Innkeeping with Murder - Tim Myers [51]
Alex went back to the refrigerator and pulled out two Cokes. As he handed one to Junior, he asked, “Sorry I’m out of beer. How are you holding up?”
A frown crossed the man’s face. Junior said, “For some reason, the police refuse to release Dad’s body. He always wanted to be cremated, so as soon as they let him go, we’ll have a quiet memorial service. Can I ask you a favor, Alex?”
“Name it.”
In a steady voice, Junior said, “This was Dad’s favorite place on earth. He loved Hatteras West more than he loved his own home. Could we spread his ashes from the observation deck, or do you think that would be too gruesome, considering the fact that he died up there?”
Alex patted Junior’s shoulder. “I think Reg would have loved it.”
As they ate their meal, Alex told Junior one of his favorite stories about Reg. “I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but your dad was a real influence on my life. I remember a time when I was twelve years old and in a really rebellious phase of my life against every adult in the world. Every adult except your dad. We took sleeping bags up to the top of the tower one night and decided to stay awake and watch the dawn. Man, the stories he could tell, about his early life growing up, his I time in the Marines, everything. He told me how proud he was the first time he saw you after you were born. Your father was a fine man.”
Junior shook his head sadly. “You know, you probably knew my father better than anyone else alive. I know he showed you more of himself than he ever did to me.”
Alex said, “It’s tough between fathers and sons. There are so many expectations. I don’t know why he picked me to be his friend, but part of the reason I’m the man I am today is because of him.” Junior nodded as he finished off the rest of his sandwich. “I’d like to stay around long enough to hear those stories Dad told you. Would you mind?”
“Of course not, but I thought you’d already made up your mind about leaving.”
Junior said, “Not until I know for sure what happened. Dad would have wanted it that way.” He looked intent as he added, “Besides, I really would like to see my father through your eyes.”
“I’ll do my best.” Alex picked up the white queen from the board. “Pick a hand.”
Junior was just about to choose when the front door swung open to reveal Sheriff Armstrong, along with SBI agent Sergeant Hicking.
And from the looks on their faces, they weren’t there to make a social call.
Chapter 16
“What can I do for you gentlemen?” Alex asked.
Hicking walked into the room like he was repossessing it. “It’s not you we’ve come to see. Mr. Wellington? We need you to come downtown for some questioning.”
Junior looked up in shock. “What is wrong with you people? I swear on all that’s holy, I didn’t kill my father!”
Hicking said, “I’m not about to get into it here. Now, are you coming peacefully, or are we going to have to do this the hard way?”
Alex stood up. “Surely you don’t suspect the man’s own son. He told me himself he had nothing to gain from Reg’s death except a pound of headaches that come with the business.”
Hicking looked surprised. “Don’t you consider a million dollars worth of life insurance a good enough motive?”
Junior stammered, “I never knew anything about any insurance. What are you talking about?”
Hicking said, “We’ll discuss it downtown, Mr. Wellington.”
“Wait a minute,” Alex said. “Motive isn’t enough. There’s no way you can prove he was at the scene of the crime.”
Hicking looked smug, while Armstrong had a scowl on his face. The state policeman was evidently acting with the sheriff’s forced cooperation.
Hicking said, “There you’re wrong. We found a bloodstain on the clothes the sheriff collected earlier. The lab confirms there’s a strong possibility it was his father’s blood.”
Junior said, “This is ridiculous. Dad probably cut himself shaving and brushed up against me. We shared a bathroom here,