Chapter 19
Although it had been a late date night with Wyatt, Morgan woke early the next morning. The official countdown had begun. The promising-to-be-epic Elizabeth Easton and Gerard Ainsworth wedding was a mere seven days away.
She poured a cup of coffee and tracked down the Easton Harbor Beacon’s online news, making sure there was no mention of the gallery’s protestors or Edward Ryze. “Thank you, Prissy.”
Morgan checked the extended forecast, thrilled to discover their beautiful fall weather would continue into the following weekend.
It was as if God had given them a reprieve from the early signs of winter. Nothing but blue skies and moderate weather temps were heading their way.
Breakfast was peanut butter toast and a container of mixed berry yogurt. Because it was Ronni’s day off, Morgan dressed for work and headed to Locke Pointe.
She arrived to find the dining room packed and breakfast in full swing.
Jumping in to give Tina a hand, she hustled back and forth, filling empty coffee cups and chatting with guests, reminding them bikes were available to borrow and suggesting a few stops at local landmarks.
The morning meal ended, and Morgan pitched into clean up.
“I heard you mention the weather,” Tina said. “I’m guessing the outdoor wedding plans are still on?”
“If the forecast holds, it will be ideal for the bluff side ceremony and reception.”
Chester, who had accompanied Morgan to Locke Pointe, walked along the edge of the counter, diligently searching for scraps. His persistence was rewarded when he found a bite of egg and quickly gobbled it up.
After finishing, she tracked down the housekeepers to find out if there were any issues. Because it was the weekend, all guests were “stay overs,” meaning they were staying another night.
With everything running smoothly, Morgan made a beeline for the office. She took a quick look at the books and the bank accounts, checking inventory and replying to potential guests who had specific questions.
She roused Chester, who was napping at her feet. “Hey, sleepyhead, let’s go for a walk.”
She and her pup made their rounds, starting at the carriage house and working their way down to the lake. Morgan heard someone call her name. She turned to find Greg hurrying to catch up. “Hey, Morgan. I thought that was you.”
“Good morning, Greg. Chester and I thought we would take a walk to stretch our legs.”
He patted the pup’s head. “Did you run into the man?”
“What man?”
“The one who was walking around the property with his camera.”
Morgan’s heart skipped a beat. “Who was he?”
“A reporter from Bay News. He wanted to know if I worked here.” Greg gave her a brief description of the guy. “He also asked me if I knew Elizabeth Easton and if you were related to her.”
“What did you tell him?”
His eyes grew round as saucers. “I-I told him you were related,” he stammered. “I wasn’t supposed to?”
“No. I mean, you didn’t do anything wrong. It would be easy for him to figure out who I was. Did he say why he was here?”
“Something about Easton Harbor Art Gallery. He said someone was going to write a story about it.”
Morgan’s scalp tingled. “Did he tell you what kind of story?”
“No, but he left me his card.” Greg held out a business card. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked him to leave. The only thing I told him was you owned this place, and you were related to Mrs. Easton. I swear.”
“I believe you. It’s all right. Thank you for letting me know.” As soon as Greg left, Morgan dialed her grandmother’s cell phone number.
“Good morning, Morgan.”
“Good morning, Grandmother.” Morgan got right to the point. “Greg said a reporter, a man from Bay News was here at Locke Pointe asking questions.”
“He also stopped by the gallery. It appears Mr. Ryze contacted him. He and Prissy should have a field day writing a scandalous story.”
“Priscilla promised me she wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t print a story about the alleged fake artwork?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yep.”
“Perhaps I should call her. I have the name of the news reporter. She might be able to give me a little background about him.”
“Which isn’t a bad idea.” Morgan wished her luck and ended the call, a feeling of dread washing over her. Edward Ryze was not giving up. Not by a longshot. If anything, he was just getting started.
*****
“Do I have a surprise for you.” Morgan placed Chester’s food and water dish inside his backpack, along with his favorite treats and enough food for their overnight stay. “Are you ready to go to Auntie Quinn’s place?”
Woof. Chester pranced in a circle at the mention of Quinn’s name. Like Morgan, he missed her. Little did her pup know he had an even bigger surprise waiting for him.
She texted Quinn, confirming it was still okay for her to bring Chester for the housewarming sleepover.
Her reply was prompt. Yes! Can-dee has settled in like nobody’s business.
Morgan: We’re on our way.
It took a couple of trips to load her SUV. Chester’s bag, Morgan’s overnight bag, the housewarming gift. Munchies to share for their Mexican feast—tortilla chips, homemade queso dip, all the fixings for crunchy tacos.
Chester hovered by the door while she darted back and forth. Finally, she was ready to go. “Let’s hit the road.”
Saturday evening meant Easton Harbor’s downtown district was packed. Thinking it wouldn’t hurt to do a quick drive by the gallery, she was relieved to discover it was quiet without a single protester in sight.
She circled back around and drove by Wyatt’s place. As expected, his porch light and living room lamp were on.
Because Quinn’s cottage was only a hop, skip and a jump from Wyatt’s home, she pulled into her friend’s driveway seconds later. Grace’s car and Ariel’s van were parked out front, meaning she was the last to arrive.
Morgan reached for the door. Chester ran across her lap, eager for her to let him out. “Sorry, buddy. You’re going to have to wait until I unload first.” She nudged her pup back.
Chester frowned, his tail lowering to “this stinks” level.
She laughed at the look on his face. “You’re spoiled rotten.”
Quinn appeared on the porch. “Do you need help?”
“Please. I packed everything but the kitchen sink.” Morgan handed her bags of food. She grabbed her backpack and Chester’s overnight bag and traipsed up the steps.
Can-dee hovered near the doorway, her whole body wiggling when she spotted Morgan. “Hey, cutie pie.” She bent down and patted her head. “You look happy as a clam, little lady.”
“She’s ruling the roost,” Quinn joked. “She doesn’t answer well to her name. I was thinking you guys could help me come up with a new name.”
Ariel and Grace hurried out of the house. “Hey, Morgan. Do you need anything else unloaded?”
“I have a box of almost new toys for Can-dee that Chester and I dug out of the attic.” Morgan opened the hatch and handed Grace a box.
She ran around the side to grab the housewarming gift, leaving her perplexed pup wondering why he was being left behind again. “I’ll be right back,” she promised.
Quinn stood on the edge of her sidewalk. “I see Chester is champing at the bit.”
“He’s excited to see you.” Morgan handed her the bag. “This is your official housewarming gift.”
Her friend reached inside and removed the custom cutting board. “It’s beautiful.”
“Do you like it?”
“I love it.” Quinn gently turned it over. “The colors remind me of Easton Island, the trees and the water.”
“Me too.”
She hugged her friend. “I’ll cherish it forever. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Morgan jabbed her finger toward her SUV. Chester’s small head peered out through the side window, watching their every move. “I better go get Chester. Do you think Can-dee and he will hit it off?”
Quinn lifted both hands, her palms pointed up. “There’s only one way to find out.”