Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [58]
“Thanks. It’s nice to be able to count on you.”
After he hung up, Elise said, “Alex, it’s clear you think I betrayed your trust, but I didn’t call the sheriff. I would never do that.”
He said, “Then how do you explain it? Who else knew about the journal in the suitcase, Elise? I didn’t tell anybody but you. Nadine knew it existed, but not where I’d found it. Besides, she’s the one who talked me out of calling Armstrong in the first place, remember? I just wish you would have trusted me.”
Elise pleaded, “I did, Alex! I didn’t call the police. Maybe Nadine had a change of heart, because I certainly didn’t call the sheriff. I thought you knew me better than that.”
As she raced off toward her room, there was nothing Alex could say. Elise was right; he did know that she would never go behind his back like that. With a knot in his stomach, Alex realized that he may have just driven off the best friend and the biggest ally he had.
Alex stared after her, wondering what he could do to make things right with Elise. Maybe if he called Nadine, she’d be able to clear things up. He picked up the telephone and dialed Jase’s office. There was no answer. Still, it had to have been her. Nadine was the only possibility left.
Alex stared at Elise’s door, regretting his earlier behavior. He hadn’t even given her a chance. The stress of losing Jase to a violent murder and the guilt he felt about accusing Tony had worn Alex to the bone, and he’d taken it out on
tier. If Elise said she didn’t call the sheriff, Alex knew in his heart he could believe her.
He knocked lightly on her room door, then louder. “Go away,” Elise said in a muffled voice.
“Elise, I’m sorry. I had no right to accuse you like that.”
There was nothing but dead silence on the other side of the door.
“Hey, I’m on my knees out here apologizing. You don’t want to miss this.”
As he heard her doorknob start to turn, Alex quickly dropped to his knees. Elise’s eyes were red as she opened the door. “I’m listening.”
“I’m sorry, Elise. I was hurt and angry and looking for someone to blame, and you just happened to be in range. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
“And ...” she said, waiting for more.
“And I should have believed you when you said you didn’t call Armstrong. I’m sorry.”
She reached a hand down to him and helped him up. “Just don’t let it happen again, Alex. You know how I feel about my word. When I say something’s true, you can believe it.”
“I know, I’m the same way,” Alex said. “It’s no excuse, but I’m really worried about Tony.”
Elise said, “I’m probably going to catch grief for saying this, but how can you be so certain he’s innocent now? An hour ago you were ready to convict him of murder.”
Alex said, “Elise, I can’t explain it, but I looked into his eyes, and I knew he was telling the truth. He didn’t kill Jase.”
Elise said, “Then we’d better find out who did.”
“Good enough,” Alex said. “The first thing we should do is to go talk to Julie and see if she might not be as innocent is she appears to be.”
Chapter 17
On their way out the door, Alex heard Ashley Trask-Cooper calling out to him. “Alex, I’ve searched the entire inn, and I can’t find my brother anywhere.”
It took him a second to realize that Ashley was talking about the wild-goose chase he’d sent her on so he could have some time alone with Tony.
“That’s right, I forgot all about it. He went into town with your mother. You know, I think I overreacted. Sorry if I worried you for nothing.’’
Ashley studied him curiously for a moment, then said, “I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.”
Alex said, “I’ll be away from the inn for a little while, so if you need anything—”
Elise interrupted, “We’ll both be gone.” She tugged Alex’s shirt. “I’m going with you, remember?”
Ashley said, “You mean you’re both going to leave me | here all by myself?”
“Ashley, you’ll be fine. Vernum is around here some
where, and we have other guests, too. Besides, I expect your family back any minute. Now if