Read Online Room for Murder (Book 4 in the Lighthouse Inn Mysteries) by Tim Myers - Free Book Online

some warm milk. I thought a picnic snack
might be fun,” she said, though it was apparent to all from the
delightful aroma emanating from die basket that she’d fried chicken
for their impromptu picnic dinner.
    “ That’s too bad,” Mor said.
“What I really had a hankering for was some fried
chicken.”
    Alex said, “Should we eat first or go ahead
and light the beacon?” He was getting those butterflies again,
eager to light the lens. The air was charged with electricity; it
was almost as if the lighthouse itself sensed what was coming, and
Alex fed off it.
    Emma said, “Why don’t we eat first? That way
we can enjoy the light without worrying about attracting every moth
in seven counties.”
    Mor put an arm around her. “That’s why I
love this woman. She’s so practical.”
    Emma rolled her eyes. “And that’s why I love
you, you big moose. I just adore the way you sweet-talk me.”
    Elise laughed as she started to spread the
blanket out on the platform. Alex grabbed the other end and they
soon had it down, though the tug of the wind threatened to displace
it. Mor said, “I can take care of that,” and promptly sat down in
the middle of everything.
    “ That’s fine, but now
there’s no room for the rest of us,” Emma said.
    He moved over, and the four of them anchored
their respective comers. Elise made a show of peeking inside the
basket, then said, “Shoot.”
    “ Forget something?” Alex
asked. “I’ll be glad to go back down for it.”
    Elise said, “No, it’s too late for that. I
meant to put a baloney sandwich in here to tease Mor with, but I
must have left it on the counter.”
    Emma said, “Knowing him, he found it and
already ate
    it.”
    Elise passed out plates, cups, and
silverware, then started pulling food out of the hamper at a
surprising rate.
    Mor asked, “Any sweet tea in there?” as he
reached for a peek into the basket.
    Emma slapped his hand. “You just wait and
see, you choosy beggar.”
    Elise pulled out a container of tea. “I
wouldn’t forget that. Alex, would you mind pouring?”
    Alex opened the jar of tea, poured a little
into his cup, and treated it like a fine wine. “It’s got a robust
flavor with a hint of playfulness; an unpretentious little
vintage.”
    “ Give me that, you big
goofball,” Mor said as he swiped the tea.
    After dining on fried chicken, potato salad,
and homemade rolls, Mor said, “I don’t suppose you have any pie in
there, do you?”
    Emma said, “Even if she did, where in the
world would you put it?”
    “ Hey, I’m a growing boy. I
need to eat to keep my strength up.”
    She patted his stomach. “If you grow any
more, you’re going to have to buy new clothes.”
    Mor said indignantly, “I’ll have you know
I’m the perfect weight for my height.”
    Alex said, “I need to see that chart,” as he
helped Elise clean up. “Is everybody ready for the lighting?”
    “ Absolutely,” Mor said.
“Why don’t you two go fire it up? Emma and I will watch it from
here.”
    Alex said, “Don’t forget, face outward. That
lens puts out some real light.”
    “ We’ll be careful,” Emma
said. Though they had enjoyed a good meal with fine fellowship,
Alex had noted a reserve in Emma that wouldn’t go away. It was
obvious that Toby Sturbridge’s death was on all their minds, a real
presence at their picnic, though no one brought up the man’s
death.
    It was the best way to deal with it, at
least until they had more information.
    Alex and Elise walked inside to the switch,
and Alex said, “Will you do the honors?”
    “ Are you serious? I know
how much you love doing it, Alex. You go ahead.”
    Alex said, “Please, Elise, I’d like you to.
The last time I lit it, you weren’t around to see it.”
    Elise nodded. “I’m so sorry I missed the
last Lighting. Alex, are you sure?”
    “ Absolutely.”
    With a schoolgirl’s grin, Elise said, “I’d
love to.”
    She punched the switch, and the light above
them jumped to life.