Reservations for Murder - Tim Myers [22]
Armstrong leaned back in Alex’s chair, and the seat protested. The sheriff said, “I’ve interviewed all my suspects out here. It’s time to catch up with Irene and see if she’s come up with anything.” As Alex walked him to the squad car, the sheriff said, “I’ll be in touch, Alex.” Getting into his car, he said awkwardly, “By the way, I was sorry to hear about Elise.”
“She’s not gone forever, Sheriff. She was called away on a family emergency.”
“Uh-huh,” the sheriff said quickly as he started the engine.
After he was gone, Alex watched the trail of dust from the squad car as it sped down the lane. Why was everyone so quick to assume that Elise was gone for good?
Were they jumping to conclusions, or did all of Elkton Falls know something that he didn’t?
He went back into his office and saw something sparkling in one corner near the copier. Alex retrieved a bracelet, swung it on two fingers, then put it in his pocket. It looked familiar, and he was sure Elise must have dropped it when she’d been cleaning his office. It only made him realize more how much he missed her.
But he couldn’t dwell on her departure. He had an inn to run, and as if that wasn’t enough, he’d promised Shantara he’d find the murderer.
There just weren’t enough hours in a day.
Chapter 9
Alex was relieved when the fair was finally over for the evening, the crowds of visitors gone at last. One more day and it would be finished. A part of him regretted agreeing to let Shantara hold the fair at the inn, particularly during the Lighthouse Lighting festivities, but he knew in his heart that he’d honestly had no other choice. The lighting was scheduled for tomorrow night’s closing ceremonies, but for the first time since he’d taken over The Hatteras West Inn, he wasn’t eager to fire up the Fresnel lens. The murder had thrown a dark cloud over everything, and Alex wasn’t looking forward to hitting the switch at all.
It didn’t help that Elise would miss it, too.
It was stressful enough running Hatteras West by himself without the added traffic of visitors wandering through the inn during the day. He’d caught one woman actually trying to sneak out the front door with one of the lanterns displayed in the lobby just as the fair was shutting down for the day. She dropped the lantern when he’d caught her, shattering the glass in it. Alex had been so shocked by her actions that he’d just stood there as she raced out the door without her prize.
It was the last straw. Alex cleaned up the mess, carefully searching the floor to make sure he hadn’t missed any errant pieces of glass. After he was certain he’d retrieved every last sliver, Alex posted a hastily scrawled sign on the front door that said Guests Only in bold, thick letters.
Evans Graile, back from one of his rare forays into the world, shook his head when he saw the sign. “Not very welcoming, is it, Alex?”
“Sorry, but this fair is driving me crazy.”
Evans smiled gently. “Ah, but look what a spectacle it’s provided for me. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many people without ever having to leave my chair.”
“I’m glad you’re happy,” Alex said as he adjusted the sign. He probably should have used something stronger to tack it in place; someone would probably walk off with his sign as a souvenir.
Evans went on, “To be honest with you, it’s a real shame it’s all ending tomorrow night, Alex. I don’t know what I’ll do for entertainment after everyone else is gone.”
Alex said, “We’ve got checkers, chess, books, hiking trails, Bear Rocks, and don’t forget the lighthouse itself.”
Graile shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid most of those things are a little too strenuous for me, Alex. Besides, I like to watch. I’m not a big fan of actually participating.”
Alex was saved from responding as Jenny hurried up to him. “Can we talk?”
“Sure,” Alex said as he led her inside. Evans Graile was close on his tracks. That man wasn’t about to miss a thing!
Much to the older man’s disappointment, Alex said, “Why don’t we talk in my office? I’m still going through a pile of mail I haven’t gotten