Would you like me to talk you through it? asked Tina.

Yes please Bette responded.

I didnt even know that you were such an accomplished photographer, Bette enthused. I dont remember ever seeing any of your pictures, only the paintings.

Well the pictures have never been shown, and are unlikely to They are only used to paint a picture. Tina explained. Each of these areas are categorised by Animal

Yes I see that the far section is all leopards, Bette nodded in understanding.

No Bette, Tina interjected, this section is all of one leopard.

Bette looked at Tina her head tilted slightly to her left, her face showing intense concentration. But there is more than one leopard here, she said in confusion, look, there are cubs young adults and fully grown animals here.

The pictures are all of one leopard, just taken over a period of 3 years or so. Tina moved forward to the cupboards directly below the pictures. She pulled open the drawers to reveal an elaborate sliding storage system. She started to pull out one of the drawers, and revealed one of her better known paintings.

Bette stared in awe at the site in front of her. The picture was of a leopard resting in the branches of a acacia tree, its tail hanging below the branch, and its front paw hanging gently over the edge, its face looking into the distance, wide and alert. It was partially in silhouette as the sun was setting behind it, the sky filled with broad brush strokes of orange, yellow and red.

You see, explained Tina, when you get to know the animals as well as I have it becomes important to try and show their character in the picture. Tina paused and chuckled slightly, Im afraid Im a bit anal when it comes to getting it right, thats why I take the photos. Not only does it give me a perfect representation to paint from, but also reminds me of their characteristics, the little habits they have. So you see each of these photographs paints a picture in my mind of each animal, which then allows me to be accurate in my portrayal of them.

Bette walked over to the other side of the room, which was wall to wall lions, She wanted to open up the drawers here. There was one painting in particular that she had to see.

She looked over at Tina for permission. Tina knowing exactly what Bette was looking for called over to her, a hint of resignation in her voice 2^nd cupboard from the left, 1^st drawer down.

Bette looked back at Tina, before slowly and gradually opening the drawer that held the treasure that Bette had come here for. She stared long and hard at the picture before her, remembering the first time she had seen it all those years ago in London.

The picture was of a lioness. It was a full face shot cropped tightly. It looked like she was just relaxing her features after a yawn or roar Bette had never been sure, somehow Tina had captured the essence of the lioness, her eyes showing a weariness, a sadness that you would never expect to see on the face of an animal. It had lost none of its impact since first viewing.

Magnificent Bette exclaimed in awe.

This is the last picture of Simba I ever painted Tina said, slowly moving in front of Bette to stand before her masterpiece.

Simba? Bette asked, wasnt that the character in a Disney cartoon?

It means lion in Swahili Tina explained.

Tina stood there, as if in a trance, her right hand lifting slowly to stroke the lionesses face tenderly.

Bette moved behind Tina until their bodies were almost touching. Tinas pain like a blanket around them. Tina? Bette questioned tenderly. Why is this the last picture you ever painted?

Shes dead Tina stated as a single tear fell down her face

Im sorry Bette replied resting her hands gently on Tinas shoulders.

You dont understand Tina stated forcefully pushing Bettes hands from her shoulders, and slamming the drawer shut.

Im responsible for this, I killed her!

TBC….maybe later today if you ask really nicely!