Charlotte gazed at the organized chaos in wonder. To think this level of care and expertise had been dedicated to analyzing her humble painting, all because of a dying man’s mystery. She felt a swell of gratitude for this stranger’s generosity.
The historian smiled kindly at her awe. Then, with a gleam in his eye, he stepped aside to reveal what his efforts had uncovered. He clears his throat and tells her that he found the secret. It was hidden under the layer of paint all this time. According to the expert, Paul hid something fifty years ago by painting over it.