Requiem Murder Part 17

"I'll get the car after choir. I had to park two blocks away. Must be something going on."

"A meeting of the bazaar committee." A meeting I would have attended but for my commitment to Roger

and the choir. Her arrival had startled me and I hoped it had shocked the pair in the choir room. When

we entered Roger was seated at the piano studying his score.

Judith turned from the bulletin board. "Mrs. Miller, can I put you down for a chocolate cake for the after concert party?"

"Of course."

"And Beth, why don't you bring wine? I know how busy you are with your job and your son. I'm sure you don't want to spend your free time cooking."

"Put me down for chips and dip. One of the women I work with brought a recipe I'd like to try."

"Nothing too outre, I hope. I suppose you won't have a problem with dip." She smiled. "It's hard to be a

gourmet cook when you have a small child. Their taste is limited to hot dogs, hamburgers and macaroni

and cheese. How I remember those days."

Judith was no one to talk about cooking skills. I'd eaten a number of the meals she mentioned at her house when Marcie was my piano student.

"And what are you bringing?"

"Guess you haven't heard. The Wilsons have to leave the minute we finish singing. Justin's coming home from England. I told them to stop by the house if they get back early enough."

"It will be good to see him again."

She laughed. "Two years at Cambridge should have changed him from the studious lump he was." She

approached Beth with a cat-like glide. "He's a year or two younger than you, but I definitely can fix you up."

Beth glanced at Roger. "I'm content with my life as it is."

Judith's sly smile annoyed me. Roger stared at the keyboard. Beth's shoulders stiffened and she walked to her seat. Had she guessed she was about to be dumped -- again?

At the break before we moved to the church, Beth cornered Roger. I didn't hear what he said but her expression told me she was hurt. For the rest of the rehearsal, she was quiet.

As we headed back to the choir room, Beth handed me her music folder. "I'll get the car. Looks like we're not going out tonight. Roger said he's too tired to even stop by the house."

One of the regular Pub goers started to speak and then coughed. I headed upstairs and waited until Roger was alone.

"What are you doing to Beth? She's been running interference for you for weeks. Doesn't she deserve the truth?"

"I'm in a bind. Look, Judith is upset about something Beth said to Marcie. Judith's also on edge about the performance. She's a soloist and I have to keep her happy until after the Evensong. Once that's over --"

"Judith's married."

He laughed. "I'm not interested in her that way. She's too old."

His interest in Judith wasn't what bothered me. Judith's desire formed the core of my concern. I've watched her flirtations for years. There was something different in her pursuit of him. Something that disturbed me and I didn't know why. His response added to my worries. His laughter had been detached and made me think he was a cold- blooded observer roiling the pool and waiting to see the results.

As I left the choir room, Judith appeared at the foot of the steps. "Roger, hurry up. Everyone will be waiting at the house." She put her hand on my arm. "After Beth drops you off, why don't you walk over to the house?"

"It's rather late and I'm up early. Another time." I wanted no part of whatever game she'd chosen and I'd pick Beth over her any time. I hoped Beth had waited in the car. Soon enough, she'd learn she hadn't been included, but Roger owed her an explanation and some consideration.

When I reached the car, I knew she knew. Her eyes filled with tears but her voice held anger. "What did I do to them?"

"Nothing. This is a Judith game and the first time he's given in to her manipulation."

She shook her head. "Not the first time. I thought Roger and I were friends...even more. Any time he was bored, I was there. When he needed a car, he borrowed mine. I even paid the check when we went out to dinner. He used me."

"You let it happen."

"Never again. I quit. I'll call him tomorrow and let him know I won't be performing with the choir any longer."

"A bit drastic and the explosion that's waiting to happen will fall on you. Plus, Judith will gloat and get a rush from pushing another person from the choir. Don't let her run your life."

"Am I supposed to act like nothing happened?"

"That's the adult way."

She sucked in a breath. "You're right. Would you come

in for a bit?"

Though I wanted mint tea, cla.s.sical music and my cat, I nodded. She needed a friend. "For a bit."

When we pulled into the driveway of her rented house, Pete's car was parked at the curb. Beth slammed

on the brakes and jumped out of the car. "Something's happened to Robby."

I turned out the headlights and pulled the key from the ignition. Then I followed Beth to the house.

She flung the door open. "Pete, Marcie, is Robby sick?"

Pete caught her in his arms. "He's fine. I stopped by to give him a new helmet for bike riding. A guy I

know individualizes them. Robby asked for a story. Since I was free I paid Marcie and sent her home."

"I'll pay you back."

"Not to worry. Mrs. M, how are you? Any murders with missing weapons to report?"

"Not at the moment."

Beth stepped from the circle of his arms. She looked puzzled and thoughtful. "I'll make a pot of coffee."

She walked to the kitchen.

"Already done," Pete said.

I started to follow, but he caught my arm. "How come she's not at the Simpson's? Marcie said her

mother was entertaining the choir."

"Just a select few."

"I thought Beth was part of the inner circle."

"Not any more."

"She okay?"

"Disillusioned."

"You told me to stick around. You were right. I'd like to pop him a good one."

"He didn't act alone. Judith helped." I moved away. "Coffee waits."

Beth had three filled cups and a coffee cake on the table. "Looks home-made," I said.

She shook her head. "A box mix."

"Better than the ones at the grocery store unless there's a bakery."

Beth sat next to Pete. "How would you like to go to the party after the Evensong with me?"

Though I knew why she'd asked him, I was pleased. She couldn't allow Judith to force her from the

choir or let Roger's defection pull her down. Pete grinned. I hoped he wouldn't be angry when he

learned there was a bit of bravado behind her invitation. Still, he was sharp enough to know and

understand.

"Sure. Why don't I bring Robby? He might get a kick seeing his Mom and listening to the music. Then you'd only need Marcie for the party."

"Not Marcie. Judith has her booked for the day. Blanca, Maria's niece is watching him. Bring her along.

She likes music. Robby wants her to teach him to play the guitar."

After eating a slice of coffee cake, I rose. "Time for me to head home."

Pete stood. "I'll walk you home. Wouldn't want anything to happen to my favorite sleuth." He winked and turned to Beth. "Mind if I drop back?"

"Please do." Beth smiled. She stood at the door and watched until we reached the top of the driveway.

This time, I thought she'd learned the truth about Roger and I believed she'd mend quickly.

Pete held my arm. "Thanks again for the advice."

"Just be careful. She's feeling kind of fragile right now."