Page 68 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

Mike got up and greeted a middle-aged man of average height and weight who stood staring at us through horned-rim glasses. His bland appearance made him seem perfect for the job.

Mike and Aaron shook hands, and then Mike made the introductions.

“I’m here representing the owners of the hotel,” said Mike, indicating a chair for Aaron and sitting again at the head of the table. “Would you like to tell us why you’re here?”

“My client, the firm of Everett, Shuster, and Donnelly, has asked me to investigate an incident that occurred between Claudine Everett and the owners of the hotel, Ms. Sanders and Ms. Grayson, as well as an employee working with Claudine, Clint Dawson. Apparently against her will, she was made to relinquish legal papers that Mr. Dawson had signed, enabling her to go forward with a project the company was working on.”

“And how did you come by this information?” asked Mike.

“Claudine met with the partners of the company she’s working for and explained the situation to them.”

“Do you have proof of this happening?” asked Mike.

“Obviously, she was unable to produce the paperwork after Mr. Dawson signed it and then stole it back,” said Aaron. “My understanding is that she was accosted on her return to Miami by the three people I’ve mentioned and forced to hand back the signed papers.”

“Are you aware of where this event supposedly took place?” asked Mike.

“Somewhere along Alligator Alley, where she was driving to return to Miami,” he answered.

“Are you aware that a state trooper was also at the scene?” Mike asked.

“I was told he was a friend of Ms. Grayson’s. They knew one another, and he stood by while the papers were removed.”

“Did she resist, refuse to do as was asked?” Mike asked.

“She said she was afraid not to do as Clint wanted because of that trooper.”

Mike turned to me. “Did you sense any wrongdoing on Clint’s part?”

I cleared my throat, telling myself not to let my temper show. “Claudine willingly opened her briefcase to allow Clint to remove the papers. Probably because Clint told us she had put something in his coffee during their private meeting. Rhonda and I, as well as the trooper, who was wearing his body cam, can verify that he was sick and acting out of character.”

Aaron gave me a thoughtful look. “Claudine mentioned you might bring up that she’d heard from the president of the Neighborhood Association that the owners of The Beach House Hotel were always doing something just within the law to get their way.”

“Are you talking about Brock Goodwin?” Rhonda asked, her voice lower than normal, and I knew she was furious.

Aaron looked at his paperwork. “Yes, that’s the name she gave me.”

Mike handed him a document. “I think you might want to read this. It’s a detailed description of what took place alongside the highway as written by the state trooper who was involved. You and I both know he’d never perjure himself. Again, the body cam backs up his report. As it is, Ms. Sanders and Ms. Grayson could’ve brought charges against Claudine for the drugging incident, which they decided not to pursue as long as Mr. Dawson rightly got those papers returned.”

Aaron remained quiet.

Mike handed him another sheet of paper. “This is a copy of the original agreement Mr. Dawson signed that day under false pretenses. As you can see, the signature is a weak comparison to the one on another document signed by him. I think you’ve wasted enough of our time.”

“As Ms. Everett is a client, I’m required to do all I can to get to the bottom of this situation,” said Aaron. “In this case, I agree with you. I’ve done what I could to clarify exactly what happened.”

Aaron gathered his papers and stood.

Mike, Rhonda, and I got to our feet. Handshakes were given all around, and Aaron left.

Mike pulled his paperwork together and looked at us. “It seems a frivolous case, but I think it was wise that we made our rebuttal. We don’t want the hotel’s reputation smeared. Great job on getting that report from the trooper, Rhonda.”

“Thanks.” Rhonda winked at me.

“As always, Mike, we appreciate your support,” I said.

“Before you go, tell us, what are we going to do about that jackass, Brock Goodwin?” said Rhonda.

Mike shook his head. “Unfortunately, being a thorn in someone’s side isn’t illegal. But don’t worry. He’s going to get caught for all the grief he causes others.”

We walked Mike out to the lobby.

“Wait here,” I said. “I’ve got the cinnamon rolls you’ve requested for your wife.”

“Though we suspect they’re more for you than for her,” said Rhonda, letting out a roaring laugh that made Mike and me join in.