The Stolen Canvas Read Online Free PDF

began to die, evoked a certain sadness; something precious was coming to an end. While there was hope for tomorrow, this day would never come again.
    She had often witnessed day’s end with her husband, Wayne. The spectacular Texas sunsets they had shared were so explosive with color and movement that it seemed you could almost hear them—like pyrotechnics on the Fourth of July. It always brought a lump to her throat, and she would squeeze his hand, knowing that he was hearing the fireworks too. Here at Stony Point, sunsets were no less lovely, but quieter—like music. Each night the melody was unique. Sometimes it was vibrant and chaotic; other times, it was methodical and tranquil.
    Today, the music was slow and haunting, and Annie felt a peculiar melancholia. There was no one to turn to, to point to the sunset and say, “How lovely!” And in a sudden flash she thought about Ian, the venerable mayor of Stony Point, who had quickly become her friend. There had never been more than friendship between them; she’d made sure of that, in spite of hints that his feelings lay deeper. Still, it would be nice if he were here right now. She’d fix him a glass of that strawberry lemonade he was fond of, and they could just talk … Ah, Annie, she rebuked herself. You’re just feeling lonely. It will pass.
    She leaned back in Gram’s wicker chair and ran her fingers along a smooth green ear of corn. She let a long green strip fall and watched Boots bat it with tentative white paws. The cat sniffed it and tossed her head in spontaneous play.
    “It’s just you and me, Miss Boots,” she said softly to the swish-swish accompaniment of cornhusks across the porch floor.
    She glanced up, suddenly aware of another sound. It was coming from far off, like sudden wind through beach grass. But the night air was still; no wind disturbed the leafy overhang of trees. The sound stopped briefly, and then started up again. Was someone walking up the overgrown path that led to Grey Gables? Annie often took that shortcut after a walk along the water, but visitors usually used the driveway.
    Annie dropped the corn into a green bag and walked toward the path lined with daylilies and daisies. Perhaps Alice had forgotten something or was coming back for a chat. “Hello?” she called, a little nervously. Stony Point neighbors seldom locked their doors, even at the height of the season when tourists abounded. It was charming, even though it might be foolhardy. Hadn’t she learned anything after that pirate cove map had been stolen and the incident with the greedy antiques dealer?
    She called again, but there was no answering voice. Perhaps a tourist had taken a wrong turn. Suddenly someone appeared at the top of the path—a girl—or a woman markedly thin in a cotton sundress dragging a duffle bag too large for her small frame. A mass of hair gave her head a too-large-for-her body look. Dark curls fell over her eyes, and then suddenly, it was the girl herself falling.
    Annie ran toward her, reaching her just as she righted herself into a sitting position. The girl lowered her head onto her knees and wrapped her arms around them. Goose bumps rose all over her exposed flesh. Annie dropped down beside her. “Are you all right?” She clutched one arm, and felt its clammy chill.
    The girl raised her head and peered up from red-rimmed eyes, her face pale. “I’m sorry, I …” She put a hand to her head and swayed slightly, as though the negligible breeze unbalanced her. “I didn’t mean to intrude.” Her voice was small and raspy, as though it hadn’t been used in a long time. She tugged awkwardly at her skirt, trying to smooth it over her knees. “I felt a little faint. I …”
    Why was this stranger climbing up a private path? Should she call for help? The silence stretched as Annie tried to work out what to do. Had she fainted again? She removed her sweater and wrapped it around the girl’s shaking shoulders.
    “Oh, thanks,” she