Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [27]
Amy came out of the mist behind them, the hood of her cape still pulled up. As she pushed it back, she said, “Is everything all right?”
Alex was about to say something when Julie chimed in, “Everything’s just fine. We’re finished with our little talk.”
Alex wanted to ask a few more questions, but the firmness in Julie’s voice was hard to contradict. “For now, at least.”
Amy said brightly, “Enough talk about the dark things then. Come see what I’m doing,” she added as she led them to the barn doors and flung them open.
Inside, sitting on a turntable pedestal in the middle of the barn, was a towering sculpture that at first looked like an odd collection of junk. As Alex studied it, though, he could make out the form of a body inside the twists of steel. A projection that had at first appeared to be tacked on became a hand reaching upward, and once he found that in the steel, he saw the face gazing up as well.
Amy looked at it a moment, then asked, “So what do you think I should call it?”
Alex studied it for a few seconds more, then said, “How about Reaching for the Stars?”
Amy shrugged as Julie applauded and said, “What a great name, but she’s calling it Exceeding Dreams. I’ve got to admit, it’s kind of growing on me.”
Amy said, “Hey, I don’t name them, they tell me what they should be called.”
Alex said, “I’ll have to trust you on that. Listen, I’d better get back to the inn. Elise has been covering the place for me all day.”
Julie said, “Couldn’t you at least stay for a bite to eat? We’re just having sandwiches, but you’re more than welcome to join us.”
Alex was tempted, but he was also leery of leaving Elise too long at the inn alone. “Thanks, but I’d better get back. How about a rain check?”
Amy nodded, her thoughts already back to the steel.
Julie walked him out, staying close to him as they neared the truck. As he got in, she said, “You have a real positive energy, Alex. I like it.”
“Thank you kindly, ma’am. I’d like to talk more later, if that’s all right with you.”
“I’d be delighted,” she said, and he drove off into the fog.
Though the two properties were within a few miles of each other by the map, the roads he needed to take him back home would take at least twenty minutes, especially in the fog. Alex wondered about Julie’s change of heart as he headed back to Hatteras West. Had she truly decided to give up her inheritance before Alex spoke with her, or had it all been for his benefit? He liked Julie, there was no doubt about that, but could he believe her?
He still hadn’t made up his mind as he pulled up the long lane of Point Road that led to the lighthouse’s front door.
Alex’s heart fell when he saw a shiny new BMW parked out front. He’d half wished it was Sandra’s or even Tony’s, but he should have been so lucky.
It appeared that Peter Asheford had made good his threat to come to Elkton Falls.
Steeling himself, Alex parked his truck and walked inside.
Peter and Elise were sitting by the fireplace in deep conversation when Alex walked in. They both stood as he approached, Peter sticking by her side.
Elise said, “Alex, if you don’t mind, we’re going to go ahead and take off early.”
Nodding to Elise without really looking at her, Alex looked in Peter’s direction as he said, “Absolutely. Thanks for hanging around.”
Peter walked forward and offered his hand to Alex. “Good to see you again. The last time I was here, your other building was burned to the ground. Fantastic start at the reconstruction job. Elise gave me the grand tour.”
Alex took Peter’s hand, fighting his instinct to warm to the man. Peter Asheford was a natural-born salesman, no matter what else he might be.
Alex said, “Thanks. I’m really proud of it.”
“As you should be.” Peter lowered his eyes as he added, “Sorry to hear about your uncle. I hope there won’t be any bad feelings between us.”
“Why on earth should there be?” Alex asked.
Peter said, “I had no idea when I bought the cottage that it belonged to your uncle. I just don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of your tragedy.”
Alex knew someone had