Aria in Ice (35 page)

I held the horse up so all assembled could
see. Jozef gestured toward the tiny harpsichord. “Johnny said ‘Tell
Abby to ‘lift the lid.’”

I did. There was a rolled up note resting on
the strings. I unfolded it.
My darling St. Agnes. Had to rush
off. Two phone calls in less than ten minutes early this morning
and a major rush to the airport. The South Sarasota Retirees called
to tell me they’re moving up their production of Magic Flute so I’m
needed now before Yolanda blackmails me into heading to Alaska for
a Gregory Noble stint as an ice road trucker catching igloo
smugglers or polar bears.

Gone? Well, hell. I continued reading.

You were sleeping the sleep of the righteous
so I didn’t want to wake you—don’t be ticked. You’ve have a rough
week. And good news! Second call was Yolanda. She says fans are
clamoring for more Abby Fouchet. So “Vanessas Manilow” is back
Endless Time- probably in the fall. The’why’ of Vanessa’s absence?
She’s been guiding tourists up Mt. Elbrus in Russia. Vanessa will
return to run for as a state representative from Staten Island (and
no, darlin’ I have no clue what climbing mountains has to do with
running for office.) Yolanda specifically requested a politican
with chestnut and green hair.

See you in a month. All my love,

Johnny