His Ring on Her Finger, My Name on the Door novel · Chapter 7 of 32

Chapter 7: The Portrait

Francesca didn't get down right away.

She let the portrait settle back against the wall first, gently, so the wire wouldn't jump.

Then she stepped off her father's chair.

"I asked you a question once," she said. "When I was ten. I asked why I couldn't come in here when Papa was working."

Ottavio's smile was patient.

"And what did I tell you?"

"You said little girls make noise."

"I was being polite." He walked to the desk and touched the fountain pen with one finger, straightening it in its tray. "Your father worked in this room. He died the morning after it burned. Some of us find it hard to see it disturbed."

"Some of you put the fire out."

He looked at her.

For a moment the softness went out of his face, and there was nothing behind it at all.

Then it came back.

"Somebody had to," he said. "Your mother was hysterical. Your sister couldn't breathe. You weren't here."

"I was at school."

"You were always somewhere else, Francesca." He took out his phone. "That painting needs proper care. I'll have it taken to my house tonight. I know a man in New York."

"It's smoke damage. It doesn't need a man in New York."

"It needs to be out of this room." He lifted the phone to his ear. "Bring the car around to the back. And two blankets."

Francesca walked past him.

He didn't try to stop her.

He was sure of himself.

She went straight down the back corridor to the front hall.

Three of the captains were still there, in their coats, waiting for their wives.

The port captain was one of them.

"Excuse me," Francesca said.

They turned.

"I don't know if anybody told you what I do now. I restore paintings. I clean smoke and water and mold off canvases for a gallery in Paris."

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