Room for Murder - Tim Myers [11]
Drake thought about it for a few moments, then said, “I’ll see what I can do, but I’m not making any promises.” As Drake got into his car, he added, “You know how the sheriff gets when you snoop, Alex.”
Armstrong tried to catch the doctor’s attention before he could leave, but Drake was deep in conversation on his cellular phone as he drove away.
“Blast it all, I was expecting a report,” the sheriff said.
Alex replied, “He doesn’t know anything yet, just that there’s no obvious trauma.”
Armstrong said, “Alex, I don’t like hearing it secondhand from you. I told you before, I don’t want you getting involved in this.”
“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to oblige you, Sheriff. Your two main suspects are both my friends.”
Armstrong said, “I’m not so sure that buys you a ticket to the dance. Tell me the truth. Mor asked you to poke around in this, didn’t he?”
“He might have mentioned it,” Alex admitted reluctantly.
Armstrong shook his head. “He’s going to make this a hundred times harder than it has to be, I just know it. He’s already screaming about bringing in the State Police, and we don’t even know for sure what happened out here today.”
“Is he still in custody?” Alex asked warily.
“He was never in custody,” the sheriff protested. “I wouldn’t even have bothered taking him downtown if he hadn’t goaded me into it with that grandstanding of his. You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was doing it to protect Emma.”
Alex felt the relief flood through him. “So he’s not one of your suspects, then.”
“First why don’t we let Doc Drake figure out exactly what happened to the man before we start lining up suspects. There will be plenty of time to worry about who did what after that. For right now, though, Emma and Mor are free to go about their business, just as long as they don’t plan to take any trips out of town.”
Alex said, “They’re getting married in a month. I’m guessing they’ll be taking a honeymoon right after that. Most folks do.”
“Truth be told, if I don’t have this wrapped up in a month, I might not be able to stop them, but I’m going to try.”
“Are you at least finished with Mor’s truck? He won’t
be able to work without it.” Mor, along with his partner Les Williamson, owned and operated Mor or Les, Elkton Falls’ premier handyman service.
“I have half a mind to impound it, he’s being such a thorn in my side. But I’m not about to do that,” the sheriff added, killing the protest just breaking Alex’s lips. Armstrong called out to Irene, “How much more time do you need with the truck?”
Irene considered the question for a few moments, then said, “I could do a better, more thorough job if I had it in the police garage. Get a tow truck, Ducky, and let’s haul it in.”
Alex protested, “Is that really necessary? I mean, you always do a good job in the field.”
Irene said, “I’ve got the time to be thorough, Alex. Mrs. Harper cancelled her perm appointment, so I’m free the rest of the day.”
Armstrong said, “Irene, you don’t have to justify your request to Alex. You want Mor’s truck towed in, then that’s the way it’s going to be.” He saw someone driving up to them and said, “Now what’s the mayor doing out here at this time of day?”
Grady got out of his car and approached them. “Hi all. I was out this way running an errand, so I thought I’d come by and see if you’ve made any progress yet.”
Armstrong said, “I’ve got my crew hard at work on it.”
Grady nodded to Irene. “Ma’am.”
“Mr. Mayor.”
Armstrong said, “I told you, as soon as we’ve come up with something, I’ll let you know.”
Grady nodded, then patted Alex’s shoulder. “So, have you thought any more about going into politics?”
Alex said, “No, sir, I’ve got my hands full just being an innkeeper.”
Grady said, “You can do both, Alex.” He started back for his car, then said, “Talk to you all later.”
After the mayor drove off, Armstrong headed to his squad car to call for a tow truck on his radio.
Alex said, “Irene, do you really have to tow Mor’s truck into town?”
Irene said, “This will save Mor a trip