Page 35 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

What we couldn’t say was that we didn’t want a battle to break out between Darryl and Everly here at the hotel where Everly would use any method she could to get publicity out of it. Publicity that might hurt the hotel. We’d never had a situation quite like this.

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When I arrived home, I saw Liana’s car in the driveway and realized it was time for her to pick up Robbie at school.

I went inside. Cindy greeted me with happy wiggles as Liana said, “You’re home early. Do you want me to leave?”

“No, I’m here because we’re going to have guests staying with us for a few days. Guests that we’re hiding for a while.”

Liana’s lips curved. “A little bit of intrigue, huh?”

“You could say that. I do ask that you don’t mention it to anyone. You’ll see why when you meet them.”

Liana held up her palm. “I promise. Want me to pick up Robbie?”

“Yes, please. I want to make sure our two guest rooms are ready. Thanks.”

After Liana left, I went to the guest wing of the house, which branched off just beyond Robbie’s room. We had not one but two guest rooms for Vaughn’s children and their families. It worked well. Adults in one room and children in another. Both had ensuite bathrooms, which made it easy to have two different groups at once.

Rhonda called to say that a security car had left the hotel carrying Darryl and Abbie. “I’ll follow as soon as I talk to Bernie about how we want to get rid of Everly.”

“Okay. I know you’re upset with her, but let’s be careful about how we handle it,” I said.

“I will,” Rhonda said.

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Moments later, I heard a car pull into the driveway and walked out the front door to greet my guests.

Darryl and Abbie emerged from the car and stood gazing around.

“Beautiful property,” said Darryl. “And lots of isolation here.”

“We have just a few neighbors and none of them close to us, which makes it nice. My husband enjoys being able to do his own thing here.”

I led them inside and showed them to their rooms.

“This is very nice, Ann,” said Abbie. “It’s no hardship to be here.”

I chuckled. “The food might not be as tasty. But we can order meals from the hotel anytime. It shouldn’t upset your schedule too much.”

“The food at the hotel has been outstanding,” said Abbie. “Darryl has been eating well but losing weight, which helps me do my part of his health routine.”

“Are you talking about me?” asked Darryl, coming into the room.

“Saying only good things,” said Abbie returning his grin.

“Thanks for having us here,” said Darryl. “The more I’ve thought about it, the more I realize what harm Everly could do to all of us. One of the security people told me he saw her on television with the guy you don’t like.”

“Brock Goodwin?” I asked.

He nodded. “There’s something about the two of them together that makes me uneasy. They look as if they’re up to no good. At least, that’s the feeling I get.”

“You’re probably right. Let me show you the rest of the house. I want you to be comfortable here.”

I introduced them to Cindy and walked with them throughout the house. “Feel free to use the kitchen anytime and help yourself to anything you want.”

Outside, I showed them the pool and spa. They’re heated and are available anytime. The sailboat you see is Vaughn’s belovedZephyr.If you stay long enough, he’ll be more than willing to take you out on it. He should be home soon.”

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