"Surprisingly good condition," said Solomon, "given that it's likely sat there for days on end." Yes, yes he was being deliberately teasing. He was most likely going to need the pleasure, however faint. Solomon reached out and took the painting, and stared down at it, tight-lipped, for several seconds.

Of course. Of course this place would, a month after having witnessed a vision of his father at the same age, give him a painting. It was as though the universe--or possibly Asti himself--was trying to remind him of everything he'd seen and wanted to forget.

Solomon lowered the painting with a slight jerk, but when he looked up his face was calm. "The car is this way," he said, turning to lead Skulduggery into the jungle.