Page 87 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Our dinner group left our house and went to Rhonda’s house in separate cars to enjoy dessert together. Another tradition that started a few years ago.

Nell was the star of the evening as she eagerly showed off her new ring and announced that she and Clint would have a second wedding at the hotel.

A crowd gathered around her.

“Let’s have a gander at those big diamonds,” said Rhonda, hugging Nell. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“I hope it’s after high season at the hotel,” teased Annette.

“And after tax season,” said Reggie. He and Will had followed through and offered Clint a place at their firm.

Standing arm in arm, Nell and Clint laughed as they were embraced by those who hadn’t already done so.

“Come see what we have for dessert,” said Rhonda. “Coffee, tea, water, and drinks are in the kitchen. The treats are in the dining room.”

I’d just placed a slice of chocolate torte on my plate when Bernie’s cell phone rang nearby. I watched him as he listened to whomever was speaking. His expression became more and more worried.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Part of the condo building next to the hotel is on fire. They believe it started with Christmas decorations. I’ve got to go.”

Rhonda came over to us. “What’s going on?”

While Bernie explained it to her, I found Vaughn to tell him what had happened and that I was leaving with Bernie and Rhonda. “I’ll be in touch. I’m taking my car.”

“Be safe. Keep the hotel property safe,” said Vaughn.

I slipped away to avoid ruining Rhonda and Will’s party. Rhonda joined me at the door.

“Bernie’s already left. I’ll come with you,” she said, looking worried.

The drive to the hotel, which takes minutes, seemed like hours. Fires could be uncontrollable if not caught early.

“God, Annie, I’d hate for the hotel to be ruined because of this. Let’s pray the firemen got there on time.”

“Bernie said they think the cause was Christmas decorations. Do you know what I’m thinking?”

“Oh, Gawd, Brock Goodwin was selling his decorations up and down the coastline. Do you think?” Rhonda’s voice trailed off in horror.

“We don’t have the facts, but even the thought of it makes me sick,” I said.

Fire engines blocked the street in front of the hotel and on either side of the condo building. No flames could be seen. I parked my car inside the hotel's gates, and Rhonda and I rushed to where a group of firefighters stood outside the building. Bernie waved us over.

“What’s happening?” I asked.

“The fire started on the sixth floor in one of the condos,” said Bernie. “It sustained fire, smoke, and some water damage. The two apartments on either side have been affected, but the fire is contained. Thank God. It could have been a huge disaster.”

I stared up at the building and at the frightened faces of the people who had been evacuated, whispering a silent prayer of thanks that no one was hurt and the fire was quickly contained.

Rhonda put her arm around me. “Having this fire controlled this early might be the best Christmas present we could be given, don’tcha think?”

“Absolutely,” I said, spotting Brock in the crowd. There was a part of me that wanted to know if he was somehow involved, but I turned away. I didn’t want anything to rip apart the gratitude I felt for the safety of the people who lived there.

Bernie looked at each of us. “Why don’t you go back to your families? There’s really nothing for you to do here.”

“Thanks,” I said. “We’ll check in at the hotel, and if everyone is fine there, we’ll go home, leaving them in your capable hands.” I gave him a quick embrace. “Thank you. And Merry Christmas.”