Room for Murder - Tim Myers [7]
Alex said, “He’s right, Mor. The sheriff’s just doing his job”
Mor argued, “I still say she’s in no shape to talk with anybody.”
“Well, she’s talking to me,” Armstrong said flatly.
Mor shook his head. “Not until she’s talked to a lawyer. I know how you are, Armstrong. The likeliest suspect is the only person you focus on, and I won’t have you putting Emma under your microscope. You have any questions, you can ask me.”
Armstrong, finally letting his anger show, said, “The honest truth is that right now I’ve got two chief suspects, and you’re one of them. You want me to start with you, you’ve got it. Let’s go, big man.”
Alex asked, “Where are you taking him?”
Armstrong said, “Irene’s got the crime scene covered. I figured it might be easier to talk down at my office where we won’t be disturbed. You don’t mind coming along, do you, Mor?”
“Believe it or not, Sheriff, I want this killer caught just as much as you do. Just leave Emma alone.”
Armstrong said softly, “Mor, you’re going to have to stop telling me how to do my job. Emma will get her turn, and there’s not a thing in the world you can do about that. Now go get in the backseat of the cruiser. I’ll be right there.”
Mor did as he was told, looking back at Alex as he opened the door. “Tell Emma where I went. And call Sandra for me, would you? Have her meet me at the sheriff’s office.”
Alex saw Armstrong grimace at the mention of Elkton Falls’ most aggressive female lawyer. Alex and Sandra had dated off and on until Elise had come to the Hatteras West Inn, changing things between them forever. It had amazed Alex to discover that Sandra was a much better friend than girlfriend, once they got over their shared past. She was the perfect choice when someone he knew was in trouble with the law, especially since he’d lost his uncle Jase.
“I’ll call her the second I get inside,” Alex said as Armstrong started for the squad car.
The sheriff looked over his shoulder and said, “I couldn’t talk you into forgetting her number for a while, could I?”
Alex said, “Sorry, but I can’t do that, Sheriff.”
Armstrong nodded. “I know that, I was half-joking. You can’t blame me for trying, though.” The sheriff paused, then added, “Alex, I know Mor and Emma are your best friends in the world, but I’ve got to do my job. Right now, whether you like it or not, they are my likeliest suspects.”
Alex nodded. “I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t believe either one of them killed Sturbridge.”
Armstrong said, “Let’s just hope you’re right. If you are, after I talk to both of them, I can go after the real killer.” The sheriff called out to Irene, deeply immersed in her videotaping, “Give me a ring when you’re ready to come back to town and I’ll come pick you up.”
Irene waved a hand toward him. “I’m done for the day at the shop, so take your time. I’ve got a good hour of work left to do here.” Almost to herself, Irene said as she panned the camera, “I can’t believe all these footprints. It looks like a marching band came through here.”
Armstrong nodded to his cousin, then said, “See you later, Alex.”
After the squad car pulled away, Alex asked Irene, “Can you tell what happened to him?”
Irene said, “Alex, you know I can’t discuss any of this with you.”
He said, “Sorry, I know how seriously you take your work. I respect that.”
“And you’re not going to get anything out of me by buttering me up, either,” she said with a smile as she zoomed in on a particular footprint. “Why don’t you go make that call Mor asked you to? “Ducky” can get carried away when Sandra’s not around to slap his hand.”
“I’ll do just that,” Alex said as he hurried back to the inn.
As he walked back to the Dual Keepers’ Quarters, Alex realized things were going to be a lot tougher on him than they used to be. Now that both buildings were reopened for guests, Alex’s penchant for investigation was going to be curtailed greatly. It was one thing skipping out on a handful of guests now and then to track down leads, but with two full buildings, it was going to take nearly all of his time and energy to run