PIANO 10
"What do you mean, blew up?" asked Turner. "Did they find out the piano isn't the missing piano?" The sheriff responded, "They gave me a number to call for more information, and I'll do that now if I can get through." Turner nodded, and told the group, "Let's go to the piano room to give him time to make the call." The others proceeded to the piano room, and Luigi announced, "When the sheriff returns, we can finally have that little concert. Every time we have a meeting, I never get the chance to play." They got comfortable and tried to make sense of the message about the piano case blowing up.
After a relatively short time, the sheriff joined them, shaking his head. "It's a minor miracle I was actually able to make contact with the State Department so quickly," he said. "Our search to find a stolen piano got their attention today when all hell broke loose in that country." Turner was impatient as he asked the one question on everybody's mind. "Was there an explosion, and how does it figure in with our piano?" The sheriff answered, "There was an explosion, all right, and it included more than a piano. The dictator of that nation was killed in the explosion and insurgents took control of the country." Now Rip was impatient. "You still haven't told us about the piano," he protested.
"I'm getting to that," the sheriff said. "The dictator was killed by a bomb. The bomb was in the piano." That sent everyone into mumbling
about the turn of events. "How could that be?" Turner asked. "Yes," Rip added, "They had a guard on the piano and room 24/7." The sheriff explained, "The insurgents managed to get a mole into the guard group. He had duty during the night and placed the bomb. They don't know how he eluded the security camera. It seems if there is a will, people find a way." Honey chimed in, "Doesn't it seem that evil somehow finds a way because humans work so diligently to do wrong. If they worked that hard to do good, how wonderful it would be!"
Turner directed the discussion back to the piano. "I take it the piano
was completely destroyed?" he asked the sheriff. "Yes, it was," he
answered. "While we won't know for certain if the destroyed piano was
your baby grand, it seems that is the case. Unless we discover a baby grand somewhere else where it doesn't belong, we have to consider the theft solved for the record." Luigi had remained quiet through all the discussion. "I consider this a very personal loss," he finally said. "The piano was not mine, but I feel like it was a member of the family." Marta consoled Luigi, and said, "An artist or craftsman frequently bonds with an instrument or tool. I understand how you feel."
Luigi's face brightened. "We don't have to wallow in sorrow," he said with some spirit. "We've delayed the music for weeks, and it's about time for joy. In New Orleans they hold a different kind of funeral when they've lost a loved one. They celebrate the person's life with music. I believe we should do that for our baby grand piano. Let the music begin!" Everyone was still thinking about the turn of events, but Luigi's summation of the situation was eagerly accepted. There was no baby grand in the piano room, but there were some very good uprights.
Luigi moved to one of them, and lovingly told his guests, "This piano
is mine. It's as fine an upright as there is anywhere. It's a privilege for me to have it." With that, he took his seat at the piano and began to play. The music flowed like fine wine. Honey's face lit up. "This is the most beautiful music I've ever heard live," she whispered to Rip. Luigi was playing a selection from an opera. Marta was entranced by the music as was Honey. The two men showed appreciation, but it obviously was not
their cup of tea. Luigi finished the selection, and the group gave him a
standing ovation.
Luigi said, "I know we're not all opera or classical music lovers, so I
believe I have something for everyone. He sat down again and began to
play. This time it was a classic country song, and you could tell right away it was the sheriff's style. He kept time with the song and clapped his hands. That brought about another standing ovation. Luigi thanked them and said, "I'm enjoying the opportunity to perform before my friends and such an appreciative audience. "Now we have another type of music to please another of our group. Glenn, this one's for you."
Luigi caressed the keyboard, and jazz came forth. Luigi was such a gifted musician that everyone was moved by his selection. When he finished, they again applauded, and Turner said, "Luigi, you remembered
my favorite song. That was a real treat, and I've never heard it played so
beautifully." Luigi responded, "If the listeners understand music and show appreciation for the performance, it's inspirational for the artist. I want to try and bring joy to you, and I'll attempt to play something appropriate for everyone. The next selection is for two of you, and I'm sure you'll know who you are," and with that, he again resumed his seat at the piano.
Now everybody's ears were "up" as Luigi began to play. This selection
had been a top ten song some years back, and was still popular, but in the
style of a classic. The tune was catchy, and after a few bars, everyone
recognized it, Rip included. He hummed along, "Love and marriage, go
together like a horse and carriage." After a few more bars, he realized
everyone was looking at him. Now he was embarrassed, and couldn't
help blushing. Honey had a big smile, and so did everyone except him.
He had the feeling the others knew something he didn't, and he turned
chalk white. Everyone laughed, and he turned red again.
Honey whispered to him, "Rip, you're acting like a traffic light, going
red, then white. Get a grip." That didn't help a bit, and then things got
worse, because Honey began to sign the song, "Love and marriage go
together like a horse and carriage." The song finished and Rip hoped
a hole would open up so he could escape. He had no idea of what to
do. After the clapping subsided, the sheriff said, "Sounded to me like
a suggestion." Turner laughed and added, "Yeah, a pretty strong
suggestion." Rip looked at Honey helplessly.
"I...I don't know what to say," he stammered. "Well, what do you have
to say if it is a major suggestion?" she demanded. "You mean you're
talking about marriage, us?" he managed to get out. "Yes, big boy. I've
decided you may be a keeper. You've been a little slow about this since
I didn't appreciate our first date that wasn't a date. I realized after that date you were the real deal. I was afraid I may have scared you off, so I had to do something desperate. I confided in Luigi several weeks ago, but the missing piano always got in the way. It appears the piano sacrificed itself for us. Of course you can always back out. You haven't asked me."
Rip finally came to his senses. He pulled her to him in a bear hug and
collected a very big kiss. "You are marrying me," he declared in a voice
that made it clear it was a demand. Everyone cheered and clapped. Luigi
said he'd play at the wedding, and Marta said she would, too. The sheriff
said he'd have the boys form an honor guard. Turner said he'd provide
a band for the reception. "Baby, you're grand!" Rip exclaimed. Everybody
booed, and Honey said, "Your puns are a bit flat. Stick to preaching."
Everyone uttered a loud AMEN.
Rev. Walbear
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