Room for Murder - Tim Myers [29]
Conner said, “The last I heard, Sheriff Armstrong was looking hard at Tracy as a suspect in Oxford’s murder.”
Alex said coldly, “How about you, Conner? Do you have an alibi for that night?”
“I was in Charlotte on business, not that it’s any of your concern.”
Alex wasn’t about to let up. “That’s mighty convenient, Conner. Is there any way you can prove you were there the entire time?”
“I don’t have to,” Conner said, the schoolyard bully coming out in his voice. “I’m not a suspect.”
“At least not that you know of,” Alex said.
“Why? What have you heard? I know you and Armstrong are tight. What did he say to you?”
“That he’s still looking,” Alex said. That much was true.
Conner’s expression froze for a moment, then he forced a smile to his lips. “Alex, I’ve got nothing to hide. The sheriff can look all he wants to.” Conner started to walk way, but he paused and called back, “Let me know if you change your mind.”
“It’s not happening, Conner.”
He just shrugged. “Have a good day, then.”
After he was gone, Alex stood there silently in thought, wondering about the real reason Conner Shook had come out to the inn. One thing was certain: he was lying about being there to solicit Alex’s support. Conner knew too well that he supported Tracy.
So what was it, a fishing expedition? Could Conner have had anything to do with the murder of his candidate? He could have been after the limelight himself. Perhaps Oxford Hitchcock had gotten in the way of Conner’s big plans to take over the campaign himself.
Alex was just finishing up his chores when he heard someone drive up in the parking lot. That was one of the great things about having a gravel drive; cars usually announced themselves well before the occupants arrived. This was certainly the inn’s day for visitors.
Alex was happy to see Grady Hatch come in.
“Mayor, what brings you out here?”
Grady said sternly, “I got a handful of complaints about that overgrown night-light of yours out there, and I promised I’d follow up on them.”
Alex stammered, “Mor said he cleared it with you beforehand.”
Grady’s hard expression melted away. “Relax Alex, I was just pulling your chain. Truth to tell, a couple of folks thought you should light it up every night.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. What are the odds the Town Council will loosen up their restrictions on it?”
“I’d say somewhere between slim and none. You want me to take another run at them, Alex? My term’s almost up, but I wouldn’t mind tumbling with that group one more time. I can tell you what the answer’s going to be ahead of time, though. Alex, folks like you fine, but your big old flashlight in their living room is not something that makes them overly fond of you. It doesn’t help matters that Madelyn Rose lives within eyeshot. She called me yesterday morning screaming her head off about you breaking the law. I finally got her calmed down when I told her you were doing regular maintenance, but she was still as mad as a wet cat when we got off the phone. Why don’t you wine and dine her instead of that pretty maid of yours? Maybe she’d get off your back then.”
Alex had been waiting for the first volleys to be fired about his date with Elise. It certainly hadn’t taken the town of Elkton Falls long to pick up on the latest bit of gossip. He was just unhappy that there were no other fruits of the date than everyone else’s idle speculation.
“I doubt I’d do much good with either one of them at this point,” Alex admitted.
Grady slapped his back and laughed. “The ways of love are wild and unpredictable, my friend. You can’t give up just when you’re finally getting started.”
Alex had heard just about all the advice he cared to hear. “I appreciate your concern, but I can’t believe you’d drive all the way out here to talk to me about my love life and my lighthouse.”
Grady said, “Well, I just felt like a drive, truth told. Say, what do you think about Oxford Hitchcock? Terrible thing, isn’t it?”
“Were you two close?” Alex asked.
“No, we worked on a few projects together,