Page 34 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“I don’t dare have them at my place with my kids, who’d be more than ready to tell anyone about it,” said Rhonda. “But Robbie is older and won’t have to deal with neighbors asking.”

“You’re right. Let’s go talk to Darryl now before any news gets out about his stay here,” I said. “I don’t trust Everly to honor her agreement to protect our guests’ privacy.”

Full of resolve, we started to walk over to the house where Darryl was staying.

“Our hotel’s reputation can’t be destroyed by a selfish, promo-seeking bitch,” said Rhonda. “We’ve worked too hard to let that happen.”

“I agree. I wish there was a way to get rid of Everly, but Bernie thinks it would create unwelcome attention.”

“Yeah, talk about ruining our reputation,” said Rhonda.

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Once again, Rhonda and I slipped away from the hotel and took a secluded path to the houses. We walked with purpose.

“Why is it that every time there’s a problem at the hotel, Brock is somehow involved?” said Rhonda with unmistakable anger. “I’m sick to death of his interference. I’m going to find a way to get back at him.”

I slung my arm around Rhonda. “I wouldn’t worry about it. He always ends up in trouble. How he gets away with it is another issue.”

When we got to Darryl’s house, he was swimming in the pool. We rang the bell and waited for him to answer the door.

He arrived at the door wet and with a towel wrapped around his waist. Seeing him like this, I was amazed by his trimmer, healthier self. His shaved head had in some strange way made his eyes look bigger. Though not handsome like a movie star, his appearance was very appealing and as before, made me want to hug him like a sister would.

“Hello, what brings you here?” he said, indicating for us to come inside.

“We think it’s going to be better for you to spend some time away from the hotel,” I said. “You and Abbie are both welcome to spend a few days at my house until we can be sure Everly won’t discover you’re staying here.”

“She’s been talking to Brock Goodwin, and together, they’re determined to learn who’s staying in the houses,” said Rhonda.

“We told Everly that guests have a right to their privacy,” I said.

Darryl made a face. “You won’t get far with that. I was very mistaken about her, completely fooled. And now, I’m pretty sure, she’s involved with drug use, which is why she wants more money even though she got a more-than-fair settlement.”

“What do you say? Are you willing to move until things calm down?” said Rhonda. “We’re going to try to get her to leave the hotel. But we must be careful because of the hotel’s reputation.”

“I promise you comfortable surroundings,” I said, trying to encourage him.

“Okay,” he said. “The last thing I want is for Everly to discover I’m here. This has been a wonderful stay for me. Especially with Abbie’s help.”

“Abbie is going to go with you,” said Rhonda with satisfaction.

“When are we leaving?” he asked.

“As soon as possible,” I said. “We’ll get someone from security to drive you over. I’m going to my house right after we talk to Abbie.”

“And I’ll stay here and see that you both get off safely,” said Rhonda. “We’re all going to feel better when this happens.”

“Definitely,” said Darryl.

“Be sure and bring your swim trunks, I’ve got a nice pool,” I said, waving goodbye to him.

We walked along another private path to the house where Abbie was staying. Tina should’ve already left for her flight.

Abbie answered the door looking relaxed in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She smiled when she saw us, lighting her dark brown eyes, giving them a sense of mystery.

We explained the situation to her. “Okay. I know what kind of pressure Darryl is under and I want to help in any way I can. When are we leaving?”

“As soon as you can pack up,” said Rhonda.

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