Requiem Murder Part 24

"I know. She was my student until she grew beyond my abilities. I'll agree the situation's not the same,

but to keep her as a student will do more harm than good."

"All right, I'll call her. I just wish there was another way." He moved to the alcove. "Would you like some tea."

"I need to go home. Just be careful."

As I hurried down the street, I wondered if he'd listen. For his sake, I hoped he would. But if he enjoyed

poking ant hills and watching chaos erupt, he'd continue his games.

Once I reached the house, mint tea headed my agenda. I carried a full pot to the window seat.

Robespierre curled beside me.

"That woman is insane. Does Martin realize how close she stands to the edge of madness?"

Robespierre blinked and purred. The soft rumble eased the tension that held my body in a vise.

The ring of the phone startled me. "h.e.l.lo."

"Mrs. Miller, it's Martin. I want to apologize for Judith's behavior. She's not herself these days."

To say the least. "She was drunk this afternoon."

"You couldn't be more wrong. She hasn't had a drink since Sunday. She's ill and I've persuaded her to

see a doctor. She has an appointment next week."

Was he anosmic? The smell of alcohol on her breath had been overpowering. My patience with him had ended.

"Why are you burying your head in the sand?"

"You don't understand."

But I did. He didn't want to believe me. If he did, he'd have to act. He wanted to believe Judith loved him, that she was a caring mother, that she wasn't an alcoholic.

"Since Judith's ill, why don't you send Marcie to stay with me for a few days? All this turmoil must be effecting her studies."

"I can't do that. She has to help me care for her mother."

"And risk being abused because Judith is angry with her?"

He snorted. "I know it seems like Judith resents Marcie but that's not true. She loves Marcie. She's

proud of her. Since she's sick, she's unhappy with everything and everyone."

Judith was ill but the problem wasn't a physical one. Martin couldn't face an illness caused by his wife's past frustrations, enhanced by alcohol and something deeper. Before Judith destroyed her daughter, a solution had to be found. The answer lay with Roger, and I wasn't sure he cared about anyone except himself.

Guilt a.s.saulted me. He was at St. Stephen's because his music was enough to tempt the angels. I'm not

an angel but I had coveted him.

After hanging up I made dinner. While I forced myself to eat, I considered the problem. Who could I ask to help diffuse the situation that rumbled toward us like an avalanche? Martin and Roger were no help.

Edward? A logical choice but his Pollyanna att.i.tude wouldn't allow him to see trouble until it slammed

into him.

I sc.r.a.ped my barely touched dinner in the garbage. What about Pete? No crime had been committed and he didn't like Roger. There'd be no help from him.

The phone rang. I felt so drained I nearly ignored the sound, but I couldn't. Curiosity always forces my hand.

"Mrs. Miller." Beth's voice rang with happiness. "I need to ask you a favor."

"So ask."

"Let me explain. Since the night I was...you know when...anyway, Pete's been here every evening. We want to go away this weekend. Could you watch Robby?"

"I'd love to. Are you two serious?"

She laughed. "I think so. We've talked about so many things and we have a lot of the same views. I

know it's happening kind of fast but he really cares about Robby and me. He says he loves me." She paused. "He told me about his chauvinistic att.i.tude when we first met."

"Weren't you angry?"

"Yeah, I was, but he ate crow and he told me how much his ideas have changed. He loves me. I can't believe it."

"Do you love him?"

"Yes, but I'm scared. I knew Rob from grade school and we kind of grew into love. This time I feel like I'm flying down a ski slope."

"There are many ways to fall in love."

"Except, you know how my emotions have been bouncing like a kid on a trampoline. There was Roger's

rush and the letdown. And Pete acting like a big brother. When we're here Robby's always present,

even when he's asleep. We need to get away and see what develops. Do you think I'm awful?"

My hand rested on Robespierre's head. "Not a bit. Just remember there are no perfect marriages." I smiled. "Some come close but some of my friends could have benefited from a weekend or two with their intendeds. Might have prevented a great deal of unhappiness."

She chuckled. "You're wonderful. Pete said you'd understand."

"The world changes and I've learned to accept new ideas even if I don't practice them." I thought of Lars and smiled. "Though one never knows. I'm glad it's Pete and not Roger."

"That was a mistake." She sighed. "Roger cares for Roger. What a head trip he ran on me. Now he's

doing the same thing with Judith."

"Maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure who's toying with who." I related my afternoon encounters with the pair. "Something about this troubles me and I can't come up with an answer."

"To Roger or Judith?"

"That I'm not sure about either. She's an alcoholic and Martin protects her. For some reason, she's been

set off. Roger's part of the problem, but I think there's something from her past."

"Is there anything I can do? Maybe keep Marcie here?"

"I offered. Martin refused. If Marcie comes by your

place, listen to her and try to keep her from reacting to her mother. We both know until Judith admits there's a problem, nothing can be done."

"I'd like to slap some sense into her."

"Don't." Fear filled my voice. "Just remember how unstable she is."

"Thank heavens there's no choir rehearsal this week. How did Roger react when you talked to him?"

"He's useless. While we talked like he agreed with my suggestions, I got the feeling he'll do exactly what

he wants. I wonder if he knows the contents of the pot he's stirring?"

A short silence followed my comment. Then Beth spoke. "I'm afraid he knows and enjoys. He likes attention and taking chances. What better way than toying with Judith?"

"And to my regret, he makes such beautiful music. I feel guilty."

"Why?" she asked.

"I saw how often he changed churches but I coveted his presence at St. Stephen's so much I didn't press

the committee to check his background. I knew once Edward heard him there'd be no other choice."