Clay Richardson is a well-known artist who owns his own gallery. Quint Hawk, a police detective, makes contact with Clay when he sees a portrait Clay has painted in the window of the gallery -- a portrait of a homeless young man who was murdered just days before. Unfortunately, Clay has no idea who the subject was. Several months later, Quint contacts Clay to again ask about one of Clay's paintings. The subject has been murdered, as has a third man in another of his paintings. The reclusive artist and the handsome detective are drawn to each other as they try to determine what is happening and why. They come up with a plan to catch the killer -- a plan that could end up in their deaths before they can decide if there is more to their feelings than a couple of very good nights in Clay's bed.

The Element Case

“I know, but I was hungry. I drove past a restaurant I like, and—” Quint started to hand Clay the bags, then veered away, walking to the dining area on the far side of the living room. “Plates, silverware?”


“I have some,” Clay replied, going to the kitchen to get them.


“Figured. Unless you’re a real caveman.”


Clay broke into a grin. “I’m bad, but not thatbad.”


Dinner turned out to be Chinese, with a variety of selections that the two men shared equally. Clay found some beer in the refrigerator, much to his admitted surprise, which topped off the meal.


Their talk was minimal as they ate. Confined mostly to “Pass the…” or “This is good.”


When they were finished, Clay insisted that he should clean up while Quint stayed seated, since he’d brought the dinner. Then he rejoined him at the table.


“If you want to go paint, do so,” Quint said. “I promised I wouldn’t interfere with that.”


Chapter 12