Room for Murder - Tim Myers [61]
“Not that. This is huge and hot info. They can’t come up with a winner.”
“How’s that possible?” Alex asked. “There weren’t any hanging chads or other ballot problems like Florida had a while back.”
Sally Anne said, “Don’t kid yourself. We got a call from me Board or Electron; for soup and sandwiches, and I talked Dad into letting me deliver it to the courthouse. From what I heard over there, they kept corning up with different totals. Tracy won by three votes one time, and Conner won by two the next. They’ll probably be there all night.”
“I knew it was going to be close, but I can’t believe they’re having so much trouble with a handful of ballots.”
Sally Anne said, “You should have heard them arguing over some of the votes. One woman checked off both candidates, then wrote her own name in the write-in spot. They threw that one out, but there some with smudges that a couple of folks wanted to disqualify, and I don’t know what else was happening. They threw me out before I had the chance to hear anything else.”
“Tracy must be going crazy,” Alex said as he stored the muffins and pastries next to the breakfast bar. “So, what was your other news?”
Sally Anne said, “I overheard at the diner that Conner and Mayor Hatch were out this way together a couple of days ago, and they weren’t too happy with each other.”
Alex didn’t have the heart to tell her that he’d already heard that himself from Lenora. “He was probably pushing for an endorsement.”
“Well, from what I saw, he didn’t get it.” Sally Anne added, “I’d better run. I want to be back at the grill in case the board needs anything else. This is the most excitement we’ve had around here in a while.”
Alex almost added, “If you don’t count murder,” but he kept that to himself. There was nothing to be gained by bringing the waitress back to the reality of homicide.
The next morning, Lenora checked out before Alex even had the chance to put the buffet out.
“‘I’m going to be sorry to see you go,” Alex said as be filled out her credit card slip.
“I can never stay in one place too long. I become attached, and it becomes harder and harder to leave. Alex. I want to thank you for your cooperation in modeling for me.”
“I was glad to do it.” He lowered his voice so Elise wouldn’t hear his next words. “I’m going to miss our conversations. I truly enjoyed talking to you.”
She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “The pleasure was mine as well.”
Alex looked up in time to see Elise look away. There was nothing he could do about that now.
“Let me help you with your bags,” Alex said as he handed her the receipt from her bill.
“That would be greatly appreciated,” she said.
As Alex followed her out the front door, he called to Elise, “I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time. I’ve got this covered.” There was a definite touch of frost in her voice.
Outside, Lenora said, “I’m sorry if I’ve caused any difficulties between you and Elise.”
Alex laughed softly. “Any difficulties were there long before you got here.” He handed her one of her sketch pads and said, “Hey, I never got to see these.”
She took them from him and said, “Good things come to he who waits.”
After her luggage and pads were stowed safely away, Lenora said, “Remember what I said, Alex. Have patience in all things.”
He said, “That’s not one of my strong points.”
She touched his cheek lightly with her hand, then said, “It is a trait worth cultivating.”
After she was gone, Alex headed back inside. Elise met him at the door and said, “We’re running low on guests again, aren’t we?”
Alex nodded. “I had three cancellations because of the pending hurricane. Nobody wants to travel right now, even if we’re nowhere near its path. I heard on the news last night that it could come inland as soon as tonight.”
Elise said, “I’m just glad we’re far enough in not to worry about it, though a rainstorm could ruin the wedding tomorrow night.”
Alex said, “Are you kidding? I don’t