Read Online The Portrait of Doreene Gray by Esri Allbritten - Free Book Online Page A

why sell the painting—”
    â€œAnd the house,” Michael interjected.
    Angus nodded. “And the house. Why sell both of those right now? Is she trying to get away from something?”
    Suki shrugged. “Maybe she just needs money.”
    â€œFor what?” Angus pondered. “What’s changed recently in Doreene’s life?”
    â€œReynaldo seems to be a new addition,” Michael said. “Maybe he wants her to buy a big ranch in Brazil and move there with him.”
    Angus nodded slightly. “That’s a possibility. Of course, he says he wants her to destroy the painting, not sell it.”
    â€œMaybe the new thing is a fight between the sisters, and Doreene is trying to punish Maureene,” Suki said. “So she’s selling the portrait and the house.”
    â€œWhat we need is a good source of local gossip.” Angus spotted their server approaching with the food. “After we eat, I think we should take a tour of Port Townsend’s art galleries.”
    *   *   *
    Port Townsend’s main street had no fewer than five art galleries. They were in the fourth when Angus paused before the portrait of a young man. “Henry Gray, by Maureene Pinter,” he murmured, pointing to the small placard below the painting.
    â€œAs in Hank Gray, Doreene’s dead husband?” Michael wondered. He leaned in to see the card. “Fifty-seven thousand dollars.”
    Angus put his hands in his jacket pockets and studied the portrait. The subject’s curly brown hair was ruffled by wind. One hand gripped a rope, and more rigging and the sea were visible over his shoulder. His blue eyes seemed to look directly at the viewer. “This is very good.”
    â€œI hope so,” Suki said. “That’s a chunk of change for two square feet of canvas.” She studied the portrait. “He looks kind of familiar, but maybe it’s just the setting. I had a really good time at the America’s Cup one year.”
    A smiling woman in a linen pantsuit approached. Somewhere in her midfifties, her round face was weathered and pink cheeked, as though she might be a sailor herself. “Isn’t it wonderful? In addition to being a superb work of art, that painting should be a very good investment. One of Maureene Pinter’s other works is about to be auctioned through Rothwell’s. The value of her work should rise significantly.”
    Angus beamed at her. “It’s exciting, isn’t it? We’re staying at the house.”
    The woman’s smile remained, but uncertainty tinged her voice. “Maureene’s house?”
    â€œWell, it won’t be hers for long, with the property being put on the market.”
    The woman looked flabbergasted. “Maureene is leaving Port Townsend?”
    â€œI don’t know what her plans are. Doreene is the one selling the place.” Angus shook his head sadly. “Between you and me, Maureene isn’t very happy about it.”
    â€œBut…” The gallery owner seemed overwhelmed by this information. “I thought their stepfather left everything to Maureene.”
    â€œI don’t understand it myself,” Angus said confidingly. “First the painting, now the house.” He leaned down and dropped his voice further. “What do you think Doreene needs all that money for?”
    Her expression turned frigid. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
    He offered his hand. “Angus MacGregor, Tripping magazine. Do you have any opinion on what powers the portrait of Doreene Gray has?”
    She pulled her hand from his. “I don’t. Excuse me.”
    They watched as she walked the length of the gallery and disappeared through a side door.
    â€œNot the hot gossip you hoped for, huh?” Michael asked.
    â€œYou never know until you try.” Angus tilted his head in the direction the gallery owner had gone.