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

favor. The choir is performing the Mozart Requiem for the November Evensong. He's asked me to direct.” I explained why.
    Lars opened the passenger's door. “For that I'll delay my New Mexico trip. Why don't you come with me this year? You'll need a break after working hard.” He caressed my cheek. “I can offer some interesting diversions and spectacular scenery."
    For the past five years he has spent six months in New Mexico and six months here, though not in single stretches. Two of his children have settled there and two have remained in the East.
    "What would your children think?"
    "Whatever they want. Kate, we're both alone and available unless you're hiding something. You're retired. Why not?"
    His question startled me. At one time, a year or so after my husband's death, I'd dreamed of life with him. His children, especially his youngest daughter, had made life miserable for us. Since then I've learned to cherish my independence.
    "You know it won't work. We're both used to going our own way. I've no desire to spend half my year in the Southwest when my only child lives here."
    "We could find a compromise."
    I shook my head. “I'm too old for an affair or marriage. Those are diseases of the young."
    His laughter boomed. “You're a wonder and probably right. At least one of my children would worry you were after my money."
    Which was a considerable fortune. I understood which child. In the past few years I've developed a good rapport with the other three.
    * * * *
    Monday was one of those lovely September days with a bright sky and temperatures in the seventies. I was in the garden gathering the last of the tomatoes. Autumn, my favorite of the seasons, had arrived. The combination of the dramatic colors of the changing leaves, crisp days and nights is a stimulant for me.
    "Mrs. Miller."
    I turned and saw Marcie standing on the walk. “Hello, child."
    "Can I help?"
    "That would be lovely. Carry two of the baskets to the porch.” I lifted the third.
    Robespierre appeared and nearly knocked her over with the force of his greeting. Twenty-three pounds is a lot of cat.
    Marcie put the basket down and bent to pet him. His purr became a rumble nearly as loud as a car engine. Finally she stopped scratching his head and followed me into the house. The cat ambled at her heels.
    Upstairs, I spilled a little dry food into his dish. He believed he must eat every time he returned from a jaunt. I've learned how much food to add to his dish so he eats it all and leaves nothing for the ants who struggle to the second floor every summer.
    Marcie sat at the table. I poured mugs of mint tea and waited for her to speak about what clouded her dark eyes. She sipped and stared into the distance.
    Finally she spoke. “Is it possible to be happy, sad, angry and pleased at the same time?"
    "Sounds about normal. They're all very human emotions. Do you want to talk about something in particular?"
    "Maybe.” She cupped her hands around the mug. “I think Mom hates me."
    Hatred wasn't what I'd call Judith's attitude toward her daughter. Jealousy and envy was my reading. “Why do you say that?"
    She released the mug and propped her elbows on the table. “It's like...I'm taking voice lessons with Roger. He's pleased with my progress and he told Mom. She was absolutely cold."
    I held back a groan. Judith believes she's the only one worthy of praise. Someone should warn Roger.
    "When I practice she makes awful remarks. My voice hurts her ears. I sound like a cat on the back fence. She doesn't like sopranos. Their voices are thin, not rich like hers. She's not fair. I've kept quiet, but someday, I'm going to tell her just how I feel."
    Though I agreed with Marcie, I feared Judith's reaction if the child expressed her anger. “Will it help if you speak up?"
    "I don't know, but her attitude hurts. When I'm at my lessons I put myself down. Roger yells at me for doing that.” She sighed. “I hate to disappoint him. He's showing me how to tap my