Requiem Murder [Book 2 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] (15 page)

"It's fun. A lot of reading but I've always had my nose in a book, only now, there's a purpose to what I read."

"And what does Andrew think?"

A smile lit her plain face and exposed a hidden beauty. “He's changed so much from last year. Surely you've noticed that. Sometimes he argues interpretations and he helps me study for tests."

I wonder if she knew how deeply he'd been enmeshed in last year's mess. I knew he'd confessed his infatuation and the possibility of a lawsuit. Had he told her he'd been intimately involved with my tenant? Something I'd unwillingly witnessed.

"Sounds like he's back on track."

She nodded. “I think he is. He's been helping Ted get his life straight again."

"That's good."

"Now, tell me what's going on at St. Stephen's and why you have to talk to Roger Brandon, other than to refuse center stage. I hear a purpose in your voice when you mention his name."

"I need some answers from him to solve a developing situation. There's trouble brewing and he's at the center of the problem."

"Are you putting yourself in danger again? Inviting house breakers in? Taking tea with a killer?"

"I've never been in danger."

"You'll never convince Andrew. He worries about you."

"This is different. I need information from Roger.” I rose and reached for my coat.

She caught my hand. “Do you want me to wait at the church and drive you home?"

"No telling how long I'll be."

She paid the check. “I completely forgot to ask my favor. Could Andrea spend the weekend with you? Andrew and I want to get away."

Why not? Though I'd volunteered to watch Robby, another child wouldn't be a bother. Andrea hadn't spent a weekend since school started. One of the children could sleep on the couch, the one non-antique piece of furniture I own.

"If she doesn't mind sharing Robespierre and me."

"Why would she have to share?"

"I'm watching Beth Logan's son. She and Pete are also going away for the weekend."

"Congratulations. You've finally matched him with a lovely woman."

"There's nothing definite."

"Wait until I tell Andrew. There are times when I think he envies Pete's freedom."

But Pete is ten years younger and not married. I prayed my son had learned a lesson last year. Envy is all right. Emulation isn't.

We left the restaurant and drove to the church. I waved as Ruth drove away. Then I headed for the side door. Even before I reached the sanctuary, I heard the vibrant tones of the organ. For the December Evensong, Roger was performing a solo concert, a treat I desired, but not if he continued his games. If they didn't stop, I would take steps to see him removed, even if it meant traveling to every church where he'd been Minister of Music.

I entered the sanctuary and closed the door carefully. Then I slipped into one of the pews and turned to watch him. He slid from a Bach Prelude into the Widor Toccata. His fingers flew across the keys. Music filled the sanctuary and reverberated from the stone walls. His body moved from side to side and occasionally, he leaned back. My heart thudded against my ribs. He had removed the back of the organ bench and there was nothing to prevent a plummet to the stone floor.

When he finished the dazzling piece, I applauded. There might be deficits in his character but never in his mastery of the music.

He turned and leaned toward me. I gasped.

"Mrs. Miller, don't come up. What time is it?"

"Two thirty."

"I've an appointment at three."

As he entered the stairwell, his voice vanished. Was half an hour enough time for me to learn what I wanted to know and to extract a promise?

"...do for you?"

"A number of things. Have you thought about what I said yesterday?"

He shuttered his eyes. “Actually, I have, and you're probably right since you know these people better than I do. The problem's partially solved since there's no choir rehearsal this week. Besides, Martin called to say he and Judith were dropping out of choir until they learn why she has these headaches."

"What about Marcie?"

"You know her mother's forbidden her to have lessons with me."

Though his statement should have brought relief, my edginess remained. The underlying anger beneath his words alarmed me.

"She's still a child and under her parents’ guidance. And there's her crush on you."

"What has she said?"

Again, something in his voice brought a vague uneasy feeling. “I haven't seen her since Sunday except at a distance. I'm concerned because of what Judith believes about you and her. She's unstable and—well, I'm afraid of what she might do."

He arched an eyebrow. “Should I be afraid, too?"

"Maybe. It wouldn't hurt to be cautions.” I leaned against the end of a pew. “Why have you moved so many times?"

"I'm looking for the perfect place. I believe I've found it at St. Stephen's."

How many times had he said those words?

"There won't be much chance of that happening if the business with Judith explodes. I've watched her for years. Her pursuit of you is different than her other chases. She just might be in love with you, and you know what they say about a woman scorned."

He shrugged. “I'll take my chances. Why should I be interested in someone ten years older than I am?"

"Why do you like to stir ant hills?"

He arched an eyebrow. “Is that what I do?"

"I wish you'd take this seriously, but since you won't, there are a few things I have to do."

"Is that a threat?"

"I don't make threats."

"Guess you won't be directing the choir for Passion Sunday. It's the Magnificat."

He dangled temptation but I didn't bite. “Absolutely not."

"Shame. We're a great team."

Since there was nothing more to say, I left and walked over to the parish house to see if Edward was available. Perhaps I could rock his boat. He'd gone home early so Mary and I had a nice little chat about the church and the coming events. At a little past three, I waved to her and headed outside. Then I realized my handbag was missing. A quick check revealed I hadn't left it in the office.

The sanctuary. One of the pews. While I'd listened to Roger, I must have put it down. I hurried to the church.

As I reached for the door into the sanctuary, I heard Roger's voice. I paused and wondered where he was.

"Please, baby, don't you know what you do to me. Can't you feel the power we're raising. This is the best way to tap the awesome power we hold inside. Did you read the book I gave you?"

I frowned. Was he alone? I couldn't be sure.

"Haven't I always been right? Have I ever hurt you?"

This time, I thought I heard a faint response. Who was with him?

"Baby, doesn't that feel good. You're ready for me, and lord knows, I'm ready for you. Just touch me and you'll know. Let's reach for the power. If I hurt you, I'll stop."

His voice came from the changing room just off the sanctuary. A thick carpet covers the floor. A nice place for a tryst. I reached for the door and drew back. Instead, I let the door into the church close with a bang and scurried to the pew where I'd sat to listen to Roger. I kicked my handbag under the kneeler.

"Roger, I think I left my handbag here.” I opened the sanctuary door.

He stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him. “Mrs. Miller, what did you say?"

"I must have left my handbag when I was here earlier. Hope I didn't interrupt anything."

"Not a thing. The cleaners just delivered Edward's vestments and I was hanging them up.” He grinned. “And trying out some lines for the Spring Follies."

His words hadn't sounded like dialogue for a family show. “I don't think it'll get past the Vestry."

He followed me down the hall. “You're probably right. I got carried away. It's the villain tempting the heroine. Edward wants the part of the bad guy. Guess I went a tad too far."

"I believe you did."

"Let's find your purse."

When he took my arm, I was glad I wore a heavy coat. Otherwise, he would have noticed that I flinched. His lies had slid like butter over a steaming ear of corn.

"Thought you had an appointment."

"They never showed. Meg Harrison and her fiance were supposed to select music for their wedding.” He ushered me into the sanctuary and with little effort found my handbag beneath the pew.

"Thanks."

"You should be more careful."

I smiled. “Then I'd better not listen to you play. When I do, I forget everything."

When we passed the changing room, the door he'd closed was ajar. He strode past without a glance. We parted at the end of the hall. He went up to the choir room and I left the church. At the end of the walk, I paused. A girl wearing a bright pink jacket very much like Marcie's ran down the street.

The air carried a bitter chill that signaled a coming storm, but the cold I felt clear to my bones had nothing to do with the weather.

When I reached home I immediately called Edward. Laura tried to hold me off.

"He's working on his sermon and can't be disturbed."

"Do I ever call for foolishness?"

"No."

"Then let me talk to him or I'll have to appear at your door."

"I'll get him."

Moments later Edward spoke. “Katherine, whatever is wrong? Laura said you were upset and demanded to talk to me. Not another crisis, I hope."

"There's one brewing.” I told him what I'd over heard and what I suspected. “You must speak to him."

He laughed. “Roger and Marcie Simpson. She's a child. Besides, he wasn't at the church this afternoon. He left at noon. I drove him home. And Katherine, we did talk about the Spring Follies. He's writing the script. You must have heard him trying out lines."

"Then it'll be X-rated. I know what I heard."

"But Katherine, he's doing such a splendid job here. Just don't start trouble. Won't I make a splendid villain?"

"A super one. Just talk to him."

"I will."

When I hung up, I felt frustrated and angry. Proof had to be found before anyone would listen. I couldn't imagine gathering a committee to spy on Roger and dragging Edward to the church the next time Marcie arrived for a lesson was out. Edward would be sure to let something slip.

I glanced at the clock. Beth would be home from the hospital by now. She knew Roger better than anyone. Could she give me any clues? I filled a tin with cookies, fed Robespierre and headed to her house.

She looked at the tin. “What's this? A bribe? He promised he'd be good.” She frowned. “Please say you haven't changed your mind about this weekend."

"Seems I'm having a pajama party. My granddaughter is joining us. Send a pillow. I've plenty of blankets."

"I'll add that to my list. Are you sure two children won't be too much?"

"Andrea will love having a younger child to boss around. She'll probably involve him in one of her dance creations."

We walked to the kitchen where Beth poured milk and put some cookies on a plate for her son. “Another only child. Rob and I were, too.” She smiled. “If things work out between Pete and me, maybe Robby will be spared that fate."

"There'll be a big age difference."

"But he won't be alone."

She called Robby to come for his snack. Then she poured the coffee. The sound of the television tuned to a children's program was loud enough to cover our conversation.

"Has Marcie been by lately?"

She shook her head. “Not since the last time she sat. But Judith's ill. Martin turned down my offer to help."

"There's nothing either of us can do there.” I sipped the coffee. “I've a story to tell you and some questions to ask."

"Sounds serious."

"I'm afraid it is.” I related the things I'd heard Roger say that afternoon and his explanation. “I've a feeling something bad is going down and I pray I'm wrong. Did you and Roger ever...Were you...how close...?"

She shook her head. “We indulged in a couple of heavy petting sessions but he never...He had a number of reasons that sounded right at the time. Robby. No protection. Is that what you want to hear?"

"I'm afraid so."

"How does this fit what you said? Oh no. Do you think he and Marcie..."

"I don't know. She has a major crush on him, and even I know how charismatic he can be. It's not only Marcie. I know of at least two girls in the junior choir who take piano lessons with him.” I poured more coffee. “Has he ever mentioned tapping your inner power?"

Her forehead wrinkled. “Maybe once when we were involved. He said something about the power not being there. I asked him what he meant and he said he shouldn't have to explain. If I felt what he did, I'd know. What will you do?"

"Make some calls. Check his resume. Maybe take a trip upstate. Then take what I learn to Edward and the Vestry. They'll hate me again."

"They shouldn't, especially if your suspicions are true."

"Edward likes to think the best of everyone and he hates having to deal with sticky problems. The Vestry doesn't like to be stuck in a rocking boat."

"Can you not let this rest?"

"Would you?"

She shook her head. “I know I don't have any influence at the church, but I'll back you."

"Good...Now, tell me where you and Pete are going."

While she talked about their plans for a weekend in the

City and the play they wanted to see, I set my priorities. Tomorrow, instead of a walk, I'd drive upstate to ask questions and demand answers about Roger and why the church had bought out his contract. That should have alerted me to a problem, but I had wanted him at St. Stephen's.

After dinner, I listened to the news. Rain was predicted for tomorrow. I hoped it would hold off until I returned. Even if it didn't, my trip was necessary.

My start didn't take place as early as I'd planned. A fitful night had kept me in bed later than usual. The day was raw. A pewter sky showed glimpses of an orange, sullen sun.

I reached the red brick church, the site of Roger's previous situation, and parked at the curb. For several minutes, I sat in the car and framed the questions I needed to ask. Would the answers confirm my suspicions?