PIANO 3

                                                      PIANO 3

    The red head laughed as she answered, "Little Boy blue is the girls' nickname for Rip. You know the nursery rhyme, Little Boy Blue, Come blow your horn, The sheep are in the meadow, The cows are in the corn. The sheep are the congregation and the girls are the cows in the corn. It sort of fits." Honey had a good laugh at the explanation. "I haven't heard the girls talking about him, and I  certainly haven't heard the little boy blue part. I bet he doesn't know about it," she said. "The girls were guessing who would be the lucky one to be asked out first. They have tried to make it clear they're available, but he hasn't responded until now, and you win the jackpot," the red head explained. "Not really," Honey objected, "Because it wasn't exactly a date. I went with him on a real neat crime scene investigation."

    "This one I want to hear," the red head said questioningly. "You're saying the Rev is a cop?" "Yes and no," laughed Honey. "He's working on a case that requires religion and criminal law." The red head was

astonished. "The girls will go bonkers when they hear this." "Myra, please don't tell them. It would be a distraction he doesn't need. This case is complicated and it would be better if the other pastors don't know about it. I wouldn't want anyone to think he was shirking his responsibility at the church." The red head answered, "I won't say anything, but some of the girls probably saw you and his car already."

     Rip went to the sheriff's office to get more information about the

problems of the other business near the music building. The sheriff's clerk pulled up the files on that business. The strange thing about the robbery was the items stolen in the most recent incident. The main items stolen were 98 chairs. These were captain type chairs, with back and side rests. They had padded seats, for more comfort. It would require a good-sized truck or van to haul the chairs because they were not fold-able. They were solid oak. No one had noticed anything unusual at the business. No sightings of any kind of transport capable of hauling the chairs, let alone the other small items taken. There had been absolutely no leads, although the area of the two businesses was also residential. So...surmised Rip, we have 98 chairs and a baby grand vanishing into thin air. 

    After the afternoon spent with Honey, Rip did a little investigating about her. He was intrigued with her intended field of work. Rip came from a rural background, so he was familiar with land use, and farmers

always had to plan crops and manage soil. City planning would entail much different consideration, he realized. Honey had keen interest in

the investigation, and Rip thought her interest in music would give him

an advantage in working with Luigi. However, he had to admit to  himself that her physical appearance and sharp wit were the major reasons he was interested. He had dated pretty, well built girls before, but none had the impact of Honey. She was almost too good to be true.

    Rip had to prepare the agenda for Sunday services, and had to set

further investigation aside for a few days. Honey sang in the choir on

Sunday, but he didn't have an opportunity to talk to her. He did notice

that Myra gave him a strange smile as she said hello after services,

which puzzled him. Rip made several character assumptions of people

from their expressions and body english. In this situation, he drew a

complete blank. It wasn't a flirting smile or a joke type smile. It would

be interesting to know the source. Rip needed to talk to Luigi to find

out why the man had superstitious ideas about the theft of the piano.

This case was so strange, clues could come from unexpected sources,

including religious beliefs or culture. Usually crime investigations were

based solely on science except for racial or religious instances. These

were almost always personal attacks and didn't include theft.

     It was Thursday before Rip called Honey. "I'm going out to Turner's

business to talk to Luigi," he said. "I thought it would be great if you could go along. I'm looking at Friday afternoon." Honey answered with a tone of regret, "I can't go, Rip. I'm one of the hosts at a party Friday afternoon." Rip was a bit demoralized by her answer, but recovered. "I'm really sorry, Honey. I should've realized you have a busy social life and can't change plans at the last minute. I don't want to be a pest. I'll call you after the weekend if that's okay." She sensed his apparent disappointment as she answered, "Of course, it's okay. Just keep me advised a little ahead of time." Rip hung up, and thought, 'maybe I  should find out something about her social life, because I should have realized she must be in demand.'

    On Monday, Rip was leaving his office just as Myra was passing by in the hallway. "Myra, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked. She replied,"Sure. What's up?" Rip hesitated, then haltingly asked, "Does Honey have a busy schedule? I don't want to pry, but I also don't want

to jump to any conclusions." Myra had that smile again. 'Aha, it's a knowing smile,' thought Rip. "So, Honey has your interest?" Myra  challenged. "Do you want the good news or the bad news first?" "I'm not sure I really want either, but suit yourself," Rip said with some trepidation. "Here goes," Myra began. Honey is known as the 'short term' gal. She has a lot of dates, but usually changes men every couple of weeks. Guys don't hold her fancy very long. On the  other hand, she has a hot reputation that isn't true. Guys like to brag, but they've nothing to brag about her. If you're interested in Honey, prepare for a short term."

    Rip didn't doubt Myra's explanation, but, being a young man, he believed things would be different for him. It's difficult for an educated

young man just beginning to conquer the world to accept the  possibility he could be dumped on such short notice. Myra seemed sincere, and she was Honey's friend. "I appreciate your candid  summary of Honey," Rip said thoughtfully. "I'm hoping she will join me in a mystery I'm working on. Meanwhile, I'll keep  in mind the warning. Thank you very much." Myra said, "I don't want to throw cold water on a possible fire, but I feel you should know about her short term interests. She is a solid gal."

    After a very, very brief period of thought, Rip decided to proceed with continuing his interest and including her in his investigation of the mystery. Fortified with resolve, he called her the next day. "Honey, I'm going to the warehouse again, and I'd like you to go along. I haven't set the day or time yet. Could you go Thursday afternoon?" His heart leaped when she enthusiastically agreed to the date. "I'm tied up until 2, if that's okay," she said. "That'll be just fine," he concluded, hanging up the phone in relief.

    After picking up Honey on Thursday, she asked, "Do you have a specific agenda today?" "I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with Luigi last week," Rip explained. "He is very superstitious and believes in ghosts and curses. He has performed in many countries, but lives in fear. That's probably a major factor that made him decide to quit touring and take this 'safe' job. Only now, he's not so sure it's safe. Having a baby grand vanish didn't help his thinking. There is an added possibility the disappearance of 98 special chairs from the furniture business down the road could be a part of the mystery." "You didn't tell me about that," she admonished him. "There's not much to tell," he answered, "Except there has been no clue for that theft. either." So, we're looking for a baby grand piano and 98 chairs," she mused. "Looks like somebody has planned a private concert!"

    "There may be something to your theory," Rip said. "It's strange that so many things in life refer us to scripture. We are admonished to educate ourselves. This requires research, no matter the subject. It also teaches us to begin at the source, and explore the pathway to fulfillment. When I run into a problem, I'm always reminded of the verses in Matthew. Christ tells us  7:7 and 7:8, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Honey said thoughtfully, "You know, I never gave it much thought before, but that advice and promise is true for any subject. Sometimes it seems difficult to be able to stick to study or research. But, success requires study and research. There isn't any shortcut."

    "Rip. I can see how you're bringing together the ministry and your

search for the piano. It's a matter of diligent seeking. I received salvation a while ago, but haven't applied myself to study scripture like I should have. Church has been mainly pursuit of music. You make me ashamed of myself," Honey concluded. "I'm afraid many members of church congregations don't follow up salvation with study. It's  human nature to try and escape work," Rip said. As they arrived at  the music building, there were a number of people milling around in front of the building. "Looks like something happened," Honey exclaimed. Rip parked the car, and the two approached the group in front of the entrance. "What's going on?" Rip asked. "There's been an accident," a man wearing a red cross vest replied.

(To be continued)

Rev. Walbear