Page 36 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

The conversation ended when the front door opened and Edward Ryze appeared.

“Good morning, Mr. Ryze,” Elizabeth coolly greeted him.

“Ms. Easton.” He approached the counter, artwork in hand. “I’m here to return the fake artwork and collect my refund.”

“I would like to examine the piece.”

He placed the painting on the counter.

Quinn pulled her cell phone from her pocket and snapped a photo of the front.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking pictures.” Elizabeth motioned to Quinn. “Don’t forget the back.”

“Hold on.” Ryze reached for the painting.

Morgan, anticipating his move, blocked him. “Surely, you don’t have an issue with them taking pictures to compare this to the one we had here in the gallery?”

“It’s the same painting.”

“We shall see.” Elizabeth carefully lifted the frame so Quinn could photograph the back. “The artwork you purchased was authentic. I would bet my gallery on it. Therefore, you’re either returning the original for whatever reason and want your money back or this is a fake and you’re trying to pull a fast one.”

Ryze’s face turned bright red. He began sputtering, swearing, and hurling random threats.

“I suggest you calm down before I call the police.”

“I want my money back.”

“Due diligence first. Refund second,” she said. “I’m not paying you a penny until I confirm this piece is the one we sold you.”

“Something told me you would try to pull a stunt like this. You’ll be sorry,” he huffed.

Elizabeth reached for the desk phone. “You can leave on your own or be escorted out.”

Reaching around Morgan, Ryze snatched the painting off the counter. He stormed across the room and flung the door open. “You have two hours. I’ll be back in two hours for my money.”

“That’s not…”

It was too late. Ryze was long gone.

“That went as well as I expected.” Elizabeth briefly closed her eyes. “Two hours is not enough time to compare the two. I suppose we should let Grady know that he may have to come by to escort Ryze off the premises.”

“I’m already making the call.” Quinn called the Easton Harbor officer, briefly explaining the unhappy customer had returned, and they needed backup in case things got ugly. She thanked him and ended the conversation.

“Grady promised he’ll be here before noon.”

Morgan glanced at her watch. “I need to run a couple of errands and should be back in about an hour.”

“You don’t have to. With Grady here, I’m sure it will be a civil discussion. Mr. Ryze must understand it will take time to resolve his complaint.”

“Based on how he’s acting, I doubt the word civil is in his vocabulary.”

“True. But what can he do?” Quinn asked. “Short of pulling a gun and robbing us.”

“I just don’t trust him.” Morgan headed out, insisting she would return. After stopping by the post office and hardware store, she swung by the local deli and grabbed soup and sandwiches for lunch.

Returning to the gallery, she found it unusually quiet for a Friday. Quinn wasn’t there. Only Elizabeth.

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