Innkeeping with Murder - Tim Myers [52]
Alex said, “It does seem awfully circumstantial, Sergeant.”
Hicking ignored Alex completely. “We just want to ask you a few questions, Mr. Wellington, you’re not being formally arrested, yet. Now we can do it nice and easy, or we can get rough. But you are going with us, make no mistake about that.”
Junior got out of his chair and joined the two officers near the door.
Alex called out, “Is there anyone you’d like me to contact?”
As Junior walked out between Armstrong and Hicking, he said, “Don’t worry, Alex, I’ll call my lawyer from the jail. I didn’t kill my father! It’s important that you believe me.”
Hicking snapped. “It doesn’t matter what he thinks. You’d better start concentrating on impressing us.”
Alex walked out with the three men. As the SBI
agent moved ahead with Junior, Alex whispered to Armstrong, “Isn’t there anything you can do about this?”
“I’m sorry, Alex. My hands are tied. I’ll watch out for him, though. Hicking’s not a bad guy, he’s just eager to make a splash. If Junior didn’t kill his father, I won’t let him be railroaded for it.”
Alex leaned over to speak to Junior as Armstrong helped him into the backseat of the squad car. “For what it’s worth, I believe you, Junior.”
A look of relief washed over the man’s face. Junior’s arrest snapped Alex out of his lethargy. He was more determined than ever to find the identity of the real killer. It was most likely the same individual who had started the fire.
Whoever was playing with matches was going to get burned, if Alex had anything to say about it.
Alex was still staring at the unlit logs in the fireplace when Elise walked through the front door. A quick glance at his watch showed Alex it was only 9:30.
Elise didn’t see him sitting in the darkness. Once she was inside, she closed the door firmly and leaned her back against it.
Alex said from his corner of the darkness, “Hello.”
Elise flipped on the light switch. “Waiting up for me, Alex?”
He shielded his eyes from the intensity of the sudden light. “To be honest with you, I forgot you went out.”
“That’s not very flattering,” she said.
“Where’s Peter?” Alex asked softly.
“I don’t want to talk about him, Alex.”
He said, “That’s fine by me.” The strain between them was obvious, but Alex didn’t know how to relieve it.
Elise rubbed her arms. “It’s chilly in here, don’t you think? Could we have a fire?” The second she said it, Alex could tell she regretted her word choice. “I’m sorry, I’m sure that’s the last thing you want.”
“I’ve got to get over it sooner or later,” he said as he lit the fire. As the flames took hold, Alex said, “Hicking and Armstrong came by a few minutes ago and took Junior in for questioning.”
Elise shook her head. “That’s ridiculous. That man didn’t kill his father. I just don’t believe it.”
Alex said, “That makes two of us. Now all we have to do is figure out who did.”
“Then we’ll know who burned down the main keeper’s quarters. We know the arson was an obvious act of aggression.” Elise paused a moment, then added, “Alex, you know it is possible that Emma’s tumble on the rocks might have just been an accident.”
“Maybe, but I’ll feel a lot better when she wakes up and we can find out for sure.”
Alex brought Elise up to date on everything he’d learned from Chief Weston and Smiley O’Reilly. The air was definitely clearing between them. Elise looked as devastated as Alex felt. When he told her about Grandy’s offer, she looked thoughtful.
She said, “It’s a little too convenient, him wanting to buy the place right after the fire. Is there any chance he set the blaze himself?”
“I’d be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind. To be honest with you, I’m more confused than ever. First thing in the morning I’m going to track Finster down and make him tell me who his mystery client is. For some reason, I think that might be the key to this whole mess.”
“Alex, have you decided what you’re going to do about the long-term plans for the inn? You’ll never stay afloat now with those rooms gone.”
He smiled. “If you have any life savings tucked away, now