Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [37]
“I don’t know, Alex. It’s kind of awkward, us being involved with the missing will and all.”
Alex said, “Jase wanted it to be an open invitation. My brother and I would consider it an honor if you came. All of you.”
Steven hesitated, then reluctantly agreed. “If you’re sure.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Pardon me saying so, but do you have any idea what’s going to happen to your father’s estate if the will doesn’t turn up?”
“I suppose it will ultimately be divided three or four ways. Mother isn’t about to leave the outcome to fate. I’ve
tried to talk her out of making a fuss, but if she has her way, Julie won’t see a dime. I’m not so sure I’m entitled to any of my father’s money, anyway. I hadn’t seen him in so long, and to be honest with you, I never really tried to contact him after he left. I had him for eighteen years; that was enough for me.”
“How do you feel about your newfound sister?”
Steven thought about it a moment, then said, “If Julie really is his daughter, she has more of a right to the money than the rest of us. We squandered our chances with Dad. From the sound of it, she never had an opportunity to get to know him. He was a good man in his own way, Alex. I think he stayed just as long as he could, and then the day after my eighteenth birthday, he took off. Some belated birthday present, huh?”
“How did Ashley take it?”
“She was already away at college, so it didn’t affect her all that much. Truth be told, I’m worried about my big sister.”
“Why is that?” Alex asked gently.
“She’s been on medication for her mood swings in the past, and the depression really hits her, especially when she’s under stress. I’m afraid all this about our father is stirring up all those buried feelings again.”
Alex wanted to ask about his sister’s claim that Steven was clinically depressed himself, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out how to bring it up without sounding like a fishwife. Instead, he shifted gears and tried another track. “Your mother must have been as mad as a wet cat when he left.”
Steven said, “Alex, do you want to know the truth? She would never admit it, but I actually think she was relieved.”
“Relieved about what?” Alex heard a woman’s voice say as she came down the stairs. Cynthia Shays-Trask swept into the lobby, her gaze steadily on her son.
“We were just talking about tonight,” Steven said guiltily.
“Come take a walk with me, Steven,” Cynthia said as she locked her arm in her son’s. Almost as an afterthought, she said, “I’m sure Alex will excuse us.”
He didn’t really have much choice. The woman had a way of imposing her will on those around her that was overwhelming.
Before the mother and son could get away, Alex said, “I was just telling Steven, you’re all invited to the send-off for my uncle tonight. It’s going to be right here at Hatteras West.”
Cynthia turned to her son and said, “Steven, I’ll meet you out on the porch.”
There was no room for argument in her voice.
After her son was outside, Cynthia said, “Do you truly want us there, or are you just being polite? Don’t worry about offending me, Alex. You can tell me the truth.”
“My brother and I really would like you to come. You didn’t know my uncle, but he would have wanted you there.”
Cynthia stared into his eyes, and Alex could feel the pull of her attraction. The woman really did have a way of getting attention.
She touched his cheek lightly, then said, “In that case, we would be honored to attend. My family and I will be there, Alex.”
And then she was gone.
Alex was more confused than ever about the case as he watched them start off down the path toward Bear Rocks. Could Cynthia have killed Jase herself? She appeared to be a woman who left nothing to chance. If there was the slightest possibility that she’d heard a whisper about Julie’s existence, Alex could easily see Cynthia stepping in to protect her children’s inheritance. What about Ashley or Steven? They could have their own reasons for wanting the will to disappear.