The troublesome theory

“So here it is,” said Ernie, unrolling the old and weathered painting. 

“The time travel picture.”

Ernie had gone to great lengths to recreate an ethereal atmosphere, with the hum of the single light bar in a metal warehouse that was, in fact, his den. 

“This Impressionist masterpiece is available to view for £10 per person.”

Jack viewed this scene with a shake of his head.

30 minutes earlier, Albert ran into the room. 

“Ernie claims to have found an iphone in an old painting!”

After paying the chunk of money to enter, he was surprised by Ernie’s intelligence and stupidity.

The painting was cracked and weathered.

“The story goes that an unknown artist once found a model.”

“Turns out-she was a time traveller.”

Gasps arose from the crowd.

“Well, now you know time travel exists, and that’s because of me-Ernie Tannen.”

Applause rang out from the crowd.

Jack sighed, and Ernie saw him in the crowd. 

Ernie had a look of victory which promptly disappeared as Jack began to disprove him.

How?