Due to the graphic nature of this episode, listener discretion is advised.

This episode contains discussion of murder and sexual assault.

Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Edward Hicks knocked on his colleague's door.

He'd paid Charles all bright for a portrait of his wife,

but he was sick of waiting.

It had been months, and all Charles would say was that the painting wasn't ready.

Now, Edward was starting to think he'd been swindled.

After a few tries, Charles finally opened the door,

and Edward asked to see the painting.

Charles smiled wide and invited Edward in.

Of course he could see it, he said, but it was still a work in progress.

The portrait was in the living room.

It wasn't huge, roughly three feet by six,

but it was shockingly realistic.

The colors were rich.

Edward's wife's hair glistened, and her skin was lifelike.

Everything about the painting was beautiful,

and at first glance it looked like it was finished.

But then Edward noticed them, the eyes.

The eyes weren't just unfinished.

They weren't there at all.

...