Paint the Town Dead Read Free Page A

hard to grow your own gourds?”
    Doralee tilted her head. “I can’t really speak to that, Deena, because I’ve never tried growing my own. I’m sure the local nurseries, agricultural extension, or the technical college could help you find that information. Be aware that cleaning gourds is a messy process. Whether you’re cleaning gourds or cutting, chiseling, or wood-burning them, rubber gloves are recommended, and wearing a dust mask or respirator is an absolute must. I also work in a smock. Generally, I’m not a sloppy painter, but I have my moments.”
    When the audience members muttered and glanced at their own clothing, Doralee held up a hand.
    â€œNot to worry about getting spills or splats on yourselves tonight. I brought oversized T-shirts to wear if you want to protect your clothes. Any more questions?”
    â€œDo gourds rot?”
    â€œNot if they’re properly dried, Jasmine. Gourd farms use all the correct drying procedures, so unless you plan to grow your own or you soak the ones you buy for any reason, rot won’t be an issue.”
    â€œWhat do you use your decorated gourds for?” Ida asked. “What I mean is, are these used for flower vases, or anything practical?”
    â€œPainted and carved gourds can be sculptures in and of themselves, purely ornamental. However, they can also be used as vases, pencil holders, card holders. Again, depending on the shape and size—and your vision—they can have a variety of uses. One artist I know turned a huge gourd intoa cat bed. Birdhouses, as I mentioned earlier, can be made from a plain, unadorned gourd, or be painted or otherwise decorated.”
    â€œHow many kinds of gourds did you say there are?”
    â€œIf I name them all, Ginger, I’ll sound like Forrest Gump.” The students chuckled and Doralee grinned. “Seriously, there are at least eight to ten kinds of shapes, and some lend themselves to a project better than others. I like to examine each gourd and let it spark my imagination as to what it will be.”
    Doralee glanced at her watch. “We’re due to have refreshments, and I know you probably want to get to the fun part—painting your gourds. Does anyone have another question before we break? No? Let’s go nosh, and then paint.”
    I snagged a piece of Ida’s pear bread, but left the three kinds of cookies Maise, Aster, Eleanor, and Sherry had baked to the students. We’d opted to serve only bottled water to reduce spills, but no one seemed to mind.
    When class resumed, Doralee asked me to pass out gourds. I grabbed stacks of tees, too, and placed them at the ends of the tables. Class members could snag one if they chose.
    â€œNow these bottle gourds are all about the same shape,” she said as she donned her smock. A white one with liberal drops and drips of paint colors from butter yellow to blue-black. “I brought a small size so you could finish tonight, and I removed the neck so they’d be easier to handle. You’ll find a variety of acrylic paint colors on the table, and some summery and patriotic stencils and sponges if you want a design on your gourd but don’t want to freehand. I’ll circulate to give you help if you need it.”
    I stood at the back, ready to assist again, which I figured would be about the time students needed to rinse their paintbrushes. Doralee had brought clear plastic tubs that I’d put by the utility sink, and I started that way to fill them, when the emporium door banged open.
    A scowling, burly man stomped into the workroom, and pointed at Doralee.
    â€œDoralee Boudreaux, where do you get off teaching classes?” the man loudly demanded. “You learned everything you know from me. I should be the one up there.”

Chapter Two

    I moved without thinking, blocking the angry man’s path even as Dab charged behind the intruder, clearly outraged. Before either of us could so