Page 28 of Hideaway Reunion

“Yes, please.” Roni took a slow, steady breath. She needed to follow Celeste’s example and stay calm. “As you saw, the police department and a sheriff’s deputy visited the Hideaway this morning. Brayden and I were there and we cooperated fully.” She exchanged another look with Brayden. “It’s my understanding the warrant was issued because an eye witness saw someone moving valuable electronics from the construction site to our shed. Law enforcement executed the search and found nothing other than our belongings. Based on the conversation at the time, I was of the impression Deputy Morton plans to interview Silas Vanbeck and the witness.”

Holly’s eyebrows shot up. “The tip-off was false?”

“I can’t speak to the witness statement or what prompted that. But any claims that I was on Indigo Reef property or that any of us interfered with their operation are incorrect.” Roni stopped herself before she got carried away with opinions and speculation.

“But there’s been no activity at the construction site today,” Holly pushed. “Do you know why they’ve stopped working?”

Roni turned to Brayden and he leaned forward. “Off the record?”

“Okay.” Holly put her pen down and turned off the recorder. “You have my word.”

“Indigo Reef claimed the Electronic Control Modules—the computer brains—had been stolen directly out of their heavy machinery to interfere with their progress and stop the noise,” he said. “We had nothing to do with any kind of theft. Chief Caldwell and Deputy Morton thanked us for our time and cooperation. We’re all here, basically victims of a misunderstanding,” he finished with a relaxed smile.

Roni wanted to stand up and cheer.

“You’re implying that they bricked their own multi-million-dollar site to stage a grand theft frame-job against the Hargraves?”

“Yes,” Brayden replied, his voice low. “That is my theory and not an official statement. And having sworn to a judge that their site is disabled without those computer modules, they can’t run a single machine next door without exposing their lie.”

“Desperation,” Holly murmured, shaking her head. “That is a high-stakes gamble for a real estate group. Not solid proof, but it would seem they’re actively trying to destroy your credibility so you’ll accept a buyout.”

Roni nodded along with her sisters. “But we aren’t selling,” Celeste stated. “You can put that on the record.”

Holly gave her a tight smile. “One more question for Brayden. Can you tell me why the Guardian Agency is involved?”

“In order of importance, because I’m Roni’s best friend, there have been instances of harassment prior to today, and we’re happy to have an excellent location for ongoing education and training purposes. That contract helps the Hargraves and helps our team. Our regional coordinator set that up. Jess Billings.”

“I have her information.” With a glance around the table, Holly turned the recorder back on. “I’ll definitely highlight the events you have coming up. If possible, it would be wonderful to have the inside track on any further issues out there.”

“I’ll do my best,” Brayden said.

“Celeste,” Holly turned, smiled. “When the construction is done, do you think the new condos will affect your business?”

“Not at all.” Celeste crossed her legs, the picture of ease. “We offer different hospitality experiences. We all agree there’s plenty of tourism to go around.”

Roni was impressed by her sister’s composure.

“By different, are you referring to the Hideaway’s private beach?”

Nat snorted, Roni elbowed her, and Celeste kept her focus on Holly. “That’s one aspect, of course. We’re confident that when construction is finished, the noise will be inconsequential again, thanks to the protected maritime forest.”

Roni approved of Celeste’s careful choice of words. That forest was federally protected and more than anything else, gave her confidence that Indigo Reef would be forced to back down. Eventually.

Once again, Holly turned off the recorder. Resuming her seat, she gave a long sigh and lifted a troubled gaze to each of them in turn. “There’s another reason I’m glad we’re talking today.” She walked over to her desk and picked up a long document tube leaning against the wall. She returned to the table and opened it, unrolling the contents. “Have a look.”

Veronica stood up for a better look, scanning the blue and white lines and notations on the document. “Is that a plat map?”

“It’s the official county plat map for the Hideaway and adjacent properties.” Holly tapped her finger against the boundary line between the Hideaway and the Indigo Reef site. “I pulled this from the county registry office this morning after the commotion with the warrant.” She glanced up. “I’m not oblivious to the tactics Indigo Reef has been using to drive off your guests.” She straightened, grinning. “In fact, the Devaney family has been especially effusive about praising the three of you for being so professional. The Monroes as well.”

Roni appreciated that Holly was being fair in her research of the story, but the map concerned her. “This can’t be right. Celeste, look at this. This puts the entire maritime forest and about half of our private beach and dunes inside Indigo Reef’s property line.”

“No way,” Natalie gasped, pushing out of her chair for a closer look. “That’s bogus! If anything, that forest is an easement. Protected land.”

“Protected land, yes, but inside Indigo Reef’s control. I asked all the questions I could,” Holly continued. “This map was filed and recorded with the county land registry three weeks ago. It was pushed through and they’ve filed an application for an easement allowing beach access. Effectively Indigo Reef has a thirty-foot right-of-way directly to your high-water mark.”

Veronica felt the blood drain from her face, a cold, sickening dread wrapping around her ribs. She sank back in the chair. “How is that possible? Our parents bought this property with clear, deeded beach access. It was the sole reason they chose this lot on Brookwell over other options. That’s been falsified.”

“You may be right,” Holly said. “This plat map and the easement application were signed off and approved by an assistant registrar who moved away last week. At first glance, it smells like corporate bribery, but on paper, this is the active, legal map of record. If challenged, Indigo Reef’s lawyers can use this document to argue that you are trespassing on their deeded beach access.”