Beach Thriller(27)

Of course, Holly knew all about those parties, but she played dumb.

“I can’t count how many buildings in Beauport are named after them,” Gail went on. “It’s like Pottersville from that movie…”

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” said Ethan. “We watch it every year. It’s our favorite holiday flick.”

Holly felt a stab of disappointment. We. Our. His girlfriend, or worse, his wife. She sighed on the inside. Oh well, easy come, easy go.

Gail brightened. “That’s it—the Carmichaels were the Potters of Beauport,” she said. “Only Geoffrey Carmichael, the patriarch, wasn’t so smart with his money.”

“Geoffrey died a long time ago,” Ethan said for Holly’s benefit, though she already knew.

Gail added to the history lesson. “He was quite the gambler. When he passed, the family was in financial ruin. Conrad was in college, so he wasn’t bringing in the bucks. I guess the situation was dire—but leave it to the matriarch, Maeve Carmichael. She plays matchmaker, marries her son off to Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Baxter Ward, founder of Ward Pharmaceuticals, and voilà—the family finances are miraculously saved.

“And then, wouldn’t you know it, Maeve and Baxter—both widowed—take up with each other.” Gail’s eyes brightened. “I’ve heard coffee shop chatter before, but this was other level. No surprise Maeve put an end to the Barefoot Beach Balls—she was no fan of the whispered talk.”

Holly cringed. “Wait … Doesn’t that make—”

“Conrad’s wife also his stepsister? Yes, it does. Hello, Pornhub,” said Gail gleefully.

“Maeve and Baxter must have been head over heels for each other to spend that much social capital on a marriage,” Holly said.

Gail shrugged. “I always took Baxter Ward for an opportunist—a dead one now. Heart attack or something, not that long ago. If you ask me, I’d say his marriage to Maeve was one of convenience. She was a fixture on the planning board, and wouldn’t you know it, after the wedding, the town approved permits for a new Ward Pharmaceuticals plant to be built on environmentally sensitive land on the outskirts of town. That raised some eyebrows.” She gave Holly a knowing look. “And that wasn’t the only scandal surrounding that family.”

This time, it was Ethan who seemed uncomfortable. “I’m sure Holly doesn’t need to be bombarded with tall tales from Beauport.”

Holly was more than ready to end the conversation. Though her curiosity was piqued, talk of the Carmichaels was starting to give her a headache. “Honestly, I don’t need to inspect their home. I trust Gail’s judgment. She wouldn’t recommend a shoddy handyman to fix a house she’s hoping to list soon. I have a small deposit I can give you to get started. I just hope Allen Spellman is able to get the rest of the funds from the trust quickly, or I’m not going to be able to do much of anything.”

“I’ve given Allen a lot of business,” said Gail confidently. “If he’s not responsive, let me know, and I’ll nudge him along.” Her smile was conspiratorial.

By the time they left, Holly’s headache had become much more intense. Her skull felt like a cracking dam, ready to give way to a torrent of pain.

Serena had been trying to warn her away from Beauport. Now it felt like her body was doing the same.

She searched the house, and, wouldn’t you know, she had no Advil. Holly was about to go to the store, worried she might be unable to make the drive, when Jade strolled in.

“I got a job,” she announced, brimming with excitement.

Holly bristled. For fuck’s sake, are we roommates now? She’d never wanted to live with anybody long term other than Chester. A job felt like Jade was putting down roots.

“That’s great news!” said Holly, who meant it, despite her reservations. All the while, the little drumbeat on her skull kept on thump, thump, thumping.





Chapter 16

Jade




I’m all smiles and sunshine, but Holly looks like someone’s rained on her parade. I know what will cheer her up: “I’ll basically be working with the cast from your novel.”

“My novel?” Holly flinches like I’ve thrown a punch.

“Yeah, I’ll be helping Maeve Carmichael around the house. She lives in this ridiculous mansion up on the hill. Anyway, I met her son, Conrad, in town and we got to talking, and he offered me a job. Oh, and the house is called Miramar, just like in your book, so I’ll let you know if you did a good job describing it. I start tomorrow.”

I could read the concern in her furrowed brow.

“You’ll be working for Maeve and Conrad Carmichael? I can’t believe it.” Her voice carries a shock wave.

“Isn’t it amazing? I can’t wait. Apparently, they have a real-life butler—and he lives in the house. There are, like, seven bedrooms or something like that.” I’m hoping Holly joins in my excitement, but she still hasn’t climbed aboard the enthusiasm barge. She looks mildly seasick, actually.

“You can’t work there,” she declares, surprising me. “I won’t allow it.”

I pull back. “Um, yeah, Mom, I can,” I say, really laying on the sarcasm. “What’s your problem? Conrad seems cool and rich, and I need money.”