Page 22 of Wynns of Change
“But until the money is repaid, you and your sister will be on the deed?”
“Correct,” Brett said. “As a businesswoman, I’m sure you understand we need to protect our investment.”
“The terms are reasonable,” David added. “Brett and Morgan are the perfect business partners. I trust them implicitly.”
“Your father’s attorney, as well as ours, have reviewed the contracts and approved the terms,” Brett added. “The entire arrangement is completely aboveboard.”
Harlow asked him a few more questions and could feel herself start to relax. She didn’t detect any “hemming and hawing” on his part. All answers were straightforward and to the point. Despite not wanting to like the man, Brett Easton was having the opposite effect on her.
“Are you done grilling Brett?” David teased.
“Yes. I’m sorry. It’s just…when Dad initially told me about the agreement, it kind of threw me for a loop.”
“I understand. This was your home. Believe me, I feel very much the same way about Easton Estate and would have similar concerns,” Brett said. “Questioning means you care and are only looking out for David’s best interests.”
“I am and I will. Dad mentioned you two are meeting with code enforcement today.”
“We are.” Brett glanced at his watch. “Which reminds me we should get going.”
“I have an errand to run in town, as well. It was nice to meet you.” Harlow ran inside. By the time she exited the cottage, her father and Brett Easton were already gone.
Harlow wasn’t far behind, her number one goal to track down Caleb Jackson, her former high school sweetheart who was now the island’s fire chief, and ask him for suggestions about how to proceed with a new investigation.
But first, she had a stop to make, a place she’d been looking forward to from the moment she was on her feet and ready to hit the ground running, or in her case, walking quickly.
Harlow still wasn’t back to one hundred percent, but she was getting closer every day. She needed a new mode of transportation to get around the island. Walking was excellent exercise. Having her friend Marty chauffeur her was convenient, but she also needed her own set of wheels.
Having done some preliminary research, Harlow made a beeline for the Island Bike Shop, the top-rated store for island bikes. Her plan was to purchase something sporty and fun but also dependable, a bicycle she could use during all seasons.
She stepped inside and was promptly greeted by a clerk who looked to be in his late teens or early twenties. She knew the exact moment he realized who she was. His jaw dropped, and he made a choking sound, as if someone had sucked the air from his lungs.
“I’m hoping you can help me,” Harlow said, ignoring his obvious stare. “I’m looking for a bike, something I can use year round. From what I researched, I believe there’s a certain kind of tire I would need to buy.”
“Fat tire bikes.” He nervously pressed on the bridge of his glasses. “They work best if you’re planning on off-road riding. They don’t work as well on pavement.”
“So I would need a bike for summer pavement riding and a different one for trails or riding in the snow,” Harlow said.
“Correct.” The man,Arlen,according to his nametag, went into a detailed explanation about how a regular bike frame was too small for the fat winter tires. He showed her the spiffy pink pedal bike Harlow had admired on her way in.
She promptly took it for a spin around the block. Harlow returned to the shop and found Arlen waiting for her near the rear entrance. “I’ll take it.”
“What about the winter bike?”
“I think I’ll hold off until the snow flies.” Harlow kicked the stand down and followed him inside to the cash register. She dug through her sling bag, pulled out her credit card, and handed it to him.
Arlen glanced at the front, his face turning a ghostly white. “It is you,” he whispered. “Ms. Wynn.”
Harlow’s expression grew mischievous. She playfully pinched her skin. “Live and in person. I just got back from filming.”
“I-I-I heard,” Arlen stammered. “You’re working onA City of Glass. I read the book when it came out.”
“You’ll have to see the movie when it releases.”
“I-I’m not sure. I’ve found the movies are never as good as the book.” Arlen’s voice trailed off. “I mean, n-not because I don’t want to see you, Ms. Wynn, because I’m sure you’ll do great. Oh, gosh.” He slapped his forehead. “I should shut up.”
“It’s okay.” Harlow patted his hand. “I hope you change your mind, but I understand what you’re saying. By the way, you can call me Harlow.”
He gripped the sides of the counter, and she thought he was going to pass out.
