Room for Murder - Tim Myers [19]
Alex said, “I don’t blame her. It can’t feel good, being one of the prime suspects in a murder case.”
Elise paused a moment, then said, “She thinks the sheriff is convinced of her guilt. It is truly odd that Toby showed up in Elkton Falls on the day Emma and Mor get engaged.”
Alex said, “I wonder how long he was in town. Emma said he’d been hounding her for money, but she didn’t say how long it had been going on. I can’t help wondering if there’s anything else she’s not telling us.”
“Alex Winston, she’s our friend. Emma could never have had anything to do with Toby’s death.”
Alex said, “I didn’t say she was responsible, just that she might not have come completely clean with us. Besides, she’s not the only one I’m worried about.”
Elise put another sheet in the basket. “I’ve been wondering about Mor myself. No, it’s impossible.”
Alex shook off the talk. “I’m sure they’re both innocent,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important for us to prove Mor and Emma had nothing to do with it.” Alex finished folding the last sheet, then said, “On a brighter note, Mor and I are lighting the beacon tonight, and I want you to see it from the top with us.”
For a moment, Elise’s face lit up with the joy of a six-year-old. “How in the world did you ever manage that? I thought you had to get written approval from the Town Council.”
Alex grinned. “The switch is broken, so Mor’s coming out tonight to replace it and check the light. He’s clearing it with Grady Hatch as a part of the allowed maintenance.”
“I can’t wait,” Elise said as they finished their folding.
“Neither can I,” Alex replied.
They were carrying the sheets back to the linen closet when Alex and Elise found the newlyweds waiting on them at the front desk.
“There you are. We thought you’d disappeared,” Sheila said.
Paul said, “Patience is a virtue, my dear.”
“So is having a spine,” she said, then turned to Alex. “We’d like a tour of the inn.”
Elise said, “I’ll go ahead and put these away,” as she walked past them.
Great, now he was stuck with the battling honeymooners. “Well, I’d be glad to show you the grounds. There’s the lighthouse itself, it’s open during daylight hours only. Then there are Bear Rocks, they are really worth a visit. We’ve got a pond just down the road, and canoes are available for a slight additional fee.”
Sheila said, “That’s all just fine, but what we’re really interested in are the guestrooms themselves.”
Alex shook his head. “Sorry, those are off-limits. We respect everyone’s privacy here,” he added pointedly.
Paul stepped in. “Of course, we understand completely. I should have explained earlier, my bride and I are real lighthouse fanatics. Actually, we’re as interested in the two keepers’ quarters you have here as much as we are in the tower itself. Your place really caught our attention, and we’d love the complete tour.” He was trying to shake Alex’s hand again for some odd reason. Then Alex spotted the folded bill in his hand.
At that moment, Mrs. Nesbitt came downstairs. Alex said, “You really should speak with our visiting historian. Mrs. Nesbitt, do you have a moment?”
“Absolutely, Alex. What can I do for you?”
Alex said, “Mrs. Nesbitt, I’d like you to meet Paul and Sheila Jones. They’ve come to the inn on their honeymoon, and they’re lighthouse enthusiasts as well.”
Mrs. Nesbitt’s face lit up. “Oh, that’s simply outstanding. We must talk,” she said as she took a hand of each of them.
“Well, we’re really not all that well versed,” Sheila said, trying to extricate her hand.
“Then I’d be delighted to educate you, my dear. My great-great-grandfather was an assistant keeper at the Body Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks, you know.”
“Really,” Sheila said blandly.
If Mrs. Nesbitt caught her lukewarm tone, she didn’t let on. “Why don’t we climb to the top of the tower and I’ll tell you about him. Old Jerab was a crusty fellow, let me tell you.”
As they were led away to the lighthouse, Alex fought to hide his smile. It looked as though the newlyweds were going