Read Online Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance - Free Book Online

return home using the ointment. Is that right, Granny Custos?”
    â€œEsattamente.” The old woman nodded and shook her hands toward the ceiling in relief. “Break the staff. Break the curse. Break the witch.”
    â€œAnd even if we fail to get the staff or break it,” Pim continued, “you can still use the paste to return home.”
    Granny Custos pulled out a plastic yellow mustard bottle with a twisty cap from her pile of things. The writing was faded and it appeared empty as she unscrewed the cap.
    Claudia’s head felt like a wave machine. Magic paste .
    â€œAnd I know just the painting to get us into her estate.…” Pim mumbled.
    Find the house of witch Nee Gezicht .
    â€œIt’s in the Southern Tier, but if the painting we enter is close enough…”
    Steal her staff .
    â€œI think it could work.…”
    The world behind the canvas .
    Granny Custos carefully lifted the glass blender jar from the base and tipped it over. The viscous goop was the color of mashed potatoes and moved like honey. With a slurping sound that would have made the boys in Claudia’s class snicker, the ointment poured into the opening of the mustard bottle. A few sticky strands missed and drizzled down the side. A spatula helped every last drop over the edge of the blender jar. Granny Custos set it down with a satisfied sigh. She wiped a wet rag over the yellow plastic.
    â€œNot made ointment like this for decades.” She screwed on the twisty top and winked at Claudia. “But I’ve a good feeling about this one.”
    She placed the mustard bottle on the table in front of Claudia. “ Unguento di Attreversarse la Tela. Canvas-crossing ointment.”
    Claudia’s hand was drawn toward the yellow bottle. She picked it up. It felt like … a bottle of mustard. She hefted it for a moment—and then quickly set it back on the table.
    â€œNo way,” she said. “Not a chance. I mean, this goop looks like something my Aunt Maggie would bring to Thanksgiving dinner. You made it in the microwave and a blender that’s a hundred years old. This is ridiculous.”
    Granny Custos shrugged. “You’re the one talking to a boy in a painting.”
    Fear welled up inside Claudia’s chest. Of course she wanted to help Pim, but this … “I’m twelve years old. I’ve never even stolen a candy bar from a grocery store. What makes you think I can steal a witch’s precious ricola —”
    â€œRaccolta,” Granny Custos corrected.
    â€œWhatever. A witch’s most valuable thing from her own house? She cursed Pim in seconds just for staining her dress. What would she do to me if she catches me there trying to steal something?”
    Granny Custos shrugged under the thick shawl, then reached for her pipe and tucked it between her teeth.
    Claudia turned to Pim, but he stared at the tabletop. She looked back and forth between the two, waiting for someone to say something.
    â€œI’m sorry, Claudia,” Pim finally said, running his hand through his hair. “I got caught up in the idea for a moment. But of course you can’t go. I would never ask you to. There are too many unknowns, too many perils. Nee Gezicht is evil and dangerous and should not be underestimated. I wouldn’t risk my only friend in such a foolish dream.”
    There was that word again. Friend . It sent a powerful stroke of energy pumping through her veins, and she felt her face flush once more. Her frantic thoughts slowed enough for her to pick them apart and study them for a moment.
    Pim needed her. When would another chance like this come along for him? “Why the staff?” she asked. “Can’t I just go … behind the canvas … and give some of this goop to Pim?”
    â€œTold you already,” replied Granny Custos. “A strong curse cannot be undone. Only by breaking the magic. Breaking la raccolta