Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [8]
Climbing the 268 steps kept him in shape, though the older he got, the longer the ascent took him. Alex didn’t even stop at the windows on his way up this time, needing to get to the top as quickly as he could.
It was deserted on the observation deck that ran all the way around the top. Alex leaned against the rail and looked down on the nearly completed Main Keeper’s Quarters, with roof shingles that were still glossy and new, then let his gaze drift over to nearby Bear Rocks. A lot had happened in his life, and Alex could tie nearly all of it to this spot in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He could see the rolling ridges in the distance from his vantage point, smoky with an azure haze. Jase had loved the lighthouse nearly as much as Alex did, though he hadn’t climbed it since he’d come back to Elkton Falls. The stairs were just too much for him.
But how he had enjoyed sitting on one of the rockers on the front porch of the Dual Keepers’ Quarters, staring up at it.
At least his uncle had had the chance to come back home before dying.
Alex heard footsteps behind him, and he suddenly wished he’d locked the lighthouse doors on his way in.
When Alex turned to the door leading out to the platform, he was surprised to find Julie Hart standing there.
She tried to back out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone was up here.”
Alex said, “You’re welcome to stay, Julie. The lighthouse is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a guest at the inn to enjoy it.”
She looked down at her feet. “I don’t want to intrude. You just lost your uncle. I imagine you probably want to be alone, Mr. Winston.”
He shook his head. “Call me Alex. I thought solitude was what I wanted, but to be honest with you, I wouldn’t mind a little company right now.” Alex surprised himself as he said it, realizing it was true. There was something about this young woman, a steel band behind the calm exterior that appealed to him.
“Are you sure?” she asked gently.
“I’m positive. You are welcome here,” Alex said as he moved back to the rail and leaned against it, looking again toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking in the majesty of it all. It was a view he could never grow tired of.
Julie joined him and gasped as she glimpsed the vista for the first time. “This place is awesome. I can’t believe I never heard of it before.”
“You can thank my wonderful public relations efforts for that,” Alex said. “We’re North Carolina’s best kept secret,” he added with a smile.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean—.”
Alex cut her off. “I was just teasing. As long as we have enough guests to break even, I’m a happy man.” Alex paused, then added, “This can’t be an easy time for you, either, having the Trasks turn on you like that.”
Julie stared at the mountains a few moments before speaking. “You know, it was always just my mom when I was growing up, and when I lost her last year, I felt cut off from the rest of the world, like I wasn’t really connected to anybody else. It sounds crazy, doesn’t it?”
Alex shook his head as he said, “When I lost my folks, I felt like I’d been cut adrift. I’ve got a brother I don’t really know, so Jase was all that was left of what I considered my real family. For the first time in my life, I feel like there’s just me.”
Julie moved closer, though still not touching him, and
Alex felt warmed by her presence. “So you do know how I feel. When your uncle’s letter came, the first thing I thought of was that I wasn’t alone anymore. I wanted to introduce myself to the Trasks right away, but Sandra said I should wait.” A tear crept down her cheek as she added, “It wasn’t the family reunion I’d been hoping for. Alex, I don’t care about the money or anything else my father might have left me. I wanted him, something I never had growing up. But the Trasks just think I’m trying to steal something that I’m not entitled to.” Alex watched as she battled her emotions.
It was an easy motion to put his