Page 67 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“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.”
