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

bench,” Roger said.
    Judith rose. “She can have my chair and I'll sit beside you. There are so many things I want to ask you.” Sultry tones muted her usually strident voice.
    Betty Peters glared at Judith. The older woman rose and walked to the kitchen. Martin stiffened.
    "Quite a collection,” Lars whispered. “Is it guts or did you forget?"
    What did he mean?
    Roger carried his plate to the kitchen. When he and Betty returned, she wore a smile. Chalk up another one who's succumbed to his charm.
    Roger opened the piano. “Do you mind?"
    "Of course not."
    He played several short Mozart pieces. “This is a great instrument. I'll trade you uprights. Mine needs to be tuned every month."
    "No trade. I've had this one for more years than you've lived."
    "Play something we can sing.” Judith's voice held a note of command. “That will give you some idea of the quality of your choir."
    "After dinner if Katherine asks. This is her house and her party."
    Judith scowled and moved to stand behind Martin's chair. I wanted to laugh. She'd chosen Roger for her next flirtation and he appeared indifferent.
    I rose and walked to the piano. “Shall we lead the way to the buffet?"
    Roger took my arm. While we ate, the conversation centered on St. Stephen's, the music program and the food.
    After dessert and coffee, the Peters, Ralph Greene and his mother left. Edward, Laura, Martin and Judith lingered near the piano and listened to Roger's rendition of a Straus waltz. Beth, Lara and I worked in the kitchen. The music stopped, and moments later Roger appeared with Judith a few steps behind.
    "Katherine, thank you for inviting us.” Judith pushed between Roger and me. “Lovely party.” Her fingers crept along his arm. “I'll call and we'll set a date for dinner. You can hear our daughter play and let her know she's not talented enough for a career in music. She's not half as good as you are."
    "She's not quite sixteen,” I snapped.
    Roger stared at me. “What —” He swallowed the rest of his question.
    Judith laughed. “Of course you would champion her. She was your student. Her latest madness is a desire for voice lessons."
    "They won't harm her,” Martin said.
    Judith stepped away from Roger and clamped her hand around her husband's arm. “We really must go. Beth, don't keep Marcie up too late. She has to go to the city in the morning."
    Once the Simpsons vanished down the stairs, Lars kissed my cheek. “I'm on my way. Call you tomorrow."
    "Thanks for coming.” I turned to Beth and Roger. “Run along. I'll finish in the morning."
    Beth shook her head. “The dishwasher's ready to run. I'll hand wash the wine glasses. Won't take long."
    "Take less time if I help,” Roger said.
    As soon as the wine glasses were in the china cabinet, Beth kissed my cheek. “See you Sunday,"
    Roger kissed my other cheek. “Thanks again and don't forget the recipes."
    As they walked downstairs, I smiled. What a nice looking couple, I thought, but I wouldn't meddle. I locked the door and headed to the bedroom.
    Chaos greeted me. My cat had shown his displeasure at being relegated to one room. One of the bedspreads had been pulled from the bed. My robe and slippers lay in a tangle. I scratched Robespierre's head. “You've been busy. You wouldn't have enjoyed the party.” He purred. “The man's afraid of you. He should realize you're just a big fluffy fool."
    * * * *
    On Sunday after coffee hour, Edward cornered me on the stairs leading to the choir room. “Katherine, the dinner was superb, simply superb."
    "Thank you."
    "I nearly collapsed when I saw the Bob and Betty Peters."
    "Why? I wanted Roger to meet several influential members of the congregation and they happen to like me."
    "Because of what Judith did to them."
    I grasped the railing. “Judith?"
    He ran his hand across his bald spot. “Don't you remember? When their son, Alan, was in the choir he and Judith were friends. Then... well, I never thought the boy was