he suggested they book at a new restaurant they had seen but not yet visited. Laura was a little hesitant, she told him that it looked pretty expensive. He insisted that she book and he would pay.