Chapter Thirty-Four
Thirty-Four
It wasn’t difficult to figure out which of the casitas was Grant’s. One of the other resident artists, a moody twentysomething man named Mark, was happy to point out the small house. He did not bother to conceal his disdain for the occupant.
“The one at the end of the garden, closest to Hatch’s place,” he said. “The guy doesn’t hang with the rest of us. He never shows up in the studio. Seems to be pals with Hatch, though.”
“His Succubus struck me as rather cartoonish,” Luke said.
Mark grunted. “It’s a piece of shit.”
“Think anyone will bid on it?”
“Who knows? When it comes to art you can never predict what people will buy.”
“How long have you been here at the colony?”
Mark grimaced. “Nine days, five hours, and twenty minutes—not that I’m counting.
I’m not going to make it to the end of the contract.
Hate to ditch the ten grand but I haven’t been able to sleep much for the past few days.
When I do, I have nightmares. Worse yet, the vibe is interfering with my work. ”
“What’s the vibe from?”
“The canyons,” Mark said. He gestured to indicate the red rock walls around the compound. “Between you and me, I didn’t believe in the vortex thing when I first arrived. All I cared about was the cash. But after a few days in this place I’m convinced there’s something going on.”
“Like what?” Luke asked.
“I dunno. Maybe this is one of those places we humans don’t belong. You know, like an ocean trench. Okay to visit but you don’t want to build a town there.”
“I slept fine last night. But I’m not an artist. You’re probably more sensitive to that kind of thing.”
“Nah,” Mark grunted. “The reason you didn’t have a problem is that the hotel sits a couple of blocks away from what the rest of us call the hot zone. The casitas are a lot closer to the strongest vibes.”
“Where is the worst spot in the compound?”
“That damned gallery,” Mark said. “No question. The guests never seem to notice it much but they aren’t here for more than a few days. Also, I’m starting to think that all the high-tech lights in the area dampen the freaky sensations.”
“An interesting theory.”
“What do I know? I’m an artist, not an engineer.”
“Like Hatch?”
“Give me a break. Hatch is supposed to be some kind of genius when it comes to lights, but between you and me, he doesn’t know fuck about art.”
“I see. Thanks for the information. I’d better get going. My wife wanted me to find Grant.”
“Don’t tell me she’s thinking of buying that Succubus.”
“No, she studies mythology. She wants to ask Grant what inspired him to create the installation. I told her I’d try to track him down and see if he’ll agree to sit for an interview.”
“Good luck, but I’m pretty sure the inspiration was a bad horror movie.” Mark started to turn away, but he paused long enough to give Luke a head-to-toe look. “I like the leather jacket. Are you into motorcycles?”
“No, they make me nervous. I’m risk averse.”