Requiem Murder [Book 2 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Read Online Free Page A

varieties of mint.
    Robespierre stretched and ambled across the lawn to the yard next door where Maria Prescott was enjoying the sun and the baby she and Paul had adopted in Spain. The cat sat on the edge of a bright blanket and stared at the infant. We all wondered how he would act when Carlos began to crawl.
    Roger and I reached the steps to the porch at the same time. He clasped my hands. “Your directions were great. It's good to see you again.” He stepped back and studied the house. “I like. A Victorian, right?"
    "Thanks, and yes. Would you like to come in? Tracey called to say she'd be late."
    "I don't want to interfere with your schedule."
    "I haven't one. Come upstairs. I'm ready for a tea break."
    He followed me into my “Painted Lady.” “Why are you on the second floor?” he asked.
    "I like to watch the river, and there's a window seat in my living room that gives me a great view.” I paused at the foot of the stairs. “Would you like a bit of breakfast?"
    He shook his head. “I ate before I left and I'm sure I'll take Tracey to lunch."
    "A cup of mint tea, then."
    "There's no need to entertain me. You were working in your garden."
    I laughed. “The weeds will be there tomorrow. That's the beauty of being retired. No schedules.” He followed me upstairs and I showed him into the living room. While I poured heated water from an electric kettle, he played some scales on the piano. “Go ahead and play."
    The notes of a Chopin Etude held me so spellbound I nearly forgot my mission. He played with a mastery I envied and I'd had my share of successes in my youth. How could the other church bear to let him go? He had manners, charm and talent.
    After Roger left with Tracey, I returned to my garden chores. I marked the plot where I wanted to plant a few vegetables. My neighbor's sons would dig the ground after school. As I worked, I prayed Roger would relieve me of my choir duties. Dealing with the cliques and abrasive personalities exhausted me mentally and shortened the chains around my patience.
    I carried a tray with my lunch to the porch and had just finished eating when Roger and Tracey returned. She waved and drove off. He strode up the walk.
    "Success.” He grinned. “The apartment will be ready by the end of May."
    "I'll help you move in. Would you like to start your duties at St. Stephen's in June?"
    He frowned. “Why? I'm not scheduled to begin until August."
    "I'm ready to resume my place in the congregation."
    "Maybe."
    "I'll assist you if you'd like."
    He cocked his head. “Thanks, but let me think about it. Would you mind giving me a rundown on the programs? I called Reverend Potter. He was effusive but vague."
    His comment made me laugh. “You'll find that's his usual way. You've met some of the choir members when we came to hear you and when you were here to play.” I stacked my lunch dishes on the tray. “Once you've moved in, I'll have a small dinner party for you."
    He picked up the tray. “You don't have to do that."
    "I seldom do anything I don't want to do. A privilege of age."
    "You're younger in spirit than many people half your age."
    His flattery brought heat to my cheeks. For a moment, I wished I could lose forty years. “You could be right."
    He put the tray on the kitchen table and watched while I blended a variety of mint leaves in my tea ball. This afternoon, peppermint was my main choice.
    "A question. Where do you buy your mints?"
    "I don't, other than catnip. I used to grow that but my garden became cat heaven. Every summer, I pick and dry the leaves.” I turned on the burner beneath the kettle.
    He pulled out one of the kitchen chairs. “If I help, would you give me some?"
    "I'd planned an assortment as a welcome gift."
    For the next hour, we drank tea and I described the various choirs and the level of music the parishioners expected to hear. Then I mentioned the Evensongs.
    "There are nine from September through May. The choir performs two and you'll select the