Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [34]
As they stowed the last box in the truck, Mor said, “Well, that’s one way to burn a morning. Let’s go over to Buck’s and grab some lunch.”
Alex said, “I don’t know if I should. I’ve left Elise alone all morning.”
“So what’s another half hour going to hurt?” Mor hesitated, then said, “Tell you what, I’ll even buy. You’re not going to get a better deal than that. What do you say?”
“I say we go before you change your mind,” Alex said. “Why don’t we walk over? It’s a pretty day, and I could use the fresh air.”
“Why not,” Mor agreed, so they headed over to Buck’s on foot.
Buck’s Grill was jammed, nearly overflowing with the noonday crowd. Sally Anne, Buck’s daughter, barely had time to nod toward them as she hustled past with a tray heavily loaded with food.
Irene Wilkins, the beautician/criminologist, called them over to her booth. “Would you two gentlemen care to share a table with me? It’s the only way you’ll eat sitting down today.”
Alex slid in beside her and said, “Now how can we turn down such a gracious offer? But Irene, are you sure your reputation can handle being seen with the two of us?”
Mor winked at her as he added, “I’m not sure anyone’s name could survive that particular blow. Just don’t tell Emma about this when she gets back. She has a tendency to get jealous when I pay too much attention to another woman.”
Irene laughed heartily, catching the other diners’ attention for a moment before they went back to their discussions. Though the food was good enough, Alex believed most of the customers were there as much for the conversation as they were for the meal.
Irene asked, “So how’s life at the inn, Alex?”
“Never a dull moment. We’re trying to get everything ready for tonight.” He glanced at his watch. “In fact, I should be there right now, but Mor offered to buy lunch, and I wasn’t about to pass that up.”
Mor said, “Keep your voice down, will you? I have a reputation to uphold.” He glanced at the crowd and said, “Tell you what, why don’t I go ahead and order for us at the counter? Sally Anne’s really hopping, and I’m hungry enough to eat a moose.”
“How do you know what I want?” Alex asked.
“Come on, anybody in Elkton Falls could order for you, Alex. Club sandwich, no tomato, fries, and iced tea. Now tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re wrong,” Alex said. “Since you’re buying, I think I’ll start with the filet mignon, maybe a chocolate mousse and a bottle of Buck’s finest champagne.”
Mor laughed. “Right. I’ll go place that order right away, sir.”
After he was gone, Irene said somberly, “Alex, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about, but I didn’t know how to go about it.”
“Is it about my uncle?” Alex asked.
“Yes, but not in the way you think. It’s ... well... it’s all rather personal.”
Alex said, “I swear I won’t breathe a word. What are you holding back?”
Irene lowered her voice. “It’s not about the case, Alex. Jase and I, well, we were friends. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we had a habit of sharing our Thursday evenings together. He’d come over and I’d cook us a big meal, then we’d sit in the parlor and play a few games of chess.” Irene said, “Don’t look so surprised. Beauticians can play chess, too.”
“It’s not that. I know you’re one of the smartest folks in Elkton Falls. I just didn’t realize you were dating my uncle.”
Alex had to look hard to believe what he was seeing. The
unflappable Irene was actually blushing! “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. We simply enjoyed each other’s company.”
Alex touched her hand lightly. “Irene, you were crying when the sheriff and I came by your shop the other day, and here I thought it was just the chemicals. Listen to me. If you gave Jase some companionship in his last days, I couldn’t be happier. I’m just amazed you managed to keep it a secret. I thought the kudzu vine was impossible to beat.”
“Well, Jase was a crafty old rascal. He had a real knack for keeping his private life private, if you know what I mean.”
Alex said softly, “And no one in town knows