Page 24 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Chester, who had been monitoring their meal, pawed at Morgan’s leg. “Sorry, buddy. I got so excited about Quinn’s news I wasn’t paying attention.” She tore off a chunk of egg and fed it to him. “The house seems a little quiet, but at least I have this rug rat to keep me company.”

“You’re lucky.” Quinn’s smile faded. “I wish I had a Chester to keep me company.”

The pup cocked his head, his ears rotating at the mention of his name.

“He knows we’re talking about him,” Morgan said.

“That’s because he’s such a smarty pa-tarty.”

“I must’ve been hungrier than I thought.” Morgan polished off the last bite of her sandwich and cleared the counter, just in time for a customer to arrive. Her heart sank when she realized it was Edward Ryze.

Thinking Quinn might need some backup, she coaxed her dog behind the counter and stood alongside her friend.

“Hello, Ms. Schultz.” He held the artwork in question in front of him. “I’m here to collect my refund for this fake piece of art.”

“You’ll need to speak with Mrs. Easton, the gallery owner,” Quinn said.

“Where is she?”

“Not here.”

He rolled his eyes. “As if I can’t see that for myself. When will she be in?”

Quinn stepped in front of the computer. “Mrs. Easton will be here tomorrow morning when the gallery opens.”

He turned on his heel. “Fine. I’ll be back in the morning.” Ryze reached for the door handle. “I filed a police report regarding the fake artwork. I’m sure the authorities will be contacting you. Have they been by?”

“Who?”

“The authorities.” Ryze heaved a heavy sigh. “Do you give a straight answer on anything?”

“It depends on who is asking.”

Morgan quickly turned so he wouldn’t see the smile on her face. She almost felt sorry for the guy. Almost.

“You’re an annoying woman.”

“I would say the same about you,” Quinn replied. “You’re an annoying man.”

“It’s Mr. Ryze to you,” he gritted out. “I’ll be back.”

“See you then.” Quinn smiled brightly.

Morgan waited until he was gone. “I bet he’s going to need an aspirin after that conversation.”

“He’s rude.”

“A rude dude who is trying to pull a fast one. At least you’ll be able to give Grandmother a heads-up before tomorrow. I almost feel sorry for him.”

“For Ryze?”

Morgan nodded.

“Because when he shows up to face Elizabeth again, he’s going to find out she won’t roll over and give him what he wants.”

“Nope. I know one thing about Grandmother. When she digs in her heels, she won’t back down.”

Chapter 11

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