Beautiful Song

By Pat LeVal

What would you do if your favorite pastime took an unexpected turn and dropped you into the heart of a world full of riches, family secrets, deceit, and new love? Two worlds collide as American working-class girls, Penny and Laine, in London for a half marathon, stumble upon a clue that unravels the world of a young and handsome French aristocrat, Jacq Laurent. Follow them as they race to solve the Laurent family mystery in London; at Belle Chanson, a French estate, and at an old plantation in the United States. Who are Jacq’s allies and who seeks to destroy the world he knows? From ground hallowed by the likes of famous composers, Debussy and Ravel, to American southern rockers, the theme of music is woven through this exciting tale of mystery and intrigue. Join runner girls Penny and Laine as they embark on the first of a series of mysteries and adventures connected to their annual destination runs. A Beautiful Song awaits...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pat LeVal
• Release date: May 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301219094

Pat LeVal

Pat LeVal is actually two people – Pat Leigh and Valerie. From coastal North Carolina, we are neighbors, friends, runners and avid readers. We are working mothers who had a wild idea to write a series of mystery/adventure books loosely tied to running and the Runner Girl Mysteries were born!

Book preview

Beautiful Song

A Penny-Laine Running Mystery

By Pat LeVal

Copyright 2013 Pat LeVal

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters of Debussy, Faure, Ravel, Delius, Saint-Saens and Lauridisen are historical, but their roles in this work are purely fictional. All other characters and situations in this story are entirely fictional, and any resemblance to any persons or actual happenings is purely coincidental.

Prelude to a Beautiful Song

New York, 1942. He turned from the starboard deck as the New York City skyline disappeared from view. Steaming to the east, the ship’s ultimate destination was Europe and home. Making his way to the lounge, he pulled a starched white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. Over a double scotch, he considered his last few weeks in America.

When he closed his eyes he could see her pure white skin, the bouncy curls of her brunette hair and her playful blue eyes. The melody of her voice echoed in his head and he remembered the joy he felt in her presence and how it had seamlessly flowed into his music.

Emptying his glass and placing it quietly on the bar, he stood suddenly, pushing his hands through his hair and then burying his face in them. He turned to go, but the sound of a piano playing quietly in the alcove beyond disturbed his dark musings and he sat back down.

"Another drink?" The bartender’s question jolted him back to reality.

"Yes," he replied simply and returned to his thoughts.

He pictured her finding the gift he’d left for her, his surprise, his final declaration of his love for her. Remembering the feeling of betrayal when he had learned that she had left without a word, he wondered if she had found the gift at all. Where did she go? Should I have stayed in Virginia and waited for her?

Chapter 1

From their Virginia Beach hotel room balcony, Laine Rossi and Penny Martin took one last look at the Atlantic Ocean and gathered their luggage. Freshly showered after completing the Cloverleaf Half Marathon, their legs resisted engaging in additional activity but their minds were abuzz with the details of the race, which they would share on the three-hour drive home to coastal North Carolina.

Pressing the down button on the elevator, Penny commented, Why is it that we are the only people I see who actually bring their pillows from home? Entering the elevator she tucked her pillow out-of-sight between her carry-on bag and suitcase and added, There, now I don’t feel like I stand out.

Sweaty running clothes rinsed and stowed, Penny looked relaxed in skinny white jeans and a long-sleeved brown, orange, and pink tie-dyed shirt. Her shoulder length auburn hair resisted the barrette she had used to control her thick mane, and she readjusted the clip for what seemed like the tenth time. Both Penny and Laine shared the healthy glow of people who had just spent a few hours in the sun. Laine had selected a blue T-shirt which almost exactly matched her eyes, and she tucked her ash-blonde hair behind her ears as the elevator descended only a floor before opening for additional guests.

As the elevator doors opened, a couple dressed similarly in jeans and white turtlenecks entered. The striking blond sported a spotless white quilted driving coat and high-heeled white leather boots, while her partner wore a battered brown leather bomber jacket with black sunglasses hanging from his shirt collar. Laine caught Penny’s eye and whispered, It’s the couple from the race!

After the first few miles of a long race, they were accustomed to seeing the same people passing them or falling back. The young woman now sharing the same elevator with them had been noticed by Penny and Laine early on. Both her outfit and antics had become a source of entertainment over the 13.1 mile course. Penny nodded in reply and flushed hot at the thought of the couple overhearing the comments she and Laine had made about them during the race.

The transformation from the neon-yellow jacket, hat and gloves, and long black tights worn in the race to the chic outfit prompted a wave of memories. Not only was her lemon-yellow outfit impractical, it was so bright it could not be missed by anyone within a half-mile radius. Elbowing each other the friends tried their best to stifle a giggle-fit.

A heavily-accented male voice interrupted their silent communication. Dark curly hair still slightly damp from his own shower and deep blue eyes sparking with irritation, the tension in his neck and face were evident as he struggled to speak in a low voice. Stella, we have already discussed this. I don’t need to go to Luna. My meeting with the attorney is all that was required. Right now, I need to return home. I have a business to run.

Penny and Laine locked eyes. Stella? Laine mouthed silently.

Penny nodded casually, wondering about Luna and why her clients never seemed to have French accents.

Clearly unhappy, and not as restrained, Stella responded, "Jacq, you know I’m not trying to pressure you. I’ve wanted to see Luna ever since I was a little girl. I hate to be this close and not visit. I’ve never been to any plantation before and you know how I love that old movie, Gone With the Wind!" She blinked coquettishly at her companion, to no avail.

Luna is now run as a bed and breakfast by private tenants, Stella. I see no reason to invade their privacy and frankly, I don’t really want to go there. My grandmother… he hesitated, LiIy never said anything about visiting Luna. As he spoke, he looked off into the distance as though lost in time and softly murmured in French, Why was it such a secret?

Her interest piqued, Penny was furtively watching the pair. Three years of French in college hardly made her fluent, but she could well understand what the handsome stranger had said. From her perspective, she had a clear view of Stella’s face as Jacq dismissed her request, her pretty features twisting into a mask of hatred as dark and glowering as her previous flirtations had been light and happy. In a flash, Stella recovered and the adoring blonde façade returned. Penny shivered involuntarily.

Jacq checked his pocket watch as the elevator door opened, then snapped it shut as he strode quickly to the reservation desk, apparently settling two bills and returning separate keys. It was clear to Laine and Penny that the affectionate mood they witnessed between the pair during the race had shifted.

Two rooms! If we had known they were this interesting, we would have eavesdropped more on the course, wouldn’t we? Laine commented.

Penny nodded, her green eyes sparkling with interest, and asked, Laine, did you see the way Stella looked at Jacq in the elevator?

What look? I was busy trying to get a closer look at this pocket watch. It reminds me of a watch Xander and I saw at the antique show we went to last weekend.

Penny described the scene to her friend. They walked to the car in silence, reflecting on the race and contemplating the real story of Jacq and Stella. As they climbed into Laine’s car, Penny quipped, Let’s look for a European half-marathon next season and see if we can afford it, or if we even meet a qualifying time. I seem to be developing an interest in men with accents.

***

Following the Cloverleaf Half Marathon, their lives returned to routine in coastal Riverdale, North Carolina. Penny was busy with her law practice and Laine worked frantically to keep ahead as a school counselor in a public middle school. In between clients and students, the friends managed to keep their training schedule a focus.

Neighbors in an upscale riverfront apartment complex, they saw each other daily – either for a run or a trip to the local gym for a workout. A northerner by birth, Laine had shrieked at the discovery of several monstrous roaches as she moved into her new digs three years earlier. It was Penny who had come to her rescue, explaining that these mammoth roaches were really water bugs, and were an integral part of life in the South. They bonded over vanilla cream-filled donuts and laughed at the remarkable differences in their backgrounds – Penny was raised on a farm in a rural community and Laine grew up in a densely populated suburb outside New York City. Despite their diversity the pair had forged a quick and lasting friendship which grew stronger when they realized that they both shared the same dream, to run a half-marathon.

Pushing a file to the side of her desk, Penny checked her e-mail and smiled at the sight of a note from Laine.

Email To Penny From Laine

Date: March 17

Subject: We’re Going to London!

Ask and you shall receive. You want to participate in a European half marathon? It’s done! We’ve got a spot in the Royal Half Marathon which coincides with our 30th birthdays. How does September in London sound? I found a direct flight on September 2 that will give us a week to play before the race. We better start saving now! I also looked up the recommended hotels for the marathon and the Grosvenor House Hotel, a Marriott UK property, is the host hotel. Very nice! We need to start thinking about the places we’d like to see. Xander is pushing me to visit some musician’s museum. Is your passport current?

PS -- I might be late to the gym this afternoon. And I’m going to band practice later tonight with Xander…want to come?

Email To Laine from Penny

Date:March 17

Subject:London?

Now, you know I’m not one to make rash decisions, but London sounds enticing … let’s talk about it when we work out. Call me when you leave work. I wish that we didn’t have to weight train to improve our running! I have a client coming in at 3:15 to sign her will, which shouldn’t take long.

Remember I’m going to Xander’s gig with you on Friday night and you know music practice is not my thing – although call me if Bruce Springsteen makes an appearance! Otherwise, I’ll be curled up with a book and a glass of wine by 8:30, lights out by 9:30. Eat your heart out.

Text Laine to Penny: Leaving right now. See you at the gym at 4:40?

***

You know, we should really join a classier place, Laine commented as the friends began their regular twice-weekly training routine -- two sets of nine exercises.

Yes, but then we’d have to worry about how we look when we work out. It really doesn’t matter here, quipped Penny as she pulled out the Bosu and started a series of lunges from the half-ball. Although designed to promote balance and core strength, the exercise threw her off kilter, and both she and Laine laughed as she teetered while trying to recover.

You’re right - I just wish things were a little cleaner, sighed Laine as she adjusted the setting on the assisted pull-up machine. It never failed to amaze her that adjusting the setting to what seemed to be a greater weight made the pull-up machine more manageable.

A group of high-school boys entered. Their banter and bulk filled the space in the gym and instantly curbed the friends’ chitchat.

Laine rolled her eyes as she took her turn with the Bosu. The teens were infamous for sitting on the equipment and talking, forcing others to ask to use the machines. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me tonight?

With the exception of watching these boys work out, I can’t think of anything worse than sitting around a garage watching a bunch of rockers practice, even if they are an actual performing band. You know that I’m a big fan of Mars, but I’d rather go to a show than a practice, any day! Penny said out of earshot of the high-school athletes.

Okay, I get it, said Laine, a little dejected, I just thought we could use the time to talk about the proposed London trip.

I don’t mean to abandon you, but you’re on your own tonight. Well, on your own with Xander! You’ll have fun - you always do! Besides, we can talk tomorrow when we run.

That sounds great, and the weather is supposed to be good. Afterwards, we can grab some dinner and go to the club where Xander’s band is playing warm-up.

Sounds great! Penny agreed, looking around the gym. I’m going to do rows next. A bench is available and we’d better grab it! She selected a weight and started the lifting process, one arm at a time.

I’ll do sit-ups on the incline board and then we’ll switch. Laine watched Penny sympathetically as she struggled with the heavy weight she had selected. Penny and Laine had been working out together for the past three years. They had splurged their first year and paid a trainer to teach them how to use free weights and the machines. After the year passed, however, they felt proficient enough with the equipment to handle their workouts on their own, even though they certainly missed Victor who was cute, fun and a constant source of motivation and encouragement.

As Penny started her last set, she groaned. I just had a frightening thought. We’re going to need to start training in July for the half marathon in London.

I thought of that, too. We’ll have to bite the bullet and run early in the morning to get our long run in before the temperature climbs. Last summer it was over 80 degrees by 7 a.m. on most days.

Or we could run after the sun goes down, Penny hinted.

I guess we could switch off weeks, Laine negotiated, knowing how Penny resisted rising early. Morning versus evening runs was a prevailing topic.

We’ll see, Penny replied noncommittally as she collected her things. I’ve got to go – I have three files to go through this evening.

Later, as Laine wandered to the locker room, she thought about her upcoming evening with Xander. Watching Xander practice with the band and then listening to them dissect every song was like hearing an unknown language. Laughably tone deaf, Laine couldn’t even stay on pitch when singing Happy Birthday in a group setting and whenever she was forced to sing in Xander’s presence, he would stand really close and sing into her ear so she would have some chance of reproducing the notes correctly. On practice nights, Laine often felt lost and bored, but wanted to be with Xander when he invited her, so an evening watching Xander practice usually involved more time reading or catching up on email.

After practice they planned on grabbing a bottle of wine and some grocery-store sushi for a late dinner at her place. Since she had to be up early for school, she silently hoped it would be a short practice as she had to work on Friday.

Tonight, however, as rehearsal dragged on, Laine kept thinking about the crazy European couple she and Penny bumped into the weekend of the Cloverleaf Half Marathon. Laine just couldn’t see Xander stopping to take celebration pictures of them during a race - of course, she couldn’t see Xander running a race with her either. Tall and lanky, Xander burned off calories surfing and fit the stereotypical surfer dude image with his deep tan and shaggy sun-streaked, brunette hair.

Stella had seemed determined to visit Luna Plantation, although Laine couldn’t see it being more interesting than Europe’s thousands of historical estates. Still, the name of the old plantation seemed to be familiar to her somehow. Luna, she thought, Where have I heard that before?

Text Laine to Penny: Let’s visit Luna in Virginia.

Text Penny to Laine: Sounds like u r enjoying practice.

What’s up? Xander asked, grabbing her phone and giving her a quick but passionate kiss.

I was just pondering my chances of getting you alone for a night out of town, Laine responded, fishing for a positive response.

That sounds great so long as it doesn’t interfere with a gig, Xander replied absently. Ready to go? I’m hungry, he declared as he pulled Laine to her feet and gave her another kiss. Xander was a night owl – ready to move on from practice to a new quest.

You know I have work tomorrow, Laine whispered.

I do too, Xander whispered back, his lips brushing her hair as he pulled her closer. But let’s stop at the club for a quick drink. We can grab a burger there and have sushi another night. His eyes twinkled with a contagious sense of mischief.

Laine felt the pull of Xander’s charm and gave in, knowing there was no such thing as a quick drink with her boyfriend. She was setting herself up for a late night, an early morning, and an exhausting work day.

They danced through her apartment doorway in time for the end of the late news, and by midnight were tangled together on her sofa, sharing some Chardonnay while listening to Faure. Laine yawned, knowing she’d be a zombie in the morning.

***

Email to Laine from Penny

Date: March 17

Subject: We’re Going to London!

I tucked away my first dollar this morning. What museum did you say Xander was sending us to? Are sandals and a battered guitar case required? (You know I’m only teasing.) Your professor boyfriend may look like one of his scruffy students, but his IQ is probably higher than yours and mine! See you later for our run!

Email to Penny from Laine

Date: Friday, March 18

Subject: Late Night

Good thing you opted out of practice – it turned out to be a late night – like almost midnight late! What time do you want to run today? Intervals or a regular run?

BTW, how was your night?

Laine shook her head and wished her power lunch of Diet Mountain Dew and a protein bar would kick in. Xander was charming and sexy and hard to resist, but their lifestyles were so different! Sighing, she turned her attention back to work, calling in the next student. 3:15 couldn’t come soon enough.

Email to Laine from Penny

Date: Friday, March 18

Subject: Tonight

I can’t get out of the office until 5:30, but we’ll still have time to run, then shower and change before we go out. As for last night, you get no sympathy from me! You know Xander always stays out late, so it’s your own fault. Sometimes I wish I could be as spontaneous as you . . . then I realize that I can’t plan being spontaneous, and I can’t breathe without a plan! (If Rob’s at the club, I’m not staying.)

Text Laine to Penny: I’m on my way out. Will you be ready at 6?

Text Penny to Laine: Hope so! I’ll call when I walk out the door.

Penny sighed as she hit Send and opened another file. She dreaded telling Laine that she could only stay only an hour at the club. One of her favorite clients had just called to revise his will. Sadly, he had received bad news from his physician. She was attached to most of her clients, and the news from this sweet septuagenarian affected her on both a personal level and a how am I going to get this done?! level. She’d find the time somehow; work had been her priority since establishing her law practice.

She maneuvered her foot into her running shoe, adjusting the special insert that helped relieve her plantar fascia pain. She wouldn’t give up her running or this time with Laine for anything. She not only was Penny’s running partner, but she kept Penny from working nonstop. Running was a hobby, a healthy pastime, and a wonderful excuse to leave work!

Now, as Penny zipped up a light jacket and left to meet Laine, she hoped they could squeak in over three miles, sticking as close as possible to the training schedule they had followed to prepare for the Cloverleaf Half. Their plan was to utilize the same schedule for the Regal Parks Marathon but to start in earnest in July.

On cue, they broke into a slow jog and immediately began to complain about various aches and pains. The start of each run was similarly painful, and completing the first mile took on great significance. The friends chatted aimlessly as they warmed up and established their regular pace.

The next mile melted away as they caught up on their day, on what they wore, on their lunch, on the electric bills they had just received. Penny questioned, How is your sister? You haven’t mentioned her lately and I thought she was planning to visit sometime soon - or did I make that up?

Lisa only comes down south when she has an ulterior motive! She -. Laine broke off and stopped in her tracks.

Penny jogged in place beside her. Are you okay? Side stitch?

Laine was shaking her head slowly. You won’t believe what I just remembered!

Penny waited, eyebrow cocked.

I remember Luna, Penny. I even sort of saw it!

Penny was fascinated. Wow! When, Laine? Where? I don’t remember you visiting Virginia except for the race!

When you mentioned my sister, it triggered a memory. About eight years ago, Lisa called to see if I could meet her in Richmond since it was halfway between her place and mine. Of course, she only wanted to meet me so I could bring her the heirloom china my mom had been storing for her, but that’s another story.

They had both stopped running now, and Laine caught her breath as she tried to remember. We made a day of it, driving by the river, stopping in the roadside antique shops, and visiting some of the plantations. There are really a lot of them that are open to the public.

It was late and we needed to head back. I was driving, and as I pulled into this dirt driveway to turn around, we could see all the way down the lane to this huge old house by the river. It was brick, three stories high, with columns and twin chimneys. The windows were boarded up and the yard was overgrown. It looked like that house was . . . well, like it was crying!

How do you know it was Luna? Penny’s interest was tinged with jealousy. Laine’s passion was antiques, but Penny’s was old houses. She would have liked nothing better than to explore an abandoned homestead.

A sign on a tree right next to the drive said Luna Plantation, Private Property, No Trespassing, that sort of non-welcoming message. I’m not saying that it was spooky, but it looked so sad and neglected. And you could see past the house to the river, from where our car was. There was a beautiful water view in the evening light.

It probably bogged down in an estate settlement, was Penny’s first comment. That’s a primary reason so many gorgeous old homes fall into disrepair. Either heirs can’t be found, or they fight about money. I wonder who Lily is, then?

Laine had forgotten about Lily. I guess we’ll never know. But at least I’ve remembered Luna. They resumed their run in companionable silence until they had reached their goal, slowed to a quick walk and started the cool down journey back to their apartment complex.

Penny was lost in her thoughts, wishing she had more information to investigate Luna. The combination of a spooky mansion, river view, and disgruntled heirs seemed right out of the pages of one of the Nancy Drew books she had so loved as a girl. She made plans to Google Luna and to hopefully visit the homestead one day.

Why so quiet? Laine hoped her friend wasn’t dwelling on her recent break-up with Rob. He was a nice enough guy, but he never seemed interested in what Penny wanted. They went to see the movies he selected or ate in the restaurants he chose. They never went on hikes or attended book signings. He didn’t even drink wine! Penny deserved better than that!

Oh, just daydreaming, Penny smiled at Laine.

No problem. Go get ready for tonight. I’ll be by in an hour and a half. Shall I drive?

Penny gave an unladylike snort. Not likely! I’ll drive so you can ride home with Xander.

Email to Penny from Laine

Date: March 19

Subject: Another late night

I don’t blame you for bailing last night. Xander didn’t want to leave until the performing band finished its next-to-last set, and he’d have stayed longer except I was practically dead on my feet. It’s good that you left when you did. Five minutes after you left, in walked Rob. (He was alone.)

Are you doing ok today?

Email to Laine from Penny

Date: March 19

Subject: Another late night

I saw Rob in the parking lot, but we didn’t have much to say. You don’t need to walk on eggshells around me because of that. After all, I’m the one who broke up with him! I’m more concerned about this sweet little client of mine who just got a terminal diagnosis. I’m trying to get his estate in order. I think I’ll take today as a rest day.

***

During a quick lunch at her desk, Penny decided that she needed