Page 41 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“It’s certainly paying off,” I said. “You must feel great about that.”

“I do. I’ve never felt better,” Darryl said, rising. “Abbie’s agreed to continue working with me after her contract is over with Tina.”

“That’s nice,” I said, forcing myself not to overreact. Maybe Rhonda would have reason to celebrate their relationship sooner than we thought. That conversation would come at a later time. Now, we had to deal with Everly.

When we got to the lanai, I said to Robbie, “Please come here. I need to talk to you about something, and then we’ll give Darryl and Abbie some time alone.”

Robbie glanced at Darryl and got to his feet.

Cindy followed us into Robbie’s room.

I explained that a friend of Darryl’s had died and that while he was staying with us, we had to give him privacy.

Robbie nodded. “Okay.”

I hugged him. He was such a good kid.

Rhonda called on my cell. “How’s it going there?”

“Okay. I told Darryl, and he wasn’t surprised. Saddened, though. He’s going to call Everly’s sister in New York and tell her what’s happened. He’ll be staying at my house for the foreseeable future. And he doesn’t want anyone to know that.”

“I agree he should remain out of sight. I met with the drugs officer. He may want to talk to us tomorrow. He was very interested to learn about Brock’s interaction with Everly. I couldn’t think of anyone else who may have had contact with her. The housekeeping staff and front desk people will be interviewed and anyone else who might’ve seen anything.”

“Are you going home?” I asked her.

“Yes. I’m on my way. This has been one effing day. Thank God, Will has already fed the children. I need to relax with him and talk about rescheduling our vacation.”

“I don’t think it’ll take long for this situation to calm down,” I said. “It’s pretty obvious what happened. Where Everly got the drugs is a mystery that might be difficult to trace. Where does that leave Brock?”

“Hanging by his balls,” said Rhonda gleefully. She let out a hearty laugh. Thinking of all the rotten things Brock had tried to do to us in the past, I couldn’t help joining in. Maybe this time, he’d learn a lesson or two.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

After a quick easy dinner of tacos and all the trimmings, including a rice and bean casserole that Robbie liked, I made sure that Robbie finished his homework. Then, I went out to the lanai to join Darryl and Abbie. I’d be glad to have Vaughn home so we could be on his boat, which was an easy way to entertain guests.

“How are you doing, Darryl?” I asked.

“Okay,” he said. “I’ve talked to my agent, informed Veronika, and told my producer that I would not be coming back to the studio.”

“That’s a lot to handle,” I said, commiserating with him.

“There’s a lot for me to think about,” he admitted. “As much as Everly liked publicity, her sister is adamant about having a small, private service for Everly without any press.”

“And I’ll be here for him,” said Abbie. “Friends support friends.”

Darryl smiled at her, and I wondered why Abbie didn’t realize the look he gave her was about a lot more than being friends. Still, I wouldn’t say anything. This wasn’t the time or place.

“It’s dark outside, but if you two want to take a walk around the neighborhood, I think it’s safe to do so. It’s very private and people do respect one another.”

“That’s a great idea. We splurged with food at dinner and need to work some of it off,” said Abbie. She jumped to her feet and tugged Darryl up out of his seat.

“I need the exercise,” he said and then winked at me. “Who would’ve believed I’d say something like this a couple of weeks ago?”

I grinned. “I don’t want you to feel imprisoned here.”

“Thanks again for letting us stay,” said Darryl. “When things calm down, I want to return to the hotel for as long as you’ll have me. I’m working on some new plans. “

“All good ones,” said Abbie, smiling at him.

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