Page 26 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

I glanced at Rhonda.

“You’re right, Bernie,” she said.

“We must be careful with her, keep the press out, maintain the sense of security we’re known for,” said Bernie.

“I agree. If anyone should hear anything about our private houseguests or any others, I suggest they report it to both Bernie and Ines,” I said.

“Yes,” said Bernie. “All of our guests deserve privacy.”

We went on to other topics, but my thoughts returned to Everly Jansen. As soon as the meeting was over, I wanted to do further investigation on her.

Bernie ended the meeting.

As Rhonda and I headed to our office, I said, “Let’s find out a little more about Everly Jansen.”

“Okay. And then we’d better inform Darryl about her presence here at the hotel.”

We huddled in front of my computer while I clicked on several online articles about her. She’d worked at the ACBE network which is where she met Darryl. Darryl, in his early forties, was a single guy popular on television and with a lot of money. Some claimed that’s why Everly, twelve years younger, sought him out. After a whirlwind courtship, they had an extravagant wedding in Hawaii. There were photos of the enormous diamond engagement ring he’d given her. Wedding photos showed pictures of the voluptuous blond looking triumphant and Darryl’s four sisters looking on with uncertain smiles. It was clear they were not happy with his choice. Darryl looked dazed.

Remembering how shy I thought he was, I pointed this out to Rhonda.

“A little gold digger,” said Rhonda. “Like the kind my Sal got involved with after he lost his mind and left me. Thank God he didn’t marry any of them.”

We checked for more information. It turned out Everly’s job had been given to her by a friend of the family, and as soon as she married Darryl, she quit. To do what, the article didn’t say.

I stopped reading. “There’s no sense in continuing. I’m sure Everly must have some nice qualities, but I’m not going to try to read about them. She’s a very disliked person.”

“A frickin’ shame Darryl got mixed up with her,” said Rhonda. “I’m hoping I can do my magic and help him find a better love.”

I rolled my eyes and stood. “Let’s go tell him about Everly’s visit.” Normally, we’d keep quiet about our guests, but this was an emergency, and he had a right to know.

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On the walk over to Darryl’s house, we had a chance to study the grounds of the hotel. We were very fortunate to have Manny head a team of workers who kept the lawn, landscaping, and grounds pristine. It was essential to maintain an upscale look as part of what guests could expect when coming to the hotel.

By using the private back path to the houses, we quickly arrived at our destination.

We stopped at Darryl’s house first. We went to the front door and knocked.

“Come in,” said a male voice.

Rhonda and I entered the house to find Darryl doing exercises out on the pool deck.

He stood when he saw us. As he came over to greet us, I saw the change in him. He was a healthy tanned, trimmer, and more muscular person than the man he’d been when he’d arrived.

“Wow!” said Rhonda. “Look what happened to you.”

“That’s all due to Abbie,” he said and indicated Abbie behind him. She was wearing short shorts and a tank top that showed the shape of her trim, defined body.

I could feel the energy between them and glanced at Rhonda who wore a satisfied smile. There was nothing I could do to stop her from saying. “You two are great together. Just like I thought.”

A look passed between Darryl and Abbie, and then she said, “It’s time for me to train with Tina. We’re making progress.”

“And progress here, I’m glad to see,” said Rhonda, and I knew she wasn’t talking about the training.

I held up my hand to stop Abbie from leaving. “We’re here to give you both some news. We’ll be talking to Tina too. Normally, we don’t speak about other guests staying at the hotel, but, in this case, we must, because it may affect all three of you in the houses if she gets the opportunity to find out you’re here.”

“Yes, we want you to know that Darryl’s ex, Everly Jansen, will be staying in the Presidential Suite for the next week or so,” said Rhonda. “We already provide you with security and seclusion, but you’ll need to be extra careful about being seen.”

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