Page 36 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

Nell sighed and shook her head.

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The next morning, I went to the hotel alone. Nell stayed behind to make sure Clint was doing as well as could be expected. The first few days following surgery were typically the most challenging.

I stopped in the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

Consuela came right over to me. “How’s Clint?”

“He’ll be fine, but it’s going to be difficult,” I said. “He was hurt pretty bad.”

Consuela sighed and shook her head. “Such a shame. How will he be able to work? Is he going to stay in Sabal for a while? Nell told me he had to go right back to D.C.”

“It’s something Nell and Clint are trying to figure out. Frankly, I’m concerned. I think he should stay here for at least a couple of weeks until his body begins to recover.”

“I’ll make his favorite egg casserole and send it home with you,” Consuela said.

I hugged her. “Thanks.”

I left the kitchen and went to my office to see how procedures had been handled over the weekend.

Rhonda looked up at me from her desk. “Who’s Claudine Everett?”

A lump settled in the pit of my stomach. “A business partner of Clint’s. Why?”

“Apparently, she made a fuss checking in last night. She wanted the Presidential Suite. For a deep discount.”

I sighed, lowered myself into my chair, and faced Rhonda. “Remember how I told you there was something about Claudine that I didn’t like or trust? This behavior is an example of why I feel that way. Is she in the Presidential Suite?”

“No,” said Rhonda. “Bernie said no. Not at that price.”

“Bless him,” I said. “Clint was supposed to fly to D.C. with Claudine in the company’s private jet yesterday. When Nell called to cancel the trip, she was very specific about Clint needing to rest as the doctor ordered. Now, it’s clear that Claudine is going to ignore that.”

“What’s the rush?” asked Rhonda.

“The timing of putting this deal together appears to be crucial. Clint is worried that he and Claudine will lose a lot of money if they can’t pull it off.” I couldn’t help feeling anxious.

Rhonda gave me a thoughtful look. “Will could have been involved in many big-ticket deals with major companies, but he has always maintained that he’s happier with his own success, providing clients with excellent information.”

“Claudine may have checked into the hotel, but I’m uncomfortable about her being at my house. She practically ordered me to make sure Vaughn, not I, drop Clint off for the flight to D.C. She told Clint she was disappointed not to meet one of her favorite stars. I don’t want someone like that in my home.”

“I don’t blame you,” said Rhonda. “That kind of intrusion could be a problem.”

“I’m going to call Nell now and tell her my feelings,” I said, taking a sip of coffee before punching in her number.

When Nell picked up my call, I told her I didn’t want Claudine at the house and waited for a response.

“I needed to know you feel that way because she’s already phoned Clint. I didn’t pick up the call because Clint was sleeping. But eventually, I’ll have to talk to her and make that clear.”

“Thanks,” I said. “There’s something off about Claudine. As far as I’m concerned, Clint can do what he needs to at the house, including setting up an office. But I don’t want them working together there.”

“And I want them to wait until Clint gets stabilized,” said Nell. “He’s on pretty strong pain killers now, which means he won’t be at his best to work anyway.”

“I’m glad we agree on this. Stars like Vaughn have to be very careful about overzealous fans. That’s one reason we live in a gated community.”

“I agree,” said Nell. “ I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Daddy or you because of someone like her.” I could hear frustration in her voice.

“Thanks for understanding.” I ended the call and turned to Rhonda. “Hopefully, that will take care of any intrusion into our privacy.”