Aria in Ice by Flo Fitzpatrick Read Free Book Online Page A

of info Franz had given us. My mind was in the
Czech Republic, not Austria.
    Suddenly my mind was also at Kouzlo
Noc . An ‘Abby-vision’ was flashing before me. I could see the
north turret of the castle—and I could see someone falling from it.
It was a short vision but vivid. I shivered.
    I needed to vanquish that image. Mentioning
Mozart again was bound stir things up a bit and center my focus
outside of bodies tumbling from tall windows.
    “So, Franz? What’s your favorite part of The Magic Flute ? Were you aware it was first performed in
Vienna.” I turned to Johnny. “But of course, you, being the
consummate musician, probably can sing the durn thing in German,
too. And while I’m being nosy, Mr. Gerard; you said you were doing
research on the opera’s first Prague performance. Why not the
original from Vienna? For that matter, why the research?”
    Johnny’s response was a crock as far as his
real reasons for studying the Prague version. He avoided any
mention of why he was researching the bloody thing to begin with.
“Because the Prague production contained a few elements in the
orchestra that were not heard in Vienna. Especially for the
flautist. Don’t you just love the flute?”
    I was now sorry I’d mentioned the stinkin’
thing and worried that Johnny would bring up my far-out theory
about the ghost at Kouzlo Noc who could well be a flautist.
I began to blather. “I love The Magic Flute . Of course,
anyone who loves opera loves that one. I don’t get all the
symbolism, and I wish Wolfgang Amadeus had thrown in a few more
arias and less recitative, but the Papageno/Papagena duet is way
too much fun, and you can’t do better than that aria by the Queen
of the Night. So, aside from me, who’s planning to see this current
production by the Czech Company? I’ve heard that this version will
have modern costuming and more of a present-day approach, whatever
the heck that means.”
    Johnny folded the napkin he hadn’t used, left
it on the plate he hadn’t used, then stood. “I have tickets for the
gala opening Friday night. Care to join me, Ms. Fouchet?”
    Franz also stood. “I plan to attend that
myself. Perhaps I can escort Ms. Fouchet since we are staying at
the hotel together.”
    He made it sound as though we were sharing a
room and I had no desire to be labeled his sleep partner/lover when
that label was absolutely false. Johnny wasn’t normally the jealous
type (unlike me) but he did have a fine Irish temper and I could
easily visualize him picking up Franz and toss him into the dessert
tray. Of course, if Johnny would just own up to the
girlfriend/boyfriend truth of our relationship then Franz wouldn’t
be so quick to make insinuating comments about his and my current
residences.
    I shoved my chair back and jumped to my feet.
“Well, isn’t that a kick, Franz. I had no idea we were both at that
hotel. Guess Shay arranged it?” I smiled so my comment didn’t sound
harsh. “Tell you what, guys. Why don’t we all meet at the theatre
Friday? I’m sure a few other cast members from the movie would like
to join us. Shay said at least three of the leads, plus our
composer for the movie, should be here by then. Are tickets hard to
get?”
    Johnny replied, “I bought two tickets for you
and me less than an hour ago. Sorry, Mr. Hart, but you’re on your
own for yours. They should still have seats available for your
other cast and staff.” He glared at Franz, who appeared clueless as
to how he’d wronged Johnny Gerard.
    I quickly said, “Cool. Hey, look at the time!
I’ve got stuff I need to do. Johnny, I guess I’ll see you Friday?
And Franz, we can meet tomorrow if you’re coming out to get a look
at the castle? I need to take some notes for Shay on what scenes
should be shot where.”
    Franz brightened. “I very much will want to
see the castle. So tomorrow perhaps you can guide me?”
    “Sure. It would be my distinct pleasure.”
    Johnny bowed, then growled. “Ms.