Page 2 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Tucked in between the flowers were snapshots…black and white photos of Elizabeth and Gerard from when they were young, along with a trio of more recent pictures of the couple. “This turned out exactly as I’d envisioned. They did a great job on the centerpiece.”

Elizabeth craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse.

Morgan playfully blocked her view. “No peeking. It’s décor for tonight’s dinner table.” She slid the arrangement back inside thebag. “I’ve been meaning to ask…how is your new place working out?”

“I love it,” Quinn said. “I’m able to walk to work, to the grocery store and restaurants. If I need to make a quick trip to the mainland, I can even walk to the ferry docks.”

“Although I miss having you living at Looking Glass Cottage, I’m glad you’re settling into a home of your own.” Morgan chatted for a few more minutes while slowly making her way toward the door.

Not paying attention, she nearly collided with a tall, dark-haired man holding a bulky framed piece of art.

She stumbled back, an apologetic smile on her face. “Whoops.”

“Watch where you’re going,” he growled.

“Good morning, Mr. Ryze.” Elizabeth stepped out from behind the counter. “If I remember your name correctly.”

“You remember, and I’m hoping you remember our conversation from the other day when I purchased this Pietro Chardeux from your gallery.”

“I do,” she coolly replied. “The piece is one of my favorites. I gave you the papers, and you left.”

“Do you also recall me questioning its authenticity? You told me it was, and I took your word for it,” Ryze said.

“Along with the paperwork,” Elizabeth reminded him. “Is there a problem?”

He slid the painting onto the counter. “The artwork you sold me is a fake. I’ll have you know I was so upset that I decided to report it to the local authorities.”

Quinn made a choking sound. “Fake?”

“As a two hundred dollar bill.”

Morgan immediately recognized the look in Elizabeth’s eyes as she squared her shoulders. “I stand by my gallery’s reputation. If this piece is a forgery, I can assure you I will cooperate with the authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

“I knew it was a mistake buying this piece from you.” Ryze ranted and raged, all the while hurling vague threats.

Elizabeth, having finally heard enough, cut him off. “As I stated before, I will help get to the bottom of this.”

“You owe me a refund. Don’t think for a second that you’re going to sweep this under the rug. Every piece in here needs to be evaluated and rated by legitimate authenticators.”

“Th-that’s ridiculous,” Quinn sputtered. “Surely, this is an isolated incident. We’ve sold hundreds, possibly even thousands, of pieces to collectors without a single incident or issue.”

Ryze muttered under his breath.

“What did you say?” Elizabeth asked. “Did you say we should rename the gallery the Art of Deception?”

“I think it would be more appropriate considering the circumstances,” he haughtily replied.

Elizabeth’s expression grew thunderous. “Get. Out.”

“We were discussing you refunding me the money I paid for this piece.”

“Until you insulted me, insinuating we’re not a legitimate gallery,” she snapped. “I’ll wait to hear from the authorities. In the meantime, I want you off my property.”

“Lady, you don’t know who you’re messing with.” Ryze snatched the painting off the counter. “You’re not getting away with this.”

“Leave!”

He flung the door open and stormed out.

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