Page 37 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“That sounds reasonable,” said Bernie. “Darryl and Abbie are comfortable at your house, Annie?”

“Yes, they’re grateful to be away from the hotel until things have calmed down here,” I said.

Bernie stood. “Okay, then, we have a plan for Everly. I’ll see to the VIP group meeting in the library.”

“Let’s go sit on the sunset deck,” I said. “Being in the sea breeze always clears my mind.”

“Okay,” said Rhonda. “It’s been quite a day. After we visit Everly, I’ll treat you to a margarita. I think we’ve earned one.”

I grinned. “Okay, and then I’m going to pick up dinner at the hotel and take it home. I want to make sure it’s all food Abbie approves of. Darryl is making a lot of progress.”

“He’s looking good, really good,” said Rhonda. “Do you think Everly is putting on this show of hers to try and get him back?”

“If so, she doesn’t understand the man at all,” I said. “He’s not someone who constantly seeks attention. He’s funny and charming on television but a rather quiet person away from it.”

Outside, we’d just taken our seats on the deck when we saw a figure walking toward us.

“Run, Annie!” said Rhonda, getting to her feet.

I pulled her back into her chair. “Stop. We can’t let Brock keep us from enjoying our own property.”

“But just seeing him makes me want to smack that smirk off his face,” Rhonda said, twitching in her seat.

“Let’s see what he has to say this time. Bet it’s about that photograph,” I murmured as he came closer.

“’ Afternoon, ladies,” said Brock. “Guess you saw my picture in the paper. It made front-page news. But then, I think Everly likes me. I’ve helped her get acquainted with the neighborhood. In fact, I’m going to visit her later on.”

When neither Rhonda nor I spoke, he shrugged. “Guess I beat you this time.”

“See you later,” I said before Rhonda could tell him off. If it kept him from the houses on the property, I was glad to let Brock think he was ahead of the game he was constantly playing with us.

As Brock walked away, his chest puffed out with self-importance.

Before she could follow him, I took hold of Rhonda’s arm. “Forget it.”

“Someday I won’t,” she said, giving me a challenging look. “And not even you, with all your sweet ways, will be able to stop me from wringing his fuckin’ neck.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help it.

Rhonda joined in. “Honestly, that man drives me crazy.”

“Me, too,” I said. “Now, let’s go take care of another annoying person.”

As we prepared to head back to the hotel, I paused for a moment, gazing at the building we loved like a child. We couldn’t let anyone harm it. We’d made it such a classy, beloved place for people to enjoy.

“Our baby, huh?” said Rhonda.

I smiled and nodded. “Let’s keep it safe.”

###

We went inside the hotel and climbed the stairway to The Presidential Suite.

At the top, we faced the thick, carved wooden door of the suite. I was about to knock when I noticed the door wasn’t closed properly.

“Hello?” I called and waited for an answer.

“Maybe she’s gone,” said Rhonda. “We’d better check.”

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