Read Online Reservations for Murder by Tim Myers - Free Book Online Page A

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 glass 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 glass. 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 participating.”
    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 relationship 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