Read Online Requiem Murder [Book 2 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] by Janet Lane-Walters - Free Book Online

to give up their places. Let's go before all the good parking spaces are gone."
    We parked a block from the church and strolled up the sidewalk. As always I was struck by the beauty of the building.
    Edward stood at the church door. “Lars, Katherine, this is so exciting. A first in the history of St. Stephen's. Roger was so masterful with the Vestry. Wouldn't Katherine have been impressed if she'd heard his masterful address?"
    Lars nodded. “Absolutely."
    The twinkle in his eyes brought a smile to my lips. “I'm sure I would have been. Maybe I should have come. Members of the congregation are welcome to add their views."
    "Good grief, Katherine. You would have found a way to antagonize them."
    "Not me. My days of pushing for freedom of artistic expression and experimentation in alternate modes of worship are over."
    Lars dug his elbow into my ribs. “We'd better find a seat. Looks like a good turn out.” He dropped some bills in the offering plate that stood on a table beside the doors into the sanctuary.
    Though I spotted several of my friendly enemies seated in rigid silence in the last few pews, I headed for a center seat. Watching those judgmental faces might be fun, but I knew Roger would accompany the dancers and his music mattered to me more than just desserts.
    I'm not sure I enjoyed the troupe of large women who stomped through several biblical stories. My granddaughter was a talented dancer who often choreographed her own dances. She seldom uses awkward body positions like these women did.
    Following the program Lars and I joined the majority of the attendees in Fellowship Hall for a reception. I complimented the dancers on their energetic presentation and circulated.
    Roger drew me aside. “I need to ask you a favor."
    His smile made me want to agree with anything. “And what's that?"
    "It's for the Mozart Requiem in November."
    "You're brave to tackle it. What are you doing about soloists?” There were several singers who'd appeared at St. Stephen's in the past few years I could recommend.
    "I'm working with four members from the choir. Ralph for one. He has an incredible voice."
    "I'm not singing. Voice was never one of my strengths. Besides, I'd charge.” Rumors had circulated about Roger's plans for the Evensong collections, but he hadn't been here long enough to understand their purpose.
    He laughed. “That's not what I want. I'd like you to do something you're good at."
    My smile deepened and my resistance melted. Age doesn't bring immunity to seduction. “I can't imagine what."
    "I want to fill the sanctuary with sound by having the choir stand in the nave. Since I can't play and direct, I'd like you to be up front. Isn't the Requiem one of your favorites?” He grinned. “I'm sure you want it to be perfect."
    More flattery and more warm feelings. “I'll try, but if it doesn't work —"
    "I refuse to consider the possibility. We'll be a super team. Come to the church on Friday and we'll go over our scores."
    "Why don't you come to the house for lunch?"
    He arched an eyebrow. “The cat."
    "I'll send him to play with Carlos.” My hand rested on his arm. “He's really a gentle creature. Maybe he and I can help you over your fear."
    "Phobia.” He rubbed his hand over a faint tracery of scars on his left arm. “I've lived with this for a long time and I'm not about to change. If I lose my fears, my music might suffer."
    "You could be right."
    Judith's wild laughter rose over the hum of conversation. Roger tensed. “She drives me crazy by feeding that stray cat. The others have lost interest, but she persists. Comes every day and brings food."
    Lars strode toward me. “Definitely an interesting program.” He took my arm. “Ready?"
    "Yes.” I turned to Roger. “Friday at noon."
    "Should I be jealous?” Lars pulled the door open and held it for me. “I believe half the female population is enamored."
    "Only half?"
    "That's enough to turn this place upside down. “What's up?"
    "He wants a