Page 47 of Easton Island

Morgan sprang from the car and jogged over to the driver’s side. “You drove us out to the middle of nowhere to show me the shoreline?” she joked.

“Over here.”

The siblings crossed the street and began walking along the side. Maybe ten yards toward town, Brett stopped and pointed to a sign tucked in among the trees, almost invisible unless you knew what you were looking for. “The guy should have come clean.”

“Come clean about what?” Morgan craned her neck.

Her brother stepped to the side so she could read the sign, Coming Soon: Sunrise Shores Resort & Spa.

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.”