Read Online With the Wind | A Short Novel by Judith Cropola - Free Book Online Page A

.
    Anthony was just arriving.  Wilson watched him drive up and walk into the house.
    “You look terrible,” Anthony said.  “What in the hell is …”
    Wilson threw the photos on Anthony’s desk.  They splashed into an array, a graphic presentation of two lovers posing for the camera.
    “She’s been playing us,” Wilson said.
    “Where is she?”
    “Take one guess.”
    “I will handle this, Wilson.  Mr. Novikov is a ghost.  But let me do it.”
    “Your daughter is quite the little liar.”
    “My daughter is taWilson with a boy.  She is young.  I’m sure you can understand.”
    “There is too much at stake here, Anthony. We both know…”
    “I will ensure that Mr. Novikov is no longer a problem.  I want you to leave and come back tomorrow around this same time.  Say nothing to Misty.”
    “What do you have in mind?”
    “Don’t ask.  Just trust.  Have a little faith.”
     
    ********
     
    “Hi Daddy,” Misty said as she walked into the dining room.
    “Hello sweetheart.  You’re late for dinner again.  Is everything alright?”
    “Yes, everything’s great.  We’re almost finished.”
    “Almost finished?”
    “Yes, all of the pictures for the brochure are taWilson.  I brought them in to show you.”
    Misty set her notebook computer on the table and stood it up on a stand. 
    “I made a slide show.  Just flip through the pages using your finger.”
    Anthony reviewed all the pictures.  Then he said, “Daniel did a great job.”
    “Didn’t he?  The angles, the lighting, the choice of backgrounds, all perfect.”
    “What do we owe him for his work?”
    “He was pleased to do it for the cost of the equipment.  I think we saved five grand or more by using him and we got a top quality product.”
    “Then you and he don’t need to go off together anymore?”
    “No.  Well, tomorrow we want to shoot the north field later in the afternoon.  The light is perfect then; the shadows will provide just the right contrast for our cover shot.”
    “After that you’re done?”
    “Yes.  Good thing too.  I need to focus on the wedding from now on.”
    “I agree.”
    “Where is Wilson?”
    “He had to run into San Francisco on some business for his father.  He said to tell you he will see you for dinner tomorrow.”
    “I’m glad that you’re pleased, Daddy.”
    “I’m very pleased.”
    “Would you tell Daniel?  It would build his confidence to know that you think highly of him.”
    “I’ll be sure to let Mr. Novikov know exactly how I feel about him.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIXTEEN
     
    “Is it right?  The light, I mean?” Misty wanted to know.
                  “Perfect.”  Daniel snapped the last of the brochure pictures.  “We have captured the moment.”
                  “My father loves your work.”
                  “I am glad.  Now I take more of you, my favorite subject.”
                  Misty had on jeans and a form fitting top, low cut.  She knew they would be taking lots of pictures of her today and she wanted them to be extra special.
                  Daniel snapped away.  Misty framed against the vines, then a tree, then the jeep.
                  “Close up now.”
                  Daniel leaned in inches from her face.  He changed the angle slightly – first straight on, then up, then down, then slightly askew.
                  Misty started to cry.
                  Daniel stopped taking pictures and set the camera down.
                  “What’s wrong?”
                  “We won’t be together tomorrow.  Without the project…”
                  “You will miss me?”
                  “I miss you every second that I’m not with you.”
                  Misty could not