by Tim Myers
Irene laughed heartily, catching the other diners’ attention for a moment before they went back to their discussions. Though the food was good enough, Alex believed most of the customers were there as much for the conversation as they were for the meal.
Irene asked, “So how’s life at the inn, Alex?”
“Never a dull moment. We’re trying to get everything ready for tonight.” He glanced at his watch. “In fact, I should be there right now, but Mor offered to buy lunch, and I wasn’t about to pass that up.”
Mor said, “Keep your voice down, will you? I have a reputation to uphold.” He glanced at the crowd and said, “Tell you what, why don’t I go ahead and order for us at the counter? Sally Anne’s really hopping, and I’m hungry enough to eat a moose.”
“How do you know what I want?” Alex asked.
“Come on, anybody in Elkton Falls could order for you, Alex. Club sandwich, no tomato, fries, and iced tea. Now tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re wrong,” Alex said. “Since you’re buying, I think I’ll start with the filet mignon, maybe a chocolate mousse and a bottle of Buck’s finest champagne.”
Mor laughed. “Right. I’ll go place that order right away, sir.”
After he was gone, Irene said somberly, “Alex, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about, but I didn’t know how to go about it.”
“Is it about my uncle?” Alex asked.
“Yes, but not in the way you think. It’s ... well... it’s all rather personal.”
Alex said, “I swear I won’t breathe a word. What are you holding back?”
Irene lowered her voice. “It’s not about the case, Alex. Jase and I, well, we were friends. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we had a habit of sharing our Thursday evenings together. He’d come over and I’d cook us a big meal, then we’d sit in the parlor and play a few games of chess.” Irene said, “Don’t look so surprised. Beauticians can play chess, too.”
“It’s not that. I know you’re one of the smartest folks in Elkton Falls. I just didn’t realize you were dating my uncle.”
Alex had to look hard to believe what he was seeing. The
unflappable Irene was actually blushing! “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. We simply enjoyed each other’s company.”
Alex touched her hand lightly. “Irene, you were crying when the sheriff and I came by your shop the other day, and here I thought it was just the chemicals. Listen to me. If you gave Jase some companionship in his last days, I couldn’t be happier. I’m just amazed you managed to keep it a secret. I thought the kudzu vine was impossible to beat.”
“Well, Jase was a crafty old rascal. He had a real knack for keeping his private life private, if you know what I mean.”
Alex said softly, “And no one in town knows you’re grieving, Irene. I’m so sorry for your loss,” he said as he gently patted her hand.
Tears welled up in Irene’s eye. “Alex Winston, you are the sweetest man I know. I should be the one offering words of comfort to you.”
Mor came back and slid an iced tea in front of Alex, with another for himself. He said, “Your steak will be right up, sir, but they were all out of champagne. Anything else from the bar while you’re waiting?”
It took Mor a second to realize he’d interrupted something. “I just remembered, I have a call to make, if you two will excuse me.”
Irene put a hand on his arm. “You’re not going anywhere until you sit down and tell me your plans.”
“What plans are those?”
“Mor Pendleton, I’ve been running To Dye For nearly twenty-seven years. Do you think there’s a chance in the world I haven’t heard what Les has done?”
Mor said, “Now, why am I not surprised?” Mor looked at his tea, swirled the glass a few times without taking a sip, then said, “To be honest with you, I haven’t decided yet.”
Irene said softly, “Elkton Falls needs you, Mordecai Pendleton. Don’t leave us.”
The big man was obviously uncomfortable by the serious turn of the conversation. “Don’t worry, you’re not going to get rid of me any time soon.”
Alex said, “Irene, we’ll see you at the inn tonight for the send-off, won’t we?”
“I don’t know, Alex, I’m not sure—”
“Nonsense,” Alex said. “I want you there as my personal guest. I’m sure it’s what Jase would have wanted.”
Irene said, “I’ll be there, then.” She threw a twenty on the table over her bill. “Lunch is on me, gentlemen,” Irene said as she rushed out of Buck’s before the men could say another word.
“Alex, my friend, your way with women is unparalleled in the history of all mankind.”
“What can I say? It’s a gift. I just can’t believe you got out of another lunch tab.”
Mor shrugged. “Hey, you have your gifts, I have mine.”
The two men started back on foot after finishing their meals. Alex said, “I’ve got to tell you, that was the best club sandwich I’ve ever had.” Mor had ordered Alex’s usual club for him, though Sally Anne had called it a steak when she’d delivered it, a curious frown on her face.
Mor patted his stomach as he said, “Yeah, my country-fried chicken was pretty good, too. It was sweet of Irene to treat us.” The handyman took a few more steps, then said, “Tonight’s going to be tough on you, isn’t it?”
Alex kept his gaze on the sidewalk as he spoke. “I guess I got it from Jase, but I never did care for funerals. For the longest time I swore I wasn’t going to have one myself, but I’m beginning to think Jase might have had the right idea. Inviting all your family and friends to one last blowout has a touch of style that fit the man just right. I’m sorry he’s gone, especially the way it happened, but I’m also happy
that Jase made it back to Elkton Falls. It was wonderful getting reacquainted with him again.”
Mor started walking faster as they neared his truck. Alex asked, “What’s the rush?”
Mor pointed to one of the boxes they’d so carefully sealed. The top had been torn off, and a few books spilled out onto the bed. “Alex, somebody’s been messing with Jase’s stuff.”
Chapter 11
The closer they got to the truck, the more apparent it was that someone had been tampering with the boxes they’d so carefully packed. Alex and Mor jumped up into the bed of the truck and tried to see if anything was missing.
After they’d examined every box and Alex had started resealing the tops, Mor said, “I don’t see that anything’s gone. Alex, it was probably just some kids who couldn’t resist seeing what was inside.”
Alex sealed another box, then said reluctantly, “You’re probably right.”
Mor said, “You think it’s something more ominous than that, don’t you? Alex, not everything’s a mystery waiting to be solved.”
“Of course not,” Alex said as he finished taping up the last of the disturbed boxes.
Mor looked at his friend, then said, “You don’t believe that for a second, do you?”
Alex leaned against the back of the cab of the truck and
said, “Mor, somebody tried to break into Jase’s cottage while I was there, and now somebody’s going through his things out here in broad daylight. That either took a lot of guts, or somebody’s getting desperate. Even you have to give me that.”
Mor rubbed his chin. “I’ve got to admit, your hunches have paid off in the past. What in the world could they be looking for though?”
“I wish I knew. I’m telling you one thing; the first chance I get, I’m going to dig into this, and I won’t stop until I find out what’s going on.”
Mor nodded. “I wish I could help, but I’ve got a full afternoon scheduled. Les and his lady friend are going for a picnic at Linville Falls, if you can believe that, and he’s making me pay for taking the morning off.” He added with a grin, “With Emma gone, I don’t mind keeping busy. I’ve got to admit, I miss her more than I expected to, Alex.”
Alex grinned at his friend
. “Have you considered the possibility that was the whole point of the trip?”
Mor smiled broadly. “You could be right.” He patted one of the boxes, then said, “Let’s get this stuff back to the inn so I can get to work.”
Steven was on the porch as Alex and Mor drove up to Hatteras West. When they got out of the truck, he joined them.
“Something I can do for you?” Alex asked.
“To be honest with you, I’m used to a faster pace than this back home. I’ve been to the top of the lighthouse, and I went climbing on Bear Rocks. Do you have any other suggestions for me?”
“I’ve got a rack full of brochures on some of our area attractions,” Alex said. “I’m afraid whitewater rafting is a little much for a day trip, but there are some great places to
hike around here.” Alex turned to Mor. “Give me a second, will you?”
“I’ll go ahead and start unloading,” Mor said as he picked up one of the heavier boxes.
Steven said, “You don’t have to get the brochures now, Alex, I’m not in any hurry. Do you two need a hand?”
“We’ve got it under control,” Alex said.
“Honestly, I’m glad to help,” Steven said.
Mor jumped in. “Alex, can’t you see the man’s desperate for something to do? Why are you depriving him? I thought you took better care of your guests than that.”
Alex grinned. “Okay, you asked for it. We’d love a hand. Pick a box.”
As they carried the boxes back to Alex’s tiny room, Steven said, “These boxes surely are heavier than they look.”
Mor was about to say something when Alex said, “Just some odds and ends I’ve been meaning to bring back to the inn.”
After the boxes were stacked neatly along one wall of the room, Mor said, “Well, if you don’t need me anymore, I’m going to hit the road.”
Alex said, “Hang on a second; I’ll walk you out.” He turned to Steven. “Thanks again for your help. I’ll be right back.”
As all three men left Alex’s room, he carefully locked the door behind them.
Alex stopped Mor on the porch. “Listen, thanks for everything. I really appreciate your help.”
“What are friends for? Alex, you think he’s a suspect, don’t you?” Mor nodded toward Steven, who was lingering by the front desk.
“You bet he is. Everyone in that family is on my list.”
Mor said softly, “And they’re staying at the inn with you. It might not be a bad idea to watch your back. You want me
to hang around? There’s nothing on my list that can’t wait until tomorrow.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need my own bodyguard yet. Besides, I know how much work you’ve got to do. You’re coming to the send-off tonight, aren’t you?”
Mor slapped Alex on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know how much I love that overgrown night-light of yours. I’m not about to miss a chance to see it fired up.”
Alex nodded. “Tell you what. When you decide to tie the knot, we’ll light it on your wedding day.”
Mor said, “Don’t hold your breath, I’m not in any hurry to walk down an aisle.”
“You’re closer to it than I am,” Alex said with a laugh.
Mor said, “I’d say at the moment it’s more of a dead heat.”
After Mor was gone, Alex turned back to the lobby. It was time to talk to Steven a little more thoroughly and find out just what he might know about Jase’s death.
Alex handed Steven a sheaf of brochures, then said, “I meant it when I said that your family is invited to the send-off tonight.”
“I don’t know, Alex. It’s kind of awkward, us being involved with the missing will and all.”
Alex said, “Jase wanted it to be an open invitation. My brother and I would consider it an honor if you came. All of you.”
Steven hesitated, then reluctantly agreed. “If you’re sure.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Pardon me saying so, but do you have any idea what’s going to happen to your father’s estate if the will doesn’t turn up?”
“I suppose it will ultimately be divided three or four ways. Mother isn’t about to leave the outcome to fate. I’ve
tried to talk her out of making a fuss, but if she has her way, Julie won’t see a dime. I’m not so sure I’m entitled to any of my father’s money, anyway. I hadn’t seen him in so long, and to be honest with you, I never really tried to contact him after he left. I had him for eighteen years; that was enough for me.”
“How do you feel about your newfound sister?”
Steven thought about it a moment, then said, “If Julie really is his daughter, she has more of a right to the money than the rest of us. We squandered our chances with Dad. From the sound of it, she never had an opportunity to get to know him. He was a good man in his own way, Alex. I think he stayed just as long as he could, and then the day after my eighteenth birthday, he took off. Some belated birthday present, huh?”
“How did Ashley take it?”
“She was already away at college, so it didn’t affect her all that much. Truth be told, I’m worried about my big sister.”
“Why is that?” Alex asked gently.
“She’s been on medication for her mood swings in the past, and the depression really hits her, especially when she’s under stress. I’m afraid all this about our father is stirring up all those buried feelings again.”
Alex wanted to ask about his sister’s claim that Steven was clinically depressed himself, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out how to bring it up without sounding like a fishwife. Instead, he shifted gears and tried another track. “Your mother must have been as mad as a wet cat when he left.”
Steven said, “Alex, do you want to know the truth? She would never admit it, but I actually think she was relieved.”
“Relieved about what?” Alex heard a woman’s voice say as she came down the stairs. Cynthia Shays-Trask swept into the lobby, her gaze steadily on her son.
“We were just talking about tonight,” Steven said guiltily.
“Come take a walk with me, Steven,” Cynthia said as she locked her arm in her son’s. Almost as an afterthought, she said, “I’m sure Alex will excuse us.”
He didn’t really have much choice. The woman had a way of imposing her will on those around her that was overwhelming.
Before the mother and son could get away, Alex said, “I was just telling Steven, you’re all invited to the send-off for my uncle tonight. It’s going to be right here at Hatteras West.”
Cynthia turned to her son and said, “Steven, I’ll meet you out on the porch.”
There was no room for argument in her voice.
After her son was outside, Cynthia said, “Do you truly want us there, or are you just being polite? Don’t worry about offending me, Alex. You can tell me the truth.”
“My brother and I really would like you to come. You didn’t know my uncle, but he would have wanted you there.”
Cynthia stared into his eyes, and Alex could feel the pull of her attraction. The woman really did have a way of getting attention.
She touched his cheek lightly, then said, “In that case, we would be honored to attend. My family and I will be there, Alex.”
And then she was gone.
Alex was more confused than ever about the case as he watched them start off down the path toward Bear Rocks. Could Cynthia have killed Jase herself? She appeared to be a woman who left nothing to chance. If there was the slightest possibility that she’d heard a whisper about Julie’s existence, Alex could easily see Cynthia stepping in to protect her children’s inheritance. What about Ashley or Steven? They could have their own reasons for wanting the will to disappear. What if Mathias had written one of them out? Alex had read about a case in Charlotte not all that long ago where a wealthy man had split his fortune between two sons in a most unusual way. One had been in and out of rehab for years, never overcoming his addictions, while the other had quie
tly worked hard and had prospered. Instead of a prodigal son reaction, the father had left his wayward son one dollar a year plus all the money he would use for rehab centers for as long as he lived, while his brother had inherited the balance. It had sounded like a reasonable solution to Alex, but the wayward son had fought the case for years on a technicality before losing. The whole thing had appealed to Alex’s sense of justice as little did lately.
And then there was his own brother. Alex had been trying to avoid thinking of Tony as a suspect, but he was going to have to face the possibility soon. Grilling his only living relative didn’t appeal to him, but Alex had no choice. He needed to know the truth, one way or another.
Alex was trying to catch up on some of the work he’d been avoiding when Elise found him folding sheets in the laundry room. “So there you are,” she said. “I’ve been looking all over the inn for you.”
Alex said, “I really am sorry, I know I’ve been an absentee innkeeper the last few days. It’s just been kind of hectic, and I appreciate you stepping up.”
Elise said, “No, that’s not it. I told you to take your time. I know you’ve got a lot going on right now.”
It was clear that there was something else on Elise’s mind, but he didn’t have a clue what it could be, and honestly, he was too tired to pursue it.
As Alex kept folding sheets, she said, “Maybe we can talk later. There are a few things we need to discuss.”
“Absolutely.” He hesitated, then said, “Could you let me
know when the caterers and the band get here? I’d like them to set up out by the lighthouse. I checked the weather forecast, and we should have a glorious night for it.”
Elise sobered suddenly. “Are you handling everything all right? I know it has to be hard on you, losing your uncle like that. I can’t even imagine the stress this party tonight is adding to it.”
Alex admitted, “I’m not sure a bon voyage party is the greatest idea I’ve ever heard of, but one thing’s certain, Jase never did things halfway. This is what he wanted, so we’re going to do our best to give it to him.” He felt himself tearing up and fought the impulse. Alex was determined to mourn Jase the way his uncle had wanted. It was the final gift he could grant.
