Arts of Passion

By Madelyn Hollis

Jeannie’s story begins in her small Alabama home town one year after a tragic accident claimed her mother’s life. While her fiancée accepts a promotion that will move him to a new life in Birmingham, Jeannie postpones their wedding and stays behind to run the family antiques gallery during her father’s recuperation in the hospital. Unfortunately it is soon learned that her father, Ben, is not simply suffering from an ailment yet without diagnosis and a complete mystery to his doctors, but rather from the critical reaction to a rare and highly regulated poison. Meanwhile a mystery unfolds when Jeannie soon finds herself involved in an intense investigation that intermingles with mystery, danger and an opening to the possibility for a new romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796097566

Madelyn Hollis

Madelyn Hollis is the eldest of two daughters raised in a small South Georgia town. They were raised in a Christian home with love and support. She began to develop one of her stories into a novel, which she completed only a few months before her husband’s death in 1999. She put it away all these years until her oldest daughter; Megan, encouraged her to dust it off and seek publication.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Must I keep reminding you how much he means to you? asked Rena. Rena Edmonds had been Jeannie’s best friend since grade school. They had been friends so long that neither could remember how they had first met.

Rena has worked at a local shipping and receiving warehouse since a couple of months after her high school graduation. She spent most of her spare time reading or watching old mysteries or trying to help keep Jeannie’s love life on track.

Both women would agree that Jeannie has trouble with that area of her life.

No, Rena, I don’t need reminding! said Jeannie. "As a matter of fact, I wish you would just drop it. I really do need to handle this one on my own.

Jeannie Jarveson and Randy Henry had seemed so good together. They had dated since junior high school. In high school Jeannie was an honor student. She liked sports well enough. But she enjoyed her club activities more. She had even been in the marching band for a while.

Randy was also an honor student. He played football, but would always be better remembered for his contributions in baseball and basketball.

Everyone was sure that he would have pursued a career in one sport or the other. But he and Jeannie were so close throughout high school that when time to send out transcripts came around, the colleges that most only dreamed of being attending were left at the curb. They decided to attend the same local college instead. They were afraid that the differences in their career goals might interfere with or prevent their being accepted to the same school.

Jeannie majored in Art and Graphic Design with a minor in English. Her hope was to one day teach.

Randy majored in computer programming and minored in advertising. They both graduated from high school with honors and scholarship offers. There were all sorts of offers they had not even considered, didn’t even know existed.

Shortly after their college graduation Randy proposed to Jeannie. He had their future together all planned out. While they prepare for the wedding Jeannie worked in the family art galleries part time.

Randy was offered a very impressive position with a local computer facility. The position came with the promise of better things to come in if his performance and dedication proved to be top rate. So naturally the wedding was put on hold while he settled into his new position.

They were always smiling - then. Since Randy went to work at Vidacom two years ago, his career continued to look up with many raises and commendations. His big break came when a very impressive promotion was offered.

Unfortunately the promotion required for him to move to Birmingham where he would have his own staff to manage. He would also be responsible for several large accounts that could make or break his business reputation.

Unfortunately Randy’s transfer came at the wrong time. Jeannie’s daddy had become so ill, she elected to stay behind to care for him and to run the family business. It was only to be for two months, only until Barbra could return home from Europe.

Barbra was the older of the two sisters and responsible for take over the galleries when daddy decided to retire. Therefore it seemed to Jeannie that it was mandatory for her to take over now that he was so ill. But because of a falling out that Barbra had with their father she accepted a position, instead, as director of a very prominent European museum. Returning to the United States did not appear to be in Barbara’s plans.

Now, rolling towards the sixth month, Jeannie was beginning to see things headed straight to hopeless. Randy was doing well enough. So well, in fact, that it has been weeks since he had called; or even written for that matter. Daddy’s condition remained the same. Barbra’s new relationship is, for the time being, holding center stage. So, of course, she stays overseas.

Thus Jeannie stays home. She stays for the sake of the business, and for that of her daddy.

Still there’s Randy. How can he love Jeannie so much and not call; at least to inquire about her daddy or just to say hello. Doesn’t he miss her? Doesn’t he care at all? It seemed to Jeannie that as long as they had been together he would know when she needed him. He should know that even a simple and quick phone call would help almost as much as his being right beside her.

Look Jeannie, said Rena urgently seeking the right thing to say. I really do understand how you feel. She hoped for any words to ease the pain, or make it go away. We’ve been friends far too long for me not to understand.

Jeannie turned to face Rena. I know that you think you understand what I’m going through. And I do know that you care. But don’t you see everything seems to be closing in on me. Daddy still isn’t getting any better. Jeannie ran her hand through her hair as she turned to walk towards the sofa.

And frankly, I can’t understand Barbra’s lack of concern. God knows that she had always been his favorite. Why won’t she come to him? No falling out in the world should keep a man’s own daughter from being by his side at a time like this. You would think she could at least pretend to be concerned and call for updates on his condition.

"I don’t know the answer to that one. But I do know that your being here means something. God Jeannie, don’t you think he knows that he’s got two daughters? Your support for him now is what’s keeping him going. His condition is not so bad that he doesn’t realize what you’ve given up just to stay on and help him. He loves you too Jeannie. I’m sure that he appreciates you putting your own life on hold for him.

Yeah okay, stammered Jeannie. She always hated it when Rena got philosophical. She never really knew how to answer - or if she were even supposed to answer at all. "Whatever you say, Rena, I won’t argue for now. But then there’s Randy…

"Jeannie look, Randy has just started a practically new life. He has to adjust to a new town, a new apartment, and a new boss all by himself. Not to mention the added responsibilities that came with the new job in the first place.

Oh and I suppose all that’s my fault? Jeannie exclaimed. And that’s good enough of a reason to completely drop out of my life? I have a right to expect at least a hello once in a while. Or better yet an ‘I called just to say I love you,’ don’t I? He’s obligated for that much simply because of this ring on my finger. He put it there as a token of a love and a future life together.

Jeannie, try not to be so hard on Randy. It hasn’t really been so long. Besides, he has to be going through a lot of the same things that you are. You can’t honestly be sure that he isn’t throwing himself into his work to keep from being lonely. Or there is the possibility that he could genuinely be that busy. You, yourself, did say that he would be pretty much starting from scratch. For all you know he could be working so late that by the time he gets home it’s too darned late to call.

Yes all that is true, agreed Jeannie reluctantly. But don’t you see that’s why I need to handle this situation in my own way. I desperately want to be with Randy. But I have to be here for daddy and for the business. That is the key reason for throwing myself into my own work. If I work, I don’t thing about Barbra, or daddy’s illness or what Randy might be up to. I can just concentrate on business.

So how is business anyway? asked Rena. She never fully understood the antiques business in the first place. Jeannie’s mom took Rena under her wing and attempted to educate her in the finer things. Rena would say it never completely took. She always felt like a country bumpkin. It wasn’t that Mrs. Jarveson didn’t loved Rena to death. She showed it at every turn. Still, Rena just didn’t ‘get it’. She appreciated the attention and cherished being included. Rena loved that she was not just Jeannie’s best friend, but made to feel like an actual part of the family. A part of the family that was always supportive of Jeannie in every way possible.

Are things going any better at the galleries? Rena asked.

As a matter of fact, replied Jeannie, I have a meeting tomorrow with a collector from Atlanta. Somehow he has heard about mom’s collection in the rear gallery. He has already made an offer.

It still baffled Jeannie that a complete stranger could know as much about a private collection that had not even been viewed in ages. And everyone knew it was not for sale. Yet his offer was for that collection specifically. Why? Who was sending him there in the first place? Jeannie couldn’t imagine.

But Jeannie, I thought that stuff wasn’t for sale! exclaimed Rena. Jeannie’s mom had spent most of her life buying and trading for those pieces. The collection was more than a hobby, it was her life. Now Jeannie is thinking about selling? That entire room held the basis of Rena’s art lessons! Jeannie couldn’t sell, she just couldn’t!

That gallery is like the local museum or something! Rena stated flatly! Besides, your dad has said it’s kind of your mom’s life. It’s all that we have left of her. You’re not really thinking of selling, are you Jeannie?

I guess we will just have to see what tomorrow brings. Jeannie said, wondering what she should do. What would Daddy and Barbra say? If mom were still here, what would she think?

Ben Jarveson, Jeannie’s daddy, had started his business almost thirty-three years ago with Jeannie’s mom. Jeannie still remembered the story of how they first dreamed up the idea over ice cream at ‘The Hamburger Palace’. Jeannie always loved the way her mom smiled so shyly when Ben told the story. It was as if it embarrassed her somehow.

Margory Honeywell was such a beautiful woman. Her death truly is such a tragedy even now, six years later. If only they had found the driver of the other car. Everyone was thankful to know at least that the accident took her instantly. Jeannie still cringes when she has to round that curve. But there had been so few clues to go on. Margory had gone into Montgomery to pick up the shipment of new pieces for the main gallery. The crash site was so muddy. It had rained so heavily that day that much of the evidence was washed away or trampled by paramedics and others on the scene. There were smudges of paint flakes on the front left bumper. Barbara had once said if only someone had gone to look for her just an hour earlier or if only Jeannie or she had gone with Margory that day. If only…

CHAPTER TWO

THE JARVESON GALLERIES are located in a beautiful antebellum home in down town Unionville.

The house was the original plantation home of Margory’s ancestors, as well as the founders of Unionville. It was one of the first three homes built in this sleepy little town. It was built by Mr. Honeywell himself.

Ben felt inferior to Margory because of her heritage. She never said anything to contribute to his insecurities. As a matter of fact she was more than supportive. He just felt that it was somewhat intimidating to date the founding fathers’ progeny.

The Jarvesons, for that matter, were not exactly lacking stature or reputation. Yet no matter how she tried to reassure him, Margory never could convince Ben that he truly was the man she believed him to be. None the less, they were devoted to one another and loved each other even in the end. Everyone said so. But then there was really nothing not to love about Jeannie’s mom. The entire town shut down the day of Margory’s funeral.

Maybe that was the biggest part of Jeannie’s love for that old house. So much of her mother was there, not only in the building itself, but also in the art and antiques that collectively made up THE JARVESON GALLERIES.

The early morning hours were always Jeannie’s favorite; maybe because that was the time of day that her mother always liked the best. During the morning hours no one was there but Jeannie, and perhaps the spirit of her mother. Or maybe it was because of the way the early morning light made every piece of art look so majestic, even regal, as if it were proudly standing there in all its beauty and glory. They always looked so poised to Jeannie; as if about to shed some light on the questions in her head. To Jeannie, the house’s early morning creaks seemed to be quiet whispers, perhaps its best kept secrets being shared with her. The intermingling aromas of the woods and oils, along with the scent of candles actually added to the appeal this old place held for her. The scent unmistakably changed at different parts of the day too. And it was at this time, in the early morning, that the air seemed fuller, the memories were more distinct and Jeannie felt much more at home.

Jeannie never knew if her imagination was just in hyper drive, but whatever the reason, that old house held Jeannie in a spell that she was not so quick to break. Besides staying in Unionville was not such a bad thing, as long as Jeannie could spend her time in this place her mother loved so dearly. Margory had spent her childhood here and then worked so hard to transform it into such a fantasy land of history and prestige.

Oh sure THE JARVESON GALLERIES had drawbacks. What place of business didn’t? But they were few. Besides, who cared about that with all the history and love filling and surrounding this beautiful old home?

Day dreaming again Jeannie, asked Mrs. Andrews.

Martha Andrews was the town’s foremost ‘authority’ on everything and everyone. She wasn’t really that bad, although Jeannie had a deep distain for the woman. Martha Andrews wanted desperately to be involved in every aspect of everything that went on in this town. Jeannie had to work very hard to hide her personal distrust of the woman. It was common knowledge to most everyone that if it was worth knowing one could be sure that Mrs. Andrews knew all about it. For the past sixteen years she had been Wednesday’s first customer; without exception. Mind you she rarely made a purchase. She did, however, enter loaded to the gills with criticism of the newest art purchase and, of course, town gossip too hot for the local presses.

Mrs. Andrews, said Jeannie smiling politely. How are you this morning?

Oh I’m as well as can be expected. I’m still having trouble with my ankle. She broke it last year. She claimed it happened while she was working in her garden; which is unlikely. Gardening, in the winter? Sure!

But there are some that say she did it trying to peep in on old man Finley. He is only the best looking seventy-year-old on the face of the planet. At least the best looking one Jeannie had ever seen.

I don’t think I will ever recover from that old break, continued Mrs. Andrews. The weather outside is so dreadful too. I’m not sure that the weather isn’t adding to the pain in my poor old ankle. Why is it so cold today? Is winter coming on early this year? I just don’t know how I am expected to survive awful weather like this. But I don’t suppose all the complaining in the world will make it go away or make anyone care that doesn’t already so enough is enough.

Jeannie rolled her eyes as she worked hard to concentrate on the invoice she was reviewing.

So, how are you today, dear? Mrs. Andrews continued. "Have you heard