Conduct in Question

Chapter 4, Conduct in Question.

Frustration with his lack of artistic skill flooded the Florist as he walked swiftly up Yonge Street. He glanced at the rows of dingy porn shops. Through grimy windows, he saw magazines with pictures of women, twisted and bent. There were photographs of men posing naked together. How sick, disgusting, and depressing, he thought. Sometimes he yearned for the cleansing power of fire to destroy such depravity.

He shook his head. No one appreciated fine art anymore. At last he reached Bloor Street, where the shops were more suited to his taste. In one small bookstore he examined the art section, finding what he was looking for deep within the racks of books: a selection of line drawings by the masterful French painter, Matisse.

Sinking into a comfortable chair, he was transported by the beauty and expression in the effortless flow of line. Matisse had captured his imagination. How could an artist achieve such life and magnificent truth with just one or two lines?

Setting down the book, he gazed out the window. His carvings were much too fussy. On his last one, he had striven for greater artistic style and flair. The scrolling stem along her neck was a good beginning. How splendid it was to create a masterful mark with just a few lines.

Quickly, he paid for the book and checked his watch. It was getting late. He hailed a cab and resolved to practise his drawing tonight. He would learn from Matisse. An artist must rise to the challenge. This time, he would seek the finest canvas to satisfy his requirements.

Note: While the Florist is planning for his next victim, Harry is troubled by the firm which he has just "inherited" on Richard Crawford's death. You'll see in the video vignette how he feels about the law firm, Crane Crawford and Jenkins....and about Natasha.