Page 31 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I never guessed her husband would come looking for her here.”

“You did the right thing, Annie,” said Rhonda. “It’s our policy to protect our guests. It is a reason many of our guests come to the hotel.”

“Of course,” said Jane. “No one would suspect that Dan would show up looking for Amy. They may have just gotten divorced, but the marriage has been over for years.”

“And remember where he was found. Like Amy mentioned, he was probably on another gambling jaunt,” said Caro.

“I think someone should tell Slade,” Heather said. “He and Amy have been together a lot, and he might want to know.”

“I’ll do it,” said Jane.

“What can we do?” Rhonda asked.

Jane shook her head. “At the moment, I can’t think of anything. Don’t worry. We’ll keep in touch.”

“Just remember, we have a hurricane headed to New Orleans,” I said. “Even if the hurricane stays on its course away from us, it means rain and wind for us. We don’t want any accidents with guests driving in bad weather.”

“You’re right,” said Jane. “We’ll make sure Amy keeps that in mind. Thanks again, Ann. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I sat a moment thinking of all the women in the guesthouse. What had started as a frivolous and fun vacation was turning into so much more.

###

Rhonda and I left theguesthouse.

“Would it have helped if Amy’s husband knew for certain that she was here?” I asked Rhonda.

“I doubt it,” said Rhonda. “Don’t blame yourself for any of this. It’s a problem that’s been going on for years.”

“You’re right. The man wasn’t in great shape when I saw him. He looked like he hadn’t cleaned himself up for a few days. I’m sorry Amy has to go through this.”

“Gambling addiction is very hard to deal with,” said Rhonda. “I know of another man who was addicted to it and killed himself after losing all his money. Amy told us she prepared herself financially to be on her own for some time.”

“We’ll let things settle down and then reach out to her to see how we can help,” I said.

We went to our office, and without any special events going on, I left for home. I was suddenly anxious to see Robbie and enjoy the quiet of my life there. I couldn’t get the mental image of Amy’s husband out of my mind.

###

Iwas preparing a simplemeal for Robbie and me when my cell phone rang.Jane.

“Hi, Jane, what’s up?” I asked.

“I got a call from Dr. Perkin’s office. She wants to meet with me first thing tomorrow morning. I’m wondering if you’d go with me to see the doctor.”

“Of course,” I said. “Why don’t I pick you up at the house? It’ll most likely be raining.”

“Oh, thank you so much. Things are chaotic here. Because of the storm, Slade is going with Amy. They are leaving for Florida’s east coast momentarily. They’re hoping to get there and back before the worst of the storm hits here.”

“That makes sense. What time shall I pick you up?” I asked.

“My appointment is at eight o’clock,” said Jane. “I’m thinking positive thoughts, but if I’m wrong, I’ll deal with it. Like before.” I could hear the fear in her voice.

“I have a positive feeling about it,” I said, hoping I was right. This group of women had touched Rhonda and me from the beginning.

When Vaughn and I talked on the phone that night, I told him what was happening.

“That’s too bad about Amy’s husband. Addiction to gambling is ugly. It can start with something as simple as buying lottery tickets. How’s the weather down there? Will it be difficult for Amy and Slade to get there and back again?”