"Wow, that is one homely kid."
She grumbled, "You're telling me."
"You know, you're not exactly a starving artist. I think you can pick your projects."
"I know. I like a challenge once in a while."
"Well, you certainly have one on your hands with this. I'm going to work on some music, how long do you plan to be here?"
"Just a few hours, but then I'm going to shop for a Christmas present for Samantha."
"Want me to go with you?"
"No, why don't I meet you back here around four and we'll go out for dinner later."
"Sounds like a plan." He kissed her again, and as he left the room, turned and pointed to the canvas. "Good luck with that."
***
Elisabeth left for Stanton Street at around 2:30. She noticed a large truck as she parked. Tables with designer shoes on them stood beside the truck. She hurried to admire them when a man came out of the truck. "I have a lot more in here."
"Really?" She climbed into the truck to find shoes everywhere. "My Goodness." She pulled her phone out to call Sarah. On the second ring, something sharp pierced the back of her neck and everything went black.
***
Jackson had lost track of time. He found Elisabeth's studio vacant at 4:30. He spotted the canvas and smiled, shaking his head in disbelief. She had somehow found the most attractive features in the boy. The portrait still looked like the child, yet he was almost handsome.
He checked the bedroom before going downstairs.
Sarah sat in the drawing room reading. "Have you seen Elisabeth?"
"No, I had a dropped call from her earlier, but when I called back it went straight to voice mail."
"Huh, she was supposed to be back at four." Jackson called and got her voice mail as well. "Hey, where are you? Let me know if you want to meet in town instead of here."
***
Connor had started back at the office and returned home from court. "Hi guys, what's up?" He sat next to Sarah, planting a kiss on her forehead.
Jackson said, "Elisabeth and I are going out to dinner if you want to join us."
"Sounds good to me, what do you think, Sarah?"
"Sure, where are you going?"
"We can decide when Elisabeth gets home."
She still hadn't returned by 5:15. Jackson called again. When the phone went straight to voice mail, he hung up without leaving a message. "Where the hell is she? It isn't like her to be so late and not call."
Sarah said, "She probably lost track of time and is in a dead zone."