Requiem Murder Part 7

"Thank you."

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

"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 h.o.m.os.e.xuality 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's 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 she 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 cla.s.ses. 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 Sat.u.r.day Julliard program."

"She didn't like the idea. Dad insisted. She's still upset." Marcie stared at the keyboard. "One of the