Liturgical Mysteries 02 The Baritone Wore Chiffon (25 page)

"Well, I hope for Nancy's sake that Jelly pulls through. She doesn't need that on her conscience."

"I agree."

"And the diamond?" Meg asked.

"Down at the bank in the vault. The Minster is sending someone for it."

"You're so clever. What about the reward?"

"I gave it to the Minster music fund."

"What about Father Barna? Did they ever find him?"

"The police picked him up in Raleigh, but he's denying that he knew anything about his wife's plan."

Meg nodded. "I hope that you're getting Nancy a very nice early Christmas present."

"It's not even Easter yet."

"An Easter present then."

"I'll do it," I said. "What do you think? A motorcycle?"

"That should do it."

Postlude

"Marilyn," I called. "How 'bout that Java?" I pulled my hat low over my eyes, lit a stogie and leafed through a hymnal. I needed four hymns for the third Sunday of Easter and they weren't exactly leaping off the page. Marilyn sauntered in, her hips swinging like Benny Goodman's rhythm section. She pursed her lips and placed a cup of joe on the corner of the desk.

"Rocki Pilates is here to see you," Marilyn purred. "She says to tell you she brought some watercress sandwiches."

"Marilyn," I grinned, "you're a peach. Now take the rest of the day off."

"With pleasure."

•••

I clicked the 24 lb. bond out of the old typewriter and placed it face down on the stack of paper sitting beside the well-used machine. Then I switched off the antique green-shaded banker's light and called it a day. Lent was finally over and tomorrow was Easter.

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