Read Online Murder Is Private by Diane Weiner - Free Book Online

wearing you out.”
    “I’m having fun. I’ll have plenty of time to recuperate when I get back home.”
    Alonzo joined them a few minutes later. Damp from head to toe, he took off his jacket and sat down. When he shook out the jacket and hung it over a chair to dry, Susan noticed a few light pink leaves clinging to it. I’ve seen lots of purple trees, lots of yellow ones too, but pink––not so much.
    “It just started pouring. Lucky you beat the rain,” said Alonzo.
    “Didn’t you stay under the awning?” asked Schwartz. Alonzo shrugged and abruptly changed the subject.
    “Spring break for us will be here before you know it,” Alonzo said. “Anyone got fun plans? Schwartz, you traveling again?”
    “Not this break. Planning a long European visit next summer though. Touring more World War II sites. I also hope to get back to Salzburg. That’s one gem of a city. Spent two weeks there last summer, but it wasn’t enough.”
    “I went there one summer back in my college days,” said Susan. “What I remember most is taking the tour bus to see the places where they filmed The Sound of Music . Couldn’t believe I was standing right there in the church where Julie Andrews got married.”
    “You mean Maria von Trapp. Julie Andrews was the actress who played her,” said Schwartz.
    “Of course. And the Alps were breathtaking. I think I even found some edelweiss.”
    “What’s up, Alonzo? You look like you’re a million miles away,” said Schwartz.
    “Me? Oh, I was just thinking about this week’s concert at Trinity.”
    “I was there last week. What a wonderful job you all did,” said Susan.
    “Thanks.”
    “Who was that violinist with the dreads?” asked Susan. “I recognized the others from Ear Training. He’s the only one I don’t know. Is he a senior?”
    “I don’t know,” replied Alonzo. “His name’s Kymani, but I barely know him. He’s not the chatty sort.”
    Barely know him? Why’s he lying? wondered Susan.
    “Schwartz here plays the violin, you know,” said Alonzo, redirecting the conversation.
    “Really?” she asked.
    “It’s just a hobby. I’m not very good.” Schwartz gathered up his garbage. “I better get back. Hope the rain stopped.”
    Alonzo glanced at his phone. “Yep. It’s that time.”

    When Susan got back to the rehearsal room, the door was unlocked. She always locked her classroom door. She realized she’d left her purse was in her desk drawer. In her office, she saw the back of a man pawing through the desk.
    “Hold it right there!” said Susan. “I’m calling security.”
    “Hold your horses! Who do you think let me in?” When he turned around, Susan recognized him as Celia’s husband. The last time she’d seen him was at the funeral where he gave Schwartz the bloody nose. Forget security. She’d call the police.
    “What are you doing here?” She stood with her hands on her hips.
    “Relax, little lady. I just came to pick up Celia’s things. I’m going.”
    Susan grabbed her purse and fished out her wallet. She quickly checked the contents––Barnes and Noble discount card, Visa debit, picture of Annalise, a twenty dollar bill. Phew, it was all there! What a condescending creep. No wonder Celia had an affair.
    Chorus rehearsal zipped by. Susan released the students a few minutes early so she could get back to the house and see Evan. The rain had stopped, but the air was still heavy. George passed her by, riding a lawn mower. Not that she was an expert, but she’d never seen someone mowing wet grass. Especially when it had been sunny every other day since she’d been here.
    He’s going in my direction. She put her newly toned calf muscles to work and speed walked after him. She wouldn’t have been any competition for a riding mower, except George had to stop every few minutes to pull wet grass out of the bottom of the machine. She wasn’t hiding from him, but followed discreetly. After all, she’d hate for him to think she was