A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter

Author:Denise Hunter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2023-03-21T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Two

Begin each chapter with a sentence that draws the reader in, and end each chapter with a sentence that entices her to turn the page.

—Romance Writing 101

Sadie paced the living room as her watch ticked away the last minute. At precisely nine o’clock she dialed the number for the art gallery. All she had to do was convince Merilee Owens to give her the former tenant’s information, and she’d be able to return that beautiful ring to its rightful owner.

Merilee answered on the fourth ring. “Island Art, Merilee speaking.”

“Um, hello. My name is Sadie Goodwin and I got your number from Aaron—your tenant above the gallery?”

“Yes, of course. How can I help you?”

“This is kind of a long story, so you’ll have to bear with me. I’m visiting the island for the summer and put up a Little Library on the beach—you know, those little book boxes that have popped up in neighborhoods . . . ?”

“Right. Yes, I’ve seen them around.”

“Well, about a week and a half ago, someone left a hardbound book that has some personal contents inside. Long story short, I’m certain the owner would want the book back, and I traced it all the way to Aaron, who said he’d found the book in an old desk that was left behind by the former tenant. I was hoping you might be able to give me that renter’s information so I can return the book to him.”

“An old desk . . . how intriguing. I’d love to help you but I only recently purchased the building. The apartment was furnished but the last tenant was already gone, so I’m afraid I didn’t have any contact with him.”

Sadie’s stomach flopped to her feet. “Oh, I see. Well, maybe you could give me the previous owner’s information. He or she would surely have his former tenant’s phone number if not his address.”

“I actually purchased the property from a bank. But now that I think of it, I remember someone mentioning that the previous owner passed away before the bank seized his assets.”

“Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. But what about his family? Surely they’d have records regarding his previous tenants . . .”

“I really couldn’t say. I don’t even know the owner’s name.”

“Well, I guess only the bank has the information I’m looking for then.” That was better than nothing.

“I’m sure they do. But whether or not they’ll release that information might be another matter.” Merilee gave her the name and address of the bank, which fortunately was right on the island.

“Thank you so much, Merilee. I appreciate your time. And I’ll definitely come take a peek at your gallery soon. I’d love to have a souvenir of my time on the island, and trust me when I say my apartment in New York could use some help.”

“I’d love that. We have some unique artwork, and all of our pieces are made by local artists and artisans.”

“I can’t wait to check it out.”

After Sadie disconnected the call, she swept Rio off her feet.

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