For this week’s installment, here’s an excerpt from my novel, The Artist’s Inheritance. Maybe you’ve seen this one, maybe you haven’t?

The novel takes place in Gulf Breeze, Florida just outside Fort Pickens, and involves a wood carver–Trevor–and his wife, Caitlin, who’s worried her hubby is slowly going insane–just like his twin brother did before he committed suicide. So, when anything comes up concerning this chair Trevor’s working on, Caitlin’s ears perk up. Read on and you’ll see…

“How much will you take for these fine drawings?”
The male voice drew her attention away from Trevor’s work. A short man with black hair and a lazy eye, dressed in a pinstripe suit and straw hat, crossed the [Wilkins and Brandt] gallery to pause at Trevor’s side. “They’re your work, are they not? Are they available?”

“Yes, they’re mine,” Trevor said. “They’re not for sale. Sorry.”

Caitlin eyed the older man. Who’s this fella?

“Don’t be absurd, Trevor.” [His employer/mentor] Abby Wilkins, jumped in before Caitlin could ask.

Caitlin took in his fine coat, the diamond gleaming from his ring finger. More than likely, the man could pay a fortune for the pictures. Perhaps even the chair they had stashed in the attic. Maybe they’d be rid of the stupid thing yet.

“For you, Mr. Hofter? Of course they are.”

“No, I’m sorry,” Trevor said. “They’re not for sale.”

Abby choked and pulled Trevor aside. “Are you mad, darling? Do you know who he is?”

Caitlin peered over Abby’s shoulder, seeing the man in question studying a Jeffersonian era desk. Trevor grimaced. “I can’t say I do.”

“That’s Marvin Hofter,” Mrs. Wilkins said conspiratorially.

“Who’s Marvin Hofter?” Caitlin asked.

Abby spluttered and tugged at the collar of her linen blouse. “How can you not know him?”

The name meant nothing; Caitlin could only give her a blank look. “I don’t.”

“My dear, he’s only the editor in chief of Antiques Daily.”

Now Caitlin understood why Trevor’s mentor was making such a huge deal.

Trevor touched one of the sketches, almost, Caitlin thought, as if he would protect them. “I’m sorry, no. The pictures aren’t for sale.”

Hofter pursed his lips and retrieved a card case from the pocket of his silk coat. He pulled forth an embossed business card and handed it to him. “If you change your mind, don’t hesitate to call me.” The man tipped his hat and walked away.

Caitlin kept her gaze on him. Something about him made her want to grab Trevor and move as far away as possible. Like to Siberia.

If, alternately you’d like to check it out for yourself it’s available at Amazon , Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords currently for $.99.

Synopsis:

The Artist’s Inheritance
The balance between good and evil can be an art… or a curse.

Trevor and Caitlin were once happy newlyweds, profiting from Trevor’s art. Until Trevor inherits his brother’s house, and with it, his part of a family curse. Now, Caitlin will stop at nothing to save her beloved husband from insanity and suicide, even if it means she must embrace her destiny and become a witch.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt. Cait’s story continues in Caitlin’s Book of Shadows. Meanwhile, the next book in the series, Drawing Down the Shades, is coming up really soon! 🙂 Thanks again to Tammie Clarke Gibbs for inviting me!