Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [38]
And then there was his own brother. Alex had been trying to avoid thinking of Tony as a suspect, but he was going to have to face the possibility soon. Grilling his only living relative didn’t appeal to him, but Alex had no choice. He needed to know the truth, one way or another.
Alex was trying to catch up on some of the work he’d been avoiding when Elise found him folding sheets in the laundry room. “So there you are,” she said. “I’ve been looking all over the inn for you.”
Alex said, “I really am sorry, I know I’ve been an absentee innkeeper the last few days. It’s just been kind of hectic, and I appreciate you stepping up.”
Elise said, “No, that’s not it. I told you to take your time. I know you’ve got a lot going on right now.”
It was clear that there was something else on Elise’s mind, but he didn’t have a clue what it could be, and honestly, he was too tired to pursue it.
As Alex kept folding sheets, she said, “Maybe we can talk later. There are a few things we need to discuss.”
“Absolutely.” He hesitated, then said, “Could you let me
know when the caterers and the band get here? I’d like them to set up out by the lighthouse. I checked the weather forecast, and we should have a glorious night for it.”
Elise sobered suddenly. “Are you handling everything all right? I know it has to be hard on you, losing your uncle like that. I can’t even imagine the stress this party tonight is adding to it.”
Alex admitted, “I’m not sure a bon voyage party is the greatest idea I’ve ever heard of, but one thing’s certain, Jase never did things halfway. This is what he wanted, so we’re going to do our best to give it to him.” He felt himself tearing up and fought the impulse. Alex was determined to mourn Jase the way his uncle had wanted. It was the final gift he could grant.
Elise stepped toward him, took the sheet he’d just folded out of his hands, and said, “It’s okay to grieve for him, Alex. If you’re not up to this celebration tonight, we can still cancel it.”
Alex shook his head as he said, “I can’t bring myself to go against Jase’s last request. I’ll say good-bye any way he wanted me to.”
She hesitated a moment, then hugged him fiercely. Alex was surprised by the display, but before he could say a word, Elise said, “I should have offered you my comfort earlier, but I just didn’t know if I had the right to do it. Alex, when I saw Sandra do exactly the right thing by hugging you, I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Please forgive me for letting you down when you needed me.”
Alex pulled away. “Hey, are you crying?”
“No,” she said as she wiped away the evidence of her lie. “Alex, I’m so sorry about Jase. I didn’t know him long, but he always had a smile for me.”
He said, “Thanks; I truly do appreciate that. I’m just beginning to realize how much I’m going to miss him.” Alex squeezed her shoulder gently, then said, “Don’t ever think
you let me down. You’ve always been here for me when it counted, Elise.”
She started to say something more when Tony walked in. He started to back away immediately. “Whoa. Sorry to interrupt. I’ll talk to you later, Alex.”
“That’s okay,” Elise said. “I’ve got to finish cleaning room nine. Alex, we really should give the rooms names instead of numbers. Just think how much more impressive the Canawba Suite sounds than room nine.” Before Alex could say