Room for Murder - Tim Myers [25]
Tracy said, “Alex, I just had to come by and talk to you. Have you heard the news?”
“Armstrong told us last night. I’m sorry about Oxford. I know he was a friend of yours.”
Tracy said, “I’m sorry too, for more reasons than you can imagine. That’s not what I’m talking about, though. I won’t even make you guess. This is all so insane. Conner’s decided to take Oxford’s place and run against me. He’s already got his campaign slogan: ‘Vote for the Right Shook’. Can you believe that?”
Alex said, “I hate to say it, but it sounds exactly like something Conner would do. Did Armstrong find you last night?”
She nodded. “He tracked me down at Mama Ravolini’s. The first quiet meal I’ve had since I started this campaign, and the sheriff joins me for a late dinner to interrogate me. He even asked me for an alibi, if you can imagine that.”
“I told him you couldn’t have done it. Was he satisfied with your whereabouts?”
Tracy said, “Not particularly. I was home alone most of the afternoon when I wasn’t out searching for Oxford. I had the phone off the hook so I could get some peace and quiet, and nobody came to my door, so I guess I don’t have any alibi at all. I didn’t kill him, Alex. We were opponents, but I genuinely liked the man.”
“Don’t worry, Armstrong will find the real killer.”
“I hope so. I can’t imagine what Conner will do with all of this.”
Alex said, “Tracy, you can take the gloves off now and get a few shots in yourself. You know Conner’s weaknesses better than anyone else in the world.”
A mischievous grin crossed her face. “You know what? This might be fun after all. He’s been hiding behind Oxford sniping at me. Now let’s see how he likes it out on the front lines.”
“There’s the spirit,” Alex said, glad to see the fire in his friend’s eyes.
“I’m not letting him get away with this ‘Right Shook’ business either. I’ll show him who the right Shook is. Alex, thanks for the pep talk.”
“Hey, what are friends for? Is Shantara still helping you with your campaign?”
“Oh yes. That’s where I’m going right now. With all of her customers, we’ve got a built-in support system.” Shantara Robinson ran Elkton Falls’ general store/craft gallery/mercantile. Tracy had chosen well. Not only was Shantara well liked by the community, but she had nearly as many visitors every day as Buck’s Grill. Alex knew Buck had backed Oxford Hitchcock, but he wondered if there was a possibility that the big man would swing his support to Tracy instead of Conner.
Alex asked, “Have you thought about talking to Buck about supporting you now that Oxford’s gone?”
“I tried, but he’s backing Conner. I understand, he supports his party.” Tracy smiled as she added, “Sally Anne’s pulling for me though, so I’ve got a spy in the enemy camp.”
With her dual assignments, Alex wondered when Sally Anne had time to wait on her customers.
Tracy said, “I’ve got to run, Alex. Thanks again for all your support.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do. I mean it.”
She patted his cheek. “I know it. Bye now.”
Alex finished his cleaning chores for the morning and was just about to look for Elise to offer her lunch when Mor drove up. Alex walked out and met him on the front porch. The big man was carrying two paper bags, a large one and a much smaller one.
“I didn’t call you,” Alex said with a grin.
“I know. I got lonely, with Les gone and all. You can’t tell me nothing in this place is broken.”
“Sorry, we’re in good shape, but if you hang around long enough, I’m sure something will