The Painting: A Novel

The Painting

A Novel

Steve Wilcox

ISBN 979-8-89243-009-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89243-182-8 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-89243-010-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Steve Wilcox

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

The Painting is a work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents, and places are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Drawing of easel and brushes: Mark Collins, used with permission.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

About the Author

Dedication

I am pleased and honored to dedicate this book to the faculty, staff, and students of Robinson (TX) Independent School District. They have taken an interest in my writings. They often ask, When is your next book coming out? or What are you writing now? I had one junior high student come up to me and proudly announce she had written a book.

This is a continuation of my first novel. While many of the major characters have returned, new characters have been named in honor of the faculty, staff, and students of Robinson junior high and high school.

Steven Wilcox

January 2024

Other Books by Steven Wilcox

In this series

Finding Ted James

The Album: Growing up in the Age of Innocence

The Mexia Music Murders

Nonfiction

Vanished: The Mark Dennis Story

Acknowledgments

My wife reads everything I write, twice. She reads it as I write and then again when it is published. I could not do what I do without her. My kids Molly and Arron, and Mark and Jessica, along with my two granddaughters Sarah and Charlotte, keep me honest. They make sure I am not wasting time when I should be writing.

My fan club, especially at Robinson High School. The faculty, staff and students keep me motivated, and encouraged as they check my progress and read what I have written. Especially Mrs. Lopez, the high school librarian who promotes me as an author and keeps my books at the checkout station, so students are aware of them. She has also helped me navigate social media. RNQ!

To my beta readers Alan W., Becky, Debby H., Naomi, and Doris, who helped me find and fix those nasty potholes. Without them the ride would not be as enjoyable.

To my pastors Seung Ho, Randy, Wayne, and David for providing information, guidance, and encouragement, especially with the conversations with God. Thank you, pastors. Your help has been invaluable.

To Debbie Gerik, my proofreader. She made sure I didn't mess this whole thing up as I wrote, revised, and rewrote. Thank you, Debbie.

I need to thank Christian Faith Publishers for taking a chance on me, especially Michael Mongera for walking me through the process and my literary agent, Marie Lewis.

And as always, without you, dear reader, there is no purpose to telling this tale.

Allora

Chapter 1

Allora Marie, as her mother called her when there was a problem, was a precocious child. As an only child, Allora was never content to sit and play by herself. She learned to create playmates with dolls, stuffed toys, and tea sets. When her mother did her housecleaning, Allora followed behind with a toy vacuum and duster. Too young to read, Allora memorized stories her dad read to her each night. With the stories memorized, she would sometimes reverse the role and read the stories to her dad. Out of sight, her parents found delight as they watched Allora place her stuffed toys on her bed and read to them. The couple smiled as Allora read a page then turn the book and show the dolls the pictures. No one cared the book was upside-down.

Guy Hughes had a knack for art and never tired of drawing pictures for his daughter. He would stop whatever he was doing and draw the picture his daughter requested. Sometimes, Allora would sit next to him with a crayon and paper. With great concentration, she would recreate the image her father had drawn. Allora's drawings were little more than scribbles to the casual bystander; but to the fantastic duo (as Abby, Allora's mother, called them), they were identical. Guy would sit next to his Allora and point to the similarities in their drawings. Allora would then run and show Abby her latest masterpiece.

Allora loved her mother but adored her dad. If Guy was home, she was with him. She sat on his lap as they read the Sunday funnies or watched television. Guy's job required extensive reading of books, manuals, and reports. Allora would sit as her dad read whatever he had in his hands. She mimicked him as she studied the words in her storybook. When Guy put aside his reading, Allora announced, My turn! and handed him a book to read.

The relationship between Allora and her dad was hard to explain. Abby was a stay-at-home mom with Allora forever underfoot. Allora followed her mother everywhere with never-ending jabbering. Abby enjoyed sewing. Whenever she found time, Abby sewed new clothes for her daughter. Allora was quiet during these times and had a table and chair where she would read or draw. Sometimes she watched her mother sewing, standing quiet as a mouse. Mesmerized watching her mother work her magic, Allora would sometimes ask, What's that? or Why did you do that? These questions swelled Abby's heart as she answered her daughter's questions. In bed with her head on her husband's shoulder, Abby would recount the latest edition of The Adventures of Allora Hughes.

One Saturday morning, Allora was helping make cookies when Abby realized a need for more ingredients. Guy was reading a new manual when his wife asked him to go to the store. No problem, he said. I'll be right back. He grabbed the car keys, and headed to the store. Allora was right behind her dad when a stopped and said, No, honey. You need to stay and help mom.

At a four-way stop a block from Aldi's, he crossed the intersection. A police investigation determined a preoccupied Guy failed to recognize the car heading toward him was not slowing down. The driver of the oncoming car was intoxicated, speeding, ignored the stop sign, and continued into the intersection, where he T-boned Guy. The violent collision sent the car's weight into driver's side door, pinning Guy between the door, the steering wheel, and the console. Guy did not survive the accident. In a flash, Abby lost the love of her life, and Allora lost her knight in shining armor. The loss devastated them both. However, Abby's strong faith guided her through the unthinkable. Allora was too young to understand what happened. All Allora knew her dad was gone, and it was God who took him from her.

It was a struggle, but Abby put her life back together. With Guy gone, so was the family's income. Between the insurance Guy had taken out on his own, and the insurance his company provided, Abby could pay off their mortgage. She and Guy married right out of high school and Abby never worked. With her husband gone, Abby found work at the local Walmart allowing her to pay the bills and keep food on the table. She enjoyed the work, and it got her mind off missing Guy and filled her life with new friends.

Allora's recovery was slower. She spent two years in therapy. Over Labor Day weekend, the local Catholic church was having their annual fish fry. Some coworkers encouraged Abby to attend. At least you won't have to cook and clean up! Abby and Allora were by themselves when a man asked if he could join them. Abby looked around, noticed few empty spots, and invited the man to sit with them. The man introduced himself as Bill Brown, and Abby motioned to a chair. Bill began talking with Abby and Allora.

A few days later, Bill called and invited Abby and Allora to a movie. Before long, Bill and Abby were dating. Although he was nothing like Guy, Bill was a good fit. Bill was shorter and stockier than Guy. He did have the same sense of humor, putting the two at ease. It didn't hurt that Bill adored Allora, or that child enjoyed being with him. Bill was not an artist, but he enjoyed helping Allora develop her art.

The summer before Allora began high school, Bill and Abby were married. When they returned from their honeymoon on Mackinac Island, Abby believed the worst was behind them. They were now a family.

The next four years flew by, and Allora graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Allora wanted to go to college and major in art. She was a very talented artist and won several contests and awards. Several pieces of her artwork were posted at school and elsewhere. Abby and her daughter discussed the difficulties of making a living as an artist. Bill listened to Allora's dreams and suggested she minor in business. Then, out of the blue, a brochure arrived in the mail from Emmerson College in Traverse, Illinois. Traverse is about three hours west of her hometown of Terre Haute. Partnering with Southern State University, the two schools offered a program allowing Allora to earn a degree in art, followed by a degree in business administration.

During her final year at Southern State, Allora interned for Makovy Networks Inc. They were a consulting firm with offices in Illinois and Indiana. Her goal was to land a position in the Terre Haute office, but soon realized how much she enjoyed working in Traverse. Three months after graduation, an international firm, Langlotz Analytics, purchased Makovy. With the merger completed, the new owners closed the Traverse office and Allora found herself out of work. With her last paycheck, Allora was unsure what the future held. In addition, Allora now had a boyfriend that complicated the equation. Out of desperation, Allora visited Julie Logan, her old placement advisor at Emmerson.

Sorry to hear about Makovy, said Julie. Do you have any prospects?

None that capture my imagination. I enjoyed Makovy because the office was here in Traverse. I thought about landing a position in their Terre Haute office, but I came to love the small office atmosphere. Most of the available jobs are with larger firms and require me moving to Chicago or New York. I've become a small-town girl. Also, I've started painting again. I am not sure… She did not finish the sentence. I worked long hours at Makovy and may have to work even more in a larger firm if I want to move ahead.

And your boyfriend. What does he think?

I don't know. Trenton and I are not that serious. He has another semester before he graduates, and I doubt if either of us envision a long-distance relationship as a viable option.

Hmmm, said Julie as she put on her glasses and began rummaging through papers on her desk. Are you familiar with the JK Foundation?

No, I don't think I've ever heard of it.

They are a small nonprofit dedicated to improving life in and around Traverse. A couple of years ago, they completed the Southtown Project.

Southtown Project?

"They took a blighted neighborhood and opened a grocery store, community garden, youth center, and health clinic. Following their lead, a bank opened a branch across the street from them. It was all over the news. The Today Show and Good Morning America featured the project." Logan rummaged through a file drawer, pulled out a brochure, and gave it to Allora.

Allora looked the brochure over. Sounds great. Where do I fit in?

It is a small foundation, and by small, I mean two. Ted James and Jack Kelley run the foundation. Jack's daughter is the CFO, chief financial officer, and runs a tight ship.

Okay, I'm still unsure where I fit in. Allora hesitated.

Ted stopped by last week. He followed a path not too different than yours.

He's an artist?

Shaking her head, Logan smiled and said, No, but he started out here at Emmerson. Like you, he went on to Southern State. The foundation has just expanded its office. They have been working with other communities and foundations, in addition to their projects for Traverse. Ted said the office has become more than they can handle, and they could use someone to run the office and help with other aspects of the foundation.

Like what?

Ted didn't say, but with your graphic arts and business background, I could see you helping them with project promotions and advertising. Interested?

Maybe. It sounds interesting.

Good. Here is Ted's card. Call him and let him know I am recommending you for the job.

You are?

Yes. And I will call Ted and tell him to expect you. So don't disappoint me now.

I won't and thank you.

* * * * *

If we don't hire somebody soon, this thing will chain one of us to this office, grumbled Jack, and it won't be me.

Ted was at his desk, shuffling papers. You don't have to convince me, old man. If you recall, before we moved back in, I suggested we hire someone.

I know. I know. So where are we? Jack asked.

Ted laid down three folders. Then, shoving them toward Jack, I put an ad on the GetHired app. I have these three applicants scheduled for interviews tomorrow. Tara Thompson is at nine, and Kennedy Adcox is at one. I also talked with Julie Logan over at Emmerson, and she recommended Allora Hughes. So Allora is at three thirty.

What if they aren't any good?

Ted said, Relax. There's more.

* * * * *

Ted and Jack were in the Scrapbook Room, the name Ted had given to the conference room. Before becoming the offices for the JK Foundation, it had been the home Jack shared with his late wife, Jessica. Six months ago, Jack realized the foundation needed more space, and Jack reluctantly agreed to move out. He had mixed emotions and felt he was losing his last connection to Jessica. Jess had pancreatic cancer, and during her final years, Jess would spend hours in the second bedroom scrapbooking. After Jess's passing, Ted and Jack moved her materials into the second bedroom they called the Scrapbook Room. During the renovation, Ted insisted the conference room be in the space once occupied by the second bedroom. Without letting Jack know, Ted had The Scrapbook Room etched in the glass next to the door. Jack teared up when Ted unveiled the name of the space. Ted understood Jess had to be a part of the new space that was once their home.

Allora Hughes arrived at three forty-five. Jack said, Not a good sign when you're late for an interview. Ted gave Jack a knowing look, then greeted the new prospect.

Allora was from Terre Haute, Indiana, three hours east of the village. She moved to Traverse because of the joint dual-track program at Emmerson College and Southern State University. She received an associate of arts degree in graphic design from Emmerson College and considered herself an aspiring artist. Now in her final year at Southern State, she was on the dean's list and ready to move forward. Ted brought her back, introduced her to Jack, and motioned to a seat across the table from them.

I'm so sorry I'm late, she began before either man could ask a question. I was sure I would be early. However, there was a problem at the Fifth Avenue rail crossing. A train stopped, and I couldn't turn around.

We heard there was a problem, Jack lied. We're glad you are here.

Allora was tall, maybe five-ten, slender with an athletic build. She had short, curly brown hair, highlighted to soften the color. She wore a blue skirt and jacket, with a shade lighter blouse. Jack first noticed her emerald-green eyes, and he knew she missed little. Her smile was broad and friendly, and Jack was quick to show interest in this young lady. On paper she was the least qualified, but before the interview had gotten underway, Jack knew she was the one. Jack could not describe what it was about this young lady. She didn't look like his late wife, but there was a quality that reminded him of Jess.

The interview went well, with Ted asking the technical questions and Jack enjoying the informal conversation. Thank you for coming in. We will make our decision in the next few days, said Ted.

Allora stood and Ted shook her hand. Thank you.

Jack cleared his throat. Ms. Hughes, please have a seat. Then taking Ted by the arm, he led him outside the Scrapbook Room. Curious, Allora watched the two men have an animated discussion.

Listen, bud, I am aware I don't have all the highfalutin education you have, but this is the one, he said, nodding at Allora. We need to hire her.

But, Jack. We—

We nothing. I am the chairman of the board, and I want her!

Okay, Ted said without conviction and raised his hands in surrender. If you are sure—he looked at the file—we'll offer her the position.

The two re-entered the Scrapbook Room, and Jack sat next to Allora. Ted stood and said, Ms. Hughes, Mr. Kelly and I believe you will fit in well with the foundation, and we would like to offer you the position. Relax a moment while I get the paperwork. Ted left, leaving Allora and Jack talking.

Ms. Hughes—

Please, call me Allora.

Great. How would you like to help us with our advertising, brochures, and such?

I don't know, Mr. Kelley.

Jack touched her arm. If we are going to work together, call me Jack.

With a smile, Allora said, I would love the opportunity. Only…

You want more money? Jack leaned back in his chair.

Oh no. The money is fine. Allora stopped, unsure of what to say. The thing is, I have little experience in advertising. I have a degree in graphic design, but no experience in actual advertising.

Allora, my dear, said Jack, his stomach shaking and his head bobbing, that won't be a problem, trust me. Ted is our project manager, and he started out as a burglar. He then broke into a laugh.

Huh? said Allora, eyes wide open, leaning away from Jack.

That's a story for another day. Heck, when my lawyer insisted I start this foundation, I didn't even know what a foundation was, let alone how to run one.

So you trusted your lawyer?

I better. She's my daughter.

Oh, Allora said with a smile.

Then Ted came along. After he graduated from college, he headed up a million-dollar project. What I am saying, my dear, we learn as we go. Jack sat up and studied Allora for a second. Are you alright with that?

Oh yes. That's fine. She prayed Jack could not see the sweat on her forehead or hear the pounding of her heart.

Ted came back with a folder. Here are the forms, said Ted, handing Allora a folder. When can you start?

Before Allora could say anything, Jack said, She'll be here Monday morning. Then turning his focus to Allora, he said, You can bring those forms with you. Jack looked back at Ted and said, Oh, and she needs more money.

I thought—

Oh, what you offered was fine for an office manager, but Allora will also be in charge of our advertising, said Jack, with a wink aimed at Allora.

Wide-eyed and mouth opened, Allora stared at Jack, then turned to Ted.

Ted looked at Jack in total confusion, then after an awkward silence, Well, we'll see you Monday morning, Ms. Hughes. Ted led Allora to the door, then turned to Jack, with blood running to his head