Chapter 10

“I hope the Kreutzer didn’t do that,” he said.

She smiled. “Some. It was so moving. I heard it down below and couldn’t believe my ears. It came down the hill like some prayer.”

“I think God might be pissed at the analogy, but thanks.”

Jennalee sniffed and blew her nose.

“Harley Laidlaw,” he said, extending a hand.

“Lee Preece.”

“So there’s a piano down there now?” Harley asked, holding onto her hand.

“In the Oak Room where you have your big dinner or whatever. My folks put it in for me.”

“Our whatever. How long have you been playing?”

“Since I was four.”

“And now you’re…”

“Eighteen. How about you?”

“Piano at three, fiddle at five.”

“And now?’

“Nineteen.”

“You’re really good.”

“I’ll bet you are, too.” He squeezed her fingers and got up. When she stirred, he told her to stay put, and behind her began to play something she didn’t recognize, a slow piece that wrapped around her and made her cry all over again. “Elgar,” Harley said from the shadows and she asked for more.