"That is correct," replied Kevin.
"I was recently involved in this field and believe it has great potential. I'm an investor, as you know, and as such-"
"You want to make money," Kevin finished.
"Yes. I hope you don't mind if I speak frankly."
"Not at all. I believe we can discuss this issue at length whenever you have the time," Kevin said.
"I'm in Nice today. I could see you tomorrow, or perhaps the next day, whichever you prefer."
"Tomorrow would be fine. What time?" Kevin asked.
"Three o'clock? Would that be convenient for you?"
"Yes. Let me give you the directions to my house."
Kevin and Luigi Amedeo spent the afternoon discussing the laboratory, with Kevin explaining all the phases of his work while Luigi Amedeo asked appropriate questions.
"I have another engagement tonight, unfortunately, but I'd like to speak with you again tomorrow, perhaps a bit earlier?" Luigi Amedeo said.
"Any time."
"One o'clock?"
"That would be fine. Perhaps you would stay for lunch?"
"That would be very nice." Luigi Amedeo paused as he reached the villa's entrance. "The portrait…very nice. The resemblance to the original is striking." He looked at Kevin, comparing him to his image. "I hope you don't mind my asking- who is the artist? What is his name?"
"The artist is a she. My neighbor. She's very good, isn't she?"
"Good indeed. I was just thinking of having a portrait made for my residence in Rome." Luigi Amedeo stepped back from the portrait, then admired it from several angles. "Do you know if she might be interested in the job?"
"I really couldn't say. Actually, she's just finished school."
"I see," Luigi Amedeo said with a faint smile. He shook hands with Kevin and left.
"Do you really have to leave so soon?" Kevin asked, watching Tanya as she gathered her materials.
"Yes, soon, but not yet," she replied with a smile. "I have to clean my brushes. Then I'll go and leave you free to entertain your guest." She went to the washroom and drenched each brush with paint remover. Twenty minutes later, she returned. While she arranged the brushes into the proper holes in the right-hand side of the easel, she heard Kevin open the main door of the villa. She froze as if she were a deer caught in a car's headlights.