by Judith Keim
“Now, let’s relax and enjoy that sail we’ve talked about,” I said, knowing it was one way to erase the angst on Vaughn’s face.
Vaughn got to his feet. “Let me get my young skipper, and we’ll be off.”
After everyone was handed a life jacket and Trudy was bundled into one, we all climbed aboard and sat while Vaughn and Robbie motored us out onto the open water where we could set sail.
True to his word, Vaughn had provisioned the boat with heavy hors d’oeuvres of every kind, it seemed, and plenty to drink, including margaritas made with the hotel recipe that had become a favorite of Rhonda’s and mine.
As the breeze filled the sails and we glided smoothly across the bay, we faced one another in the cockpit. The hissing sound of the bow cutting through the waves and the cries of seagulls circling above us soon put us in good spirits.
“Ah, this is so nice,” said Meredith. “I grew up on a lake in Michigan and did some sailing when I was younger.”
“I’ve never done anything like this,” Darla said shyly. “After growing up on a farm in Iowa, I’ve learned and done so many new things.” She turned to Meredith. “I have Mere to thank for a lot of it.”
“You two seem very happy together,” I said. “It’s nice to see.”
“My parents don’t think so,” said Darla, her mouth down-turned. “They’ve disowned me.”
“Oh? I’m sorry to hear that,” I said, meaning it. I thought every parent wanted to see their children loved and happy.
“I’m glad we came here,” said Darla to me. “It’s making me feel a lot better about things.”
“That’s important. As you go forward, the two of you are going to have to rely on one another for support,” I said. “I have an idea that may be helpful in the long run.”
“Okay, spill,” she said eagerly.
I thought of the words I wanted to say without sounding too preachy. “I’ve always found it’s best to be honest. I see the way you and Meredith are together. Why hide that from your fans? You have a loving relationship and are kind and supportive of one another. It’s your life to live, and it’s not up to the producers to create one that’s not real. Tell them about the harassment from Simon and, in return, find a way for you to be true to yourself.”
Darla’s eyes widened, and then a broad smile crossed her pretty face. “Okay. Good. I can do that.”
She seemed so young, so innocent. No wonder Simon wanted to play his dirty little games with her.
###
Later, lying in bed with Vaughn, I told him my thoughts.
“I’ll start by telling Simon to keep his hands and words to himself,” said Vaughn. “If it doesn’t stop, I’ll go to the top and let them know the liability and bad press they’ll face if this is made public.”
“That might help,” I said. “After dealing with Lindsay and now Darla, I’m determined to support women’s groups fighting to bring an end to this kind of harassment.”
“It’s well past time,” said Vaughn grimly. He nestled me closer. “I’ll always protect you and the kids.”
“I know,” I said, remembering how he’d fought against Roger Sloan in the past.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
On this early May morning of the Spring Brunch, blue skies shimmered above us like a blessing. To prevent the Neighborhood Association from grumbling about too many cars parked alongside the road, vans we’d hired were delivering guests from the nearest grocery store parking lot to the hotel. Manny and Paul directed traffic for those who’d chosen not to take a van or who’d walked.
Rhonda and I stood together on the front steps of the hotel, welcoming the locals who’d been forced to share their town and beach with snowbirds for several months. Now that things were quiet again, they were ready to settle down before some of them traveled north to mountains and lakes for a respite from the summer heat.
It was a quieter time at the hotel. During this “shoulder season” between winter and summer, we were still busy, but not at the usual hectic pace of the high season. It was a time of year I liked.
“Another brunch,” said Rhonda. “Remember our first one?”
“I was a nervous wreck, hoping people would love what we’d done, hoping I hadn’t made the biggest mistake of my life.”
“Second biggest mistake after marrying that A-hole of a husband of yours,” said Rhonda.
I laughed. Rhonda had an unmistakable way with words. As a group of people headed our way, I gave her hand a squeeze of encouragement. “Let’s hope this party is as successful as the others.”
“Uh, oh. Brock is headed this way.”
“We can’t let him ruin this,” I said, pasting a pleasant smile on my face for the people in the neighborhood who deserved my best attention.
As I spoke to each new arrival, I marveled at how many friends I’d made in the last six years. I’d come to Florida without knowing anyone in the area.
After most of the guests had arrived, I went inside to check on things. The buzz of pleasant conversation filled the air. Staff members circulated among the guests with trays of food or drinks, and the delicious aromas caused me to fill with pride. Those guests with bigger appetites headed into the dining room, where a buffet table displayed a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and entrees.
I noticed Brock in a corner of the living room talking to a gentleman whose back was turned to me. The eager expression on Brock’s face was unsettling. What is he up to now? I glanced at Rhonda in conversation with Father Donnelly and Dorothy and decided to let it go.
In the kitchen, Consuela was in charge, working with others to keep the food coming. One of the big reasons why our brunch was so successful was the delicious food everyone loved.
I went into the office I shared with Rhonda to check on the latest reservations. Bernie had told me about a last-minute one that had come in last night. Every “head in a bed” reaped rewards for us.
I checked the reservation. T. Hyde from Virginia, not a regular.
A tap sounded at the door, and a middle-aged gentleman entered the room. His craggy features seemed almost haggard.
He seemed familiar to me, and then I recognized the sport coat he wore and realized I’d seen him talking to Brock.
“Hello. You’re Ann Sanders, one of the owners,” he said. “Am I right?”
“Yes. And who are you?”
“We’ve never met. But my sister-in-law was here recently ...” he began.
I studied him closer and froze, certain now I knew who was speaking. Thomas Thaxton was thinner and grayer than his pictures, but there was no mistaking his face—the same face that continued to haunt Lindsay. Fighting the urge to flee, I gripped onto the edge of my desk and told myself to remain calm.
“You may know her as Vice President Swanson,” he continued smoothly.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t discuss our guests,” I said primly, my heart pounding inside me. “Their privacy is of utmost importance to us.”
His lips curved into a smile that didn’t begin to warm the cold frown he gave me. “I’m sure by now from the look on your face that you’ve figured out who I am and why I might be here. For a vacation, yes, but to see what you can tell me about my ex-wife.” His gaze drilled into me. “She and I have some unfinished business.”
Though he was of average height and build, he sent shivers of fear through me. My God! No wonder Lindsay had been intimidated by him. I felt as if I were a little mouse about to be pounced on by a large, feral cat. This was a man used to having his way in all matters.
Swallowing hard, I pulled myself together. “I haven’t any idea why you’d think I’d know anything about your ex-wife. That’s your business. Not mine.”
“We’ll see. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy the hotel. It’s as lovely as Amelia told my brother it was.”
Pulling out all the self-confidence I could, I said, “I hope you find your stay as relaxing as you want. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the annual spring brunch we put on
for the locals.”
“I’ve already talked to some of the people here,” he said. “Your neighbor, Brock Goodwin, and I have an arrangement of sorts. He’s promised to keep an eye on things here for me in exchange for a business opportunity for him.” Again, his smile wasn’t friendly. “He seemed pretty excited about it.”
“Oh,” I said, forcing myself to act nonchalant while my stomach was filling with acid.
I stood, walked to the door, and held it open. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to business. I hope you have a pleasant stay.”
“I intend to,” he said, and then, having no choice, he left.
I closed the door behind him and leaned heavily against it, too weak to stand on my own. I had to get word to Debra, but I had the sense I shouldn’t go there myself. Any chance of being overheard or seen was too dangerous.
I typed up a text on my cell, telling Debra what had happened and warning her that both Thomas and Brock Goodwin would be snooping around the hotel for any information that might help Thomas find Lindsay. I gave her the pseudonym he’d used for the reservation and told her I thought Thomas might have left the rehab center on his own because he’d used a fake name. I suggested moving Lindsay to my house for a while, certain Vaughn wouldn’t mind.
My hands trembled as I hurried into the kitchen and approached Consuela. Pulling her aside, I asked her to walk over to the guesthouse with a tray full of food to deliver to Debra. I slipped her a note I’d hastily written with Thomas’ additional information on it and gave her as much information as I could. “This is an emergency, but I need you to act as if this is a normal duty. And if anyone sees you or asks about the people staying there, say nothing according to our usual policy. For anyone’s information, the couple staying there is on their honeymoon and doesn’t want to be disturbed. Come back with any message for us. Got it?”
Consuela gave me a look of concern. “Don’t worry, Annie. You can trust me.”
I hugged her. “I know. That’s why I need you to do this.”
I walked her to the back entrance and watched as she headed down the path to the guesthouse with a tray of food. The thought of Thomas Thaxton blindsiding Lindsay sickened me all over again.
After seeing her off safely, I hurried back to the office and locked the door. Pulling out the card with Amelia’s private number, I called it.
An unfamiliar voice answered. “The Swanson residence.”
“Is the vice president there? It’s Ann Sanders calling from The Beach House Hotel.”
“Hold on. I’ll see.”
A few minutes later, Amelia said, “Hello? Ann?”
“Yes, it’s me. Bad news. Thomas Thaxton is here at the hotel, asking about Lindsay.”
“Oh my God! I thought he was still in the rehab center,” said Amelia. “Does Lindsay know?”
“I sent a text to Debra, and one of my staff is making sure they know what’s going on,” I said. “I’ve suggested moving Lindsay to my house until he leaves. He’s registered for only two days.”
“I agree she’ll be safer there. But I’m sick with worry. Thomas has threatened to kill Lindsay in the past. I doubt being sober will change his mind. He was furious to be served divorce papers.” Amelia’s voice wobbled. “Thank you so much for handling this. I’ll speak with Debra and discuss how best to handle things. We don’t want to do anything to make him suspect we’re hiding Lindsay there. Did he seem sober?”
“Yes, but he’s a terrifying person,” I said, remembering the way he’d looked at me and smirked when he talked about the deal with Brock. “I understand why Lindsay wants to stay hidden until she feels stronger.”
“Once the mask came down, the bastard became pretty scary and for good reason. When his bad side came out, we all realized how easily he had fooled us. He can be as smooth as his brother,” said Amelia. “Go ahead with your normal activities, so he doesn’t suspect a thing.”
“Understood,” I said. “We’re having our spring brunch today. I’d better get back to that.”
“Thank you, Ann, for all you’re doing. My appreciation can never be enough.”
I clicked off the call and told myself to calm down.
###
When I walked back into the party, Rhonda gave me a questioning look. I ignored it and checked on Brock. He was talking to Meredith, who, when she saw me, gave me a look of desperation. I kept on walking. Thomas was talking to Darla, who looked as unhappy as Meredith. Ordinarily, I’d help the women out by stepping into their conversation, giving them a reason to leave. But I couldn’t do that now. I needed them to keep both Brock and Thomas occupied while I sought Vaughn.
He was talking to an older woman who was all but fluttering her eyelashes at him.
“Mind if I have a word with my husband?” I asked pleasantly and led him away from the crowd and over by the front door.
As we were standing there, I noticed Debra’s SUV leave the property and guessed they were taking Lindsay away. Relieved, I told Vaughn what had happened.
“I’ll go check on them,” Vaughn offered. “I don’t like the idea of having the creep around. Here or there.”
“I’m so scared,” I whispered, clutching my hands together.
“I’ll come right back. Be careful and stay by Bernie.” He kissed me. “Everything’s going to be okay. You did the right thing by contacting Debra and getting Lindsay away from here. I don’t trust either man—Brock or Thomas.”
“Me either. Love you.”
Bernie and Annette walked over to me.
“Everything all right?” Bernie asked, giving me a look of concern.
“Vaughn just needs to check on things at home. Something with the babysitter,” I said, finding it easier than I thought to lie about this. The secret to having Lindsay remain safe was keeping as much information to myself as possible.
“It’s such a lovely party,” Annette said. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”
Pleased, I gave her a warm smile. “This and our Christmas party are two of my favorite events.”
Annette leaned closer and spoke softly. “I’m not sure, but isn’t that Thomas Thaxton talking to the tall blonde over there?”
I exchanged glances with Bernie. “I’m afraid so. But I’m trying not to draw attention to him.”
“I assume the real matter has been taken care of,” said Bernie.
I nodded, grateful he understood the situation. “For the time being. I want to keep it quiet until all the guests have left.”
“Okay,” Bernie said. “Then we’ll talk and come up with a plan.”
Beneath the calm I projected, my heart pumped with anxiety. I watched with dismay from a distance as Thomas took one drink after another, openly at first, then surreptitiously. He became louder and drunker. After he made a scene with another guest, shouting and pushing him, I asked security to remove him from the party and hold him at their office.
After the crowd around him broke up, Rhonda followed me into our office and faced me. “What the fuck is going on? We’ve never had to escort a guest out of a party.”
“Sit down. We need to talk. But first, I have a call to make.”
Her eyes widened when she heard me ask for Amelia Swanson. “Oh my God! Was that drunk guy who I think it was?”
I gave her a grim nod and then spoke to Amelia, giving her the latest news.
When I was through talking, Amelia said, “I’m informing the president. We’ll have someone escort Thomas off the property and accompany him here to Washington, where his relatives can step in to help him.” Her voice grew wobbly. “How can I ever thank you enough for keeping your cool and protecting Lindsay?”
“Rhonda and I said we’d do our best to protect her,” I said simply. But I wondered, as I often had, if we’d been foolish to take on such a responsibility. Then I thought of all Lindsay had been through and knew we were right to step in and help. Especially after meeting her tormenter myself.
After I hung up, I faced Rhonda. �
��I’ll fill you in on everything.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before? I would’ve bruised that guy’s balls so badly he wouldn’t be able to speak in anything but a squeak for the rest of his life.”
“See why?” I said. “I knew you’d be upset and didn’t want to take the chance on giving away anything.”
A sheepish grin crossed her face. “I’m not too good at hiding my feelings, huh?”
“You think? But as long as Brock believes he’s got a deal with Thomas, we’ll have to be careful about his roaming the property.”
“After the party and after Thomas is gone, we’ll set up a meeting with security,” said Rhonda. “They can make up a story about this guest and send around his picture to warn all the staff that he’s not supposed to be anywhere on the property.”
“That’s a good idea,” I said.
“I also like the idea of telling everyone a honeymoon couple is staying there.” She grinned. “Debra and Whit? Maybe something good will come of it. I’m pretty talented at predicting these things.”
I was unable to stop a laugh from rolling out. “Don’t try to play matchmaker, Rhonda. We’ve got enough on our hands.”
“Wha-a-a-t? You don’t think a little nudge in that direction might change things a bit? What does ‘old boyfriend’ mean, anyway? I’ll bet you ten bucks I’m right.”
I placed a hand on her arm. “Okay, ten bucks says you’re not. For now, let’s just get through the party and get Brock Goodwin away from here.”
“I wish there was some way to bar him from the property.”
“So, do I, but that’s not going to happen.”
“Okay, then, we’ll play detective and make sure either we or one of the staff follows his every move.”
“Sounds about right,” I said, sighing.
###
As soon as everyone left the party and the staff was holding their own party in the dining room, Rhonda, Bernie, and I, along with our spouses, met in Bernie’s office to discuss what was going on with Thomas and Brock.
“For now, Lindsay and Whit are staying at our house,” Vaughn said to the group. “The guest wing will give each of them privacy.”