Page 219 of Double or Nothing

“Because freedom isn’t a finished state,” I tell her. “The paintings are about what things become when the restraints begin to give way. They aren’t the finished article.”

“That is still to come.” She nods. “I like it. A lot.”

The adrenaline that bursts through my veins nearly sends me to the ceiling.

“The reserve is ambitious,” she says. “Three hundred and fifty thousand pounds, against a previous public sale of sixty thousand across three works.”

“These are the strongest works I’ve created. A different tier.”

The certainty in my voice surprises me.

“All artists believe their latest work is their strongest.”

“I never did. Until now.”

Fear presses against my ribs.

“The reserve may deter bidders,” she says.

“I know.”

“The lot may fail.”

“I know.”

“A failed sale could damage your position.” Her eyes are right on mine as I shrug.

“Then it fails at the value I believe the work deserves.”

Silence fills the studio.

Camilla removes her glasses, takes a tissue from her coat pocket and cleans one lens slowly. I stay where I am, although every part of me wants to retreat.

Finally, she replaces them on her face.

“I wouldn’t advise three hundred and fifty,” she says. “But I would recommend three hundred, with an estimate of three hundred to four hundred thousand.” I stare at her as she offers her hand.

“I would like to include The Shape of Things Unbound in the Hammersmith catalogue, if you’re happy with that.”

For a second, I forget to take it. I’m frazzled.

“Do you accept, Alice?” she asks. “Would you like to be included?”

“Um, yes.”

My voice is in shock, barely a breath until I pull myself together.

Stronger.

Backbone.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She laughs. “We have work to complete before Friday.”

A laugh back escapes me, halfway to a sob, and I nod along, frantic with a notebook as Camilla outlines the requirements. A revised statement, precise dimensions, extensive list of materials, confirmation of title and a declaration that the triptych has not previously been publicly offered. Yep, yep, yep.

The catalogue proof will arrive on Thursday, with corrections due by midday Friday.