One of my casual friends from 20 years ago passed away unexpectedly at work.  He was the type of friend that you interact with on FB and see once every five years at some event.  We got along really well.

&amp;#x200B;

He is a semi-famous comic book artist and inker, and is well known in that world.  The week before he died, I commissioned him for an art  piece.  No money was exchanged, (hey, he's my friend.  Cash on delivery.) . no contracts signed, and no real deadline set.  We have done this 3-4 times in the past 20 years, so this setup isn't unique.  I don't know if he has this system with other clients or friends.  

&amp;#x200B;

For purely sentimental reasons, I want this piece.  I don't know if he's even started it, but even if it's just barely started, I still want it.  I'm not part of the comic book world, but I do know a few of his signed works are worth money.  He had a live-in girlfriend who I've only met twice and a teen child I've never spoken to.

I know after people die it can be a shark feeding frenzy, and I don't want to contribute to the circus but I'd really like that piece.

&amp;#x200B;

WIBTA if I contact his girlfriend and I ask her to look for the piece and give it to me?