Chloe thought hard. “It was about two feet wide and four feet long.”
Pastor John swung his flashlight across the back wall. “According to the catalog, it has a creamy-colored band painted around the middle.”
Liam bent down. “I think I might have found something.” John moved toward him and, carefully, they shifted some boxes onto the floor.
Chloe joined them and brushed layers of dust off the trunk. “This is it.” As she opened the latch and lifted the lid, the hinges creaking in protest. Inside were several items wrapped in cloth. Carefully, Chloe removed the antique navigational instruments, a captain’s hat, and a leather-bound journal.
“It looks like someone packed up their belongings,” Liam observed.
“Perhaps the captain of one of the old steamboats,” Chloe said as she reached deeper into the trunk. With a wide smile, she felt the familiar texture of the sketchbook’s cover. “Here it is,” she said excitedly, pulling it out and placing it on top of the trunk.
Liam turned off his flashlight as she untied the ribbon holding the book closed. The top sketch was a detailed drawing of the Sapphire Bay shoreline, with the mountains rising majestically in the background.
Chloe carefully turned the pages, each sketch more fascinating than the last. There were studies of people in thetown square, children playing by the lake, and families enjoying everyday life.
“These are incredible,” Liam whispered as Chloe showed him and Pastor John a sketch of what the general store used to look like.
“Look at this one,” she said, pointing to a sketch of a Christmas scene—a bustling market with stalls decorated in garlands and lamps, families gathered around a towering tree, and snowflakes delicately falling from the sky.
“She captured the spirit of the holidays,” Liam remarked.
Chloe nodded. “And it’s so similar to how the Christmas markets look today. It’s as if time hasn’t changed anything.”
As they examined each sketch, Chloe lost track of the time. Some drawings contained handwritten notes in the margins—snippets of poetry, thoughts about the town, and observations about the people Eleanor had met.
Liam held his camera above the book and took a photo of a page. “If we want to know why Eleanor disappeared, these notes could be more valuable than the sketches.”
Chloe agreed. “We should scan or photograph each page. That way, we won’t damage the sketchbook by opening it all the time.”
Pastor John held his flashlight over the book. “You’re welcome to take it back to The Welcome Center, Liam, or home with you, Chloe. It’ll be a lot easier to photograph each page in a decent light.”
Liam picked up a page that fluttered to the floor. “It might be safer at Chloe’s house. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be in Sapphire Bay.”
Chloe’s gaze lifted to his. Just thinking about Liam leaving made her feel sad.
Pastor John frowned. “I thought you were staying for a few more months.”
“I’ve been offered another job, but I’m not sure I’ll take it.”
Chloe knew he’d be crazy not to sign the contract. Staying in Sapphire Bay because of her and Oscar would only lead to heartbreak—especially if Liam regretted giving up his dream job.
Pastor John frowned. “Whatever happens, copying the pages in the sketchbook could be helpful in more ways than one. What do you think about creating a special section in our Christmas exhibit dedicated to Eleanor? We could showcase her sketches alongside photos of the murals, telling her story through her art. Someone might come forward who knows what happened to her.”
Chloe dropped her gaze to the book. It was a lot easier than trying to work out whether Liam would stay or leave. “Even if we don’t find out what happened to Eleanor, it might inspire other people to talk about the families who’ve settled in Sapphire Bay.”
“Percy will be happy. The Heritage Protection Society could be inundated with information.” Pastor John checked his watch. “It’s getting late. How about you look at the sketchbook over the next few days? If you think we can create a display from what you find, let me know.”
Liam closed the book. “From what I already know about Eleanor, her story would make a great exhibition. Are you happy to take the book home, Chloe? It’ll be safer with you.”
She nodded and carefully held it. “I’ll buy some conservation materials tomorrow and talk to Percy about scanning the book. I’ll also contact my friends at the Smithsonian. They might have some ideas about how we can find more information about Eleanor’s life.”
Pastor John held open the door. “That sounds wonderful.”
With a heavy heart, Chloe followed Liam and Pastor John out of the storage room. She didn’t know what Liam would decide to do, but she could help Eleanor’s story be told. And if her mysterious disappearance was as riveting as the discovery of aletter written by Abraham Lincoln, Sapphire Bay would be the next tourist hotspot in Montana.
The crisp morningair filled Liam’s lungs as his feet pounded the snowy trail along Flathead Lake. Beside him, his friend Steve matched his pace, the crunch of their sneakers against the packed snow creating a steady rhythm. Trixie was following behind, happy to be outside.
“Man, I forgot how good a winter run can be,” Steve said, his cheeks flushed from the cold.
