A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #7)

by Louise Penny

Fortin launched into a passionate dissection of Clara’s portraits. The nuances, right down to the use of tiny strokes within longer, languid strokes of her brush. It was fascinating for Gamache to hear. And he found himself enjoying this time with Fortin, despite himself. But he hadn’t come to discuss Clara’s painting. “As I remember, you called Gabri a ‘fucking queer.’” The words had the desired effect. They weren’t simply shocking, they were disgusting, disgraceful. Especially in light of what Fortin was just describing. The light and grace and hope Clara had created. “I did,” Fortin admitted. “It’s something I say often. Said often. I don’t anymore.” “Why would you say it at all?” “It’s what you were saying earlier, about different ways to kill. A lot of my artists are gay. When I’m with a new artist I know is gay, I’d often point someone out and say what you just said. It throws them off. Keeps them afraid, off balance. It’s a mind-fuck. And if they don’t fight back I know I have them.” “And do they?” “Fight back? Clara was the first. That should’ve also told me she was something special. An artist with a voice, a vision and a backbone. But that backbone can be inconvenient. Much rather have them compliant.” “So you fired her, and tried to smear her reputation.” “Didn’t work,” he smiled ruefully. “The Musée scooped her up. I went there to apologize. I knew that pretty soon she’d be the one with all the power, all the influence.” “Enlightened self-interest on your part?...