by Sioux Dallas
“All right!” he said with a satisfied smile. “Keep an account of your expenses, including gas, and I’ll cover them.”
“Expenses? For a day’s trip to Danbury? Don’t be silly.”
“Maybe four days,” Arnold mumbled. Then straightening and squaring his shoulders, he said, “The auction is Thursday of next week I want you to go on Tuesday afternoon and scout around Tuesday and Wednesday. Find out what is being offered for sale and who else might be interested. Be careful of people who give the impression that they’re bidding when they’re just trying to drive up the price. You might find single items at other private properties. If you find items to buy, you might have to stay over Friday to make sure they’re packaged correctly and prepared for shipping to us.”
Liisa listened to his rapid speech and then slowly stood up. She started slowly out of the office and then turned to look astonished at Arnold. “This is the first time I have left you. Who’s going to help you here?”
“Martha Lawson used to work for me before you came. She left to start a family. Her baby is two and she needs some part-time work. She’s willing to fill in for a few days. Take your time in Danbury and be observant.”
“Okay. If that’s what you want.”
“That’s what I want. Martha will come in Monday to work with you and get reacquainted. Go home and pamper yourself over the weekend. The trip will be more tiring than you think.”
“Fine. I need to decide what clothing to pack, get traveler’s checks, and attend to all the little important nonessential things ladies do before a trip,” she said with a chuckle.
The weekend went quickly. Church in the morning and then Liisa had dinner Sunday night with Ben, Ellen, Paul and Ronald. After dinner she went into the living room with the family. She played the piano while Paul played the violin and the family sang old favorites. Liisa knew she should be thankful that she was basically healthy, but it still bothered her that she couldn’t remember making the second trip to Norway.
Later Paul and Liisa were alone in the kitchen. Paul hesitated to bring up an unpleasant subject. “Liisa, have you remembered any little thing?”
“No, Paul, I haven’t remembered. How could I possibly have gone off for all that time and not kept in touch with any of you?”
Paul looked sadly at her. “Honey, you did write to me practically every other day. I did wonder why you were so general in your letters and didn’t write as you had in the past. I never suspected anything like this was wrong.”
“I wrote to you?” she was astonished. “Paul, I don’t know what to say. I don’t even remember writing to you.”
“Don’t worry about it now, darling. It will sort itself out in time. Please, I don’t want anything else to make you unhappy. I would give anything I have to make your life sweet and free of burdens.”
“Oh, Paul, you’ve always been so good to me. I know you’re just as unhappy as I am. Uncle Ben says that, in time, I will remember when my mind is at peace and tells me that there is nothing to fear.”
I know. I’m so sorry that I brought the subject up, but I am concerned and I -”
“You what, Paul?”
“Nothing. Forget it. It’s time for you to start home. Tomorrow is a working day and you need your rest.”
“Just one working day. I’m going in Arnold’s place to an estate auction in Danbury on Tuesday. I’ll be back on Friday or Saturday at the latest.”
“Take warm clothing. We’re promised a snow this week even though it has been unusually warm for December. I uh -”
“I’ll dress warmly. I’m getting excited thinking about the responsibility Arnold has given me. I’ll also be able to do some Christmas shopping while I’m away.”
“Just take good care of yourself. I uh -”
“Paul,” she laughed, “you can’t seem to finish sentences.” “Yeah. Some lawyer I am.”
He put his arm around her and walked with her to the hall closet to get her coat. Ben and Ellen met them to give Liisa a hug. “Call me when you get to Danbury. I don’t feel comfortable with you going there at this time,” Ellen sniffed.
“Cool it everyone. Liisa’s an adult and is an intelligent one at that. I have faith in her,” Ben smiled and gave her an extra big hug. “Do keep in touch though.”
On the way home, it suddenly dawned on Liisa. Paul called me darling. Aw, I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it.
The GALLERY - Art & Antiques, opened at nine, but Liisa was too excited to wait. She arrived at eight-thirty, surprised to find Arnold already at work.
“My goodness, man. Do you live here? Don’t you ever get away and rest? How many hours a day do you put in?” Liisa teased Arnold.
I don’t require much sleep and I hate to just lie in bed. If I wake early, which I often do, I just come on in. What are you doing here so early?”
“Excitement. I’m too excited, restless and fearful to stay still.”
“Fearful? What are you afraid of?”
I guess I’m suffering paranoia.” she laughed. “It’s my insecurity. I’m so afraid of letting you down and not doing a good job for you at the estate auction.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake. You are as qualified as anyone I know. Stop that crazy thinking right this minute. Please don’t tell me you want to back out.” He was agitated.
“No! I’m not backing out, but it doesn’t keep me from being nervous about the job. I know I haven’t had a lot of experience and I don’t want to cause you to lose money over a decision that I make.”
“Liisa, Liisa, honey, do you think for one minute that I would send you if I didn’t have all the confidence in the world in you? I don’t think you can walk on water - yet, but I do think - no I know that you’ll do a splendid job.”
“Forgive me, Arnold and forget that we had this conversation. I’m just spouting off to relieve my own tensions. I’ll be fine. Don’t pay any attention to me.”
“Okay. That’s fine with me. Now, Martha will be here around nine-thirty. You can fill her in and tell her of any obligations we have such as wrapping and mailing packages. Be sure price tags are on the more expensive items. I’ll remind her to check with me before she sells anything or accepts checks. You’ll like Martha. She’s a go getter.”
Liisa dusted and checked stock while she waited. A customer came in and looked around. A few people stopped outside the GALLERY and looked at the paintings on the outside wall in the hallway.
Liisa was carefully wrapping a statue for shipping when she felt a presence behind her. Looking around she was face to face with a chubby young woman with a grin from ear to ear, showing perfect, white teeth. Her brown hair was clean and shiny in a pageboy cut. Her hazel eyes were twinkling with the joy of life. Cosmetics were artfully applied to give her a beautiful, smooth skin. About five-four she wore comfortable tan loafers, light brown slacks and a yellow blouse with a tight cuff and blousy sleeves. A wool topcoat was draped over one arm.
“Hello. I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in. May I help you?”
“Well, no. I’m here to help you.”
It dawned on Liisa. “You’re Martha. I’m sure glad to meet you, and yes, you can help me.” She lowered her voice. “How well do you know Arnold?”
“Oh, I’ve known him for years. Didn’t he tell you that I was working for him until I got pregnant?”
“Yes, he did. I’m so glad you know him. I’m worried about his health. He’s complained of chest pains, but the doctor can’t find anything wrong. I have a feeling that he won’t tell us if he does feel badly. Please keep an eye on him. I hate to leave him, but –”
“Don’t say another word. I’m well aware that Arnold is so independent that he’ll probably be making suggestions and organizing when he gets to heaven. You bet I’ll take care of him. He’s a pretty special person.”
“Good. You’ve met.” They jumped guiltily when Arnold spoke near them. “Hello, Martha. I sure am glad you were able to come in and work this week. You already know the
shop, and I feel relieved to leave it in your hands while Liisa is gone. Liisa will show you around and tell you what is and what’s not for sale.”
Arnold walked out and went down the street. The two young women looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Liisa then took Martha over the shop and explained what business they’d been doing. She explained about the painting in the hall. Martha was full of questions and suggestions about how to find answers, but Liisa didn’t want to discuss it. They worked well together and at the end of the day Liisa went home feeling easy about leaving the shop in Martha’s care.
She called the Johnsons and said so long until she returned. They all had suggestions about clothing she should take, to be careful around strangers, not to carry much money on her person and stay in groups of people and not alone somewhere. She smiled through the conversations knowing that they loved her and wanted the best for her.
Tuesday morning was cold and gray looking. By the time she got a tank full of gas and looked over the map again, a few snow flakes were lazily drifting down. Liisa took a deep breath of the clean, crisp air and got in her car.
She drove west on Center Street, then north on Fifth Street to I-84. She drove west on 84 with care because the snow was heavier and the wind was increasing. Going across the river bridge around Sandy Hook, she was extra careful because patches of ice were forming under the snow.
With a sigh of relief, in the late afternoon, she drove in front of the Holiday Inn where she had made reservations. She was pleased with the clean, well-supplied room and the excellent restaurant next door. The snow and cold air were not conducive to sightseeing. Too, the sky was overcast and the light was not good. She told herself she could not see much, so, she’d wait until morning. She read a mystery and relaxed.
Early Wednesday morning, after a good nourishing breakfast, Liisa took a local map and set out to roam the countryside. She was delighted that the snow had not only stopped, but it seemed to be warming up enough to melt that which had fallen the day before.
The DiGrazia Estate was about four miles outside of city limits. Liisa found a Mom-Pop type store on the way and stopped to ask if they knew of anyone else selling anything. They told Liisa that the former Police chief had retired and had taken his wife to Miami, Florida. Their three children were selling furniture and possibly artwork.
Winding around country roads, Liisa enjoyed seeing the countryside and appreciating the beautiful homes. She finally found the chief’s home and waded through friendly barking dogs to the front door. A gorgeous, statuesque young woman answered the door. Her honey blond hair was cut short and curly around a heart-shaped face. Green eyes were friendly but wise. She was wearing a mint green jump suit and white mules.
“Hello. My name is Liisa Lofoten. I’m an art dealer in Waterbury. I’m here for the DiGrazia Estate auction, but a lady at the country store told me you had some items for sale.”
“Yes, please come in. My name is Rawanda Cipproni. Dad and mom are in Florida, but I’ve agreed to sell a few things for them. My husband and my brother are attorneys in Danbury and are too busy to deal with the sales. My sister is expecting her first child and can’t be here, so, it’s left up to me,” she laughed. “Did you have something in mind you might be interested in?”
“Naturally my first interest is in paintings and statuary, but some furniture might be of interest. Thank you for allowing me in to look around.”
“My pleasure. My brother and sister and I have claimed some items and our parents wanted some items kept for them to use in a smaller home. I’ll show you what we have.”
Liisa followed the young woman through the lovely old house admiring the home and the furnishings. She held her breath with excitement when a set of Noritake Shenandoah china was offered. The service for twelve was complete with all extra pieces. Liisa knew that one dinner plate was worth well over thirty dollars and here was a full service for twelve.
Quickly working on a pad with her pen, she decided how much she could offer and still sell for a profit for Arnold.
There was one Monet painting and several beautiful, but less well known, pieces. When they walked in one bedroom and saw an original sleigh bed, Liisa excused herself to call Arnold on her cell phone and discuss the items with him. He didn’t give her any help with pricing telling her to use her best judgment. Her heart dropped because she wanted to do her best for Arnold and still be fair with the young woman.
After looking over the house, the two young women sat down with Peppermint tea and Calypso cookies to discuss a sale. Rawanda was not familiar with the prices but was intelligent enough to know what sounded good. Liisa reminded her that she would have to pay for special shipping in addition to the sale prices which added to her expenses.
“Rawanda, may I return on Friday to oversee the packing of the items that I buy? I need to know that they’re being packaged well.”
“Please do. I will feel better knowing that you’re satisfied with the shipping. Now what are you offering me?”
I’m offering one thousand dollars for the china, eight hundred for the small Monet and fifty dollars each for the smaller paintings. One hundred dollars each for the three statues and twelve hundred for the sleigh bed. I see some other items I’d like to buy but I need to attend the auction and might need to fork over some money there,” she smiled. “This isn’t my money and I need to be careful.”
“I understand. Do you have time for me to call my brother and tell him what we’ve discussed?”
“Certainly. I would do the same in your situation.”
Rawanda took the pad with Liisa’s notes and called her brother. He put his partner, Rawanda’s husband, on the speakerphone and they discussed it. They finally agreed to accept the deal as long as Liisa paid for shipping and would see to the packaging. He said by the time she came on Friday, he would have a contract drawn up for both of them to sign.
Liisa was happy to accept their demands. She wrote a check for three thousand, four hundred and fifty dollars for the purchases. She thanked Rawanda for the tea and for her hospitality and left. She drove on locating the DiGrazia Estate so that she wouldn’t waste time on Thursday finding it.
It was lunch time when she returned to the motel. She ate lunch and went to her room. More sightseeing didn’t interest her even though the air was a little warmer. She called a couple of firms to find the best price for shipping and what kind of packaging they would do. Satisfied with one of them, she told them there might be more than she was telling them about now.
The manager assured her their driver would go to any home where the items were to be found and take them to Waterbury by the following Monday.
Liisa’s stomach clinched with apprehension. This was all new to her and she was committed to doing her best for Arnold. Tired and excited she decided to watch television, take a shower and settle for a nap. She called room service and ordered a light dinner.
Martha was elated to be back working with Arnold. Remembering Liisa’s warning about Arnold’s health, she kept a close eye on him. Long-time customers were delighted to see Martha again. Word of mouth encouraged several people to come in to see Martha again. Most of them purchased something making Arnold very happy.
On Thursday morning Martha came in a few minutes early and went back to the office to talk to Arnold. They were both anxious for Liisa to have a successful day at the auction. Arnold was eager to see the items she was buying from the chief’s home.
Martha gritted her teeth and smiled when two ladies came in demanding to see Liisa. They felt that Liisa was the only one who could wait on them. They stomped around the store loudly expressing themselves until Arnold came to the front and told them that Liisa would return on Monday. They threw their noses in the air and informed him that they would return when Liisa was back.
Martha became troubled when Arnold staggered to his office breathing heavily. He finally carne to the front telling her that he was going home and would be back on Friday morning.
The road was clearer than Liisa expected while driving to the DiGrazia Estate. Her stomach was full of butterflies with the apprehension and excitement. This was the first time she would be on her own.
Liisa found a parking place near the front gate so that she wouldn’t get blocked in. She walked toward the large barn at the back of the property where a table was set up for signing in. Liisa signed in and claimed a card with a number on it for bidding. She wasn’t interested in the farm machinery, the buggies or the tack. She wandered into the house to view the items listed for sale.
Liisa made a notation of a sale item of jewelry, some first edition books and a few paintings. She wasn’t impressed with most of the household items. Quilts were beautiful but not an item Arnold would be interested in. She found several nice items but they were not what the GALLERY would handle.
Going back outside, she sat in one of the folding chairs and prepared to listen to the auction. She was a little uneasy when a man sat too near her and kept staring at her. She watched him from the corner of her eye and was relieved when she saw a State trooper walk through the crowd.
“Miss. Miss. Excuse me, but I feel that I know you. Are you from around here?”
Liisa shook her head and moved a little to the side pretending that she was trying to see the auctioneer’s stand. He moved closer. “I’m sure I’ve seen you or have met you. What is your name?”
Again she shook her head and stood to walk closer to the auctioneer. She walked around even walking by the policeman and smiling at him. She found an empty chair near the front and sat again.
The auctioneer welcomed everyone and gave his instructions. When he started listing items for sale, Liisa forgot about the man. She was pleased to get the jewelry collection for only six hundred dollars. Some of the lockets looked to be hand painted in the late seventeen hundreds or early eighteen hundreds. She bought two of the paintings for the GALLERY and then decided to purchase some of the vintage clothing for herself. The time passed quickly as she listened with interest. It was amazing what some people wanted and what they were willing to pay for something she didn’t consider worthwhile.