Room for Murder

by Tim Myers

  Lev was still out of breath by the time Alex joined them at the top, and he was afraid they might have to carry the older man back down after a few drinks.

  Mor must have been thinking the same thing. “Are you doing okay, partner?”

  “Fine,” he said, panting slightly. “Just need to get my wind back,” he added. After a few moments, Les said, “enough of this foolishness. It’s time for a toast.” He popped the cork off the champagne and poured the bubbling liquid into each of the glasses.

  After setting the bottle down, Les lifted his glass and the others joined him. He looked at Mor a second, then said, “To you, Mordecai Pendleton, the best partner, and best friend a man could ask for.”

  Alex added, “To Mor, the true best man,” as the three men clinked their glasses together.

  Mor, uncomfortable with the raw sincerity of his friends, said, “Drink up before it goes flat.”

  Les killed his drink with one pull, then said, “You boys can have the beer, but I’d be proud to keep you company a little while longer. If I’m going to get down those steps on my own, I’d better stop drinking right now. Don’t let that stop you two, though.”

  Alex leaned against the lighthouse, his back against the solid wall of the structure. He felt grounded whenever he touched it, as if his body became, for one instant, a part of the lighthouse itself.

  Alex asked Mor, “Any nerves about tomorrow?”

  “I just wish it were already over. You know how I hate a fuss.”

  Les said, “Listen, nobody’s going to be looking at you. This wedding is Emma’s time to shine. The best advice I can give you is to take one step back and let her glow.”

  “Why should I take wedding advice from a grizzled old bachelor like you?” Mor asked, teasing his friend with their usual banter.

  Les wasn’t having any of it, though, not tonight. “Take it from a man who’s spent his life looking for what you’ve found, my friend. She’s a keeper.” With a wink to Alex, Les added, “If you hadn’t gotten off your duff and asked her to marry you, I might have gone after her myself. She’s a big, handsome woman, just the kind I fancy.”

  Mor said, “Sorry to disappoint you, but you’re just going to have to find somebody else. I’m not about to let her go.”

  Les patted Alex on the shoulder. “Looks like after tomorrow it’s just the two of us.”

  Mor said, “Speak for yourself. Alex has his heart set on Elise.”

  Les shook his head. “Just remember me when you’re both happy and married off, will you?”

  Alex said, “After my first-date disaster with her? I don’t think you have to worry about me any time soon.”

  Mor said, “I’ve got faith in you, buddy.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I can tell how sincere you are by the certainty in your voice.”

  “What? No, it’s not that. I just wish ... never mind.”

  “Go ahead,” Alex said. “What is it?”

  Mor said, “What I would have really liked is for Armstrong to have figured out who killed Toby Sturbridge before the wedding. I’m afraid it’s going to hang over our heads like an ax tomorrow at the ceremony.”

  Les said, “Alex and I know you and your bride are innocent, and most of Elkton Falls knows it, too. Don’t fret about things you can’t change.”

  Mor smiled gently. “You’re just full of advice tonight, aren’t you?”

  Les said, “Pay no attention to me. It’s the alcohol talking. Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I’m turning in early tonight. I want to be fresh as a daisy for the festivities tomorrow.”

  Mor asked, “Do you want me to go down the steps with you?”

  Les snapped, “I may be more than twice as old as you are, but I’m a long way from feeble. You two finish up your little party here. I’ll be fine.”

  Both men leaned over the rail until they saw Les down below. He waved up at them, then got into his truck and drove back toward town.

  Alex and Mor looked off into the distance, taking in the moonlit land beneath them, enjoying the silence of good company.

  “What we really need is a good fog,” Alex said. “There’s nothing like it from up here.”

  Mor said, “I’d just as soon the weather stay clear until after the wedding.” He gestured down to the canopy set up below for the wedding tomorrow. “I’m still not sure it was such a great idea doing this outdoors. We’re probably going to get edges of rain from that hurricane.”

  Alex said, “Buddy, it was an argument you were bound to lose. Don’t worry, I’ve ordered fair weather until the ceremony, and just to be sure, I didn’t wash my truck. That’s a sure sign of clear skies.”

  Mor said, “I appreciate the sacrifice, but you’d better park in back of the inn or Emma will have you out there washing it before the wedding.”

  Alex grinned. “I’ve got a feeling tomorrow she’s going to be too busy to worry about me.” Alex took a breath, then added, “Just between the two of us, are you nervous at all?”

  Mor shook his head. “Not one bit. Emma drives me crazy most of the time, but she also makes me happy for no reason at all. When this thing blew up and we were apart, I missed her in a thousand different ways.” Realizing how serious his tone had become, Mor added lightly, “Besides, at this point, she’s probably the only one who’ll have me.”

  Alex laughed. “If you’re waiting for me to disagree with you, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

  Mor said, “Enough of this. I’m ready to hit the sack. Thanks again for letting me stay out here.”

  “I’m glad to have you,” Alex said.

  As they started back down, Alex suddenly realized that they hadn’t opened a single beer. Not only that, but there was still half a bottle of champagne left.

  It would probably go on record as the mildest bachelor party in the history of Elkton Falls.

  Chapter 19

  “I hope it doesn’t rain,” Elise said, staring out the window the next day at the dark clouds on the horizon. It was an hour before the wedding ceremony, and she and Alex were both busy with last-minute preparations.

  Alex said, “We could always have it in here, couldn’t we?” He gestured around the lobby. “If we move the tables and sofas into a couple of the guest rooms, we could get the folding chairs in here and make an aisle.”

  Elise studied it a moment, then said, “I don’t think everyone will fit.”

  Emma came in frowning. “It’s not going to rain, and we’re not moving this wedding inside.”

  Alex said, “Easy, Emma, we’re just trying to come up with a backup plan.”

  Emma walked to the windows, scowled up at the sky, and declared, “We’ll be fine until tonight. It’s just the front from the hurricane.” She looked at Elise and said, “I need help getting ready. You’ve got experience with beauty queen makeup. Can you do anything with me?”

  Elise laughed softly. “As if you need it. Come on, I know a few tricks, but if you ask me, we’ll just be gilding the lily.”

  Emma smiled. “I haven’t been a lily in years.” She frowned at Alex and added, “Shouldn’t you be with the groom? Did you steal his car keys and let the air out of his tires like I asked you to?”

  “There’s not a chance in the world he’s going anywhere,” Alex said.

  “That’s what I thought with Toby Sturbridge, but it took him three times to actually make it to the church. I should have seen that as a sign from above.”

  Alex said, “Emma, Mor Pendleton is no Toby Sturbridge. You’re getting a good man, and he’s getting a fine woman.”

  She kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Thanks, Alex. I guess we’ll see you soon.”

  After they were gone, Alex wondered what Mor was up to. He finally found him talking to Grady Hatch outside where the festivities were set to take place. The mayor had graciously agreed to give Emma away before he left on his big trip to see the world, even though the election was still in dispute.

  Alex joined them and said, “There
you are, Mor. What’s going on?”

  Grady said, “The board of elections is still going crazy. They aren’t anywhere close to declaring a winner. I’ve heard of horse races before, but this is ridiculous.”

  “Can’t wait to hand over the reins yourself, can you,” Alex said.

  Mor said, “Have you seen his motor home? It’s a real beauty.”

  Grady said, “I got more for the house than I had any right to expect, so I decided to go all out. As soon as the reception’s over, I’m hitting the road, whether you good people have a new mayor or not.”

  Alex looked up at the clouds. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait this storm out? It might be better driving after this front passes through.”

  Mor said, “It’s not going to rain, Alex. Emma’s been glued to the Weather Channel for the last two days. These are just the edges of the big storm south and east of us.”

  Alex replied, “Yeah, but how are your knees feeling?” Mor had damaged his knees playing football, and they were a pair of the best barometers around town.

  He admitted, “They’re a little shaky.”

  Grady slapped him on the back. “That’s not the weather, it’s just wedding jitters.” He looked at his empty glass and said, “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think it’s time for another drink.”

  Alex said, “You’d better take it easy on those. We don’t want you stumbling down the aisle and falling over Emma’s train.”

  “It’s soda, Alex,” Grady said shortly, then saw the man’s grin. “Though I might freshen it up just a bit from the bar. After all, it’s a day for celebration.”

  After he was gone, Alex asked Mor, “Seriously, how are you doing?”

  “Hey, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just a little nervous. Have you seen Emma? How is she holding up?”

  “The last time I saw her, she was scowling at the clouds, daring it to rain.”

  Mor smiled broadly. “That sounds just like her. Alex, I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’m a lucky man.”

  “You are at that. Is there anything you need?”

  “Just to get this thing moving so we can get on with our lives. You know I’m not fond of crowds, and I swear, Emma has invited most of Elkton Falls.”

  Alex nodded. “It won’t be long now. Remember, I’ve got your airline tickets on my dresser. You’re flying out of Charlotte tonight, but you’ll have plenty of time to get there after the reception. Did Armstrong give you any grief about going?”

  Mor said, “He thought about it, but Emma put a knot in his tail about the whole thing. We’re just going to be gone a week, it’s not like we’re never coming back. You know, I never thought about taking a cruise for a honeymoon, but Emma talked me into it.”

  Alex laughed. “What was it, the women in bikinis or the meals served seven times a day you were opposed to?”

  Mor said, “No Bikini Barbies for me, those gals are too skinny. I like Emma, her shape’s got flair, you know what I mean?”

  “So it’s the food,” Alex asked with a grin.

  “Who could say no to a midnight buffet? I’m planning to gain at least ten pounds.” For the hundredth time, Mor looked at his watch. “I can’t believe the wedding’s still an hour away.”

  “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we go up to your room? I’ve got a backgammon board set up. It might take your mind off the clock.”

  Mor said, “I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises about what kind of game I’ll be able to play.”

  Mor normally won the lion’s share of the games they played, but this time Alex won every match.

  He thought it was fair to say his best friend was more than a little distracted by the events to come.

  The crowd was in place, all of Elkton Falls dressed in their finery awaiting the start of the ceremony. Alex and Mor took their spots up front, and Alex nodded to Father Gray, the local Episcopal priest. He and the padre had been friends since grade school, but Alex still couldn’t get used to seeing him dressed in his priestly robes.

  Gray said softly, “Are you boys ready?”

  Alex said, “I’m fine, but Mor keeps trying to make a run for it.”

  Gray smiled and said, “If you do, I might just marry the gal myself.”

  Mor shook his head. “You’d have to go through me, priest or no priest.”

  Gray said, “That’s the spirit.”

  Alex heard Irma Bean suddenly increase the volume of her organ, and his gaze went to the back of the canopy.

  Elise was there, holding a bouquet of flowers, wearing an emerald dress that highlighted her green eyes. Her hair was pulled back with wisps trailing down, and she was the most breathtaking vision he’d ever seen in his life. Sometimes it was easy to forget how beautiful she really was as the two of them worked side by side cleaning rooms or washing clothes. But she’d outdone herself this time, and Alex felt his knees grow weak again at the sight of her.

  As she marched toward him, Alex couldn’t hide his feelings from her, and he was rewarded with her warmest smile.

  As she approached, Alex whispered to her, “You look stunning.”

  “So do you,” she said as she took her position across from him. Alex was in his only suit, since Mor had drawn the line against either one of them wearing tuxedoes.

  Mor said, “Hey, we’re here for me, remember?”

  Alex tore his gaze off Elise and looked back up the aisle.

  Emma marched in on Grady’s arm, and she was truly lovely. Mor was right. Emma was elegant, a large-scale woman full of grace and beauty, and there wasn’t a single man in the audience that didn’t envy Mor just a little.

  Alex saw a tear creep down Emma’s cheek as she approached them, and he shifted his gaze to Mor.

  The big man had a tear of his own that burrowed deep into his smile.

  As Grady gave Emma’s arm to Mor, Alex knew that these two truly belonged together.

  “I can’t believe it didn’t rain,” Elise said as she and Alex danced during the reception after the vows had been exchanged.

  “It was afraid to,” Alex admitted, reveling in holding Elise in his arms. “You’re a wonderful dancer,” he said.

  “I can’t help myself. I took ballet for ten years when I was growing up, and the rest just seemed to follow.”

  “Gosh, and I didn’t even go to Arthur Murray. The only dance class I took was in college.”

  “You majored in business, didn’t you?” she asked.

  “I did, but senior year I needed one elective, so I signed up for ballroom dance.”

  She laughed. “That’s not what I think of as a breeze class.”

  He said, “Think about it. There were twenty-six students in the class, and only two of us were guys.”

  He accented his words by twirling her, a move Elise picked up solely from his hand pressure. They danced together as if they’d been doing it for years.

  “I’m having a wonderful time,” he admitted.

  “I am too, Alex. They belong together, don’t they,” she said as she looked at Emma and Mor.

  Alex saw the new bride and groom dancing to their own music in the center of the temporary stage. He said, “It’s a match. From what Mor told me, the sheriff’s not too happy about them leaving town for six days for their honeymoon, but Emma probably threatened to stick him with the bill for their cruise if they couldn’t go, so he backed right down. It’s not like they aren’t coming straight back, and Armstrong knows it.”

  Elise said hesitantly, “Alex, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”

  “I’m right here,” he said as he held her close.

  The music died, and they found themselves rocking to a beat that was only between the two of them.

  The lead singer said, “Now it’s time for the toasts. May we have the best man and maid of honor up on stage?”

  Alex said, “What was it you wanted to talk about?”

  “It can wait,” she said as she took his hand. “It’s time f
or the toasts.”

  The waiters were handing out champagne as they walked forward, and Alex snagged a pair of glasses for them before they walked up the steps.

  On stage, Elise offered to go first, knowing Alex’s dread of public speaking. She took the microphone and said, “When two people find each other in this world, it is truly a cause to celebrate. Mor and Emma, I wish you the greatest happiness as you start your lives together, and may your love grow stronger from this day forward. To Mor and Emma.”

  The crowd lifted their glasses and repeated the last line. Alex felt his heart tighten in his chest, knowing it was his turn now.

  Elise patted his hand softly, then whispered, “You’ll be fine.”

  Emboldened by her touch, Alex said, “I’ve known Mor all my life, and it feels like I’ve known Emma that long, too. All I’ve got to say is, you two deserve each other.”

  That got a laugh from the crowd, one Alex hadn’t intended.

  “No, what I meant to say was, you belong together. That’s it.” Blast it all, he’d made a mess of his toast. “To Mor and Emma,” he said, and again the crowd raised their glasses to the newlyweds.

  Elise joined him and said, “Alex Winston, that was a bold move. I never would have imagined you’d go for humor.”

  “I didn’t mean to,” he admitted as they walked offstage.

  Elise tried to hide her smile, but couldn’t. “You were wonderful.”

  And then she kissed him.

  There was nothing odd or awkward about it. It was almost as if the two of them melted together for a moment, lost in each other’s arms.

  Alex was jarred out of it by the mayor’s hand on his shoulder. “Hey, I thought the tradition was to kiss the bride, but if it’s the maid of honor now, I’m next in line.”

  At that moment, Alex could have easily killed Grady Hatch on the spot with his bare hands.

  Elise looked startled by their kiss. “I’ve got to go help Emma get ready for their getaway.”

  “Hang on a second, Elise,” Alex said, wanting to hold on to the moment.

  “Later, Alex. There’ll be time later.”

  As she disappeared into the crowd of dancers, Grady said, “Something tells me my timing was rotten there.”