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.
###
The next morning, I arose and after seeing that Darryl and Abbie were set for the day, I dropped Robbie off at school and headed to the hotel.
I was eager to see how the situation with Everly’s death had been handled.
Bernie and Rhonda were in his office when I arrived.
“I’m glad you both are here so I can give you an update,” said Bernie. “The body was removed discreetly just before the busy dinner hour last night. The coroner’s initial report arrived this morning. The police have determined that all evidence has been collected.”
He held up papers for us to see. “Later this morning, after a final check, they will release the room to us. I’ve arranged for a crew to replace the carpet and furnishing in the master bedroom, and the housekeeping department will give the entire suite a deep cleaning. There will be no sign of what happened there, and we want to keep all talk about it under control. I’ve sent a message to all department heads. We’re meeting this morning to go over the importance of speaking to all staff members about our protocol.”
“It seems as if it’s a pretty straightforward case,” I said.
“Yes, the police officer handling it is now concerned about where Everly might have gotten the drugs. The alcohol came from the hotel, of course.”
“Does the police detective need to talk to Annie and me again?” asked Rhonda.
Bernie shook his head. “The information he gave me said he was focused on anyone Everly might have met with. Unfortunately for Brock Goodwin, that includes him.”
“He’d be in the clear if he wasn’t such an egotistical bastard,” said Rhonda. “I hope he wasn’t stupid enough to help her find the drugs.”
“What was it? Fentanyl?” I asked.
“Probably. That and alcohol,” Bernie said. “I have no idea what drugs she took.”
“Thank you for handling this so well,” I said.
“Yes, we appreciate all you’ve done,” said Rhonda. “It’s a tragic situation.”
“I told Darryl about it,” I said. “He was upset to learn Everly’s life had ended this way, but he wasn’t surprised. It seems she liked to party a lot, which is one reason he filed for divorce. He called Everly’s sister in New York.”
“Thanks for that information,” said Bernie. “I think we’ve handled the situation the best we could. As I’ll tell our department heads, the way to approach this is to simply not allow any talk about it. The media is going to want to make a big deal over it. There’s nothing we can do about it except to keep our stance that all guests are due privacy, including her.”
“Absolutely,” I said.
“What are we going to do about Brock, if anything?” asked Rhonda.
“I’m afraid it’s out of our hands,” said Bernie. He held up the old newspaper with Brock’s picture with Everly on the front page. “He needs to explain a lot.”
“That might help us by keeping the focus on the drug source and away from the hotel,” I said optimistically.
“Humph, if Brock is doing us a favor, it’ll be the first time,” said Rhonda.
Bernie held up a finger. “He’s calling me now.”
Rhonda and I sat quietly while Bernie carried on a brief conversation with Brock.
“No, indeed,” said Bernie into the phone. “We’ve done nothing of the sort, merely answered questions for the officers involved in the case. If you’ll excuse me, I have a hotel to run.”
Bernie ended the call and faced us shaking his head. “Brock is furious that someone mentioned that he was going to visit Everly yesterday. He’s blaming us for the suspicion placed upon him for providing Everly with the drugs.”
“I’ll wait until the situation has eased, and then I’ll speak to him,” I said. “Rhonda and I can’t jeopardize our reputation by not cooperating with the police. It wasn’t done out of spite.”
“But now that I think of it, I like the idea he’s caught in this mess because of his ego,” said Rhonda.
“Agreed,” said Bernie. “Let’s carry on like we normally do.”
Rhonda and I left his office and went to the kitchen for a strong cup of coffee and something sweet. We were facing a couple of tense days.
###
Later that morning, Rhonda and I were sitting in our office when Dorothy Stern arrived. “I’m glad you’re both here. I assume you’ve seen the paper this morning or heard the news online or on television. The neighborhood is abuzz to think that Brock is somehow involved with Everly Jansen’s death. One gentleman is calling for Brock Goodwin to resign as president of the Neighborhood Association.”
Dorothy stopped talking and collapsed in a chair. “I got here as soon as I could to give you the news. Will you represent the hotel with a vote against Brock?”
Though Rhonda was grinning, she turned to me.
“I’d love to, but I know we can’t get involved. There’s an investigation taking place and it involves the hotel. It’s best if we stay out of it.”
Rhonda sighed. “You’re right, Annie. God knows I’d love to help vote him out, but we must protect the hotel.”
I reached over and clasped Dorothy’s hand. “I hope you understand.”
“I do. From a business point of view, it’s the right decision. Brock is scared. As gratifying as it is to see him like that, I want his removal done in such a way that nothing can change it,” said Dorothy.
“He won’t go down without a fight. Be careful,” I said. I remembered the times I’d had to represent the hotel in neighborhood meetings and how nasty Brock could be.
“Yes, we’ll be careful,” said Dorothy. “I was hoping to make you feel better. I know it must be upsetting to have a death at the hotel.”
“An overdose is so senseless,” I said. “I knew she was a troubled woman, but I had no idea she’d resort to drugs to end her life if that’s what she did. Maybe it was accidental.”
“She was too egotistical to kill herself,” said Rhonda.
“You’re smart to stay out of it and say as little as possible,” said Dorothy. “I love you women and all you’ve done to show others you can succeed.”
I rose and hugged Dorothy. From the very beginning, she’d been a wonderful supporter of ours.
Rhonda was next to embrace the tiny but spunky woman. She and Dorothy had done charitable work together before she even had the idea of a hotel. Women helping women.
###
My heart raced as I headed to the airport to pick up Vaughn. Even though he could’ve paid for an Uber, he loved it when I came to pick him up. And though he’d been gone for only a short time, it still felt like an exciting homecoming.
I pulled up to the curb and waited for just a moment before he emerged from the baggage claim area. When he saw me, he waved, and I was sent back to the time I first met him as a cast member of The Sins of the Children , the soap opera in which he starred as mayor of a small town. Even now, my pulse raced at the sight of him, and I could hardly believe that we’d ended up together. He was as different from my ex as he could be. Which made it all the sweeter.
A few people recognized him and headed his way. Vaughn swiftly tossed his bag into the back of the car and slid into the passenger seat.
“Welcome home,” I said, accepting his kiss. “A lot is going on at the hotel.”
“I read about it online. You’ll have to fill me in on the details. I think it’s wise for Darryl and Abbie to stay at our house. The press isn’t going to let go of this for a while. Brock Goodwin’s name is being mentioned as the last person who may have seen Everly alive.”
“Brock’s blaming Rhonda and me, of course, but we did nothing but answer the officer’s questions. We can’t and won’t jeopardize the reputation of the hotel.”
“I agree,” said Vaughn. “He’s made this happen to himself. Now tell me a bit about Darryl and Abbie.”
“You’ll like them both. Darryl is shy and quiet. He has a lot on his mind right now, so it seems natural. Abbie is a firecracker who keeps him doing all his exercises and watches what he eats. In a short amount of time, it’s made a huge difference. I think Darryl’s in love with Abbie, though she doesn’t seem to realize it.”
“Are you and Rhonda trying to make it seem more than friendly-like?” Vaughn asked, sending me a piercing look.
“Well, I think a growing relationship is inevitable, but I won’t claim responsibility for it. Rhonda is a different story.”
“Don’t I know it. But even so, fate and Rhonda have brought people together and they’re happy,” admitted Vaughn.
I chuckled. “I hope you’re up to taking all of us out in the boat for supper. The weather is cooperating, and it’s such a wonderful way to make friends.”
“You know how much I love doing it,” said Vaughn. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. “It feels great to be home. It’s getting chilly for filming in Canada.”
###
When we arrived at the house, Cindy greeted us, followed by Abbie.
“Your watch dog alerted me,” said Abbie smiling down at the Dachshund.
“Abbie, meet my husband, Vaughn Sanders,” I said. “Vaughn, this is Abbie Hathaway.”
Darryl approached us, and I made more introductions.
“We’re in luck,” I said. “Vaughn has agreed to an evening sail. I’m going to order a picnic from the hotel. Any requests?”
Darryl looked at Abbie.
“How about an assortment of salads?” Abbie said.
“That sounds great. Steak salad, lobster salad, and chicken and fruit salad. That, with French bread. Okay?”
All three adults nodded enthusiastically.
“I’ll see if Robbie would rather stay with his friend, Brett,” I said, turning away from the group.
“Everyone will need a sweater or a windbreaker,” said Vaughn. “When the sun goes down, it’s cold on the water.”
In a short time, I’d dropped Robbie off at Brett’s house and picked up the dinner from the hotel. Being an owner of the hotel had the benefit of being able to order food from the kitchen if it didn’t disrupt Jean-Luc.
“Is everyone ready?” said Vaughn. “Darryl, have you done any sailing?”
“A few times out on Long Island Sound,” he said.
“Okay. I’m making you my First Mate,” said Vaughn, and I was amused by the sense of pride that flashed on Darryl’s face.
Abbie and I exchanged smiles. “I’ve sailed with one of my brothers.”
We climbed aboard the boat, and while I stowed food in the galley, Vaughn showed various features of the boat to Abbie and Darryl. “When I say, ‘coming about’, it means I’m turning the boat around and you need to watch for the main boom to swing around. In other words, ‘duck’!”
Vaughn got the motor running and turned to Darryl. “Untie the lines from the dock’s bollards, toss the bow line onto the boat, and then throw the stern line into the boat and quickly jump aboard.”
“Aye, aye, Captain!” said Darryl, going on the dock to take care of the lines. He was grinning like a schoolboy at being given this task.
I glanced at Vaughn, and he winked at me. He liked making other people comfortable on the boat and building camaraderie with the men he hosted.
With both lines and Darryl aboard, Vaughn began easing the boat out of the inlet in back of our house.
“It’s beautiful,” murmured Abbie. “I love California, but I must admit, I’m enjoying Florida more. It’s not as crowded and is more tropical in feel.
“Nights like this are special,” I said. “Lean back and enjoy the ride. It’s very peaceful.”
We gazed at the beautiful houses lining the inlet and the homes along the passage to open water.
As soon as we were out on the Gulf, Vaughn told Darryl about the next steps of raising the mainsail and the jib. Then he said, “Darryl, I’m going to give you the wheel, and I’ll raise the sails. Keep the boat on a steady course.”
After Darryl stepped behind the wheel, Vaughn made sure the boat was head to wind and then he quickly moved to raise the mainsail before cutting off the engine.
The boat immediately responded and heeled a bit.
“Ease off,” Vaughn told Darryl. “I’ll get the jib.”
I was relieved Vaughn was handling the sails. The wind was a steady breeze and once underway, we’d be moving fast.
“It’s going to be a great sail,” I said to Abbie. “What can I get you to drink? We have everything from water to red wine.”
“I’d love some red wine,” said Abbie. She looked to Darryl. “What are you going to have to drink?”
“I’ll take a beer,” said Darryl and gave a thumbs up to Abbie.
Watching the interplay between them, I was charmed.
I went below and fixed a plate of cheese and crackers, added some chilled green grapes to the platter, and handed it up to Abbie. Then I handed drinks up to the others, including a beer for Vaughn.
It was a quiet time of day with the sun descending.
“Look for the green flash,” I said and explained to them when that might happen if all conditions were right.
I climbed into the cockpit and sat with a glass of wine, feeling the tension leave my body.
“Here’s to us!” I said, raising my plastic glass.
Everyone joined in with a cheer, and I leaned back against a cushion and listened to the hiss of the water as the hull of the boat sliced through it. I knew Vaughn’s eyes were on me and swiveled to return his smile. Sailing always seemed to bring us close.
“Tell me a bit about you,” I said to Abbie. “I know you have four older brothers. Where did you go to school? Did you always want to work as a trainer?”
“Before anyone can tease me, yes, I was the spoiled daughter with older brothers,” said Abbie. “But those very brothers teased and heckled me and forced me to be tough. I guess that’s why I don’t have any problem being tough on my clients.”
“I can vouch for that,” said Darryl flexing his arms.
Amid the laughter, Abbie continued. “I decided against sports medicine and studied instead to become a physical therapist and trainer. Believe me, I studied premed classes and have a solid background for the work I do.”
“It’s obvious you love the work,” I said.
“I do,” she said. “It’s fun to meet new people and travel to different places, but it can be difficult, especially when someone doesn’t want to follow the program. Darryl has been an easy client which makes it very nice. Other people aren’t always that committed.”
“I want to make some changes,” said Darryl. “I used to be in great shape and then I got involved with my show and all of my activities became centered around it. Now, it feels great to be physically active again.”
“One of my best students,” said Abbie, patting him on the back.
“What about you, Darryl? What made you get into comedy and then do a late-night gig on television?” said Vaughn.
Darryl gave us a sheepish look. “While Abbie was the darling of her family, I was the spoiled son in mine. My four sisters doted on me. When I was just a toddler, they used to dress me up and make me take part in their family plays. I’m told I liked it before I became aware of the fact that other kids didn’t do that kind of thing. Even now, my sisters are creative in their work and with their hobbies.”
“Rhonda and I watched a program of yours before you came to the hotel. You seemed almost embarrassed when a young actress talked about her sexy new love affair,” I said and then wondered if I’d gone too far.
Darryl’s face grew red, and his lip curled before he drew a deep breath and gazed at the horizon. He turned back.
“That’s one reason I’ve decided to try and get out of my contract. The network is pushing me to be more provocative with my guests without crossing a line. But the truth is, I’m tired of trying to do what the network thinks is going to sell the show. I want to be real, with some good laughs, and not worry about their crazy ideas. And I have another issue my agent is trying to handle. I’m here to stay out of the limelight, and to consider what I want to do next. My agent is dealing with the network and any other problems. That’s what he gets paid to do.”
“Whoa! I heard your show was very lucrative,” said Vaughn. “You’re giving it up?”
Darryl gazed at him and nodded. “Remember those four sisters of mine? They taught me to respect women. The network wants me to have more titillating conversations with my guests, to goad them into saying things they might regret. I’ve finally decided I’ve had enough. That’s not how I’ve been taught to live. In my stand-up routines, I mostly talk about funny things happening in a family or with kids. Good humor that’s not destroying anyone.”
“I admire him for that,” said Abbie. “We’ve talked about it.”
“I support you,” said Ann. “People have become cruel, intrusive.”
“It’s not necessary,” said Vaughn. “Humor that works is based on the unexpected ending. It doesn’t have to be crude or hurtful.”
“I don’t want to be seen on television in any way that depicts me in a bad way. I think of my sisters and what they’d do and say to me if I treated other people in a hurtful way or tore someone down just to get a laugh. I’m tired of fighting to do things my way. I want to be just me.”
“What will you do?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ve got an idea for a project. And relieving the pressure to compete and continually being forced to watch my ratings will make life much better. I want to do something helpful with the money I’ve earned.”
My thoughts spinning, I served more drinks and prepared to dish out the dinners. Rhonda had several charities she worked with. I wondered if she could come up with some ideas for Darryl.
The sun had gone down and the wind had eased a bit, making it pleasant for eating our meal. The boat rocked softly as we quietly dined, and I imagined we all were thinking of Darryl’s dilemma.
After dinner, I rinsed the dishes below and chatted with Abbie as the men talked.
“I admire Darryl’s decision,” I told her.
“Me, too,” she said. “He’s a wonderful man. We’ve done a lot of talking. About everything. I’m not sure where it’s going, but we both want to see if our relationship can grow. We’ve only met recently, but I’m hoping he’ll come to California for a visit.”
“Rhonda will be thrilled,” I said. “In her mind, she had the two of you paired off from the beginning.”
Abbie laughed. “Really?”
“Oh, yes. Rhonda considers herself a talented matchmaker. Just so you know.”
“I love it,” said Abbie. “I’m going to believe this relationship of Darryl’s and mine can work out because of her.”
We smiled together, and I realized how much I liked her.
“How about some nightcaps?” Vaughn said. “It’s been a great evening, and it would be nice to sit and talk and enjoy a dessert wine.”
“Sounds fine with me,” said Darryl glancing at Abbie.
“Thanks. That would be enjoyable,” Abbie said. “Tomorrow, we’ll work doubly hard to work off these calories.”
Darryl groaned, and we all laughed.