Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [44]
Sandra said, “I still don’t think—”
Alex interrupted, “That you should be standing here while there’s music playing. Julie, may I have this dance?”
She agreed with a grim smile as she followed Alex out onto the makeshift dance floor. The only problem was that the second he took her in his arms, the music stopped.
“That was the shortest dance in recorded history,” she said with a smile.
Alex said, “That wasn’t the real thing; it was just the warm-up.”
Then Harley Stouffers, the man who owned Quality Garage and doubled as the quartet’s keyboardist, announced, “We’re taking a short break now, folks, but we’ll be back in ten minutes for more of your listening pleasure.”
Alex smiled. “I just can’t win.”
Julie laughed, then said, “Tell you what. Let’s stand right here, and when the band starts up again, we’ll be ready.” She looked up at the lighthouse and said, “It’s quite lovely, isn’t it?”
“I wasn’t sure you were going to be able to make it,” Alex said.
“Between Amy and Sandra, I didn’t think I was coming myself, but the second I saw that beam, I knew I had to come. I’m surprised you don’t light it every night, Alex.”
He grinned. “I would if I could, but I have to pay a fine every time I fire it up unless the town council approves it ahead of time.”
“So you’re breaking the rules in your uncle’s memory? That’s so gallant.”
Alex admitted, “Don’t give me too much credit, Julie. Jase got the town council to approve this before he died. I couldn’t believe he got them to grant over an hour of operation in writing.”
Julie watched the beam spin around again before saying, “Jase was a special man, wasn’t he? How many of us have the foresight to plan our good-byes thoroughly and so well?”
“It’s a real loss to everyone in Elkton Falls,” Alex said, glad that someone had actually said something to him about Jase. Certainly the party was being thrown in his honor, but a part of Alex wished that others would be a little more forthright in recalling why they were gathered at Hatteras West. Alex supposed it was Jase’s own fault; he hadn’t wanted a testimonial, but a party, instead.
Well, he was certainly getting what he wished for. It was just too bad Jase wasn’t around to enjoy it himself.
Soon the music started up again, and Julie glided into Alex’s arms. As they danced, he saw that Elise wasn’t on the porch anymore. Instead, she was dancing with Mor, so the door must have been repaired to the handyman’s satisfaction. No doubt it was stronger, if not prettier, than it had been before. Alex wondered what Emma Sturbridge would think of Mor and Elise dancing, smiling at the thought.
When the song was over, Julie stepped out of Alex’s arms. “Thank you for the dance, kind sir.”
“Thank you,” Alex said. He saw a cloud cross Julie’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t believe she’s actually coming over here.”
Alex turned to find Cynthia Shays-Trask storming toward them. He had to give Julie credit; she wasn’t backing down.
Before Cynthia could get to them through the crowd of people, Sandra joined them and took Julie’s arm. “I’m getting you out of here right now, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“I’m not afraid to face her down,” Julie said.
Amy approached. “Julie, this isn’t the time or the place for a confrontation. Out of respect,” she added as she gestured toward Alex.
Julie nodded, “I didn’t consider that. Alex, I’m sorry. Everyone else was right; I shouldn’t have come.”
He said, “Nonsense. Then we never would have had our dance. Thanks for your presence and your condolences. I greatly appreciate the gesture.”
“You’re very welcome, Alex.”
As Julie turned away, Cynthia called out, “Young lady, I need to have a word with you.”
Sandra told Amy, “Take her back to your house. I’ll be over a little later.”
As they disappeared into the crowd, Cynthia came on with fire in her eyes.
Sandra stepped in front of her in a neat blocking maneuver and said, “She has nothing to say to you.”
Cynthia snapped, “Out of my way. She doesn’t have to say a word, but she’s going to hear me out. I won’t stand for this.”
Sandra