Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece by Rose Pressey

Author:Rose Pressey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2019-09-08T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Travel trailer tip 13: Pack a first aid kit. Life inside a trailer can be hazardous. So can life outside a trailer.

The sun streamed through the tree branches, casting a prism of colors across the front of my trailer. I surveyed the setup of my paintings.

“Looks good,” a baritone voice said from over my shoulder.

I spun around to find Caleb standing right behind me. It was a bit disconcerting that I hadn’t heard him when he slipped up.

“Oh, thank you,” I said with a smile.

He studied my work for a bit longer. No matter how many paintings I sold, I always felt self-conscious when people looked at my work. What was he thinking? Did he hate them? The portrait of Elizabeth was there, but I knew I wouldn’t sell her now.

“I want to buy one of your paintings,” Caleb said.

I almost asked why, but that would be an odd question to ask of a customer. If he wanted to buy, I certainly couldn’t refuse. Maybe he liked my work after all.

“Okay,” I said hesitantly. “Which one would you like?”

He stepped closer, studying the paintings again. I walked along beside him with butterflies in my stomach.

“Which one do you like best?” he asked.

“Well, I’m sure you know that’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

He stopped in front of the painting of Elizabeth. Oh no. I knew I should have removed it. I’d have to tell him it wasn’t for sale. After that, he’d want to know why. It would turn into a whole big thing. I wasn’t good at lying.

“What about this one? Do you know this person?” He pointed. “An ancestor?”

Could Elizabeth be an ancestor? I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe I should show my grandmother the painting to see if she recognized Elizabeth. Movement caught my attention. Elizabeth peeked around the side of my trailer.

“I’m not exactly sure who she is,” I said.

“She’s mesmerizing.” Caleb turned his attention to me. “Like you.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“Why, thank you,” Elizabeth said.

I jumped when she spoke. I hadn’t realized she’d moved so close to us. Caleb looked at me strangely.

“Yes, it is a unique piece,” I said.

“It’s almost . . . haunting,” Caleb said.

What made him pick that word?

“Unfortunately, it’s not for sale.” I rushed the words.

He frowned. “Why not? Does it have a special meaning for you?”

“You could say that.” I shifted from one foot to the other. This whole conversation was making me uncomfortable.

“Now I’m curious. Come on, tell me the whole story.” Caleb wiggled his fingers, urging for details.

I supposed I could tell him the first part of the story. Leaving out the fact that I’d seen Elizabeth would be the best way to handle this.

“I sold the painting once. It was returned.”

“The customer didn’t like it?” he asked.

“She loved it at first. However, when she got it home, she said something happened.” I studied his face for a reaction.

He waited to hear the rest.

“She claimed the painting was haunted.

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