Chapter 13
“So this is what a domestic morning entails. It’s been so long, I forgot.” Morgan handed Wyatt the sack lunch she’d packed for him while he finished getting ready for his shift.
“I like it.” Wyatt’s eyes traveled from the top of her head to her fuzzy slippers. “You look hot…hair all tousled, chilling in your pajamas.”
“Translation—bedhead and wearing my ratty, hole in the elbow, flannel pjs,” she chuckled. “For the record, this is my favorite time of the day. I’m more of a late-morning, early-afternoon kinda girl.”
“Either way, I’m definitely seeing the upside to having your ex out of prison.”
“I would rather know he was back behind bars.”
“Me too.” Wyatt scratched Chester’s ears and slid his jacket on. “What’s on your agenda for today?”
“I’m heading over to Locke Pointe to meet with the staff.
Brett invited me to go snowmobiling with him and Tristan.
Chester will be tagging along. I feel a little guilty seeing how he’s been cooped up in the house these past few days.
” Morgan followed him to the door. “I talked to Jax while you were in the shower. He has someone looking for Jason as we speak.”
“To keep tabs on him?”
“Exactly. I figure the best plan is to monitor his movements for the time being, to get an idea about what he might be up to.”
“Until this PI tracks him down, you had better keep your eyes peeled.”
“No doubt.” Morgan bounced on the tips of her toes and gave him a quick kiss. “Have a good day. Don’t worry about dinner. I’ll figure it out.”
“Another benefit of having you shack up with me.”
“Wyatt Dawson,” she gasped. “We are not shacking up. You’re keeping me safe.”
“I’m teasing. Of course we’re not shacking up, but if the thought ever crosses your mind…”
“Out.” Morgan mustered up her best indignant look and pointed to the door. “As far as our living under the same roof goes, I think we should keep this on the down low. You know what a rumor mill Easton Island can be.”
“Especially when it involves an infamous Easton.” Wyatt blew her a kiss, issuing a final warning for her to be aware of her surroundings before climbing into his patrol car.
After he left, Morgan poured another cup of coffee and logged onto the internet. She typed Jason Greer, Fort Myers, Florida, in the search bar and began scrolling through the results. The most recent article was weeks old. She skimmed the paragraphs. Nothing new or notable popped out.
Thinking the fastest and easiest way for her ex to reach the island was by plane, Morgan called Denver. After being transferred several times, she finally got through.
“Good morning, Morgan.” His booming voice echoed. “How are you?”
“Fine physically. My emotional state is a different case.”
“I bet. I planned to touch base with you today to let you know I met with my security staff. They’ve been given copies of Mr. Greer’s photo and will be on the lookout for him, monitoring incoming flights until further notice.”
“I appreciate it.”
“If you think of anything I can do to help, let me know. Are you staying at Easton Estate?”
“No. If Jason came after me, it would be one of the first places he looked. I’m staying with Wyatt.”
“Because your ex doesn’t know where he lives.”
“Plus the fact Wyatt is a cop might deter him, although I’m not sure if this would be the case.”
“Rest assured, we’re keeping watch and will let you know if or when we see any sign of him.”
Morgan thanked him for his help. After hanging up, she tracked down Captain Davey.
Similar to Denver, he and his crew—including dockhands, ship workers and office employees—had been shown a photo of Jason and told to keep an eye out for him.
“It won’t be difficult this time of the year.
Lone travelers tend to be few and far between.
Most of the tourists and visitors come in groups with family and friends. ”
“Meaning if Jason was alone, he would stick out like a sore thumb.”
“With or without a disguise. I hope for your sake he doesn’t try to get to you,” Davey said.
“It wouldn’t be wise but then my ex isn’t known for making good decisions.” Morgan thanked him, promising to keep him updated on Jason’s status.
With the calls out of the way and feeling slightly better knowing people were watching, she showered and got ready for her day.
Chester followed her from room to room, confused about why they weren’t home.
She munched on a bowl of cereal and a banana while she finished surfing the internet, catching up on the local news. After finishing, she placed her dishes in the dishwasher and called her pup. “Time to get to work, buddy.”
Reaching Locke Pointe, Morgan assembled her staff for their weekly meeting. As soon as it ended, she tackled the task of taking down the holiday decorations.
Morgan filled several boxes, carried them downstairs and placed them on the shelves. Unlike some of the older Michigan basements, Locke Pointe’s was clean and dry, with no damp odors or concerns about mold and mildew, making it the perfect spot to store her treasured mementos.
She had almost finished when Greg arrived to help her pack up the tree.
“This thing is heavy,” Morgan groaned, struggling to lift her end of the box. “How tall is it?”
“A twelve-footer. Let’s switch sides.” Greg ran around to take the heavier end.
Thank goodness they didn’t have far to go. When they reached the top of the stairs, he came up with the brilliant idea of sliding the box to the bottom. One final turn and they had it safely stored in the corner, right next to the boxes of decorations.
Greg dusted his hands. “It’s hard to believe the holidays are already over.”
“Right? Although I’m looking forward to the new year and new projects.” Morgan led the way upstairs. “I’m not keen on a long, cold winter but it could be worse. Places like the Antarctic come to mind.”
“Uncle Ben called me this morning. He said something about your ex-husband.”
“Jason, my ex, has been released from prison. Without going into detail, let’s just say he has an axe to grind.”
“Against you?”
“Unfortunately.”
“He wants to hurt you?”
“Maybe. I testified at his trial, which helped get him convicted. I’m guessing he’s not too happy with me.”
“You have a gun.”
“I do, although shooting Jason would be a last resort.” Morgan sucked in a breath. “It’s a mess.”
“What does he look like?”
“I have some photos on my phone.” She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and showed him the same picture she’d sent to Denver and Captain Davey. “I doubt he would knock on the door and ask to see me. Breaking and entering would be more his style.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for him.”
“I appreciate it. If you see him, keep in mind he could be armed. The best thing to do would be to call 911.”
“I will, and I hope for your sake it doesn’t happen.”
“Same here.” Morgan returned to the living room to finish straightening up, returning the framed family photographs to the fireplace mantel when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” she called out. Peeking through the curtain, Morgan noticed a familiar figure standing in front of the door.
She eased it open. “Hello, Grady.”
“Good morning, Morgan. I…uh…was wondering if Greg Baker was around.”
“He is. I believe he’s in the kitchen grabbing a bite to eat.”
“Could I speak with him?”
“Sure.” Morgan turned to go and hesitated, noting the serious tone in his voice. “Is everything all right?”
“I’m not in a position to discuss the reason. I’m here for official police business.”