Reservations for Murder - Tim Myers [54]
“We’d need a bigger booth than this one,” Sandra said with a laugh.
Jenny headed out the door after paying her bill, and Smiley O’Reilly stopped by the table a second later. “Sorry about your loss.”
“What are talking about, Smiley?”
“Heard your maid quit for good. Too bad.”
Before Alex could say a word, Smiley was gone.
Sandra hesitated a moment after the insurance man left, then said, “You look like you just lost your best friend.”
Alex said, “I’m just tired of everyone around town assuming Elise isn’t coming back to Elkton Falls.” He took a sip of tea, then added, “I guess maybe a part of me is afraid they’re right.”
Sandra reached a hand across the table and touched Alex’s arm lightly. “Whether she comes back or not, it’s no fault of yours, Alex. Maybe life in Elkton Falls isn’t everything she’d hoped it would be. Not everyone’s cut out for small-town living, you know.”
Alex said, “You know, now that you mention it, I’m surprised you came back home after college, Sandra.”
She tilted her head askance. “What, and give up the fine cuisine offered here?”
“Seriously. Why did you come back?”
Sandra drank some of the tea in front of her, studying the surface as if she could read the future in it. Finally, she said, “I guess I like being a big fish in a small pond. There’s not a lot of competition for me here, and I get most of the best cases. I like being able to see a dozen people I know every day, no matter where I go. I like the history of the place. The foothills and mountains are in my blood, Alex, and I can’t think of any place in the world prettier than it is right here. I guess what it boils down to is, this is home.”
Her last three words summed up all of Alex’s own reasons for staying in Elkton Falls. The lighthouse, the Keeper’s Quarters, Bear Rocks; he couldn’t imagine living without them as a constant and reassuring presence in his life.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Sandra said. “I didn’t mean to bring you down even more.”
“You didn’t,” Alex said, trying to lighten his mood. He saw Emma Sturbridge coming toward them from one of the back booths. Alex knew too well what had caused the grim look on Emma’s face as she neared their table. The clouds had to be lingering from her earlier time with Mor.
Emma suddenly tried to brighten her demeanor as she said loudly, “Why, Alex, how are you?”
As if they hadn’t just seen each other yesterday.
“I’m fine, Emma. And you?”
She ignored the question. “Have you heard from Elise lately?”
“We spoke for a few minutes last night,” Alex admitted.
As she gave Sandra a sideways glance, Emma broadcast, “Elise Danton is a fine woman. I can’t wait till she gets back to Elkton Falls. I expect it to be anytime, don’t you? I’m sure you’ve missed her sorely at the inn.” Emma reached over and patted his shoulder. “Now don’t you worry about a thing. She asked me personally to help out until she comes back, and I promise you, I’ll be there for you. I’m certain she’ll be back any day.”
Mor, having paid the check, joined them. “Come on, Emma, lower your voice. Half the town can hear you.”
Emma shot him a stern glance. “Are you ready to go, Mor? I believe we still have a few more issues to discuss.”
The big man nodded his agreement. “You’re right about that. See you later Alex, Sandra.”
After they were gone, Sandra said, “Elise certainly has a good friend in that woman.”
“It’s true; they hit it off from the very start.”
Sandra shook her head; there was a faint smile on her lips. “Alex, that speech was aimed a great deal more in my direction than yours. Emma wanted to make certain that I knew your maid was coming back and not to get too cozy in the seat across from you.”
“How do you get all that from what she just said?” Alex asked.
Sandra was saved an answer by the arrival of their food. She managed to steer their conversation in a thousand directions, all of them directly away from Elise Danton.
After they’d eaten, Alex said, “Sandra, I need to ask you something. Do you really think Armstrong’s going to arrest Bill Yadkin for the murder?”
Sandra said, “I gave up trying