Chapters (58)
- Cover
- Dedication
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-one
- Twenty-two
- Twenty-three
- Twenty-four
- Twenty-five
- Twenty-six
- Twenty-seven
- Twenty-eight
- Twenty-nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-one
- Thirty-two
- Thirty-three
- Thirty-four
- Thirty-five
- Thirty-six
- Thirty-seven
- Thirty-eight
- Thirty-nine
- Forty
- Forty-one
- Forty-two
- Forty-three
- Forty-four
- Forty-five
- Forty-six
- Forty-seven
- Forty-eight
- Forty-nine
- Fifty
- Fifty-one
- Acknowledgements
- An Eastbourne Murder Mystery
- Canelo Crime
- About the Author
- Also by Sheila Bugler
‘Dee might be interested in buying one of your paintings. Would you like to tell her a little about the inspiration for the ones on display here?’
‘Who are you?’ Annie said, ignoring Claire’s question.
‘I’ve just told you,’ Dee said. ‘Listen, I’m sorry if I freaked you out the other day. I only popped in here today because a friend recommended the exhibition. If you don’t want to talk to me about your work, that’s fine.’ She turned to Claire. ‘Thanks for your time and the good coffee. I don’t want to cause any trouble. Maybe it’s better if I go.’
‘There’s really no need.’ Claire scowled at Annie. ‘Annie, Dee is interested in your work. That’s what you wanted, right? To sell some paintings and make a bit of money for once?’
‘Sorry,’ Annie said, giving Dee a half-smile. ‘I’m a very private person. I find this side of the business difficult – putting myself out there, talking to strangers. It makes me uncomfortable. But that doesn’t mean I have to be rude about it.’
‘No need to apologise,’ Dee said. ‘It is a bit of a coincidence bumping into you again like this. I was just telling Claire that I used to live in this area years ago. I only popped into the gallery for a quick look. I’m glad I did. I’ve fallen in love with your work.’
‘Thank you.’ Annie blushed. ‘That means a lot. It’s not easy, putting your art on display like this. I imagine it’s a little like walking down a street without wearing any clothes. Not that I’m planning to do that any time soon.’
‘Glad to hear it.’ Dee smiled before she looked at her watch, pretending to check the time. ‘I’ve got to go, I’m afraid. Is there any chance I could come to your studio some time to see more of your work? I’ve just bought a new home and I’m looking for some original art to decorate it. I live by the sea and one of your paintings would be perfect for my living room.’
‘I’m not sure,’ Annie said. ‘I don’t normally let people come to my studio. It’s sort of a private space, you know?’
‘Annie Holden,’ Claire interjected. ‘There is no bloody point showing your work if you’re not going to try and sell it to people who want to buy it.’
‘Well, if you put it like that,’ Annie smiled at Dee, ‘how would Saturday morning work for you?’
‘I could probably do that,’ Dee said. ‘Why don’t you give me your number and I’ll text to confirm?’
‘My contact details are on the leaflet.’ Annie pointed to the piece of paper in Dee’s hand.
‘Great,’ Dee said. ‘Well then, I’ll be in touch.’