Chapter 12

Bird Shot

Photo Fantasy was empty.

Art had knocked but no one answered, so he pushed open the door. Inside the studio-shop, giant photographs covered the walls. Big faces. Smiling teeth. Eyebrows so large you could see each hair. It was like walking into a crowd of flat giants.

Near the door was a black desk with a black , very hi-tech mobile.

‘Excuse me!’ called Art. ‘Hello. Is anyone there?’

There was a big couch draped with a velvet rug. Art ran his fingers along the top.It felt smooth. Just then the mobile rang.

Art moved closer.

It kept ringing.

He didn’t know whether he should answer it. The shape was unusual, so he had trouble lifting the receiver.

Then he saw it.

A spot of something white had dropped on the mobile. It was dry, not wet. So it must have dropped a while ago.

‘Hello.’

The mobile went dead. The caller had hung up.

Art looked behind him.

There were a few white spots on the floor.

Bird droppings?

Had a fantail pigeon been in here?

Had Serena been pigeon-napped by the photographer?

There was a sound behind him.

Art swung around.

In the doorway was Sam. He was carrying several cameras and a white umbrella. He looked puzzled.

‘Did you have an appointment?’

Art shook his head.

‘Sometimes, when I’m doing interesting work, I forget the time. I’ve just shot the most beautiful…Hey didn’t I meet you up at the school?’

‘Yes. But I wanted to ask about ...’

‘Your school photos won’t be ready yet. They have to be developed in the dark room.’ Sam nodded towards the back of the shop. ‘But I’ve got something else for you.’

He opened a door in the side wall. He pulled out a big photo backed with cardboard.

‘D’you know him?’

Art looked. ‘It’s me.’

‘That’s right. Took it the other night outside the fruit shop. I thought your parents might like a copy.’

‘This is like the one in the newspaper.’

‘Yes. I took a few. I do all kinds of work. But I like unusual shots best. Got a beauty in here.’

Sam tapped his camera.

Art blurted out. ‘Have you ever shot a bird?’

Puzzled, Sam replied,’ I don’t agree with violence. You mean duck shooting and stuff like that?’

Art kept trying. ‘Not ducks. Pigeons. Doves.’

‘No, I don’t believe in killing. Why? Are you doing school assignments or something?’

‘No.’ Art was getting confused.’ Er, I’m trying to solve a mystery.’

‘This whole conversation is a mystery to me.’ Sam carefully unpacked his gear. He put the open white umbrella in the corner. Art tried again. ‘Do you take photos of weddings?’

‘Only if people book me.’

‘Do you ever photograph brides holding doves?’

‘Ah… Now we’re getting somewhere.’

‘Do you?’

‘Not yet.’

By the time Art left Photo Fantasy he had collected enough clues to solve the mystery of the missing Serena. The only problem was whether he could get Serena back in time for the wedding photos.