Sweep It Under The Rug

by Rajani "Reggie" Singh from THREAD END by Amanda Lee

I'm thrilled that the Tallulah Falls Museum is finally getting some new exhibits. Of course, the Padgett Collection of antique textiles is only on loan, but at least our small town is getting a much-needed dose of culture.

The museum has put photographs of some of the items to be displayed in the exhibit on their website, and there is a vintage Sivas rug that I can hardly wait to see in person. The rug--or kilim--is from Turkey and features threads in varying shades of orange, brown, blue, and lavender. I'm sure the photo on the site doesn't do it justice.

Marcy told me that our friend Vera Langhorn said the collector might be willing to part with a few pieces. Let me tell you, Marcy and I had a good laugh over that. One doesn't buy museum-quality art on a librarian's salary. That's what I do, by the way--I'm the librarian. My husband Manu is the chief of police. And you don't buy museum-quality art on a police chief's salary either. Marcy assures me that entrepreneurs can barely afford the admission to look at museum-quality art. If I could afford that Sivas kilim, I certainly wouldn't put it on my floor and walk on it. I'd hang it in a glass display case and admire its beauty every day.

My husband just informed me that there might be an alleged art thief in town, and the department is concerned that he'll target the exhibit. He said the man once confessed to stealing a priceless painting because--according to the note he left behind--the piece wasn't appreciated. I find it rather difficult to argue with that man's motivation. I'd never condone his stealing it, of course, but it breaks my heart to think of art being unappreciated.

In keeping with the Killer Characters' Cozy Days of Summer Giveaway, please leave a comment below telling me what unappreciated thing saddens you. One winner will receive a signed copy of THREAD END. Don't forget to include your e-mail address so you can be notified if you win!