Read Online Liturgical Mysteries 02 The Baritone Wore Chiffon by Mark Schweizer - Free Book Online

you going to the barn on Friday?"
    "I have my long-johns ready."
    "I won't be here. I'm off to Atlanta on Friday morning for a couple of days," I said. "There's a conference I'm supposed to attend. I'll be back on Saturday night."
    "Hmmm," Nancy said. "You get to go to Atlanta. I get to sit in a barn in the freezing cold all night with 'Dave the Wonder Cop' waiting for cow-tippers. Yet, strangely, you make more money than me."
    "Yes, but you have a bigger gun. The ways of law enforcement are weird and wonderful. Let's get over to The Slab and get some coffee. It's colder than a witch's nose in here."
    "A witch's nose? Don't you mean a witch's ti…"
    "Ah, ah," I said, interrupting her. "That could be construed as harassment."
    "And me with a bigger gun."

    •••

    Meg met me for an early lunch at a new establishment that had opened downtown. The Ginger Cat was what I would describe as an upscale chowder bar catering to a wealthy and touristy clientele. In the rear of the store there was a small eatery featuring various soups and homemade breads, coupled with a shop in the front featuring local and regional arts and crafts. As I walked in, I noticed one of Ardine McCollough's quilts sporting a hefty price tag of four hundred fifty dollars.
    "Morning, Hayden," said Annie. Annie Cooke lived in Boone but had opened The Ginger Cat in St. Germaine to take advantage of the slightly longer tourist season.
    "Good morning, Annie. How's business?"
    "Awful. I had to let one girl go last week. I told her to try back in the spring, but she'll probably find other work by then. You know my other girl, Cynthia Johnsson. She just wanted part-time work anyway, so I gave her a few weeks off. I guess it's this way for everyone this time of year."
    "I'm afraid so," I said. "No crime though. That's a plus."
    "For you maybe. I'll bet an interesting crime or two would help perk up business."
    "Is Megan here yet?"
    "Just came in." She nodded toward the tables in the back. "Mind the crowds," she added with more than a hint of sarcasm.
    I made my way to the back and joined Meg at a table for two.
    "We're probably going to be the only customers," she said, "so we have our choice of soup – French Onion or French Onion with bacon sprinkles."
    "No kidding? Sprinkles? I'll have that."
    "It's on the stove even as we chat. Care for a muffin?"
    "Yes, please," I said, lifting one from the basket, taking care to keep my pinkie aloft in my most genteel manner.
    "I hear you're doing a class on comparative religion for Wednesday night Institute. I can't decide whether to take your class or 'Finding Your Inner Clown' from Princess Foo-Foo."
    "Wow. Word travels fast."
    "So, the question I have for you is," she continued, ignoring my interruption, "why should I come to your class instead of searching diligently for my happy place?"
    "Well, we're the only ones here. How 'bout if I show you where your happy place is right now?" I said, raising a rakish eyebrow.
    "Stop that this minute. This is a civilized and proper luncheon."
    "Well, I don't know which will be more entertaining," I said, taking a delicate nibble of my muffin. "But I called a couple of guest lecturers. This Wednesday we will be hosting Mr. Julian Mayberry from the Raelians followed by Brother Harley Ray Hammond from the Apostolic Four-Square Pentecostal Holiness Temple of God with Signs Following."
    "Really? The Raelians? That sounds like much more fun than finding a clown, even an inner one. I do like a good circus though."
    "I'm afraid that's what you're going to get."

    •••

    We met Karen Dougherty at the door of the Ginger Cat just as we were leaving. Karen was the St. Germaine doctor, semi-retired, with a full-time schedule.
    "Hayden," she said with a smile. "Just the person I want to see!"
    "I suggest the soup with sprinkles," I said, always happy to offer my culinary suggestions.
    "Hi Meg. Soup with sprinkles? Is that on the menu?"
    "Ignore him," Meg said. "He's full of himself