Page 43 of Bridge to Home

“She returned the Shifting Sands Medallion to the Israelis.”

“That’s right. It was all over the news,” Harlow said. “So, she came here, laid on the charm, and convinced you to sign on the dotted line, giving her and her family control of a prime piece of Mackinac Island real estate.”

“Not quite.”

“Why them? There are a million other people who would be interested.”

“Are there?” David asked. “Consider the circumstances. I know for a fact several investors wouldn’t touch this place with a ten-foot pole.”

“How do you know?”

“Because after Morgan left, I contacted them. Either they don’t have the funds needed or they’re reluctant to take Wynn Harbor Inn on.”

“Because of the suspicious fire and the fact the insurance claim was denied?” Harlow asked.

“That and…” David’s shoulders sagged. “I might as well tell you the rest.”

“There’s more?”

Her father strode out of the room, returning moments later, and handed Harlow an envelope from the Mackinac Island Zoning Department.

She glanced at her father and removed the envelope’s contents. “It’s a notice of zoning violations from code enforcement.”

“Multiple violations.”

“How much…how much money are we talking about?”

Her father rattled off a number that took Harlow’s breath away. “The amount seems excessive.”

“The fines have been accumulating over the years. The bottom line is I’m stuck. I either fix the property or sell and pay the fines,” David said. “I needed a partner…partners, someone who has the funds, who knows what they’re doing and can cut through the red tape. Hopefully, even negotiate to get the fines reduced.”

Harlow’s mind whirled. She’d been so wrapped up in her own problems, she hadn’t considered the fact there was no way her father could afford renovations.

To be honest, there was a time she would’ve thought he deserved it. Deserved to lose the property. She’d lost her mother, her home. He shouldn’t be immune to loss either.

For years, Harlow had been blinded by her own anger and resentment. She was beginning to realize she had been terribly wrong. “Surely, the zoningdepartment will work with you and even dismiss some of the fines if they know you’re going to renovate the place.”

“With what?” Her father arched a brow. “Magic beans?”

“Do you have any idea how much it will cost to have all the work done?”

“More money than I can get my hands on now or ever. My back is to the wall, Harlow. If I didn’t partner with someone, I might as well hand it over to the government and called it a day, or sell it.”

“I still want to help. Maybe you can back out.” Harlow’s offer slipped from her lips. She wasn’t entirely sure shecouldhelp. Robert handled their finances and right now, the two weren’t exactly on the same page.

“What will your husband think?” David asked. “Something tells me he wouldn’t be interested in investing in Wynn Harbor Inn.”

“Is there a chance you can back out of the deal?”

“I have no idea. My guess would be no.” David explained the Eastons had never pressured him to make a decision. “After finding out Easton Holdings wasn’t interested, mainly the founding member, Elizabeth Easton, I visited Morgan and presented her with an offer. Morgan and her brother Brett are partnering with me. They have both been gracious and understanding.”

Harlow grew quiet, mulling over her father’s statement. Perhaps it was best if he went through with the partnership with the Eastons. Despite making some progress as far as her mobility was concerned, her world was in limbo. Her marriage. Her future including her career. She couldn’t even predict what her life would look like six months from now.

While she’d always prided herself on being focused, driven, and goal-oriented, Harlow felt anything but. For once, it didn’t bother her. Changes were coming. When and how much? That was the question. “It looks like your mind is made up. I only hope you know what you’re doing.”

Chapter 18

Ping.Harlow snatched her cell phone off the counter and glanced at the screen. The day had only just begun and already her cell phone was blowing up.

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