Surreal Absurdity

What is it about Charles Pierce that makes people want to kill him?
He's retired from his law practice, does pro bono work for non-profits, and has turned all his attention to focus on his art. He even rented a studio, as part of a gallery where exhibitions are well attended and the wine flows freely.
So why does a mysterious and hostile young man threaten him, while the woman who tried to poison him last year shows up at an exhibition to purchase one of his abstract paintings?
Charles can't seem to avoid associating with criminals. Even Detective Gonzales believes he is somehow involved in a series of local murders because his business cards are found at the scene.
No one, least of all Charles, can explain it, but the more he seeks clues and answers, the more he finds the whole situation to be a Surreal Absurdity.