PICTURE THIS
By
Darby Brennan
Bodie and Doyle attend an art exhibition.
An established relationship story.
Written: August 2009. Word count: 500.
Catalogue in his hand, trying to look knowledgeable, Ray by his side, Bodie wandered around the art exhibition. They were there undercover because Cowley had received information that the exhibition was a cover for terrorists.
Bodie reckoned most of the paintings weren't worth looking at; Ray was far better. If the tat on display was meant to provide a cover for the real function of the gallery, Bodie didn't rate it. But at least the gallery was warm; winter had arrived and the temperature outside were barely above zero.
They moved along, studying each painting, until they came to one Bodie thought was good. "Hey," he said, catching Ray's arm. "Now this one's good. Isn't it?" he added, under his breath.
Ray stared at it for quite some time. Finally, he nodded. "Yeh, it is. Bloody good. Wish I was half as good."
Bodie sighed; his lover always ran himself down. "You're better."
"You're biased." But Ray's smile told Bodie he liked Bodie's words.
"What's it called?"
Ray leant nearer. "Of heaven, and the giant wars. Seems it's a line from Hymn Of Pan by Shelley. You know it?"
Bodie shook his head. "More of a Keats man, myself."
Ray grinned. "Wonder how much longer we -" He stopped abruptly as a man dressed in a three-piece suit appeared.
"Mr. Doyle?" he asked.
Ray nodded. "Yeh. I'm Raymond Doyle." He held out his hand. "And this is my agent William Bodie."
The man barely spared Bodie a glance. "I am Gregory Launders. I'm delighted to meet you, Mr. Doyle. Your portfolio is superb."
"It is? I mean, thanks," Ray said hurriedly.
"Oh, yes. I assure you, I would be delighted to be permitted to show your work in my gallery. Assuming, of course, you feel we are up to your standards." Launders smiled.
"I'm sure Mr. Doyle would consider it an honour to have his paintings shown here," Bodie said. "Perhaps we could make an appointment to meet and discuss it further."
"Shall we say tomorrow at four?" Launders asked.
Bodie glanced at Ray who gave a quick nod. "That'd be fine, Mr. Launders."
"Good. I shall look forward to seeing you both then." And with that, Launders vanished as quickly as he'd appeared.
"That was easy," Ray said, once they were outside.
"Bit too easy, if you ask me."
"You worry too much. God, it's cold." Ray turned the collar of his coat up and rubbed his hands.
Bodie bent his head towards him. "Tell you what, sunshine, how about we go home? Reckon I know just the way to warm you up?"
"Oh, you do, do you?"
"Oh, yes." Bodie smirked.
"Come on then, before I bloody freeze to death." And with that Ray strode off towards the car, leaving Bodie to follow behind him.
As he caught up with Ray, Bodie tried to push away the image that they were about to get into a giant war themselves with the terrorists. He hoped it was one they'd win.
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