Saturday, September 5, 2020

Thursday's Fifth Scene from Murder and Poisoned Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery #Maine Coon Cat


By the end of February, the committee had eliminated all but three of the twelve applicants for the full-time position as music director.  Though many churches are trimming their music programs, St. Stephen’s can afford to expand.  A trust fund insures the presence of a full-time director even if the minister can’t be paid.
                After our schedules for visits had been set, I stopped in the parish office to see Edward.  The secretary, another Mary, showed me in.  Edward jumped to his feet and held a chair for me.  His large book-lined office had a small conversation area near the French doors that overlooked the garden.  Last night’s snow covered the lawn and the flower beds with a blinding blanket of white.
                “You’ve found an organist,”  he said.
                “We’ve selected three candidates and have set our first trip for next Sunday.”
                He rubbed the balding spot on the top of his head.  “Can’t the process be hurried?  I can’t believe we’ll have an Easter season without a...an outstanding organist.  It’s never happened before.”
                “The substitute and I will bumble along.  We won’t have a new organist before fall.”
                “But the Passion Sunday Evensong --”
                “I’ve found an excellent quartet, but I have to let them know this week.”
                His pout reminded me of one from a child who has dropped his candy in the mud. “If you must.  This is such a disaster.”
                “Hardly.”  I rose.  “Should I submit bills for our expenses or will you give us money from petty cash?  We’ll need money for gas and meals.”
                “Submit the bills.  The Vestry prefers that.  This group isn’t as trusting as others in the past have been.”
                I left the office and headed home.  Sunlight glared off the banks of snow lining the walks.  Bits of old ice formed ragged patches on the concrete.

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