Requiem Murder Part 26

"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 Pa.s.sion 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 b.u.t.ter 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 pa.s.sed 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."