Requiem Murder Part 20

"The young man is an opportunist and that's kind."

"I wish you weren't going."

"I wish you were coming with me, but I'll be back in three months." He touched his mug to mine. "Here's

to friends.h.i.+p, a forever thing."

When we finished the tea, we put on our coats. Lars carried the cake container.

We stopped beside his car and I frowned. "We're driving? Why? It's only two blocks and parking will

be at a premium."

"It's cold and we're taking advantage of our age." He handed me the cake container. "I spoke to Martin at the reception. He promised us a spot in their driveway."

"But we don't plan to stay that long."

"Don't argue." He started the car.

Since there might be a need for a quick getaway, perhaps driving was a good idea. Who knows what

accusations a drunk Judith would make? I needed to let Martin know about her threats and once more urge him to get help for Marcie and himself.

One spot remained in the double driveway. Lars pulled in and stopped the car. Martin stepped outside at

the kitchen entrance. When he saw it was us, he waved. "Had to chase two cars."

"Thanks."

Cars lined both sides of the street almost to the river. Lars took the cake and we entered the front hall.

Our coats joined the others on the long deacon's bench. Lars handed the cake container to Marcie.

"Truly magnificent."

I giggled. "I hope he's used it ten times."

Lars laughed and most of the people in the living room and those cl.u.s.tered around the bar and buffet

turned to stare.

"You've done it now. How are you going to explain?"

"Tell them you got fresh."

"You wouldn't."

He winked. "Watch me."

I grabbed him and pulled him into the living room. We found seats on one of the three couches. When the

house was built this s.p.a.ce had been two rooms. Martin and Judith had taken the part.i.tion out.

"What would you like to drink?" he asked.

"White wine and club soda. I'm saving my calories for food." With thirty seven choir members, the

spread would be large. Since Roger's arrival, nine new members have joined the choir.

"So am I," Lars said. "That's the best thing about these affairs."

"You get the drinks and I'll pick the appetizers."

As I took two plates, Marcie put several dishes on hot plates. The front door opened. Roger strolled in

with Pete and Beth close behind. I put the plates down and went into the front hall to greet them.

Pete saluted. "Mrs. M, you looked like a bat in that black robe."

Roger snorted. I laughed. "Glad to amuse."

"Robby's words."

Beth took off her coat and stuck her blue scarf in the sleeve. She'd changed from the slacks she'd worn

to the Evensong to a blue dress that ended at mid-thigh.

Roger's eyes widened in appreciation. "Beth, you look great."

"Thanks. Do you remember Pete?"

"Sure. Robby's buddy."

Pete slipped his arm around Beth's waist. "And his mother's...friend."

Roger strode away. Pete winked and I grinned.

Beth held a bag. "Where should I put this?"

"I guess on the buffet."

"Good news." Roger's voice rose above the clamor. "Choir rehearsal is canceled for Thursday. You all

deserve a day off." Applause followed his announcement. "I have the tape. After I get a drink and some

food, you can hear how great you were."

As if on cue, Edward's "magnificent" was heard.

"Not again," someone said.

Lars chuckled. I laughed.

Marcie grabbed the bag from Beth. "Don't laugh at Roger."

"Not Roger. It's Edward. Magnificent must be his word of the day."

"What's this?"

"Chips and dip."

"I'd better get a bowl for the chips. Mom would have a fit if I put the bag on the buffet."

"You've done a good job."

Judith emerged from the kitchen. "Don't give her the credit. She only followed my directions. I suppose

she's whining about missing the performance."

"Not a word."

She looked into the living room. "Roger, you have the tape. Let me show you how to use the machine

and get you a drink." She stopped at the bar and poured two gla.s.ses of Scotch over ice. She drank hers and refilled her gla.s.s.

"I need food first. You know how hungry a performance makes a person." He put the drink down and

headed to the buffet. He stood behind me. We both filled plates with a.s.sortments from the variety of appetizers.

I scooped a chip into Beth's dip and ate. "Delicious." I added some to both of the plates I held.

Roger followed my example. "You're right. It's great."

By the time I'd traded a plate to Lars for a drink, the tape began. All conversation stopped. As I listened to Roger play the Introit, gooseflesh covered my arms. Brilliant, lush. He was more than good, but I refused to use Edward's word.

Everyone in the room appeared rapt, except Judith. She tapped her foot against the carpet in a steady rhythm. The Requiem began. The choir sounded full and rich. The soloists were wonderful. except Judith. Her emotionless voice flattened the quartet. I looked at Roger and saw agreement in his expression.