PIANO 2--(Part 2 of a 10 part series)
Honey paused briefly, and then, with a big smile, said, "That sounds like fun. I have to make lunch for Dad, but I can go anytime after 1 if that's okay." Rip was relieved at her response, and said he'd pick her up at 1. "We'll be visiting a combination factory-warehouse, so you can plan what to wear. It's not a dirty place, but instruments are being repaired or built, and deliveries are being made as well as instruments and supplies arrive." Honey said, "I'll be ready."
On the way to the warehouse, Rip told Honey some of the history of the musical company. "This isn't the first problem Turner Music has experienced," he explained. "A couple of years ago, they had a fire, although damage was minimal. Last year a hoist broke and badly injured an employee. Each of those incidents was ruled accidental, but Mr. Turner is suspicious that someone is behind the problems." "I expected a dingy neighborhood," Honey said, "Considering we are visiting a warehouse. But this isn't bad at all." "No, and Mr. Turner doesn't really want to relocate. The series of problems has him reconsidering a move."
Rip turned the car into a parking lot next to a large brick building bearing the sign 'Turner Music Company. As Rip and Honey entered the building, they were met by a burly, rough looking man. He asked them bruskly, "What are you doing here? This is private property and you are trespassing." Rip was taken by surprise. He hadn't expected this type of greeting. "I'm here on official business conducting an investigation," he replied. "You don't look like a cop," the man said. Before Rip could reply, the sheriff and Mr. Turner entered the room. "What's going on?" Turner asked, noting the strained atmosphere. "Your man doesn't want us here," Rip replied. Turner was not pleased at the explanation, and asked the man why he was so rude. The man shuffled his feet, but didn't have a reply. "I'm sorry for your miserable greeting," Turner apologized. "Come in my office, so we can discuss how you may be able to help me."
Turner motioned them all to seats, and then began his explanation. "I talked with the sheriff about not only the theft, but a mounting problem with a key man here," he explained. I have some very skilled craftsmen and artisans. The man who leads the way is also the man who works on pianos. He is a highly skilled musician and an expert in the field. When he was younger he performed in concerts all over the world. He doesn't like to travel, and when I offered him this job, I was fortunate to get him. He could make more money elsewhere. He is a strong family man, and his family is settled here. He is also a very religious man, and is quite superstitious. Now we come to your dual role. The sheriff told me you are a minister, and I hope you can ease his mind about spiritual things he believes are involved in the happenings here. He's a Catholic, so it may be more difficult for you as a Protestant, but it's still Christianity."
The sheriff spoke up as Turner paused. "When Glenn told me about his man and the religious aspect, I figured you would fill the bill as an investigator and clergyman. Turner really needs this craftsman, and fear of spiritual possibilities could cause him to leave. What do you think, Rip?" Rip thought for a minute before replying. "I'll give it my best shot," he promised. "And I'll start by regaining my manners and introducing my companion. This is Honey Bunnythorpe, a member of the choir at my church and a gifted soloist and musician. Turner seemed delighted. "I get not only a preacher-investigator, but a lovely musical lady as well. You didn't tell me about her," he scolded the sheriff. "Truth be told, I didn't know about it," laughed the sheriff.
Turner suggested they make the rounds of the building and meet some of the employees. The modest outside of the building contrasted with the ultimate spic and span of the inside. "We have to keep a strict monitor on temperature and moisture," Turner explained, "Because the instruments are very touchy. The people who work on them also are skilled musicians. The various areas are individually climate controlled." Eventually they came to a room much larger than the others. "This is the piano room," Turner explained. There were three uprights in the room, and a man was working on one. Turner took them to meet the man. "This is Luigi," Turner said. "He has been the 'piano man' for 60 years."
Luigi was a short man with shaggy white hair and horned rim glasses. When he shook hands you noticed immediately they were the hands of a musician or physician. Rip lost no time attempting to establish rapport between Luigi and Honey, who brought some musical interest to the situation at hand. "Honey is a singer and has some background in music. She'll be helping me as I look into problems here. Turner told Luigi that Rip was a priest, although not a Catholic, and he would look into spiritual aspects of the case. This seemed to perk up Luigi's interest.
The afternoon was pretty far along by the time they completed the tour of the business. The sheriff and Turner had left earlier, and Rip was surprised when he looked at his watch and saw it was nearly five o-clock. "Wow! I've really used up your afternoon!" he told Honey. "I hope I haven't made you late or miss something!" Honey responded with enthusiasm, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world! This has been an exciting experience. And you said I was a gifted musician! aren't you stretching the truth a little?" Rip laughed, "Well, maybe, but I really don't know. If I stretched the musical part a little, your good looks make up for any shortcoming."
"My, you are a gifted orator, and I can see you're also going to a pied piper in the church, too," she laughed. "Well, since you're going to be helping me, I should know a little more of your history and background," Rip inquired. "I know you have a degree, but I don't know what field it's in. Music, maybe?" She shook her head. "Nope, and you'll never guess." Rip suggested, "Teacher?" "Wrong again," she said. "Do they have a degree in modeling?" Rip asked. "No, and I may as well shock you. My degree is in land use planning". Rip was stunned. "How can that be?" he asked, adding, "What a stupid question!"
"I live with my Dad, and he is a certified conservationist and works out of the local office of the State Commission. I grew up loving nature and natural resources. I used to go with Dad sometimes when he worked in the field. It was a natural match." Rip sighed. "You are full of surprises," he admitted. "I hope you're going to agree to help me on this case," Rip asked. "I wouldn't dream of turning it down," she said with enthusiasm. "This is going to be a learning experience and fun as well."
She looked at her watch and was surprised to see it was almost six o-clock. "Rip, you may as well drop me off at the church because' choir practice is scheduled for 6:30 and I couldn't make it back in time for practice if I go home first." "Okay, Honey. Can you get a ride home then?" She assured him she could. As they arrived at the church, there were a few ladies talking on the steps. "I see I'm not the only early one," Honey exclaimed. She got out of the car and started up the walk towards the group of mostly young women. A striking red head detached herself from the group and walked to meet Honey. "I see you've discovered Little Boy Blue!" the red head exclaimed. Honey looked askance at the girl. "Whatever do you mean? she asked with a puzzled expression.
(To be continued)
Rev. Walbear
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