Barbara Graham - Quilted 03 - Murder by Music by Barbara Graham Page A

times a day and make sure she isn't running low. Last time when I got home from a trip, her bowl was almost dry.” She gave them her best stern mother look and then gave them big hugs and kisses. “I'll see you Sunday.”
    “What time?” Jamie said.
    Her younger son's worried expression made her smile. “I'll be back in time to celebrate your birthday, Jamie.”
    “Okay. Bye, Mom.” And they were off, letting the front door slam behind them.
    Enjoying the peace, Theo cleaned the kitchen. It was a long, narrow kitchen with a fireplace at the far end and walls made of brick. It had only been partially modernized. It ran the width of the house, and even though it was too dark, it was her favorite room in the house. On lazy days, when she and the boys made cookies, she could almost swear she could feel her grandfather's presence. He had taught her to bake in the old wood burning stove. She had lived in this old house every year of her life except the college years and the Chicago years, as she thought of them, but even then it had been this house she called “home.”
    She scribbled a short list of things they would need from the store. At nine o'clock, she slowly made her way upstairs to wake Tony. Sprawled on his stomach, he covered the whole bed. He looked so comfortable that it seemed cruel to awaken him. “Tony?” She touched his shoulder. He flopped onto his back and clutched the quilt with both hands, pulling it up to his nose. He didn't open his eyes.
    Theo had to smile. Jamie slept the same way. “Tony, it's nine. You asked me to wake you.”
    “Can't be.” His voice was muffled. “I just got to bed.”
    “I know, but Ruth Ann will be calling any minute now.”
    “Um.” He opened one eye and reached for her hand. “So, are you are scared of her too?” The other eye opened. “What did she ever do to you?”
    “Are you kidding?” She tugged on his hand but he didn't budge. “I've been interrogated by her for years. If I'm ever arrested, I'll be able to fool the polygraph and withstand countless good cop-bad cop routines.” She couldn't keep a straight face because she and Ruth Ann were good friends.
    “Think so?” Moving like lightning, Tony gently flipped her onto the bed and started kissing her neck. “Am I the good cop or bad cop?”
    The telephone's shrill ring pierced the moment.
    “Hell's bells!” Tony jumped out of bed. “I'll be in the shower.”
    “Coward!” Theo called to his back and grabbed the telephone. “Good morning, Ruth Ann.” She warbled into the receiver. If a silence could be anything, Theo mused, this one was surprised.
    “Theo, it's Jane, not Ruth Ann.” Her mother-in-law always insisted on identifying herself as if Theo hadn't known her for years. Today was no different.
    “Sorry, Jane. I was sure that you were Ruth Ann calling to check on Tony.” The second the words were out of her mouth, she wanted to stuff them back in.
    “Is something wrong with him?” Jane still worried as if her children were all two years old. Tony's job in law enforcement didn't put him any higher on the worry list than any of his siblings.
    “No. He's fine.” Glad Jane couldn't see her, Theo rolled her eyes. “He's just running a little late. Did you call for him or me?”
    “You. What time are you going up to The Lodge?”
    “About noon.” Theo tucked the receiver between her ear and shoulder and started making the bed. Almost immediately she had to stop and rest. “Do you need something before I go?”
    “Would you stop by the shop and pick up the birthday present for Martha? I left it there last night because I don't want her to see me carrying it in.” Jane chuckled. “I left it in the classroom.”
    “Oh, thanks, I almost forgot. I need to call The Lodge and remind them about the birthday cake they're making for her.” Theo sat on the bed and leaned into the pillows. Daisy jumped up on the bed next to her and rested her big shaggy face on what was left of Theo's lap,