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“Care to share what’s on your mind?”
Harry was leaning back in his desk chair, outstretched legs crossed at the ankles, hands clasped behind his head and eyes closed. As Bertie’s question broke his concentration, he slowly sat upright and swivelled the chair to face her. “I was thinking about Finley Burton, wondering what prompted him to pull a vanishing act.”
“You worked on that months ago. I thought you’d have forgotten it by now,” she said.
“Most people disappear for a reason, but Finley had no known reason.”
Bertie shrugged. “Is it that important?”
“I suppose not, but aren’t you the least bit curious?”
“I’ve thought about it,” she said. “But what can we do about it?”
Harry looked at her and laughed. “You’re starting to think like me. Check the Internet. Burton was a local businessman, so there might be an obituary.” He stood up and reached for his jacket. “I’m going to see Ralph.”
********************
Ralph couldn’t remember anything about Finley, except what he’d heard. “Dad said he was honest and well-respected.”
“The opposite of his father.”
“I often heard the old-timers say Burton’s watered-down rum was the worst-kept secret in town. Everyone knew how he’d lost his right eye and lower left leg. But they also knew how he’d settled down after he married Moira, the Irish widow with three young children and a mass of flaming red hair. Rumour said she also had a temper to match the hair.”
“Most redheads are described that way, though I’m not sure it’s always true,” Harry said.
“Rumour said that when their son was born, he gave her a diamond and emerald necklace, which she was wearing when she was buried,” Ralph said.
Harry raised his eyebrows. “Has her grave been robbed?”
“Not likely!” Ralph shook his head. “Every would-be thief is terrified of Rupert’s ghost, which still keeps watch over the graves, the bar and the inn.”
“Busy ghost.” Harry chuckled. “But Finley seems to have been different.”
Ralph shrugged. “I only heard good things about him. Described as quiet and reserved, had his mother’s red hair but not her temper… something she was often heard to say she was grateful for.”
“I assume he was educated.”
“They all were. That’s one thing Rupert insisted on.”
“And no doubt the sale was handled through a lawyer,” Harry said.
“I still have the original papers,” Ralph said. “Dated April first, 1940. I was with Dad the morning Finley handed over the keys. When he was leaving, he turned around and said something. I can’t remember what it was, but Mother might. I’ll ask her tonight and let you know.”
Harry handed him a business card. “Call the cell phone.”
Ralph frowned. “I’m pretty sure that’s the last anyone knew of Finley. Do you think something happened to him?”
“Possibly, but it’s more likely that he changed his name and appearance and went somewhere he wasn’t known,” Harry said. “Thanks for your help.”
