Chapter 21
Morgan stared at the sign, announcing the plans for an upscale resort and spa on Easton Island’s east side.
She shifted back, gazing around at the dense forest. Nothing but trees, rocks, dirt, and water for as far as the eye could see. “I’m having trouble envisioning a spa and resort. What does this have to do with Travis Mason?”
“He’s a real estate investment manager, part of a REIG or real estate investment group that pools its money and invests in large real estate ventures. This sign must have been put up recently.”
“The Mason guy is here because he’s managing it?”
“Correct. This property has been owned by the same family for generations. The parents passed away a few years ago. It appears the heirs decided to sell. There’s only one problem, and it’s a biggie.”
“Which is?”
“Grandmother, or should I say we, own a sliver of the land…an extremely significant sliver.”
“This company found out it was for sale and snatched it up.” While she talked, Morgan pulled her cell phone from her pocket and typed the name in the search bar.
A full-screen photo of the future resort and spa appeared. “It doesn’t list exactly when this place will be built.”
“It could take years.” Brett kicked a pile of rocks. “Canadian restrictions are pretty rigid regarding zoning and environmental assessments. They also have a major roadblock that Mason and his investment group need to resolve—us.”
“I find it mildly interesting that an American company is buying Canadian property. I noticed his name is listed at the bottom, along with his contact information.”
The siblings returned to Brett’s sedan. “Are you going to give Quinn a heads-up about who Travis is?”
“My plan is to give her some time to cool off. I don’t want her thinking I’m intentionally trying to dig up dirt on the guy.”
“I can tell her,” Morgan offered.
Brett checked for traffic and pulled onto the road. “It might not be a bad idea.”
“Consider it done. I’ll let you know how it goes.” Back at Easton Estate, Morgan hopped into her SUV and drove straight to Easton Harbor. She noticed Quinn’s car parked near the curb, not far from the gallery’s front door and took the empty spot next to it.
Morgan slipped inside and patiently stood waiting for Quinn, who was talking on the phone, to finish her conversation.
“Hey, Morgan.”
“Hey, Quinn. I was on this end of town and thought I would drop in before heading to Locke Pointe.” She poured a cup of coffee from the fancy machinery sitting on the coffee bar and crossed the room. “I like the way you rearranged the artwork. It gives the place a fresh vibe.”
“Thanks. It’s fun to tinker and move pieces around when it’s slow.” Quinn clasped her hands and leaned her elbows on the counter. “I’m guessing you’re here because of my fight with Brett. I shouldn’t have blown up at him.”
“It happens to the best of us.”
She changed the subject. “Have you heard from Ronni?”
“Finally. She and Jax are on Mackinac Island.”
“Good for them. I wonder if they ran into Harlow.”
“They did.” Morgan pulled up the text and showed her the picture of Harlow and Ronni. “Harlow asked about Tristan, wanting to know how he was doing.”
“Brett mentioned the obnoxious Renaud kids, how they taunted him at the science fair.” Quinn meandered over to the coffee bar and refilled her cup. “At least he has friends. Maybe the brats will get tired of picking on him.”
“I hope so.” Morgan pulled up the photo she’d taken of the Sunrise Shores Resort & Spa sign and handed her friend her phone. “Have you heard about this?”
Quinn squinted her eyes. “No. Where is it?”
“On the east side of Easton Island.”
“I saw a for-sale sign there a while ago, but I don’t drive around that way often. Someone bought it and is building a resort?” Her friend handed the phone back.
Morgan tracked down the link she’d accessed earlier. She scrolled to the contact information. “Check it out.”
She knew the exact second Quinn found Travis Mason’s name and number—when her jaw dropped. “How did you…”
“Brett and I went to check it out.”
“Brett also knows Travis is involved?”
“He does. This is a huge project with the potential to bring tons of people to Easton Island. Three hundred guest rooms. Up to 600 more people coming here on any given day.” Morgan snapped her fingers.
“There goes our peaceful, serene slice of paradise. I can’t help but wonder how this will affect the Lilac Inn, not to mention my bed-and-breakfast.”
Quinn winced. “More traffic means more people, which is great for the art gallery and small businesses, but not so much for you. Travis seemed curious about the Easton family.”
“Which isn’t unusual. A lot of visitors are curious. Although I believe his questioning is intentional. He’s doing a little intel.”
“Intel on you, Brett and Elizabeth?”
Morgan told her what her brother had said about the Eastons owning an important sliver of land needed for the massive project.
“Why didn’t he tell me who he was?” Quinn winced. “I owe Brett an apology.”
“You do. Out of curiosity, are you going to call Travis out?”
“Absolutely. I hate sneaky, snake-y people.”
“Same, girl.” Morgan tapped the top of her watch. “I gotta get going.”
“Thanks for the detective work. I’ll call Brett right now to apologize.”
“I’m glad. I hate to see you two fighting over this.”
“When I’m done apologizing, I’m going to do a little detective work of my own,” Quinn vowed. “If Travis Mason thinks he’s going to pull a fast one, he has another thing coming.”