Innkeeping with Murder - Tim Myers [55]
Behind the glass doors of the sheriff’s office, Alex could see the man asleep in a swivel chair, his feet propped up on his desk.
Alex coughed gently, and Armstrong’s eyes popped open. The sheriff said, “Been a long night. I didn’t mean to fall asleep in the chair. Yow. I think I strained my neck.”
Alex remembered the sheriff’s attitude with him the night before. He snapped, “Where’s Hicking? Is he in taking his turn with the prisoner?”
Armstrong stood up from the chair and stretched. “Naw, he left around midnight. There was a drive-by shooting in Viewpoint.” As he dusted himself off, the sheriff said, “Listen Alex, I’m sorry about last night. That trooper’s got me so jumpy I’m seeing shadows. You know I don’t think you killed Sam Finster. It’s just that we’ve gone a long time with nothing too serious happening around here, and now all at once folks are dropping like flies.”
Alex waved it off. “I’ll accept your apology if you accept mine. Losing the main keeper’s quarters shook me up more than I realized. Is Junior still in the lockup?”
“Take it easy, Alex, we’re not going to hold him. There’s not enough evidence against him, and he swears up and down he didn’t do it. I for one am beginning to believe him.”
Alex felt better as soon as he heard the news. “Can I take him back to the inn with me then?”
Armstrong frowned. “I’d really rather you didn’t.”
“Sheriff, if you’re not going to charge him, you’ve got to let him go. What possible reason do you have to keep holding him here?”
Junior answered that question himself, walking out of the back area in a robe two sizes too big for him and a towel around his neck. It was obvious he’d just gotten out of the shower.
Junior grinned the moment he saw Alex. “I’m going to hang around and give Calvin here a few tips on running his reelection a little more efficiently. I used to be one devil of a campaigner, and I understand our friend has a tight race on his hands. It’ll feel good getting my hands into it again.”
Armstrong perked up. “Alex, did you know Junior helped run the state campaign for John Anderson’s presidential run in 1980? He’s a real pro.”
Alex decided not to point out that Anderson had run a distant third in that particular race. “That sounds great. You sure you don’t mind, Junior? I’d be glad to give you a ride back to the inn. You’re not under any obligation to stay here, you know.”
Junior managed a weak smile. “I want to do this, Alex. To be honest with you, I see Dad everywhere I look around Hatteras West. This gives me something to do to keep my mind occupied, and I’m close enough if something breaks.”
None of it made any sense to Alex, but it seemed the two men had actually worked out some kind of friendship during the night.
Junior coughed politely. “There’s just one more thing. Do you think someone could gather up my things and bring them into town for me? I don’t feel much like going back to the inn until the memorial service.”
“I understand. So you have a place to stay?”
“I’m going to rent a house in town for the time being. I’ve already made the arrangements.”
Alex said, “I thought you’d be getting back to your company.”
Junior shook his head. “I’m not leaving until we find out who killed my father. There will be plenty of time to pick up the reins when I get back. In the meantime, the department heads can manage without me.” He offered his hand to Alex. “Thanks for believing in me. If there’s anything I can ever do for you, just say the word.”
For a moment Alex considered asking Junior for a loan so he could rebuild the main keeper’s quarters, but owing money to Reg’s son would be the same as owing money to the bank, and Alex wasn’t about to do that. There had never been any kind of mortgage at Hatteras West, and Alex would continue the tradition, even if it I meant he’d be