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

inner creative power. He's so wonderful.” Her voice trailed away.
    Having been affected by Roger's magic, her sighs were understood. I'm sure his effect on her had twice the potency as I felt. “Could you practice when she's not home?"
    "I tried and she jumped all over me. ‘If you think I'm paying good money for you to goof off, think again. I want to hear what I'm paying for.’”
    Judith's strident tones invaded Marcie's lighter voice. Something had to be done, but what?
    "Sounds like you're in a bind."
    "She wants me to quit the Julliard program. She and Dad argued about how much it costs. I feel guilty. What if I'm not as good as I think?"
    "You're very, very good."
    "I hope so. Poor Dad. He always ends up being wrong. He apologizes. She sulks. Then she starts drinking. She has an alcohol problem, but she won't get help. How can she admit to being less than perfect?"
    Tears filled her eyes. I rose and put my hands on her shoulders. “It's not forever."
    "Sure seems that way. Sometimes I don't like my parents."
    Though I understood her pain, her revelation made me uncomfortable. I didn't know what to say and I felt grateful she had music as an escape.
    "Dad's not so bad when she's not around. You know, the other day she overheard him complimenting me. She was totally nasty to him. Do you think she acts that way with Roger?"
    "I doubt it. Not when she wants to impress him."
    "She sure does. She's taking voice lessons and he's picked her as the alto soloist for the Evensong."
    A groan escaped. Judith! She has a great sense of timing and she reads music well, but her voice is flat. Not in pitch but in tonal quality and there's a harshness that carries over from her speaking voice.
    "Maybe the lessons will help."
    Marcie shook her head. “If she practiced, but she doesn't think she needs lessons. She only takes them to spend time with him. She's such a prima donna. I think she expects us to bow."
    To Judith, please . For the first time since Roger had asked, I regretted my decision to assist with the Evensong. Spending time with the choir and the emotionally draining dynamics of the group would take a toll.
    "She makes me play when she decides to practice. Her voice hurts my ears. I don't think she likes music. Dad's the one who wanted to join the choir. She tagged along because she didn't want him to have friends she didn't pick.” Marcie pushed the mug away. “Thanks for listening. I used to talk to Beth about Mom, but she doesn't ask me to sit as often. Why is everything such a mess?"
    "Haven't the slightest idea, but you must do what's best for you. Right now that's finishing high school and finding a good college. You have a talent for making music. Don't let her steal your joy. In two years you'll be able to leave."
    "If she lets me go."
    "Your father will insist."
    She shrugged. “He's as mixed up as I am. I love Mom, but I don't like her."
    What could I say in response to such a statement? “Set a practice schedule and give it to her. Then, no matter what she says, follow it."
    "That's exactly what Roger said. He's so wonderful and so totally understanding."
    Once again her expression became dreamy. Anger drained away; her mouth lost the tight line. She had a crush on Roger and she hadn't the social skills or the emotional maturity to handle her feelings.
    "Don't mix your love of music with his person. When you work extensively with someone that's easy to do. Andrew calls it transference, and it's a kind of love easily mistaken for something deeper."
    "I'll be careful.” The wall clock chimed the hour. She jumped up. “I've got to go. Roger's coming to dinner and Mom'll want everything perfect. Less than two years. You're right, I can do it."
    After she left I decided I'd have to speak to Martin and maybe Roger. Finding the right words would be hard and even then, would either of them do a thing to change the situation? Especially Martin. His protectiveness of his wife seemed to be the ruling force of his