The Book of Eleanor Read Online Free PDF

but I auctioned off the contents of the house before I sold it. The SUV is full of some stuff too.”
    “Ah, I see. Listen, do you need some help here?” Maddy asked as I signed.
    “How do you mean? Unpacking?” I answered absently, reading the mostly meaningless small print.
    “That, or like getting the store ready, or minding it while you draw. I know several young men who would be happy to help out.”
    I looked at her when I handed the clipboard back. Had I noted a subtle emphasis on men? I had to chuckle just a little. I guess Grey Graham would be an interesting new topic of conversation in Port Isabel before the end of the day.
    “Hmm, a good idea. I have your card and will maybe give you a call after I get settled in.”
    Maddy smiled and started to respond, but a loud voice echoing in the front of the building arrested her.
    “Yo, Maddy, where ya at?” The gruff voice was accompanied by loud staccato barking and Oscar Marie’s angry squalls.
    I leapt to my feet and raced into the front. A balding, heavyset man stood next to Oscar Marie’s carrier. He held the leads of three small dogs. The Lhasa apso and two fox terriers were digging at the metal grate on the front of the carrier.
    “Holy shit!” the man exclaimed. “Someone left a damned cat out here.” He pulled the dogs away from the carrier. “Hish now! Y’all boys just move on back here now.”
    Poor Oscar Marie. Her thick black fur had bristled into a broad mane by the time I reached her carrier. Her large topaz eyes were darkened by fear. She stared at me accusingly.
    “It’s okay, baby,” I crooned, wishing I could open the cage and hold her. I knew better, though. She would take off like a ruptured balloon and the chase would be on. I satisfied myself by moving the crate around, thereby blocking her view of the dogs with the solid side of it, hoping to calm her.
    “I am so sorry, ma’am,” the man said, securely shortening the dogs’ leads. “I was blinded by the sun when I stepped in, and they were on her before I knew what was afoot.”
    I looked into his sorrowful brown eyes and knew his apology was heartfelt. “That’s okay. No harm done.”
    “Ms. Graham, this is Ernie, my husband,” Maddy said. “Ernie, this is cartoonist Grey Graham, our newest Point resident.”
    “Well, pleased to meet you, Ms. Graham,” Ernie said, extending his hand. He indicated the dogs. “These miscreants are Buffy, JJ and Diablo.”
    “But we call him Dabbles most of the time,” Maddy interjected, lifting the tan and white terrier up for snuggles. “He’s not such a devil anymore,” she added in a crooning singsong. Dabbles responded by lovingly licking her nose with his long pink tongue.
    “You do spoil him rotten, Mad,” Ernie said, shaking his head and smiling indulgently.
    Maddy grimaced at me. “They’re our kids,” she explained.
    I held up a staying palm and nodded. “No need to tell me about it. I feel the same about my Oscar Marie.”
    Maddy lowered Dabbles to the floor and took the lead from her husband. “We do apologize for the fright. Will she be okay?”
    I smiled to reassure her. “She’s a Maine Coon breed and tough as nails. She just wants out of this carrier so she can explore her new home.”
    “I bet. Well, there’s plenty to explore here. This old building has nooks and crannies galore.”
    “Elizondo sure loved this old place,” Ernie added, his voice echoing boldly in the open space. He turned to his wife. “Did you show her the deck out back?”
    “Now, Ernest, why do you think I’m even here?” she said archly. “Of course I did. And she loved it as much as we do, I’m sure.”
    She glanced at me for support and I hastily agreed.
    “Well, dear, here are your keys, both sets. The red dot is the front door, green is the side door, and blue is for the back door. If you have any questions or problems, don’t you hesitate to give me a call.”
    I felt a sudden urge to ask them to stay, to have dinner,