Part 6 (2/2)

”So where does that leave you?”

Armstrong leaned back in Alex's chair, and the seat protested. The sheriff said, ”I've interviewed all my suspects out here. It's time to catch up with Irene and see if she's come up with anything.” As Alex walked him to the squad car, the sheriff said, ”I'll be in touch, Alex.” Getting into his car, he said awkwardly, ”By the way, I was sorry to hear about Elise.”

”She's not gone forever, Sheriff. She was called away on a family emergency.”

”Uh-huh,” the sheriff said quickly as he started the engine.

After he was gone, Alex watched the trail of dust from the squad car as it sped down the lane. Why was everyone so quick to a.s.sume that Elise was gone for good?

Were they jumping to conclusions, or did all of Elkton Falls know something that he didn't?

He went back into his office and saw something sparkling in one corner near the copier. Alex retrieved a bracelet, swung it on two fingers, then put it in his pocket. It looked familiar, and he was sure Elise must have dropped it when she'd been cleaning his office. It only made him realize more how much he missed her.

But he couldn't dwell on her departure. He had an inn to run, and as if that wasn't enough, he'd promised Shantara he'd find the murderer.

There just weren't enough hours in a day.

Chapter 9.

Alex was relieved when the fair was finally over for the evening, the crowds of visitors gone at last. One more day and it would be finished. A part of him regretted agreeing to let Shantara hold the fair at the inn, particularly during the Lighthouse Lighting festivities, but he knew in his heart that he'd honestly had no other choice. The lighting was scheduled for tomorrow night's closing ceremonies, but for the first time since he'd taken over The Hatteras West Inn, he wasn't eager to fire up the Fresnel lens. The murder had thrown a dark cloud over everything, and Alex wasn't looking forward to hitting the switch at all.

It didn't help that Elise would miss it, too.

It was stressful enough running Hatteras West by himself without the added traffic of visitors wandering through the inn during the day. He'd caught one woman actually trying to sneak out the front door with one of the lanterns displayed in the lobby just as the fair was shutting down for the day. She dropped the lantern when he'd caught her, shattering the gla.s.s in it. Alex had been so shocked by her actions that he'd just stood there as she raced out the door without her prize.

It was the last straw. Alex cleaned up the mess, carefully searching the floor to make sure he hadn't missed any errant pieces of gla.s.s. After he was certain he'd retrieved every last sliver, Alex posted a hastily scrawled sign on the front door that said Guests Only in bold, thick letters.

Evans Graile, back from one of his rare forays into the world, shook his head when he saw the sign. ”Not very welcoming, is it, Alex?”

”Sorry, but this fair is driving me crazy.”

Evans smiled gently. ”Ah, but look what a spectacle it's provided for me. I can't remember the last time I saw so many people without ever having to leave my chair.”

”I'm glad you're happy,” Alex said as he adjusted the sign. He probably should have used something stronger to tack it in place; someone would probably walk off with his sign as a souvenir.

Evans went on, ”To be honest with you, it's a real shame it's all ending tomorrow night, Alex. I don't know what I'll do for entertainment after everyone else is gone.”

Alex said, ”We've got checkers, chess, books, hiking trails, Bear Rocks, and don't forget the lighthouse itself.”

Graile shook his head sadly. ”I'm afraid most of those things are a little too strenuous for me, Alex. Besides, I like to watch. I'm not a big fan of actually partic.i.p.ating.”

Alex was saved from responding as Jenny hurried up to him. ”Can we talk?”

”Sure,” Alex said as he led her inside. Evans Graile was close on his tracks. That man wasn't about to miss a thing!

Much to the older man's disappointment, Alex said, ”Why don't we talk in my office? I'm still going through a pile of mail I haven't gotten around to yet.”

”Anywhere is fine with me,” she agreed as they walked inside. Jenny made a point of closing the door behind her, and Alex was surprised when she slid the barrel lock in place as well.

”What can I do for you?” he asked.

”You can start by forgiving me,” Jenny said as she stepped closer. ”I know what you must think of me after the foolish way I acted earlier.”

Alex took a step back. ”There's nothing to forgive. This murder has everybody out of sorts.”

She said gently, ”I still don't know what got into me.” Jenny smiled slightly. ”Alex, should I be offended you weren't even tempted by my offer of reconciliation?”

”No ma'am, that's not it at all. Honestly, it's got nothing to do with you,” Alex said.

”You're telling me that there's not even the slightest chance of us going out again?”

He hadn't meant to hurt her feelings, but he obviously had. Alex said softly, ”On a date? No, but I'd be happy to do something with you as a friend. I'm sorry.”

Jenny said lightly, ”Oh well. I suppose Elise must have something to do with it. She really is quite lovely, isn't she?”

”Jenny, there's nothing going on between us. Our relations.h.i.+p is strictly business. Elise is on leave handling a family medical emergency. As soon as it resolves itself, she'll be back at Hatteras West. Why is everyone-” His words were cut off by the telephone.

”Excuse me,” Alex said as he answered, ”The Hatteras West Inn.”

”Hi Alex, it's Elise. I just got in.”

”It's good to hear your voice. Can you hold on one second?” He covered the mouthpiece and told Jenny, ”I'm sorry, but I need to take this.”

Jenny nodded as she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. As soon as she was gone, Alex bolted it. He wasn't in the mood for any interruptions. ”Sorry about that. So how's your dad doing?”

”He's scared, Alex. It just about breaks my heart to see a man as strong as he is so afraid.”

”How's your mom holding up?”

Elise laughed softly. ”She's already tried to feed me twice since I walked in the door. I swear, if I hang around here too long, I'm not going to be able to fit into any of my clothes. Any new developments on the murder?”

”Nothing I've been able to pick up on. Armstrong's playing this one pretty close to the vest. Listen, you shouldn't be worrying about that, Elise. You've got enough on your mind.”

”Believe me, I could use the distraction. This place is like a big empty cave without any guests.”

Alex knew Elise's parents ran an inn much like his own, with one important exception: there was no lighthouse on their property. ”What happened to everybody?”

”Mom canceled all our reservations until we get through this. There were only a few people scheduled, and they've all been staying here for years, so they understood. Alex, I know I need to be here, but I still feel guilty about leaving you like I did.”

Alex started to say something when he heard a strong male voice in the background calling to her, ”Elise, we need to go now!”

”Emergency?” Alex asked, concerned.

”Nothing like that, but I'd better say good-bye. I'll talk to you later.”

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