Requiem Murder [Book 2 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 4

  "Katherine, call off the cat. Why can't I ever visit without being attacked?"

  "Either he likes you or you've walked in something that sends him into ecstasy."

  "He swears the cat wants him for dinner.” Laura rolled her eyes. “I think it's the new shoe polish.” She poured two glasses of wine, handed one to Edward and filled a plate with an assortment of appetizers. She joined Bob and Betty on the couch. Edward sat on the loveseat beside Mrs. Greene.

  When the Simpsons arrived, Judith tried to grab Robespierre. “Oh, you darling cat,” she crooned.

  He made himself small and slithered under the couch. Judith is one of the people he avoids.

  "Your allergies,” Martin said.

  Judith glared at her husband. “I wasn't going to sleep with him. I just want to feel his soft fur with my hands."

  "More like his claws in her fingers,” Beth whispered. She filled a plate with shrimp, cheese and crackers and some other items. Her mouth curved into a smile.

  I turned. Tall, broad-shouldered Lars Claybourne filled the doorway. With a flourish, he handed me a box of Godiva chocolates. “You're as beautiful as ever.” He kissed the corner of my mouth.

  "And you're still a liar.” Lars and I have greeted each other this way for years. He, his wife, Charles and I had been great friends. Even after his wife died leaving him with four young children, there'd never been a party here when Lars wasn't included.

  His blue eyes twinkled. “Let me see what oddities you've assembled. Is there anyone you want me to charm?"

  "You're mine tonight."

  "Threat or promise?” He strode into the living room. Judith's husky greeting was followed by Lars’ booming laughter. All here but the guest of honor, I thought.

  Robespierre emerged from beneath the couch. He positioned himself at the top of the stairs. I walked to the door.

  Roger reached the landing. He held a huge bouquet of flowers. “I know it's like bringing jewels to a maharajah, but I ran out of inspiration."

  "They're perfect. I was so busy this afternoon, I never cut flowers for the buffet."

  He reached the next to last step. For a moment, I thought he meant to step back. “Cat.” His deep voice sounded as though he was being strangled.

  "Are you allergic?"

  He shook his head. “Phobic.” He backed down several steps.

  Judith appeared at my side. She laughed and grabbed for Robespierre. The cat dashed through the living room.

  Roger walked upstairs and handed me the flowers. “Sorry. It's just...it's a long story."

  "Lars, close the bedroom door.” I smiled at Roger. “The next time you come, I'll send Robespierre to Maria's. He likes to watch the baby."

  Judith handed Roger a glass of wine. “I'd love to get my hands on that gorgeous beast, but every time I come close he runs. He comes to you and you don't want him."

  "He's perverse,” I said.

  Judith pointed to the island table. “Try the appetizers. The shrimp are divine and the cheese ball piquant.” She turned to me. “When I retire from the library, will you give me cooking lessons?"

  "If I'm still around. Surely that's years away."

  She shook her head. “I told Martin that when Marcie graduates from high school, I'll have done my bit.” She took Roger's arm. “Let me introduce you to people."

  I clamped my mouth shut. Somehow, she'd become the hostess.

  Beth entered the kitchen. “Go inside. I'll take care of the flowers."

  "The vases are in the bottom of the china cabinet."

  After pausing to greet my guests again, I joined Lars on the window seat. Martin sat on one of the Queen Anne chairs and Ralph sat on the other. Judith had drawn a folding chair beside the piano bench where Roger sat. He tasted the shrimp and kissed his fingers in appreciation.

  Conversation flowed around me. I caught bits of several conversations and the meshings amused me. “Did you hear...Johnny took...seven strokes to reach... Beethoven's...five puppies.” The juxtaposition amused me.

  Beth crossed the room and sat on the floor near the window seat. She sipped wine and watched Judith's attempt to claim exclusive possession of Roger's attention.

  "Beth, there's room on the bench,” Roger said.

  Judith rose. “She can have my chair and I'll sit beside you. There are so many things I want to ask you.” Sultry tones muted her usually strident voice.

  Betty Peters glared at Judith. The older woman rose and walked to the kitchen. Martin stiffened.

  "Quite a collection,” Lars whispered. “Is it guts or did you forget?"

  What did he mean?

  Roger carried his plate to the kitchen. When he and Betty returned, she wore a smile. Chalk up another one who's succumbed to his charm.

  Roger opened the piano. “Do you mind?"

  "Of course not."

  He played several short Mozart pieces. “This is a great instrument. I'll trade you uprights. Mine needs to be tuned every month."

  "No trade. I've had this one for more years than you've lived."

  "Play something we can sing.” Judith's voice held a note of command. “That will give you some idea of the quality of your choir."

  "After dinner if Katherine asks. This is her house and her party."

  Judith scowled and moved to stand behind Martin's chair. I wanted to laugh. She'd chosen Roger for her next flirtation and he appeared indifferent.

  I rose and walked to the piano. “Shall we lead the way to the buffet?"

  Roger took my arm. While we ate, the conversation centered on St. Stephen's, the music program and the food.

  After dessert and coffee, the Peters, Ralph Greene and his mother left. Edward, Laura, Martin and Judith lingered near the piano and listened to Roger's rendition of a Straus waltz. Beth, Lara and I worked in the kitchen. The music stopped, and moments later Roger appeared with Judith a few steps behind.

  "Katherine, thank you for inviting us.” Judith pushed between Roger and me. “Lovely party.” Her fingers crept along his arm. “I'll call and we'll set a date for dinner. You can hear our daughter play and let her know she's not talented enough for a career in music. She's not half as good as you are."

  "She's not quite sixteen,” I snapped.

  Roger stared at me. “What —” He swallowed the rest of his question.

  Judith laughed. “Of course you would champion her. She was your student. Her latest madness is a desire for voice lessons."

  "They won't harm her,” Martin said.

  Judith stepped away from Roger and clamped her hand around her husband's arm. “We really must go. Beth, don't keep Marcie up too late. She has to go to the city in the morning."

  Once the Simpsons vanished down the stairs, Lars kissed my cheek. “I'm on my way. Call you tomorrow."

  "Thanks for coming.” I turned to Beth and Roger. “Run along. I'll finish in the morning."

  Beth shook her head. “The dishwasher's ready to run. I'll hand wash the wine glasses. Won't take long."

  "Take less time if I help,” Roger said.

  As soon as the wine glasses were in the china cabinet, Beth kissed my cheek. “See you Sunday,"

  Roger kissed my other cheek. “Thanks again and don't forget the recipes."

  As they walked downstairs, I smiled. What a nice looking couple, I thought, but I wouldn't meddle. I locked the door and headed to the bedroom.

  Chaos greeted me. My cat had shown his displeasure at being relegated to one room. One of the bedspreads had been pulled from the bed. My robe and slippers lay in a tangle. I scratched Robespierre's head. “You've been busy. You wouldn't have enjoyed the party.” He purred. “The man's afraid of you. He should realize you're just a big fluffy fool."

  * * * *

  On Sunday after coffee hour, Edward cornered me on the stairs leading to the choir room. “Katherine, the dinner was superb, simply superb."

  "Thank you."

  "I nearly collapsed when I saw the Bob and Betty Peters."

&n
bsp; "Why? I wanted Roger to meet several influential members of the congregation and they happen to like me."

  "Because of what Judith did to them."

  I grasped the railing. “Judith?"

  He ran his hand across his bald spot. “Don't you remember? When their son, Alan, was in the choir he and Judith were friends. Then... well, I never thought the boy was stable."

  My hand tightened on the railing. I'd forgotten the rumors of homosexuality that had spread after Alan's suicide attempt.

  "Betty accused Judith of being behind the rumors. There was no proof but—"

  He waited for me to ask for more information but I had no time for gossip. “Did you want something special? Andrew's waiting for me."

  "Laura and I want you to come for dinner on Friday. Lars is coming."

  I laughed. “No match-making. We're too old for romance. Besides it would be complicated sorting estates and Social Security."

  "You're right."

  I slid past him. “See you Friday."

  "Roger stopped by yesterday and caught me in my study. I gave him a set of keys and the flyers Mary collected about possible artists for Evensongs. You know, he asked for a list of my favorite hymns. I like him. He understands how to please people."

  Expediency had been the word Roger had used. “I'm glad. What time for dinner?"

  "Seven. Lars will pick you up."

  * * * *

  Beth picked me up for Thursday's choir rehearsal. When we reached the church, we found Roger in the choir room. “Bless you. Why didn't you call me?"

  "I'm not taking over, just subbing for the sub. She sprained her ankle."

  "I'll gladly cede my position."

  "You're choir director until the last Sunday in June.” He slid from the piano bench. “Can you meet me tomorrow to talk about the Evensongs?"

  "Can we make that Monday? I'm sitting for a neighbor's children tomorrow."

  "No problem."

  During rehearsal, Roger sat in the back of the room. At first I felt self-conscious but soon settled down. Since there were only three more Sundays before the choir year ended, practice was over early.

  When the choir moved to the loft, I sat downstairs to listen. Roger's brilliant touch made the group sound better than ever. When they finished, I made a Vee sign.

  Beth and Roger followed Judith and Martin downstairs. Judith abandoned her husband and took Roger's arm. “You are coming to the Pub, aren't you?"

  Roger turned to Beth. “Are we going?"

  "I'm taking Mrs. Miller home."

  He shook off Judith's arm. “I'll tag along with them since there are some things I need to discuss with Katherine. Beth and I will be along later."

  Judith's eyes narrowed. “Don't be too long."

  Roger remained silent until we were in the car. Then he cleared his throat. “Does she always issue invitations that sound like commands?"

  "Most of the time.” Beth and I spoke as one.

  Roger nodded. “It's nice to go out after choir, but everyone should be included, not just a select few."

  "Amen."

  "Good luck,” Beth said. “Judith will perish if she can't have her exclusive clique that changes with her whims."

  "I'm going to try."

  Five minutes later I stood at the living room window and watched them drive away. They made an attractive couple, but would he offer the stability Beth and Robby needed?

  * * * *

  Several weeks later I left at six for my usual morning walk. Pete fell into step beside me. “You're up early,” I said.

  "I need to take off a couple of pounds."

  "Too much beer?"

  "Junk food.” He winked. “Why can't I find a woman like you? One who likes to cook."

  "Probably because you're looking in the wrong place."

  He halted. “What do you think of this Roger Brandon?"

  "Why do you ask?"

  He didn't meet my gaze. “He's hanging around Beth. The other day when I brought Robby home from Little League, they were in the yard having drinks."

  "What's wrong with that?"

  "She has a son and...you know."

  I glared. “I'm afraid I don't. She's a widow with a child, but she's young and needs a social life."

  "I thought you'd understand,” he muttered.

  Could he be jealous? “Have you ever considered asking her out?"

  He raked his red hair with his fingers. “Why? She has a son who needs her time and attention. Her energy should be focused on him, not some man. Children are dependent on their mothers for everything."

  My hands rested on my hips. “I don't believe you said that. Beth would be stupid to wait for Robby to grow up before she has a life. She needs a husband. He needs a father. Go jog. I'm going to the river."

  I stalked away. I didn't like what I'd learned about him. Pete was a chauvinist. What right did he have to condemn a young woman to loneliness?

  * * * *

  At four o'clock that afternoon, Marcie appeared at my door. Her light brown hair was pulled back and fastened with a rubber band at her nape. Hardly a flattering style and her plain baggy dress didn't add anything attractive either.

  "Come in. I've been expecting you."

  Red colored her cheeks. “Sorry I took so long.. Beth told me you wanted me to stop by, but I've been busy. Are you mad?"

  "Never. I hope they've been fun things."

  She shrugged. “Tests, baby-sitting, practice, avoiding fights with Mom.” Robespierre strolled from the living room and rubbed against her legs. She stooped and petted him. “He's grown."

  "Fatter. I feed him. Sarah's kids bring him treats. Maria feeds him. Have you met her niece?"

  "She's in one of my classes. Shy but nice."

  "Why don't you invite her over after school? I'm sure she could use some friends."

  She rose and headed to the piano. “Mom doesn't like me having kids over when she's not there, which is about every day.” She opened the piano, played some scales and then settled into “Clair de Lune."

  Her touch was sure with a romantic flavor in the interpretation. I applauded. “I'm impressed. You've matured since Christmas. I'm glad you persuaded your mother to let you audition for the Saturday Julliard program."

  "She didn't like the idea. Dad insisted. She's still upset.” Marcie stared at the keyboard. “One of the teachers suggested I take voice lessons. Mom doesn't like the idea."

  "Couldn't you use your baby-sitting money for lessons?"

  "That goes in the bank for college."

  "Isn't that why your mother's working?"

  Beth made a face. “Every cent she makes goes for antiques. Last night she told me I'd have to get a real job this summer. No penny-ante baby-sitting. I already told Beth I'd watch Robby. What's wrong with Mom?"

  "She's unhappy with Beth."

  "She's always unhappy with someone.” Marcie wrinkled her nose. “It's the new choir director. Mom wants him for her friend and she doesn't like to share. What am I going to tell Beth?"

  "What did your father say?"

  "That I should keep my promise.” She kissed my cheek. “Let me go talk to Beth."

  The resiliency of youth, I thought as she pounded down the stairs. What was wrong with Judith? She should be delighted with her daughter's talent.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 4

  ~

  Tuba Mirim

  -

  Since the substitute organist was unable to return, Roger and I finished the choir season in tandem fashion. No matter what argument I tried, he refused to step into my shoes. He insisted my presence helped him ease into the new responsibilities. I must admit his request that I stay flattered me, though dealing with the choir members often made me want to scream. Judith's divisive tactics didn't help. Though she tried to pull Roger into her sphere, he resisted.

  The one time I saw him lose his cool was on the evening of the last rehearsal of the season. Several members brought ti
dbits for the stray cat.

  When Roger left the church, he stopped so suddenly I nearly plowed into him. He bypassed the group in a rush. His breathing took on the pattern of an asthmatic in the throes of an attack.

  Judith laughed. “Are you all right?” Her dark eyes

  "Just in a hurry,” he said. “I've things to do."

  "Are you coming to the Pub?"

  "Not tonight."

  With the end of the choir season, I settled down to a summer of quiet gardening and neighborly visits. What a change from last summer when my tenant had taken over my yard and very nearly my son.

  Beth was a regular visitor. One afternoon in early August, she arrived alone. Today, she wore a troubled frown and she mentioned Roger. Though curious, I waited for her to speak. She poured a glass of iced tea and sipped.

  "Where's Robby? Off with Pete?'

  She shook her head. “Day camp for two more weeks. Then I don't know what I'll do."

  "Did Marcie quit?"

  "Unfortunately. Judith told Marcie to find a job other than sitting. Then after I'd made arrangements for Robby to go to camp, Judith screamed at Marcie for losing her job. Since I'm working this weekend, she will be watching Robby. I told her to bring him over to visit Robespierre. Do you mind?"

  "I'll be glad to see them. Any idea what set Judith off this spring?"

  "Roger. Who else? Just because I've been seeing him since he arrived she's miffed. You know how she is when there's a new man around."

  "She wants first dibs. Are you and Roger serious?"

  "Hardly. I think he wants a buddy.” She frowned. “We've been going places since June and he hasn't kissed me. The other day when Marcie asked him to be her voice teacher, he kissed her cheek. I haven't gotten that far."

  "Why would he do that?"

  "Who knows? At least he takes me to some neat concerts and recitals. I'm becoming an expert on Baroque music."

  "And Pete?"

  "He's still Robby's friend.” She wrapped her arms around her knees. “Is there something wrong with me?"

  "Not that I can see. Finish your tea. This blend is guaranteed to raise your spirits."

  She laughed. “You sound like Roger. He's your latest devotee."

  "That's true. He's dropped by several times to help with the harvest. We had a delightful time."