Innkeeping with Murder - Tim Myers [18]
There was a hitch in the sheriff’s words, and Alex said, “There’s something you’re not saying, isn’t there?”
Armstrong stopped his search for a second to look at Alex carefully, then the sheriff admitted, “You could have a crazy killer on your hands who’s just getting his first taste of blood. It doesn’t feel right, though. I don’t think anybody else is going to get killed.”
“What if you’re wrong? Is there anybody you can station out here until you figure out who killed Reg?”
“Alex, I wish to heaven I could, but with my budget, I can barely keep two cruisers on the road. What with Bobby James on vacation and all, I don’t see how I can help you there.” He slapped Alex on the shoulder. “But don’t you worry now. I’m going to keep my eyes and ears on this place. We’ll get this killer, you mark my words.”
Alex shrugged. “Sheriff, I’ve got to tell my guests what’s been happening. At least that way they’ll have the option of leaving if they’re not comfortable staying at the inn.”
“I understand that. I just wish I could keep them all here. I know the killer could be long gone, but I can’t help thinking he’s still around.”
Alex shrugged. “If you can keep them here on your own, fine, but they have a right to know what’s going on.”
Armstrong pulled at his chin and frowned as he kicked at the grass. “It’s too bad we didn’t find anything here.”
They walked back out front and the sheriff got into his cruiser and drove away.
Alex peered up at the lighthouse, and for just a moment it felt as though the tower was looking back down at him. The structure had always been a comfort to him, but as an errant cloud scudded across the sun, the lighthouse was bathed in muted darkness; there was an almost sinister shadow enveloping it until the sun broke free again.
Alex prayed the killer was long gone from Hatteras West, but he had a sneaking suspicion that just wasn’t the case.
He could only hope that there would be no more murders at Hatteras West.
Chapter 6
“I finished the occupied rooms, Alex. Is there anything else you need done this evening?”
Alex looked up from his seat on the porch to see Elise standing directly in front of him. He’d forgotten all about her, and it took him a second to react.
She must have caught the vacant look in his eyes. “Funny, I thought I was more memorable than that.”
“I’m sorry,” Alex said as he sighed. “I’ve been sitting here since they took Reg’s body away. I must be in some kind of funk. We were really close.” He shook his head, then added, “I’m having a tough time with it.”
A look of concern swept over her face. “I’m sorry you lost your friend.” She added, “You’d probably prefer to be alone. If that’s all for today, I’m going to go into town and get something to eat.”
Alex realized that in his haste to hire Elise, they hadn’t even discussed salary. He got up from his seat abruptly and said, “Why don’t we go together? Dinner’s on me. It’ll give us a chance to talk, plus I can write the meal off on my taxes as a job interview.”
“I don’t see how you can interview me if I’ve already got the job.” There was a sudden coolness to her words, and ordinarily Alex would have taken the rebuff in stride and moved on.
Instead, he said sternly, “I’m not making a pass, Elise; I’ve already got a girlfriend, but she’s out of town on business and I just don’t want to eat by myself tonight. You’re certainly under no obligation to eat with me.
Elise’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry, Alex, I overreacted. I guess I’m kind of defensive.”
“Don’t worry about it, it’s not a problem,” Alex said as he stayed in his chair.
Elise stood there a moment, then said gently, “If the dinner invitation is still open, I’d be happy to join you tonight.”
Alex said with a slight smile, “Maybe you should buy, then. That way there won’t be any doubt in your mind that it’s not a date.”
Elise laughed for the first time since