Page 24 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“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.
