Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [47]
Alex asked, “Ashley, do you have any valuables with you, like expensive pieces of jewelry or anything like that?”
Ashley showed Alex a sizable emerald that hung from a
chain around her neck as she said, “Just this, but I was wearing it all day. I never take it off.”
“Still, the thief might not have realized that when he broke in here.”
Cynthia said, “So you suspect this shadow was after my daughter’s necklace? Alex, you surely don’t believe you have a burglar loose in your inn, do you?”
Admitting that was the last thing Alex wanted to do, but he didn’t have much choice, given the circumstances. He believed Ashley had really seen someone, even if her mother didn’t. “It’s a possibility worth considering, Cynthia. Ashley, do you have any idea what the necklace is worth?”
She shook her head as she toyed with the stone. “It belonged to my father’s mother. I’ve never had it appraised, but I understand it’s quite valuable. Oh, Alex, do you think that’s what the intruder was after? I suddenly don’t feel safe here.”
Alex said, “Elise, let’s move her into Room 7. Ashley, it’s at the back of the inn, and there’s no easy way to get up there, since the porch just comes around the front of the building.” Cynthia started to say something when Alex held up his hand and continued. “Honestly, I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but I imagine you’ll sleep better in another room. What do you say?”
“I hate to admit it, but I think you’re right. Thank you, Alex.”
“My pleasure. Elise, would you mind making sure she gets moved and settled in?”
“Absolutely,” Elise said as she stepped up. “I’ll even help her pack.”
Alex said, “Cynthia, may I speak to you a moment?”
“Whatever about?”
Alex motioned outside. “Please. It won’t take long.”
Cynthia nodded and joined him in the hallway. Once the door was closed, Alex said, “Why don’t you see if you can
convince Ashley to keep her necklace in our safe? That should ease her mind while she’s here.”
“Alex, in the first place, I doubt anyone could persuade her to take that emerald off her neck. She has an inordinate attachment to it. And in the second place, I honestly think it was nothing more than the wind. My daughter has a tendency to overreact, and I can’t help believing this is just another instance in a long line of histrionics. She hasn’t always been well, if you must know.”
Steven came bounding up the stairs. “What’s all the fuss about? Someone downstairs said they heard a scream. It wasn’t Ashley, was it?”
Cynthia “said, “She thought she saw someone outside her room. Where were you, young man?”
Steven admitted, “I was with Sandra in town. We had a cup of coffee at a place called Mama Ravolini’s.”
Cynthia said, “You actually consorted with that turncoat?”
“It’s not like that, Mother. We didn’t discuss the case at all. As a matter of fact, we were catching up on old times. We went to school together, remember?”
“Oh, I remember, all right,” Cynthia said, making it sound like some kind of accusation. It was clear to Alex that she didn’t approve of her son keeping company with the opposing counsel at all.
Alex said, “Did you see anything suspicious on your way in?”
“I’m sorry, everything was quiet when I came back. Listen, I want to check on Ashley, just to be sure she’s okay.”
He started toward her room, but Cynthia said, “Steven, there’s really no need to get worked up over this. She’s making a great fuss over nothing.”
Steven said, “I’ll feel better once I’m sure she’s all right myself.”
After he was gone, Cynthia said, “Honestly, sometimes I
wonder how my children manage without me. Do you have any of your own, Alex?”
“No,” he answered.
“Sometimes I envy single people that.” Cynthia added, “Don’t misunderstand me, I love my children, but they can be so