CHAPTER EIGHT #2
“Breezy for a beach wedding, but we’ll have to deal with it. And this breakfast buffet was a little late in getting set up,” the woman said with a sniff of disapproval.
“We’re lucky it isn’t a rainy day. Weather at this time of year can be iffy with hurricane season about to start in earnest. And there was a health emergency for Lorraine Grace,” I said. “But I promise you that you and your wedding party will be well taken care of.”
“I should think so, after all the money we’re spending,” said the woman.
I held back a groan. No wonder Lorraine and Annette had complained about her.
A few guests wandered into the room, and I stood by so the mother-of-the-bride could welcome them. They seemed like a friendly group, more easygoing than the woman I’d just been talking to. I left the library and headed back to my office.
When I arrived at my office, Lindsay was waiting for me. Her blue eyes shone with happiness when I greeted her with a hug. Lindsay was going to meet Catarina and Philippa to show them around.
We’d first met Amelia Swanson when she called to ask Rhonda and me to hide her sister, Lindsay, at the hotel.
She was escaping an abusive husband, the brother of the president.
It wasn’t our first introduction to messy political situations, but it was the worst for many reasons, especially because of Lindsay’s injuries.
While she was staying at the hotel, Lindsay met Jean-Luc and they discovered they liked talking to one another.
Those conversations with Jean-Luc, who was recovering from his wife’s death, helped them both.
For Jean-Luc, it was a second chance at love.
For Lindsay, it meant learning to trust a man could be as kind and loving as he was.
Now, they were happily married and the parents of two children.
“Thank you for giving Catarina and Philippa a tour of the town,” I said. “I’m sure Amelia told you how anxious they are to find a place in Florida they can retire to, if even on a part-time basis.”
“Oh, yes. My sister gave me strict instructions on what to do,” Lindsay said with a knowing look. “She’s always the older sister making sure everything is the way she wants it to be. I love her, though. She saved my life.”
“And how are the boys?” I asked her.
“Great. They’re a handful, but I’m blessed to have them. And Jean-Luc is crazy about them.” A doting father, Jean-Luc was in his fifties when their sons were born. Jacques, the oldest at five, followed by Damon.
I asked, “Are you still working at the Women’s Shelter?”
“Oh, yes,” said Lindsay. “One afternoon a week I act as receptionist, and I’m available anytime to respond to emergency calls. I was lucky to escape my situation. I don’t ever forget it. Especially the way you and Rhonda took me in.”
We hugged, and then I checked my watch. “We’d better head to the lobby. We’re to meet Catarina and Philippa there.”
Lindsay was quiet as we walked to the lobby.
“Thank you again for doing this,” I said.
“After you give them a tour, please come back to the hotel. Jean-Luc is preparing a special lunch for the family and a small group of businesspeople in town and I know he’ll want you there.
” I’d been relieved to note that neither Jonny Arno nor Brock Goodwin’s name was on the guest list.
Catarina and Philippa were sitting on a couch in the lobby when we approached them. Catarina got to her feet, turned, and motioned for Philippa to rise.
Lindsay and I faced them together.
“Hello,” I said. “Meet your tour guide, Lindsay Rodin. Lindsay, this is Catarina and Philippa Ferrara. I know you’ll have a pleasant morning. Then, luncheon will be served at one o’clock here at the hotel. Jean-Luc, Lindsay’s husband, is preparing a special meal for you.”
“It all sounds delightful,” Catarina said politely, and the smile she gave Lindsay was genuinely warm.
Satisfied that the three of them would get along, I left to go check on Lorraine.
When I walked into the office, Annette was on the phone.
She ended the call and gave me a thumbs-up signal.
“That was Lorraine. Good news! They’re still doing tests on Arthur, but so far nothing indicates a stroke.
He was disoriented for a moment, but they think it’s attributable to what they’re calling the flu.
They’ve tested for Covid. But it’s not that. ”
“I’m so glad it’s nothing worse,” I said.
“Me, too,” said Annette. “Lorraine will be here this afternoon before the wedding, but she won’t stay through the dinner afterwards. No worries. Lauren and I and the rest of the staff will take care of it.”
“Thanks so much, Annette,” I said. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
A smile spread across Annette’s face. “I’m glad to be here. It’s wonderful that I’m able to work at the same hotel as Bernie.”
“Well, you’re much more than staff. You’re family,” I said, meaning it. Our hotel had brought people together and formed a family of its own.
###
When I got back to the office, Rhonda was sitting there, looking at her computer screen and frowning.
“Hi. What’s up?” I asked her.
“Sorry to be gone so long,” Rhonda said. “Angie and I met with Evan’s teacher and then went for a tour at the private academy in town that the teacher recommended to Angie and Reggie.”
“How did you like it?” I asked.
“I was impressed,” Rhonda admitted. “But I want him to have a rounded school experience. Fun, too.”
“What does Angie think?” I asked.
“She thought it was great, a better fit for Evan. I told her I’d pay for it,” said Rhonda. “If it’s what will help Evan, I’m all for it.”
“I’m glad you’re making this decision so early in the school year,” I said.
“Yes, that’s why his teacher didn’t want to let more time go by. It’s early enough that Evan should fit right in. What’s going on here?”
I told Rhonda all that had happened. “Everything’s under control, but it does make me wonder why some weddings are so difficult.”
“A lot depends on the bride and her mother,” said Rhonda.
“Yes,” I agreed, looking up as someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Rhonda called.
Bernie walked into the office and closed the door behind him. “Ann! I heard what happened to your car last night. I wanted to check with you to see how you’re dealing with it.”
“Honestly, I’ve been so busy this morning I haven’t had much time for it to sink in.
But last night, I admit I was scared by the idea that we all might be targeted by someone who’d stoop that low.
I’m not saying it’s Jonny Arno and his team who are responsible, but I can’t help thinking they’re connected somehow. ”
“Me too,” said Bernie, giving us a worried look. “It was a petty thing to do, and we don’t want this to escalate in any way. Yet, we can’t and shouldn’t be prevented from carrying on our business as we see fit.”
“That bastard needs to be watched carefully,” said Rhonda.
“I’ve already spoken to our security team about the situation,” Bernie said.
“More than patrolling the area, I’ve arranged for a guard to appear incognito in the hotel bar this evening.
We’ll tell the bartenders to be aware of what’s happening, so if they see anyone that they think is suspicious or if they overhear any antagonistic talk about the hotel, they can alert the guard. ”
“Smart thinking, Bernie,” said Rhonda.
“The kitchen area will be watched,” said Bernie. “How did Chet do at his job?”
“Very well,” I answered. “He’s doing a double shift today to help with the wedding while Jean-Luc is preparing the luncheon. I admire his flexibility and willingness to work.”
“Excellent,” said Bernie. “I don’t want anyone getting hurt because we’re making a stand against others telling us what to do.”
“I agree,” I said. “But the look of venom Jonny gave me last night was frightening. What kind of man does that?”
“An egotistical man who knows he’s failing,” said Bernie. “I talked to a few friends in Miami, and they say that Jonny left Chez Michel not out of choice but because they were losing business.”
“He’s trying to blame us for his problems,” said Rhonda. “Let’s keep an eye on Brock who’s only too willing to help Jonny out.”
“Agreed.” Bernie’s normally stern face softened. “I don’t want you or anyone else to get hurt.”
“I wonder who’s behind Jonny in all this. There have to be other people helping him with a new restaurant,” I said.
“It could be anyone,” said Bernie. “Not all of them bad. For now, let’s take it one day at a time.”
“Right. We’ve got a wedding to get through. Annette has been a wonderful help with this group,” I said.
“She’s pleasant with people,” said Bernie, a note of pride in his voice.
Rhonda and I exchanged a look of amusement. She’d taken stiff, proper Bernie and turned him into a marshmallow who adored his wife.