Innkeeping with Murder - Tim Myers [30]
Alex watched as the sheriff got up and headed back toward the guest rooms. He lingered over his coffee until the sheriff asked pointedly, “Aren’t you coming?”
Alex said, “To be honest with you, I’ve lost my taste for it. Do you really need me?”
“Your guests are bound to be a little more cooperative if they see the hotel owner with me. Besides, if they aren’t in, I’d like a quick peek into their rooms. I can’t do that without you and your key.”
Alex reluctantly caught up with Armstrong as he headed toward the next occupied room. This one belonged to Emma Sturbridge.
Chapter 9
Alex said, “I keep telling you, Sheriff, Mrs. Sturbridge just arrived last night. She can’t possibly know anything about Reg’s murder.”
“Why don’t we talk to her anyway? She may have seen something on her way in.”
Alex knocked a final time before using his pass key to enter the room. There was no sign of the woman anywhere. As he had suspected, Emma Sturbridge kept her belongings neat and orderly. He could usually tell after meeting his guests for the first time what kind of tenants they’d be.
“Wonder where she’s off to?”
Alex turned to the sheriff. “She’s another rockhound. Where do you think?”
Armstrong let the gibe pass and pivoted out of the room. “Who’s next on your list?”
“Joel Grandy.”
“Is he another one of your harmless guests?”
Alex had to admit he wasn’t sure, as he shared his
observation of the chess argument with the sheriff. Armstrong looked pleased. “Finally, another legitimate suspect. Unlock the door.”
Alex ignored the sheriff and knocked loudly first. Grandy swung the door open before Alex had a chance to rap a second time.
“What can I do for you gentlemen? I was just getting ready to go into town.”
Armstrong stepped deftly in front of Alex and took over the interview. “I’m investigating the murder of Reg Wellington. I understand the two of you had words the night before last about a chess game.”
Grandy looked directly at Alex as he spoke. “I already explained the incident to my host.”
Alex lifted his hands in apology to the man. He hated passing gossip on to Armstrong, but his friend had been murdered, and he was determined to find the killer. It was no time to be concerned with good manners. Armstrong continued. “Why don’t you go over it for me. Tell me why you two nearly came to blows.”
Grandy stepped back from the doorway, and the other two men quickly followed him into the room, “My God, it was an innocent chess game. Surely you don’t think I’d murder someone over a friendly match, I never laid a hand on him. Ask anybody.”
“It didn’t sound too friendly to me the way it was described.”
Joel shrugged. “Tempers flared a little, but I didn’t kill him. There’s been enough death in my life lately without my adding to it. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I recently lost my wife to cancer.”
Armstrong changed tacks. “Where were you between the hours of three and five yesterday afternoon?”
Grandy leaned into the sheriff. “Unless you’re planning to arrest me, I’m through with you and your questions.”
Armstrong replied, “You may be a material witness to a murder, so I’m formally requesting that you stay on site until I’m done with my preliminary investigation.” Alex started to protest, but it was too late. Armstrong turned on his heel and started out of the room. Alex didn’t know whether to follow or not, until the sheriff turned to him with a steely gaze. “Let’s go.”
Alex didn’t like either man’s bullying tone, but he wanted to stay close to Armstrong in case the sheriff learned anything new about the murder.
Once they were in the hallway, Alex asked, “Why did you give him such a hard time?”
Armstrong frowned. “I didn’t like his attitude. People should have more respect for the law.”
Alex was about to reply when Elise joined them. The second he saw her face, Alex knew that something was wrong.
“What’s happened? You’re as pale as a ghost.”
“It’s about Mrs. Sturbridge.” Elise’s voice was as weak as her complexion.
Armstrong stepped in front of Alex to get closer