Down from the Cross Page 8

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’ve already discussed it with our church board, and they’ve given me permission to ask you.” Though her heart thundered, she was amazed at how calm her voice sounded. “I know you’re busy practicing next season’s opera, but you’re a quick learner. You could do both of them if you set your mind to it. And I’ll be here to help you in any way I can.”

  “Impossible.” He turned and strode across the room, leaning his hands on the windowsill and gazing into the blue sky. “Absolutely impossible.”

  She followed him. “Why? Why is it impossible?”

  With a shake of his head, he swung around to face her. “For starters, my agent would never let me do it.”

  She lifted her chin defiantly. “Oh? I thought your agent worked for you. I didn’t realize you worked for him!”

  “He does work for me.”

  “Then tell him you want to do it.”

  He stared down at her. “I never said I wanted to do it.”

  She gave him a challenging smile. “But you do, don’t you?

  Or do you think you’re incapable of singing the part?” There, she’d done it. She’d waved her red flag in front of a bull, fully expecting him to charge, but she was prepared for him. After all, God was on her side.

  “Of course I could do it. I—”

  “It’s a pretty difficult role.”

  He frowned at her, but the smile teasing the corners of his lips told her he was enjoying their repartee. “I’ve done more difficult, I can assure you.”

  She put her hands on her hips and took a step closer, jutting out her chin. “Prove it!”

  “I’m up to your little game, missy.” His hands moved quickly to cup her shoulders. “Look, Jane. Even if I wanted to do it, which I’m not saying I do, I’d have trouble getting this past the union.”

  “But… if you did really want to do it, you could figure out a way, couldn’t you?”

  He appeared thoughtful. “Maybe. I’d have to work on it.”

  A chill of excitement rushed through her, and she brightened. “Does that mean you’ll try?”

  “You realize, if anyone other than you asked me to do this, I’d laugh in their face.” He let out a long sigh. “You’re not giving me much time. What is it? Seven or eight weeks until Easter?”

  “Actually, you’d have seven to prepare. We usually start performing it a week before Easter.”

  He rested the back of his hand against his forehead. “I hesitate to ask. Is there more than one performance?”

  She nodded, beginning to feel quite confident. Hadn’t God laid it upon her heart to ask him? “Eight, actually. One each night, including Easter night.”

  Keene frowned, placing his palms together and templing his fingers as his gaze returned to the window. “That’s a pretty demanding schedule.”

  “I know.”

  “And you’re singing the part of Mary?”

  “Yes.”

  He stood silently for a long time, his vacant stare fixed on the billowy clouds floating aimlessly in the Providence sky. “I owe you, you know,” he finally said without looking at her. “Not only for what I did to your car, but for the pain and suffering you went through with your leg.”

  “I know. I’m counting on that.”

  “It would be a challenge. I’ve never sung a part quite like it.”

  “I have no doubt you could do it.”

  “I’d have to put my practicing aside and work nearly fulltime on learning something totally new.”

  “You’ve already told me you’re weeks ahead on your new opera.” She waited. Hoping. Praying.

  “I’d have to work this out with the union.”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure out a way.”

  He turned to her slowly, his gaze zeroing in on her face. “You think you’re pretty smart, don’t you?”

  His question puzzled her. “Smart? Me? No.”

  “You just talked me into doing something I wasn’t convinced I wanted to do, didn’t you?”

  His broad smile sent her skyward. She felt like she was floating on one of those billowy clouds. “I talked you into it? Does that mean you’ll do it?”

  “Only because you asked me. How could I refuse?”

  Without thinking, Jane leaped into his arms and kissed his cheek. To her surprise, he held her there, their faces so close she could feel the warmth of his rapid breathing on her cheek.

  “Somehow, some way, I’ll work it out. You can tell your church board I will be happy to fill in for—what’s his name?

  Jim?”

  “Jim Carter,” Jane said hurriedly as he continued to hold her in his arms, her feet dangling inches above the thick carpeting.

  “Do you realize, Jane, this is the first time I’ve been asked to fill in for someone? I’m usually the star!”

  His voice was teasing, and she knew it.

  “This is a pretty humbling experience.”

  “In my book, you’ll always be the star. Thank you, Keene. I know this is going to put a real strain on your time.”

  “Knowing you, I suppose you prayed about this, right?”

  She grinned up at him as he lowered her feet to the floor.

  “Yes, I did.”

  He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “And I also suppose you just happen to have a copy of the cantata with you.”

  “Right here in my backpack.”

  “You’re incorrigible, but you’re sweet.”

  She reached up and touched his cheek with the tip of her fingers. “So are you.” Thank You, God.

  All smiles, he stuck out his hand, palm up. “You might as well give it to me so I can at least see what I’ve committed myself to.”

  She grabbed the backpack and quickly located the copy of the cantata and handed it to him. Reaching back in the bag, she pulled out an audiotape. “We’ll be using a live orchestra, but this is the practice tape that came with the cantata.”

  His hand brushed hers as he took the tape from her, and he held on fast, locking his fingers over hers. She thought she was going to explode with joy.

  “This should really help. I will start listening to it this afternoon. Right after I clear things up with my agent and the Musician’s Union.”

  “Our next rehearsal is tomorrow night.”

  He screwed up his face. “That doesn’t give me much time, does it?”

  “No, but I’m sure you can handle it,” she said, meaning it, thrilled that the wonderful voice of Keene Moray would be singing the part of her Lord. “Oh, Keene, I can’t thank you enough.”

  His finger tapped the tip of her nose, and he smiled into her face. “You’re right. You can’t thank me enough. Now get to work before I fire you.”

  She watched him leave the office, closing the door behind him, and then sank into a nearby chair, exhausted but with a prayer of thanks on her lips. “You truly are an awesome God. You’ve answered my prayer above and beyond anything I could ever imagine, but I have one more request, Lord.” She felt a tear slide down her cheek. “Speak to Keene’s heart and make him realize his need for You and bring him to Yourself.”

  Keene closed the door then leaned against its frame. Whatever possessed me to say yes? I must have been out of my mind to agree to such a thing. The people I will be working with are amateurs. If this Easter thing is not top-notch, it could hurt my career. Not only that, but it will certainly complicate something else going on in my life. Something else important enough to ruin my career.

  His thoughts turned to Jane. She is the reason I said yes. How could I deny that woman anything when she has asked so little of me? She is the first woman I have met in a long time who did not fall all over herself in my presence. I can be myself with her, totally at ease. I like that. She is the bright spot in my day. I could almost fall for her, if she wasn’t so… religious!

  Moving slowly to the phone, he dialed his agent’s number. “Hello, Brian. You won’t believe what I’m about to tell you.”

  T
en minutes later, after much explaining and arguing with his agent, the two of them reached an agreement. Next, he called the Musician’s Union.

  Jane waited impatiently for Pastor Congdon to pick up the phone. Finally, on the fourth ring, he answered.

  “God answered our prayer!” she shouted into the receiver. “Keene is going to do it! He’s actually going to do it!”

  “Jane? This is you, I hope.”

  She could not contain the joyful laughter bubbling inside her. “Yes, it’s me. Sorry I didn’t identify myself, but I’m so excited!”

  He laughed. “I noticed that.”

  “He’s already called his agent to let him know, and now he’s working things out with the Musician’s Union. I’ve given him the music to Down from the Cross, and he’ll be at our rehearsal tomorrow night!” She finally stopped talking long enough to suck in a deep breath.

  “Wow, you work fast! How did you manage to pull it off so quickly?”

  “I–I didn’t do anything. God did! I just turned it all over to Him and watched things happen. He did it all!”

  “Well, I must say, this is good news. I can hardly wait to tell the board and Ben Kennard. I know the entire choir has been praying about this. I’m eager to meet your Mr. Moray.”

  Jane settled herself into her desk chair and tilted it back, resting her feet on the heavy metal wastebasket. “You’ll like him. He’s… he’s… oh, I can’t think of words to describe him, but he’s fantastic!”

  “If you say so, I’m sure he is. I had better start calling everyone with the good news. Thanks, Jane, for coming up with this idea and making it work.”

  “But I—”

  He interrupted her. “I know—you didn’t do it—God did. But He used you to accomplish it. You were a willing vessel. I’ll see you tomorrow night at rehearsal.”

  Other than stopping for the quick bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich Jane made for lunch, Keene didn’t come out of his bedroom all day, but while Jane worked, off in the distance she could hear the faint sounds of Down from the Cross as the audiotape played. Keene was already at work on the cantata.

  The same thing happened the next day. At noon, she had trouble coaxing him to come out long enough to eat a bowl of the broccoli-cheese soup she had prepared especially for him. After drawing a crude map showing the way to the church, she left his office at five with plans for them to meet in the church parking lot at 7:15.

  He had already parked his BMW by the time she arrived. A light evening snow had blanketed Providence, causing everything to be slick underfoot. Keene rushed to open her door when she pulled into the empty stall beside him, taking her arm in his as they moved to the church’s side entrance. Once inside, they brushed the snow from their clothing and headed for the sanctuary.

  While they walked, he scanned the hallways. “This is a beautiful building.”

  Jane nodded in agreement then took his hand and tugged him along, moving down the long hallway with its many classroom doors on either side.

  He stopped long enough to peek into an open classroom. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this.”

  She gave him a grin. “We have indoor plumbing, too.” She yelped when she felt a slight pinch on her arm. “And electricity!”

  Keene pushed open one of the big double doors when they reached the sanctuary, holding it so they could pass through.

  Ben Kennard quickly left his place on the platform and rushed toward them, his hand extended. “Mr. Moray. What a pleasure to meet you. Jane has told us all about you.”

  Keene gave the man’s hand a hearty shake. “Knowing Jane like I do, I’m not sure I want to hear that. We have worked together closely the past few weeks. I’m afraid she knows all my bad habits.”

  Ben continued to shake his hand. “Believe me, it was all good. You have a real fan in Jane.”

  “I know.”

  They walked toward the front of the church with Keene tightly latching on to Jane, cupping her elbow with his hand and sending her a smile that made her toes curl.

  She felt a flush rise to her cheeks. “I–I thought maybe it would be best if Keene just listened to our practice tonight, to kind of get a feel for what we’ve been rehearsing.”

  “Good idea.” Ben reached into his attaché case, pulling out a copy of Down from the Cross and handing it to Keene. “You’ll want a copy—”

  Keene held up the one he had brought with him. “Already have one. Jane gave me hers—the accompaniment tape, too.” He motioned to an area off the platform, in the center of a front pew. “Why don’t I sit there? That way I can see the faces of the people in the choir as they sing. I want to get to know everyone.”

  After Ben introduced Keene and explained he had graciously consented to take on the lead part and the pageant would go on as planned, everyone took his or her place. They bowed their heads, and Ben thanked God for sending Keene to them by way of Jane, then practice began. Though Jane tried to focus on the choir director, her gaze kept inching off toward her boss. To her surprise, he was mouthing the words without even looking at the book. Then she remembered the many hours, both yesterday and today, she had heard the faint sounds of the audiotape being played while she worked. He had already begun to memorize the music.

  At the conclusion of one of the best practices they had ever had, Ben smiled at his group of happy singers. “Okay, gang, listen up! This Saturday is the first of our all-day practices. Again this year, the Women’s Ministries group has offered to provide our lunch, so all you will have to bring is yourself. I know it’s going to be tough to give up all your Saturdays between now and the time we actually begin our performances, but those of you who have sung in past years know how important these all-day practices are if we are to do our best for the Lord. This is your service to Him. Hopefully, your number one priority. Plan on arriving at nine, and we’ll try to have you out of here by four, no later than five.” He turned and gestured toward Keene. “It won’t be necessary for you to be here all day, Mr. Moray. I’ll work with you on a schedule so you’ll only need to be here for the time in which you’ll be involved.”

  Keene rose and stepped up onto the platform, facing the choir. “May I say a few words?” Ben nodded. “Of course.”

  “First of all, it’s nice to be a part of this dedicated group, and I have to say I’m impressed with your singing. I will admit, when Jane first approached me, I thought she was crazy. But”—he smiled in her direction—“when she began to tell me how Down from the Cross had been canceled due to Jim’s illness, and I saw the look of disappointment in her eyes, I actually found myself wishing I could do something to make her feel better, never realizing the very next day she’d ask me to sing Jim’s part.” He chuckled. “At first I thought her request might be nothing more than a joke, and I laughed, but then I realized she was dead serious. If anyone other than Jane had asked me to do this, I would have given them a definite no, instantly, without any consideration whatsoever. But Jane? I could never refuse her anything. Not after I turned her life upside down the day I ran a red light and—” He gave her a quick wink. “I’m sure you’ve all heard the story by now.”

  Karen gave Jane a playful jab with her elbow.

  Keene lowered his head, gazing at the floor for a few seconds before going on. When he looked up at them again, his face was somber. “Jane is a Christian. I am sure most of you are, too. I will not make any pretenses. I am not, but I want you to know I respect your beliefs. I have played many parts in my life as a vocalist, but I have never played the part of Jesus. And although I do not believe in God, I can tell you being asked to play this role is quite humbling, and I am sure it will be the hardest role I have ever taken on. I will give it my very best. That’s a promise.”

  Ben placed his hand on Keene’s shoulder. “I’m sure I speak for everyone here, Mr. Moray, when I say we’ll all be praying for you. Thank you for your honesty. It’s much appreciated.”

  Turning back to the choir, Keene said, “I’ll see all of you at n
ine on Saturday. Tell those ladies from that women’s group to count me in for lunch. I plan to be here all day.”

  Ben grinned at him. “Jane told us you never do anything halfway. We’ll see you Saturday, and welcome aboard!”

  It seemed Keene shook hands with each of the choir members before he and Jane were ready to leave, greeting each one cordially and asking their names, telling them how nice it was to meet them. She watched, amazed at his sincere attitude. Then she remembered that this man was not only her friend, her employer, but he was Keene Moray and well used to meeting and greeting fans. She wondered if that smile was really sincere or merely a promotional tool. Either way, the choir members were enjoying it.

  “You really didn’t have to stay until the last person left, you know.” Jane slipped her hand into the crook of Keene’s arm and held on tightly as they walked onto the slick parking lot.

  “I know, but they’re a great bunch of people. I really enjoyed watching them this evening. I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

  The night air felt cold, and a slight breeze had come up, whirling the snow about their feet, giving her an excuse to press in close to him as they walked. “Were you really serious about being there all day Saturday?”

  He cupped his warm hand over hers and smiled down at her. “I have to learn an entire cantata. What better way than to follow the book and sing it along with the choir?”

  “But you don’t have to learn the entire thing, just your part.”

  “Sorry, but that would never work for me. To do my best I have to know everyone’s part, feel the emotion, and see the drama. I cannot just step in and sing. It has to come from here.” He took his hand away from hers long enough to point to his heart. “If I’m going to do this, Jane, which I promised you I would, I’ll put as much effort into it as I do any of the operas I sing or any of the concerts I perform.”

  She realized his words should have made her happy, but a thread of disappointment surged through her instead. “Oh, I forgot about your reputation. Who knows? There may be someone from the newspaper or a television station in the audience. You wouldn’t want to let them see anything less than a stellar performance.”