Page 47 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

“Feels nice, huh?” said Rhonda, wrapping an arm around me as we stood in the frothy edge of the water.

“It certainly does,” I said, hugging her before stepping away from the water. “I think you’re going to be very pleased when I tell you that Abbie and Darryl are talking about seeing where their relationship will take them. I told Abbie you considered yourself a talented matchmaker, and she said she hopes you’re right.”

“That’s great. I can always tell. Think how right I’ve been about so many couples, Annie. You either got it or you don’t. And, Annie, I’ve got it.”

I looked at Rhonda and didn’t say a word. I couldn’t ruin her moment of triumph.

“I’ve got news for you,” said Rhonda. “I heard from Dorothy that Brock told Everly that if she wanted some action she should go down to the public docks where all the touristy stuff is. How do you like that?”

I blinked in surprise. “Surely, he wouldn’t say something like that.”

“That’s the funny thing. I believe when Brock said ‘action’, he meant some local activities, not drugs. But it doesn’t sound good for him, does it?” Rhonda shook his head. “If he would just learn to mind his own business.”

“But his ego won’t allow him to do just that,” I said. “He’s a nuisance to us, but I don’t wish he’d go to jail or prison for this. Where is he now?”

“Dorothy said he’s at home facing being removed as president of the Neighborhood Association.” Rhonda smiled and I couldn’t help joining her. Having hm lose that position would benefit quite a few people, including us.

We faced the water and stood quietly for a few moments. Brock’s dilemma was a lot to take in.

“There you are,” growled a male voice.

“Speak of the devil,” I said.

We turned to see Brock pounding his feet on the sand as he headed toward us.

“Good morning, Brock,” I said as I normally would. I wasn’t going to accept any blame for the trouble he was in.

“It’s all your fault, this mess of mine,” he said, shaking a finger at us.

“Brock, you know that’s not true,” I said. “We did nothing to make your situation worse than it is by your own doing.”

“It’s your own fuckin’ fault, you know,” said Rhonda. “You try to interfere with our guests even after we’ve asked you not to. In this case, you’ve gotten into trouble for it. When will you learn?”

Brock drew himself up and glared at us. “This ismyneighborhood. You’d do best to remember it.”

“I heard it might not be under your influence any longer,” said Rhonda. “I heard the association wants a president who’s not an embarrassment.”

Brock’s face grew bright red. “Nothing will ever come of it. Nobody can do a better job than I can. Everyone knows it.”

Rhonda was about to say something when I sent her a warning look. Arguing with Brock only led to more problems.

“Have a nice walk,” I said, taking Rhonda’s arm and turning away from Brock.

“You two are going to pay for talking to the police about me,” Brock said.

I turned around. “We simply answered questions that we were asked. Nothing more. Don’t make this worse for yourself than it already is. And don’t hang around the hotel.”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” pouted Brock.

I shrugged and walked away.

“I’d like to shut him up once and for all,” said Rhonda, fisting her hands.

I patted her back. “You’re not the only one. Let’s go inside and see what’s happening. Another VIP wedding is about to take place, and I want to make sure Lorraine and Laura are ready to handle it.”

Inside, I spoke to Lorraine, who was sitting in her office going over her checklist for the wedding. A congressman from California was marrying a woman who used to work for him. It was a second marriage for both, and we wanted to make sure it was everything they wanted.

“All is in order,” said Lorraine. “We had a last-minute request for a room. When I told her we were booked, the woman agreed to use the Presidential Suite as long as she got a break in the rate. She said she knew you and Vaughn very well, Ann.”

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