The Stolen Canvas

by Marlene Chase

  “It will be up to the authorities,” Annie said. “Jem will have to face up to what he’s done. But my bet is that Wally won’t stop trying to move his brother in the right direction.” She pushed the tea service aside. “But we can’t be late for your last meeting of the Hook and Needle Club. Come on, get your tote, and let’s go!”

  ****

  High excitement reigned at A Stitch in Time. Peggy, face glowing, had begged off work extra early and settled herself in the comfy circle of women. As always, she tossed off her shoes the minute she plopped down in a chair. When she opened her tote to pull out her quilt blocks, Annie saw the top of a pink-ribboned package. “Cover that up or take it to the back room. Alice will be bringing Tara back any minute.”

  Kate hadn’t emerged yet from the kitchen where Annie knew she was bustling about getting things ready. Vanessa would bring in the cake at the last minute, excusing herself briefly to run next door to The Cup & Saucer where the chocolate confection would be waiting. Mary Beth, usually the voice of business, looked like she’d swallowed the proverbial canary. With wistful eyes, she murmured, “We’ll all miss her.”

  Gwen had been charged with picking out a gift from all the Hook and Needle Club members, but Annie knew there would be the little extras. In spite of Tara’s original intent, she had proved herself worthy. They had all seen the change in her, even before her flight from Jem with the stolen canvases. They had forgiven her. Now she was leaving Stony Point, going back to her apartment in Portland.

  Annie smiled as she stitched with her crochet hook. In a few minutes Alice, who’d invented an excuse to whisk Tara away for a few minutes, would return, and the party would begin. They’d gather around Tara and yell, “Surprise!” Annie looked around the circle, grateful for the warmth and understanding of these friends who meant so much to her.

  She’d been asked to repeat the story several times. Peggy loved the part where Wally stopped his brother and refused to let him get away. “And Mr. Mayor actually flattened Jem?” she’d asked, wide-eyed.

  Annie tried not to blush when they talked about how brave their mayor was. “Why, he was like a knight in shining armor,” Vanessa said, “and you were the lady in distress he rescued.” She beamed at Annie, as Annie’s face reddened. “Well, three ladies, I guess … you and Tara and Miss Calloway.”

  Stella knitted away furiously on a beige wrapper. She wasn’t saying much, but every once in a while she peered over her glasses toward the door. Annie was betting she couldn’t wait to shout, “Surprise!” too.

  “Isn’t it amazing how Carla turned out to be Tara’s mother’s friend?” Gwen remarked. “All those years she never told anyone that she’d been driving that stolen car. Bet she won’t be so callous now that she’s relieved her conscience and told the truth. And she ended up helping Tara in the bargain. What a gift. It’s amazing!”

  Annie could hear Alice chattering to Tara just outside A Stitch in Time. Bracelets jingling, she’d open the door any second, giving Tara a little shove inside, and then they would descend on her with their gifts and their love. Annie couldn’t keep from smiling as she watched with her dear friends around her.

  Yes, she thought, grace is always amazing … the most amazing thing.