Page 26 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
As he trotted away, I turned to Rhonda with a triumphant grin.“That’s how Brock was able to go into business with Jonny Arno’s group.I bet he’s not charging them for decorative items in exchange for a very small part of the business.”
“It makes me wonder how Jonny is financing the rest of it,” said Rhonda.“On our way back to the office, let’s check in with Chet.I want to know if he’s unhappy working with us.I don’t want any second thoughts about hiring him.”
“Fair enough,” I said.“I can tell you he’s been busy all morning and is even willing to split shifts because of the wedding.”
“We also need to see how Harper did at the bar last night.I hear it was mobbed with wedding guests and weekend warriors,” said Rhonda.She checked her watch.“Harper’s not due in for a while.”
“I think she might be serving drinks at the luncheon today,” I said.“Let’s find out.”
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We went inside the hotel and right to the kitchen.Breakfast was over, and lunch was being prepared along with some items for the wedding dinner and regular offerings on the dinner menu.
We caught Chet’s eye and motioned for him to come talk to us standing at the door.
He trotted over.“Hi.What’s up?”
Rhonda gave him a stern look.“We heard from someone associated with Osteria Arno that you want to go work for them when they open.Is that true?”
“What?No.Absolutely not.Who told you that?”he said, clearly upset.“This might have to do with a phone call I received last night.A man called and told me he was speaking for Jonny.That Jonny was sorry he fired me and wants me back to cook for him.I told him to eff off.”
I shot Rhonda a worried look.“I don’t like the sound of this.”
“Did he say anything more?”Rhonda asked Chet.
“Yeah.He told me I’d be sorry,” said Chet.“I figure it’s Jonny being a bully again.”
“We have an empty staff apartment here at the hotel over the garage and spa,” I said.“Why don’t you move in there until things calm down?”
“Great idea,” said Rhonda.“Where are you staying now?”
Chet gave an embarrassed shrug.“At a cheap motel outside of town.Harper and I are sharing the cost.”
“During your break today why don’t you check out?We’ll get housekeeping to prepare the apartment for you.And Harper, if that’s what you two want to do,” I said.
Chet held up a hand.“We’re just friends.But, yeah, it would help her too.Thanks.”
“We just don’t want anything to happen to you,” said Rhonda.“You’ve been totally open with us.We want you working here.”
“I want that, too,” said Chet.“I’m already learning a lot from Jean-Luc, who’s nothing like Jonny.Thanks.I’ve got to get back to work.”
Chet left us and I turned to Rhonda.“I really like him.Let’s hope we can keep him safe here at the hotel.The thought of him being vulnerable in a motel is pretty frightening.”
“I agree,” said Rhonda.“Jonny Arno is not a nice man and doesn’t want anyone else to succeed.Let’s tell Bernie and security what we’re doing with the apartment.”
By the time we held a short meeting with them, it was time for Harper to show up to help with the luncheon.
Rhonda and I checked the private dining room.A total of twenty-four people were invited for lunch with Enrico, including Bernie and a couple of other people in hospitality and several members of the business community in the area.
When Harper walked across the lobby wearing her uniform of a black skirt and white blouse, she saw us and waved.
“Thank you,” she said as she approached.“I got a call from Chet.He told me we have a place to stay right here on the hotel property.That’s so gracious of you.”
“We think it’ll be safer for you,” I said.
Harper grimaced.“I understand Jonny’s people are threatening Chet.A friend of mine who still lives in Miami said she’s heard that the owners of Chez Michel are trying to make Jonny pay for not keeping his part of the contract agreement to increase sales.He must be desperate to succeed here on this coast.”
“How did last night go at the bar?”Rhonda asked.
