CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The next morning, I was in the kitchen lingering over a cup of coffee when I received a phone call from Bernie.
Surprised he was calling so early, I said, “Hi. What’s up?”
“We’ve had some damage done to the sunset deck and building,” said Bernie. “I think you and Rhonda need to look at this before we try to clean it up. We want to get it done right away so our guests won’t see it.”
“Have you called her?” I asked.
“No, I thought you might like to do that,” said Bernie. “I know she just got back from vacation. This is a pretty upsetting way to return to work.”
I hated to have Rhonda start her return to work this way but I knew Bernie was right. It was better to have this come from me. I punched her number on my cell.
“Hi, Rhonda. I’ve received some bad news about damage done to the sunset deck and building from Bernie. He wants us to meet him there right away.”
“Now?” she asked.
“Yes, Sorry to start off the week for you this way. But he said they want to get it cleaned up before guests see it.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“No, Bernie wanted us to take a look at it ourselves before they start the cleanup.”
“Okay. I’m on my way,” said Rhonda uncharacteristically quiet.
I said goodbye to Vaughn and Robbie and headed out. A niggling thought wormed its way through my body, but I told myself not to jump to any preconceived notions.
I made it to the hotel in record time and parked my car.
Just as I was ready to head down to the beach, Rhonda pulled into a space beside me. I waited for her to get out of the car, and we headed down the boardwalk together.
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” said Rhonda.
“Me too,” I admitted and stopped short.
THE BEACH HOUSE SUCKS! COME EAT AT OSTERIA ARNO
was spray painted in black across the back of the wooden structure facing our guests as they walked to the beach.
Bernie saw us and waved us forward.
Across the front of the building was an arrow pointing up the beach and the words
OSTERIA ARNO IS THE BEST.
“What the fuck?” cried Rhonda. “Jonny Arno’s people did this. Have you called the police?”
“And the insurance company?” I added.
“Yes, to both,” said Bernie. “Security is trying to look through camera films, but both cameras were covered with black paint, so they’re pretty useless.”
Rhonda clutched her hands into fists. Her voice was icy. “They’re not going to get away with this. We’ve put up with their shit long enough.”
I put a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s allow security and others do their job.”
Tears shone in Rhonda’s eyes, but she agreed.
“Take plenty of photos from all angles,” I told Bernie, and then led Rhonda away. Beneath her sometimes tough stance was a tenderhearted person who was hurt by this.
We went to the hotel kitchen where Consuela was working. “I heard about the damage. Is it bad?”
“It can easily be fixed, but it’s outrageous behavior,” I said.
“That asshole is going to pay for this,” Rhonda said, her eyes narrowing.
“I’m so sorry this happened. Have a warm roll and some coffee,” said Consuela. “Maybe that will make you feel better.”
“Thanks,” I said, handing a cup of coffee to Rhonda and serving one for myself. It would take more than this to get rid of the way my stomach was twisting with nerves. This conflict with Jonny Arno needed to end.
We went into the office, where I gave Rhonda a rundown on the wedding and an update on the romance news from our two couples.
“Ah, I knew there was something going on with Luciano and Harper,” said Rhonda. “I can sense these things, ya know?”
“Oh, yes. You remind me every time,” I teased.
Rhonda chuckled and then grew serious. “I hereby predict everything will turn out fine for Philippa and Chet. But Philippa and Luciano have to convince their grandparents that an old family promise isn’t meant to be kept. I know how much I worshipped my Italian grandparents. It won’t be easy.”
“How I envy those people who grew up with real families. You and your brother had a special experience,” I said. “I guess that’s why my hotel family is so important to me.”
Rhonda gave me a steady look. “You know I can’t let this business with Jonny Arno go. In a way, I must protect my family’s reputation.”
“Isn’t that’s carrying it a bit too far,” I began and stopped when Rhonda glared at me.
“No, Annie. I’m not letting this go,” she said. “In fact, a little later this morning I’m going to drive over to the restaurant and have a talk with Jonny about it.”
Knowing it was useless to try and change her mind, I sighed. “Then I’m going with you. I’d never let you put yourself in danger dealing with Jonny alone.”
###
For the next few hours, we worked on numbers and plans for the week.
Rhonda rose. “Okay, Jonny should be at the restaurant by now. Let’s go.”
“Are you sure about this?” I asked, aware I couldn’t stop her.
“You bet your ass,” said Rhonda and led me outside.
Rhonda studied our automobiles. “Why don’t you drive? Everyone in town knows my car.” Rhonda’s classic Cadillac convertible stood out.
We got into my car and headed to the restaurant, intent on settling our disagreement once and for all. Neither one of us wanted to continue to live this way.
When we pulled into the parking lot, we saw that it was empty except for Jonny’s flashy gold-colored car and a large black SUV with tinted windows parked beside it.
“Good timing,” said Rhonda. “Park here, away from the others so we can make a quick getaway.”
I did as she said, and we got out of the car and headed toward the front doors.
Another large black SUV with tinted windows screeched up behind us, then pulled around in front of us, blocking our way.
A man jumped out of the back seat of the car and ran over to us.
“Get the fuck out of here,” he snarled pointing to our car. He wore black clothing and sunglasses, reminding me of a few characters in detective movies.
“Hold on,” said another man approaching us. He stopped and stared at us with surprise.
“What are you doing here, Vinnie Carozza?” said Rhonda wide-eyed.
“Rhonda DelMonte? We need to get both of them away from here ASAP,” Vinnie said to the other man. “You go with them and take them to my hotel room. Now!”
I stared at the men and couldn’t help noticing the shoulder gun holsters they wore.
“Who are you?” I asked trying to pull out of the grip of the man ordered to take us away.
“Get in your car, and drive where I tell you.” The man clasped my arm even harder.
I glanced over at Rhonda. She was as scared as I was.
As soon as we climbed into the front seats of the car as he directed, the man sat in the back. “Hand me your phones.”
It took us a minute to get them out of our purses, but we did as he asked.
“What’s Vinnie got to do with this?” Rhonda asked him.
“I can’t tell you. Now let’s get out of here.
We’re going to travel south to Marco Island.
I assume you know how to get there. When we do, I’ll direct you from there.
Don’t try to draw attention to us,” the man warned.
“If you do, it could be dangerous for all of us. What were you doing at the restaurant, anyway?”
“We were going to talk to Jonny about the latest thing he’s done to us,” said Rhonda.
“Our property was defaced by his people,” I said. “It really makes no sense at all. We’re not out to fight with him.”
“Sounds like him,” said the man. “Let’s hurry. I don’t want you two involved in anything we’re doing.”
“Who’s we?” asked Rhonda.
“I can’t tell you that,” the man answered. “Just keep your cool and no one will get hurt.” He checked the rear view mirror. “I don’t think anyone saw us or is following.”
My fingers gripped the steering wheel so hard they hurt.
It was difficult to resist doing something unexpected to get rid of the man.
But I thought of Vaughn and my children and knew I’d never try.
We’d been warned of the danger, and I definitely had the impression the person had a gun and would have no problem using it.
I glanced at Rhonda and shook my head, indicating how I felt.
She’d folded her fingers into fists and knew she was mad as hell.
Doing as he’d ordered; I drove south and onto the island. Then to a small hotel at the water’s edge he directed us to.
“Okay, we’re clear. Park and get out,” he ordered. “We’ll walk directly across the parking lot to the entrance of the ground-floor room we want. Remember, no problems.”
Feeling queasy. I got out of the car and stood on unsteady feet until Rhonda joined me. Then we walked together, the man right behind us.
A woman in the distance waved to us from a nearby dock and I automatically waved back.
“Move it,” said the man quietly. “Go to the door right in front of us.”
He gave us warning looks as he indicated we were to step aside and then he quickly unlocked the door and waved us inside.
“Okay, you can relax now,” the man said. “You’re safe as long as you don’t do anything to draw attention to us. No phone calls, no stepping outside to the deck. Vinnie will be here shortly.” He pulled his gun out of his shoulder holster.
“May I use the restroom?” I asked politely.
“Okay, but again, no trying to call attention to us. It’s important to you and your family. Understand?”
I glanced at Rhonda. Neither one of us would do anything to harm them.
We both freshened up and then sat on a couch watching television.
When Rhonda found an old run of The Sins of the Children, the soap opera Vaughn had starred in for years, my eyes filled with tears.
I’d been too frightened to cry, but now that we were considered safe by the man who’d kidnapped us, I couldn’t help it.
If Rhonda and I got out of this situation alive, I knew how relieved Vaughn would be. But when he learned the details of our ordeal, he’d be upset that Rhonda and I had once again got caught up in another troublesome mess.