Page 12 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Elizabeth and the investigators returned. She escorted them to the front door, promising them her full cooperation before they left.

She made her way back to where Morgan, Gerard, and Quinn had gathered, noting the glum expression mirrored on each of their faces. “What did I miss?”

“I thought Mr. Ryze…Mr. Edward Ryze’s name sounded familiar.” Gerard filled Elizabeth in on what he’d discovered. “I don’t have all the details yet. My former colleague is looking into it. Hence, the reason I didn’t mention it while the investigators were still here.”

Gerard’s cell phone rang. “That’s him now. He’s calling back.” He strode out of the building and began pacing in front of the window while the women quietly waited.

Finally, he stepped back inside. “I was correct. I recognized Ryze’s name.”

“And?” Morgan prompted.

“At the risk of sounding crude, the man is a snake.”

“Great,” Quinn groaned. “Snake, as in trying to convince us he purchased a fake piece of art to collect big bucks?”

He nodded. “Unfortunately. A friend of mine, a dealer at a topnotch gallery in Toronto, crossed paths with Ryze earlier this year. He made a similar claim using the same strategy.”

“Which was?” Morgan asked.

“Contacting the authorities.”

“What happened? I mean, I’m sure your friend figured out what the guy was doing.”

“He settled with Ryze so he would go away.”

Morgan frowned. “He caved to his demands? I’m sure Ryze is thinking if it worked once, it will work a second time.”

“Unfortunately, Ryze may resort to some…shall we say…underhanded tactics?”

“Underhanded tactics?” Morgan’s scalp tingled. The man clearly made calculated moves. Purchase artwork and then return it, claiming fraud.

“Perhaps it would be best if I showed you.” Gerard motioned to the desktop computer. “May I?”

Quinn stepped aside. “Be my guest.”

Morgan darted around the desk, watching as Gerard opened a new search screen. He typed “Toronto Renaissance Art Gallery”in the search bar. Several stories popped up.

He clicked on the one at the top. “I believe this sums up the events of what happened to my friend.”

Elizabeth leaned in, her eyes scanning the headline. “Toronto Renaissance Art Gallery embroiled in a fake artwork scheme.”

Morgan felt lightheaded. The customer was referenced as “Mr. R.” The story sounded the same. He purchased a high-end work of art, eventually returning to the gallery, claiming it was fake.

“This is awful,” she whispered. “He sounds like a horrible man.”

“A crook and a swindler,” Quinn added.

“Unfortunately, I believe what happened to him may be in store for Easton Harbor Art Gallery,” Gerard grimly replied.

Chapter 6

“Toronto Renaissance Art Gallery’s owner settled with Ryze to avoid negative publicity, even though he insists the customer switched out the original with a fake,” Elizabeth summarized.

“He must be good at creating fake pieces that look legit,” Morgan said.

“The nuances were very subtle…so subtle only a keen eye and expert could tell the difference,” Gerard said.

“So Ryze is a professional at forgeries.” Quinn started to pace. “He probably has the real deal at home hanging on his wall as we speak.”

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