Free Haunting Refrain by Ellis Vidler Page B

huffed, following Kate up the stairs.
    It’s not a date, Kate reminded herself as she stripped off her clothes for a quick shower, but she took out a bar of soap scented with orris root that a friend had given her. She was drying her hair when Venice ’s voice floated in through the steam.
    “I’ve found something for you to wear. Hurry up.”
    She sounded excited, a bad sign in Kate’s book. While belting her robe, she peeped out through the bathroom door. A slither of green silk lay across the bed. “ Venice ! For heaven’s sake, we’re going to the Black Forest , not the governor’s ball!”
    “I knew it was too dressy, but it’s such a beautiful thing and this color will turn your eyes green. I just wanted John to see you in it.”
    “Oh, Venice . I do love you,” Kate said, hugging her. “But I’m wearing jeans.” She turned back to the closet to retrieve her jeans and noticed that her shoes had been rearranged. “What have you been doing in here?”
    “I just put your white shoes in the back, dear. It’s after Labor Day you know.”
    “Saving me from a fashion faux pas ? Or is that a social blunder?” Kate pulled out her oldest jeans, grinning wickedly. “How about these?”
    “Both,” Venice said, taking the faded pants out of Kate’s hand. She reached past Kate and pulled out a cinnamon-colored dress. “Here. This is not too dressy.”
    In the end, they compromised on black slacks and a black sweater. Kate put on makeup and, tired of arguing with Venice , agreed to wear her hair down, scrunched into soft curls. Standing in front of the mirror, she tugged at the hem of the sweater. It was a little stark. She reached for her jewelry box, lifted a heavy gold chain linked to a cabochon of red agate. With a sidelong glance at Venice , she dropped it over her head, appalled to discover she had wanted an excuse to look good.
    “And now you can blame it on me,” Venice said, laughing at Kate’s startled face in the mirror. “You hardly look cheerful, but it's better than those disgusting clothes you wear at the studio.”

Chapter 6
     
    John took a corner table at the Black Forest and was studying the menu board when headlights flashed through the front window. A tan Volvo stopped at the curb and Martin Carver got out. John watched him circle the car and open both doors on the passenger side. Martin took a woman's hand and helped her from the front seat. Ah, damn. Venice . Then Kate got out of the back seat, laughing. Too busy for dinner, was she?
    From the dimly lit corner, John watched silently as Helmut greeted Kate. The big baker seemed stiff tonight. He was reasonably polite to the professor, but to Venice he merely nodded. Strange fellow.
    As the trio moved toward a table, John spoke. “Hello, Kate.”
    She turned quickly in his direction. “John!”
    “I thought I'd have dinner here before our meeting.”
    “We had the same thought. I finished earlier than I expected.” She blushed slightly.
    “So I see.” His wide smile took the bite out of his words.
    Kate stood awkwardly for a moment, but Venice swept by her and greeted John, suggesting they sit together. She introduced him to the professor.
    Martin said, “I think I saw you at the para group meeting Tuesday night. I didn't realize you were the reporter who called me.”
    “Yes, I was at the meeting. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself, but I wanted to talk with Wolynski .”
    “Did he say anything? Do you think he believed Kate and Venice ?” Martin raised his eyes briefly to John, then focused again on steering Venice and her long skirt between the tables.
    “I don't think he did that night, but the way they found the body yesterday may change his mind,” John answered, moving a chair out of Venice ’s path. “I expect all three of you will be hearing from Lynne Waite.”
      “Wonderful. Just what I always wanted.” Kate studied the menu board. “I'm hungry, and Helmut will get upset if we don't order soon.”
    As