Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [36]
Mor rubbed his chin. “I’ve got to admit, your hunches have paid off in the past. What in the world could they be looking for though?”
“I wish I knew. I’m telling you one thing; the first chance I get, I’m going to dig into this, and I won’t stop until I find out what’s going on.”
Mor nodded. “I wish I could help, but I’ve got a full afternoon scheduled. Les and his lady friend are going for a picnic at Linville Falls, if you can believe that, and he’s making me pay for taking the morning off.” He added with a grin, “With Emma gone, I don’t mind keeping busy. I’ve got to admit, I miss her more than I expected to, Alex.”
Alex grinned at his friend. “Have you considered the possibility that was the whole point of the trip?”
Mor smiled broadly. “You could be right.” He patted one of the boxes, then said, “Let’s get this stuff back to the inn so I can get to work.”
Steven was on the porch as Alex and Mor drove up to Hatteras West. When they got out of the truck, he joined them.
“Something I can do for you?” Alex asked.
“To be honest with you, I’m used to a faster pace than this back home. I’ve been to the top of the lighthouse, and I went climbing on Bear Rocks. Do you have any other suggestions for me?”
“I’ve got a rack full of brochures on some of our area attractions,” Alex said. “I’m afraid whitewater rafting is a little much for a day trip, but there are some great places to
hike around here.” Alex turned to Mor. “Give me a second, will you?”
“I’ll go ahead and start unloading,” Mor said as he picked up one of the heavier boxes.
Steven said, “You don’t have to get the brochures now, Alex, I’m not in any hurry. Do you two need a hand?”
“We’ve got it under control,” Alex said.
“Honestly, I’m glad to help,” Steven said.
Mor jumped in. “Alex, can’t you see the man’s desperate for something to do? Why are you depriving him? I thought you took better care of your guests than that.”
Alex grinned. “Okay, you asked for it. We’d love a hand. Pick a box.”
As they carried the boxes back to Alex’s tiny room, Steven said, “These boxes surely are heavier than they look.”
Mor was about to say something when Alex said, “Just some odds and ends I’ve been meaning to bring back to the inn.”
After the boxes were stacked neatly along one wall of the room, Mor said, “Well, if you don’t need me anymore, I’m going to hit the road.”
Alex said, “Hang on a second; I’ll walk you out.” He turned to Steven. “Thanks again for your help. I’ll be right back.”
As all three men left Alex’s room, he carefully locked the door behind them.
Alex stopped Mor on the porch. “Listen, thanks for everything. I really appreciate your help.”
“What are friends for? Alex, you think he’s a suspect, don’t you?” Mor nodded toward Steven, who was lingering by the front desk.
“You bet he is. Everyone in that family is on my list.”
Mor said softly, “And they’re staying at the inn with you. It might not be a bad idea to watch your back. You want me
to hang around? There’s nothing on my list that can’t wait until tomorrow.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need my own bodyguard yet. Besides, I know how much work you’ve got to do. You’re coming to the send-off tonight, aren’t you?”
Mor slapped Alex on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know how much I love that overgrown night-light of yours. I’m not about to miss a chance to see it fired up.”
Alex nodded. “Tell you what. When you decide to tie the knot, we’ll light it on your wedding day.”
Mor said, “Don’t hold your breath, I’m not in any hurry to walk down an aisle.”
“You’re closer to it than I am,” Alex said with a laugh.
Mor said, “I’d say at the moment it’s more of a dead heat.”
After Mor was gone, Alex turned back to the lobby. It was time to talk to Steven a little more thoroughly and find out just what he might know about Jase’s death.
Alex handed Steven a sheaf of brochures, then