Page 60 of Easton Island

Morgan held her breath as her boyfriend led her into the living room. He guided her to the sofa and sat next to her while Denver took the wingback chair across from them. “The pilot and passenger didn’t survive.”

“Who was it?” she whispered in a voice barely above a whisper. “Please tell me it wasn’t Brett.” A horrifying thought crossed her mind. Morgan could feel bile rise in her throat. “Dear God. Please…it wasn’t Ronni or Jax.” She closed her eyes, and the room started to spin.

“It wasn’t Ronni or Jax.” Wyatt tightened his grip on her hand. “It was Jason and the plane’s pilot.”

Morgan’s eyes flew open. “Jason?”

“Their seaplane went down in the storm,” Denver said. “We can confirm neither survived.”

“The debris field…” Wyatt’s voice trailed off, noticing the color drain from Morgan’s already pale face. “Jason and his pilot got caught in the storm. As best as we can piece together, their seaplane’s engine cut off, and they fell nose first into Lake Huron.”

Shock. Horror. Disbelief. A jumble of emotions filled Morgan. “I’m almost positive they buzzed over Locke Pointe, right outside my window.”

“It appears the pilot was attempting an emergency landing near Stormbreaker Bay. He reported they’d lost power right before they plummeted into the lake. By the time rescuers entered the water and reached the cabin, it was too late.” Denver paused. “They never stood a chance.”

“Where are they…where are they taking them?”

“To the hospital’s morgue. Next of kin will be notified and the process for returning them to Florida will be initiated. There is something you should know.” Denver cleared his throat. “I’ll let Wyatt tell you.”

“Jason’s belongings, his backpack and duffel bag, were also recovered. He wasn’t coming to Easton Island to make amends.”

“What was in the bags?” Morgan asked the question, although in her heart she already knew the answer.

“A handgun, a hunting knife, rope, duct tape.”

“Useful items if your plan is to torture and kill your ex-wife.” Morgan’s mind reeled. So close. Jason had almost succeeded in reaching her.

All this time, living in fear that at any moment he would track her down, kidnap her, torture her, and finally kill her.

Somewhere along the way—many years ago—Jason had changed and become a person she no longer recognized. A cheat, a criminal, a drug dealer.

“He almost succeeded,” she finally said.

“It’s over,” Wyatt said. “No more looking over your shoulder, wondering if Jason is lurking nearby, ready to pounce.”

Morgan closed her eyes. A tear leaked out of the corner and trailed down her cheek. Not a tear of sadness, but of relief. She was free…finally free.

She felt warm, loving arms wrapped around her, holding her close. It was all it took for the floodgates to open and tears to flow unchecked. “God had other plans.”

Denver handed her a tissue. She loudly blew her nose and laughed at the concerned look on her friend’s face. “I’m sorry you have to witness my meltdown.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad for your sake that it’s finally over. Sadly, an innocent life was lost along with Jason’s. He must have paid the pilot a lot of money to fly into the storm.”

“And they both lost their lives because of it,” Wyatt said.

Morgan slowly stood, a feeling of overwhelming relief sweeping over her. “I feel guilty for being relieved, and in a weird way, even a smidgen responsible for his death.”

“Don’t you dare,” Wyatt said. “Jason brought this on himself. He willingly chose his path of self-destruction. Never ever blame yourself for his actions.”

Denver’s radio blared. “I need to get back to the crash site. The NTSB—National Transportation Safety Board—is already en route.”

“I’m on duty and will also need to file a report about the crash.” Wyatt reluctantly released his grip on her hand. “Will you be okay?”

“Yes.” Morgan sucked in a shaky breath. “Once the shock wears off and the realization that Jason can no longer torment me, I’ll be more than okay.”

Chapter 28

Ronni’s Michigander accent mingled with another woman’s voice. It was followed by the tinkle of laughter.